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LOCATION
Suite 104 - 2456 Rosewall Crescent Courtenay, BC Canada V9N 8R9 PHONE - (250) 871-8103 admin@lostboys-learning.com MAP View Larger Map |
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CONTENTS
WHY ARE YOU CALLED LOST BOYS LEARNING? Q. About the name A. In 1904, author J.M. Barrie wrote an enchanting tale about an ageless boy who leads a misfit band of youths in an alternate reality. He called that band of youths Lost Boys. At Lost Boys Learning, we are building on our original vision that started with Lost Boys Studios in 1997. We began with a vision of a company that was not just an opportunistic start-up using trend-driven technology solutions. We acknowledged that rapidly evolving technologies would forever change the face of production and instead chose to invest in creativity, the only factor that can be relied upon to carry us towards the future, whatever it may be. We existed as a collective, a band of artists that strongly believe that the work is more of a culture choice than a career. At Lost Boys Learning, we are proud to continue the vision. Q. Our Mission A. To provide expert visual effects training resulting in employable artists with a professional-looking portfolio, competent in their craft and knowledgeable of the working pipeline of a studio. To create an atmosphere of awareness and curiosity which leads to investigation, problem-solving and invention, the hallmarks of successful artists with lifelong learning skills. APPLYING TO LOST BOYS LEARNING Q. What should I include in my portfolio? A. We would like to see at least 6 pieces of your best, most experimental, most creative artwork. Art can be completed in any medium: computer-based applications, film or video, graphic design, flash, traditional artwork including drawing, painting, sculpture, etc. and photography. Your portfolio pieces can range from a simple pencil sketch to a full 3D render. Q. What does Tuition include? A. Tuition includes: Individually-assigned computer workstation including dual LCD monitors, DVD R/W drive, optional tablet; access to high definition digital video and still cameras and related onset VFX equipment; transportation and basic props for live-action shoots; student activity fees including field trips & student social events during class hours; assistance finding housing; job placement assistance; lab maintenance; graduation celebration; training completion fund insurance and other related services. Students should supply: personal headphones, personal computer for home (optional), DVD stock for backups and spending money for activities outside of school hours such as movies or dinners (optional). Students will be expected to provide props or costumes for their own projects, i.e. items for a shoot above and beyond the in-house stock at Lost Boys. Q. Can I get a Student Loan to attend Lost Boys? A. Please refer to the Payment Methods section of the website for links to major Canadian banks that offer Student Lines of Credit. Lost Boys Learning is an Accredited Private Career Training Institution in BC and Federal and/or Provincial students loans may be available for eligible students. ABOUT PROJECT-BASED LEARNING Q. What is Project-Based Learning? A. Project-Based Learning is a technique which enables the students to explore and grasp concepts and methods within a simulated production pipeline. We tackle production-style projects right from the beginning of Term 1. The projects are carefully designed to meet the student's skill levels and also to introduce all the necessary concepts and techniques in Live Action, 3D and Compositing for Visual Effects. Q. Can I work on my own projects? A. Students are encouraged to work on their own projects, alongside the assigned projects, as time permits. This way, each student can explore various areas of interest, share their findings, get feedback on personal styles and have a creative outlet for their own ideas. Each assigned project can be individualized to meet each student's needs, as well. In term 3, we focus on personal projects and demo reels. Q. Will we do any drawing or art in the program? A. Yes, we do traditional drawing. Not to the level of a Fine Arts program, but enough to cover the basics and introduce a quick and simplified medium to express concepts. We learn about storyboarding, composition, maquette sculpture and other practices relevant to our production experience. We do some fun projects including mask making and life drawing . Students are not graded on the quality of their drawing skills. COMING TO CANADA TO STUDY Q. What paperwork do I need to come to Canada and take your program? A. You will need a Study Visa and possibly a Temporary Resident Visa, depending on which country you are coming from. Citizens of certain countries such as the USA, Mexico, Australia and many European countries do not need a Temporary Resident Visa. Everyone needs a Study Visa for any program of study in Canada longer than six months. Please refer to the Canadian Immigration website before applying to find out your requirements. The