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MAILING ADDRESS
Suite 3 – 145 19th Street
Courtenay, BC
Canada V9N 9G2


PHONE - (250) 871-8103

EMAIL
admin@lostboys-learning.com

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CONTENTS
VISUAL EFFECTS DIPLOMA PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Visual Effects program at Lost Boys Learning is a fast-paced, intensive program covering broadcast and feature film quality Visual Effects, including 3D and compositing techniques and live action integration. We use Project-Based Learning, a technique which enables the students to explore and grasp concepts and methods within a simulated production pipeline.


PROGRAM DURATION

46 weeks duration, full-time. Students should expect to put in a total of 40-60 hours per week, which includes 25 hours per week mandatory in-class time.


START DATES

STATUS - Accepting applications for 2009-2010. Please email for current status.

2009 - 2010 INTAKE STARTS: January 5, May 11, September 14, 2009
2008 - 2009 INTAKE STARTS: September 2, 2008 (in progress)

KEY DATES 2008-2009:
  • Fall Session: September 2 - December 19, 2008
  • Winter Break: December 20 - January 4, 2009 (school closed)
  • Winter Session: January 5 - March 13, 2009
  • Spring Break: March 14 - March 22, 2009 (school closed)
  • Spring Session: March 23 - June 25, 2009
Additional School Closures (Statutory Holidays):
  • Thanksgiving, Monday, October 13, 2008
  • Remembrance Day, Monday, November 11, 2008
  • Good Friday, Friday April 10, 2009
  • Easter Monday, Monday April 13, 2009
  • Victoria Day, Monday, May 18, 2009

PROGRAM OUTCOME

Upon successful completion students receive a Diploma in Visual Effects and job placement assistance. We currently have a 94% successful placement rate for students, including full-time, contract and VFX intern positions.


INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY

Instructional delivery methods include:
  • demonstrations
  • exercises
  • one-on-one mentorship
  • extensive DVD training library, featuring over 340 hours of lecture and demonstration delivered by industry professionals
  • traditional drawing exercises
  • location shoots
  • industry studies
  • studio tours (Vancouver)
  • visiting artist workshops and round-table discussions

LEARNING OUTCOMES
  • Analytical: understanding and applying the fundamentals of 3D and compositing to different genres of visual effects shots. The ability to choose the most efficient and appropriate technique and tools to create the required shots in production.
  • Technical: the ability to use specific production techniques (described in the Project Descriptions) relevant to the student's chosen career path.
  • Practical: understanding and participating in the pre-production and executing of live action plates for visual effects shots. Understanding and participating in the visual effects and animation Production Pipeline.
  • Creative: understanding and applying art direction through the use of colour, composition and production techniques to achieve the desired look

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS(subject to change)

Term 1
  • Project #1
  • Project #2
  • Project #3
  • Project #4
  • Technical Exercises
  • Introductory Drawing – 8 classes
  • Sculpey Maquette Modeling Workshop
  • Studio Tour (Vancouver)
Term 2
  • Project #1
  • Project #2
  • Pre-Production and Asset Creation for Term 3 Personal Project(s)
  • Technical Exercises
  • Drawing for Production – 4 classes
  • Industry Studies Class
  • Studio Tour (Vancouver)
Term 3
  • Personal Project(s)
  • Completion of Demo Reel
  • Industry Studies Class
  • Self Marketing Study
  • Drawing for Production – 4 classes
  • Studio Tour (Vancouver)

COMPLETION AND GRADING

Students will be assigned a percentage (%) grade for each project and class, resulting in a final percentage grade for each Term. Final grade for the year will be an average of the three terms. Minimum passing grade is 65%.



RECENT NEWS:



Oct 10, 2008 - I’m proud to announce that we received a New Media Finalist Award at the MISTIC Awards held in Nanaimo last week. MISTIC is a Vancouver Island association that promotes and celebrates excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation.


Nov 6, 2008 - Our new phone number, effective immediately, is (250) 871-8103.



Oct 10, 2008 - Today we hosted guest artist Eric Petey, a seasoned VFX artist with credits such as Transformers, Speed Racer, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, King Kong, I, Robot and Die Another Day. A Rigger and Animator, Eric shared his personal stories and talked to the students about working environments at differents types of companies. (more)



Sept 2, 2008 - Welcome to the class of 2009! Hailing from Korea, Ontario, Mexico City, Washington DC and London, England - a great mix of talent and personalities. We've completed the Personal Title project and our Telekinesis Spoon project with Maya and Nuke, and our Ghost project will be ready for Halloween. (more)



June 20, 2008 - I'm happy to announce 100% student placement of the Lost Boys Learning graduating class of 2008; Perry Sohn, Andy Chen, Nicholas Knudson, Drew Current, Jennie Bates, George Kyparissous, and Hsuan-Yi Fang. Lucky companies include Atmosphere Visual Effects, Anthem Visual Effects and Technicolor in Vancouver, Big Studios in Toronto, Midway Games in Chicago, Pendulum Studios and Zoic Studios in California. Best wishes to you all in your new careers! (more)



June 13, 2008 - Lost Boys travel to Vancouver for another Studio tour. This time we visit Spin, Embassy, Lux, and Rainmaker Entertainment's motion capture unit. (more)



June 2, 2008 - Lost Boys hosts guest speaker John Gajdecki, VFX Supervisor/Producer for over 17 years. (Stargate SG1, A Wrinkle in Time, I Robot...) John shared his experience and brought along many before and after clips of VFX Shots ranging from complex full CG creatures/environments to deceptively complex wire removal shots.



(more News)