One of the advantages of being based in Vancouver – apart from the beaches and snowboarding, of course – is proximity to an active film and TV industry.

A recent group of 3D Animation & Visual Effects students specializing in Visual Effects, led by the program’s Visual Effects Supervisor Brent Greening, had the chance to visit the set of Roland Emmerich‘s doomsday extravaganza 2012. You might recall that Head of Animation & Visual Effects Alastair Macleod consulted on the film.

Of course, the students were sworn to secrecy about everything they saw during their visit. But they can talk about what they’re able to take away from behind-the-scenes field trips like this.

Student Sofus Graae: “There are so many aspects of the production you simply will not experience from a simple ‘behind the scenes’ DVD feature. That’s why field trips give us a good insight to the massive requirements of the whole crew – from pre- to post-production. Seeing how all the people involved work together to create a stunning final result is an amazing experience and very motivating.”

Student David O. Escobell: “At VFS, we learn Visual Effects, but going into the big sets as a VFX student helps me understand how they take advantage of VFX in really big budgets. That and asking questions – it’s the best complement for us.”

Here’s the 2012 trailer. Enjoy!