Canadian Consulate is quite thorough in examining Study Permit requests, and while most students coming to Canada will have the intent to try to get a Work Permit and stay in Canada, there are specific guidelines in how you approach this when interviewing for your Study Permit. This link Dual Intent has information about dual intent and is important to read. Q. Can I work while studying in Canada? A. Canadian Immigration laws do not allow international students to work while they are a student. Q. Can I work in Canada once I've finished the program? A. There are three steps to gaining employment in Canada: 1) find a company who will offer you a job, 2) have the company complete a Job Offer Validation with the local Human Resources division of the government, and 3) be approved for a Work Permit which typically be for a duration of one year (renewable). Q. What might cause a Job Offer Validation or Work Permit application to be denied? A. If there are many other people applying for the same job or similarly qualified Canadians available and the company hiring cannot prove sufficient job search and specific need to hire you, you may be denied. Qualities that MAY help an application are previous work experience (preferably related) and previous college or university studies. Q. Will you help find a job in Canada? A. At Lost Boys Learning we will be knowledgeable about the companies hiring, and help you to determine your strengths and goals in order to produce a demo reel that could get you hired in Canada or elsewhere. We will use our extensive network of industry connections (gained through our production experience at Lost Boys Studios, and our involvement with companies around the world as part of the Virgin Digital Studios group) to make personal recommendations for you. It is not easy and there are no guarantees - you have to work hard to make your demo reel, learn about the industry, and practice your interviewing skills. Q. Where will I live while I'm at Lost Boys? A. Our school is in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, about a .5 hour flight from Vancouver or a 2.5 hour drive including the ferry. There are apartments, houses, rooms in houses and homestays available near the school. Although we don't have on-site student housing, we will help you find accommodation. We maintain a database of private houses with rooms available. If 2 or more international students are coming for the same program they could arrange an apartment together. Rentals are listed in the Classifieds in the Comox Valley Record. Q. Will I need a car? A. There is a public transit system that comes within a block of our school, in downtown Courtenay. A car would be fun for exploring the area and weekend day trips, but you can certainly get around by walking, bus or even a bicycle - pick up a used bike or a new cheap one for about $100. Q. What is the weather like? A. We are fortunate to live in some of the mildest weather in Canada. That said, it still gets a bit cold in the winter but not usually below 0 (zero) °C. Expect some snow in the winter, rain and wind in the spring, and warmer summer temperatures in September, May and June. Q. I'm worried about my English. Can I study English in Canada before coming to Lost Boys Learning? A. Yes, there is an ESL school in the Comox Valley with flexible start dates and study times, as well as many ESL schools in Vancouver. You could spend a month prior to your studies brushing up your English skills and enjoying the summer weather. Contact the Comox Valley International College. Q. What about health/medical insurance? A. It is highly recommended that any foreign student acquire student travel health insurance through their travel agency or through a company such as Ingle International or Student Sure. After 3 months of residency in Canada you will register for the BC Medical Services Plan. All coverage is approximately $60/month. |
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CONNECT WITH US:
NEXT START DATES: Sept, 2010 (waiting list open) May, 2011 Sept, 2011 
RECENT NEWS: 
Feb. 11, 2010 - Our group project "The Living Photograph" for the Comox Museum & Archives is profiled on Shaw TV. (more) 
Feb. 4, 2010 - Here's a sneak peek at our new studio in "Tintown"...click for more images. (more) 
Dec. 14, 2009 - We attended the Visual Effects Society 2009 Celebration of VFX in Vancouver. Here's the review... (more) 
Nov. 6, 2009 - VFX Community, Vancouver's Visual Effects Forum for Photo-Realistic 3D and Compositing (created and managed by Mark Benard) is proud to Sponsor the Visual Effects Society (VES) Celebration event in Vancouver, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Click Here for More Info. 
Sept. 30, 2009 - Welcome to the Lost Boys Learning Class of 2010! Term 1 is underway with the title project complete and the spoon project underway. 
July 6, 2009 - Congratulations to the VFX Diploma Grad Class of 2009! Go to News for pictures and more. (more) Read more in the news section. (more) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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