Recent Interviews with Animal Logic.Is this a selfhelp forum

[roshan_2004]

Hi All

I just need to get this off my chest.

I have been interested in Computer graphics since the age of 14 and found out about Inferno and post production around the same time that Animal Logic was established in Sydney.

I taught my self programming using basic by going to the local kmart and my brother told me two commands LIST and RUN. By experimenting all day I figured out how to program graphics.

Ever since then I have been trying to gain enough knowledge to work in Post Production. I quit a Job working for Citibank in Brisbane as a IT Support person last year and came to Sydney to try and get a Job at GMD, RSP or Animal Logic.

As I was having zero luck and people from the post houses would not even talk to me after much persistent. This was way before the matrix, long before everyone was trying to work in the VFX.

Since Animal Logic is growing and hiring rapidly. I have kept an eye on the website as I can relate to the founders and original technical staff. Eg MR! Zareh Chris and Xavier

I have been following this company and the trends in post production for a long time and have gathered a vast amount of information. Thou it is only this year that I have had the resources to purchase the materials and hardware to gain the knowledge required to work in post production.

I have about 7 years in IT and at the current time support Energy Market traders as Network and Infrastructure support Level 2/3. (all self taught)

And completing a Graduate Certificate in Film and Video at UTS.

I have applied to Animal Logic 6 times now and had 2 interviews this year. When I finished hight school, I did a mass mail out to every post production address in the Yellow pages + and got 0 responses.

About 6 years ago I applied to AL Play for a junior internet / flash guy. I did have a lot of knowledge in flash and did not get this role

Then about 4 years ago I applied for a Support role which I had the required skills.

Then about 6 months ago another junior support paying 1/2 my wage. I did not get this, I didnÂ’t mind as it was on the support side.

Then recently a job for a junior render wrangler. I had all of the required skills and still didnÂ’t get this role. Due to the fact that in the previous interview for the support role, I showed interested in Inferno Composting.

I told the interviewer that I am happy to work in any role at Animal Logic and as I know that opportunity will present it self. Whether it is for a C++ developer or a Inferno Op. I was honest in my response as I did not want to lie to a company that I would like to work for.

Yes my interest is in a TD or a Composting. In any capacity.

So the reason I didnt get the render wrangler and support role. Is because I showed interest in the Artistic side of the company. Even thou I have 0 skills in graphic design or Art.

My skills are 100% Technical. Whether it is Unix, widows or C++.

I am willing to work for any amount of money for this company and still cant get a junior job.

I really donÂ’t understand. Also the problem is that some of the Interviewers are my age and I think they feel threatened that I can support Microsoft, Citirx, and Unix and Develop in C++ and also have an interest in the design side as well. I think things would have been different if I were interviewed by senior members. hope so.

I am writing this because. It is really unfair that a company like Animal Logic hires. Hundreds of overseas experts. I am willing to take a huge pay cut and do what ever it takes to become part of this great company and still cant get even a toe nail in the door after 10 years of trying. Maybe is my black blade head.

For example I am experimenting with Citirx and HP Remote Display technology to test publishing XSI on my mac effectively.

But because I am doing a creative course in UTS and have knowledge of the design side. They wont hire me.

I am never going to be a Graphic Designer and my skills is technical but I cant even get a junior job in this area. Even thou I have 7 years in IT. So I might as well give up.

Now I cant get a job with this great company in a technical area because they think I am a Compositor/ Creative.

And cant get a job as a Creative as I have no talent in this area.

I really donÂ’t understand, Every time I read about people in this industry, I read about technical people creating stunning visual art and Creative people develop C++ applications like Massive.

I donÂ’t know where exactly I will be in 5 years, I just want to contribute my knowledge and energy to a great company like Animal Logic or RSP.

Not many people will quite a great job and take a huge pay cut to work with a company. Most MDs are looking for people like this. Well I am it.

Come on, give me one chance I have been trying for 10+ years to get a job in Post production.

If you think this is a sad post, Put you self in my shoes. Its hard enough trying to get a job with all the prejudice in Australia now I have to deal with the fact that I am technical and have interest on the creative aspects of post production and that I am honest.

Somthing gota give. Whats the point in being motivate if no one gives me an chance. I can understand If i didnt have any skills, But I have 7+ years in IT and knowledge of Post production..

Submit or Not to submit that is the question.

F*&c it my luck cant get any worse.

[roshan_2004]

Ok if anyone is reading this..

For any one else trying to break into Animal Logic. And your skills are technical, Dont show any interest in the creative side of the industry. Because its seems like you want get the Job.

Act DUMP and stupid and talk about how great PERL and PYTHON is. And that in 5 years time you would like to be doing the same thing. This is noting against the company but a bit(ct at the geeks that are doing the hiring now.

All, I can do now is become and expert in all the required skills, Renderman, C++, MEL, Python and PERL so it will be impossible for anyone to say no. Maybe! Me thinks not unless the hiring staff includes Xavier.

Well by the conversation that I had with the lovely HR person as to why I didnÂ’t get the Junior Render wrangler role. She suggested creating a demo reel. (Because I showed an interest in the creative side of this creative industry!)

I do have an interest in using super computers to do composting using Inferno. That doesnÂ’t mean I am a graphic designer Which means that she has got it into her head that I am a creative and wont even get an interview again in any future 4 a Junior technical role.

She suggested making a demo reel. I am not an animator. I have concentrated on the composting technology because Inferno are very cool and after a lot of research, I wanted to differentiate between the millions of 3D guys out there that are applying for the same roles. And also in Australia compositor get more money. 90/140k

And the other thing. I have NEVER EVER seen any Junior COMPOSTING roles advertised in Australia. Full time payed. And it seems like Animal logic is too busy with large projects and looking for experienced staff this area.

I thought this was the normal thing to do, show an interest in the industry. I guess not. Looks like that if you show hav an nterest in the business and understand the industry and know exactly what to do to achieve you goals. You want get a Job. I told them my interests is to be an all round TD, C++ plug development and composting.

The problem in my opinion with getting a job with this great company is inexperienced people are doing the interviews and say no to experienced candidates for junior roles.

The guy that interviewed me for the junior support role and he was the senior Microsoft guy. He asked me under his breath about citrix as he NEVER HEAD of CITRIX. WTF. I thought he was trying to test me. But he wasnt! I explained it to him and how he could use it at Animial logic.

I have built Citrix servers and managed them for Investment banks. But cant get a Junior support role. Even thou I kept on telling to them, I didnÂ’t care if i was making coffee for animal for the next 2 years because, Opportunities will present them self we you are motivated and work for a great company. But, again wrong thing to say.

I hope someone from Animal reads this. Not that people working on the first fully Animated feature film outside of the USA staring Nicole Kiddman and heaps of other big actors are going to give a shi(h about my plight.

Yeah, I think it is WIND IN THE WILLOWS. You read it here first.!!! I am pretty sure I am right. ItÂ’s all hush hush now.

Love to hear any comments good, ugly or bad! IF you think I have go it all wrong.

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