Open Letter to James Cameron

[davebelize]

Great interview guys. It’s sometimes discouraging when threads are closed down on CGtalk as it’s been the go to place for some time now. Two threads on this important topic were closed down because of one or two insulting posts…why can’t just those posts be deleted? These are important issues with lots of opinions, ideas, and discussions surrounding them. When Meteor went down owing the artists 1.3 million an anonymous posting site went up. It recieved 50k hits in it’s first three days and was growing exponentially. It was completely uncensored, and man did people have plenty to say then on these topics. Discovery had it shut down by threatening the owner of the server who had little resources to fight them legally. That’s the extreme but it underscores that there are lots of folks wanting to talk about it, lots of fears, lots of bad feeling in general …but lots of great ideas.

I appreciate all opinions on this topic except for the one that those opinions need to be squashed or the owners of them insulted.

Although the standard union concept may not be as relevant as it was during the formation of prior industries or other entertainment divisions, some kind of collective bargaining makes sense to me and it begins by knowing what other artists are thinking and feeling. Communicating to each other about their treatment by fx houses is key. Names have to be named to do that sometimes. I’d suggest a TRW of sorts of fx houses, make it known what goes on. The talent will go where the treatment is best and the big money shows will follow. That is my belief and experience.

I do NOT think that man’s evolution of artistic talent is providing an over supply. I believe that the ever expanding demand for exceptional visual content far exceeds the LIMITED supply of truly talented artists.

I’m 50 yrs old. I’m an 18 yr veteran of the fx industry. I’ve worked all over and have watched so many places I love fail, and so many lives be disrupted. Before that I worked both in finance, and construction, I have a degree in fine arts, and biiology, and have spent several years working in the mental health industry. I draw on all of that experience when I comment on this industry and feel I have something valid to say, but I also feel I have so much more to learn. I need to know what others are experiencing.

Dave Rand
Senior FX artist
Image Movers Digital
http://www.daverand.com (.net)

[Rorro .]

Nice podcast very interesting. However Leigh is not a dude. He’s a she.

[Tina jiang]

Really enjoyed listening to the interview, thanks both to Jeff and Lee for the time taken to clarify exactly what is going on here. As someone looking at the animation/vfx industry as their future, it is great to see serious discussion taking place on this topic and that there is concern for the people involved.

I think the key here is getting the involvement of the big names. There are MANY big name directors and producers that really wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for the years of work put in by 1000s of people and they owe it to them to make sure they are treated with fairness and a huge amount of respect.

So many things about CGtalk forums I find extremely frustrating and offensive. Users go completely ignored on even the most basic requests. I am sorry but looking at a Forum moderator/leader as a person that automatically earns respect just doesn’t make sense unless they have earned it. Like everyone involved here, it should be the leaders of the site making sure they are listening to users and taking feedback seriously.

Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

So many things about CGtalk forums I find extremely frustrating and offensive.

if you do find something offensive why be part of it??

[Author]

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