Students of VFS’s Animation & Visual Effects programs were privileged with a visit by acclaimed animator and animation supervisor Chris Bailey, an Oscar-nominated veteran whose credits include The Lion King and X-Men 2, who graciously spent two days giving talks and mentoring classes. Here’s a look at what transpired over the two days.

Guest post by Emily Fetingis, VFS Classical Animation student, and Matthew Bilton, VFS Digital Character Animation student.

The Burrard campus theatre buzzed with excitement. Around me, fellow classmates excitedly discussed the opportunity we had been given. Oscar-nominated animator and director, Chris Bailey, would be arriving shortly to speak about his experiences in the animation industry. My Tuesday morning started with an exclusive presentation Chris gave only to Classical Animation students. Looking at the faces around me, I could see everyone there was proud of being a classical animator. I think we all left that presentation more confident in our career choice after seeing someone who had made it big with a classical animation background. Later that morning, he visited my class. He spent about five minutes with each student, told a few stories and gave some feedback on our films.

That night, at the theatre at 420 Homer Street, Chris had another presentation. This time, all students from the Animation & Visual Effects programs were able to attend. Chris showed us more of the things he had worked on. A music video he had done while freelancing really inspired us. It was “Opposites Attract” by Paula Abdul. All around, I could hear people talking excitedly about how awesome the animation was. There were even a few exclamations of “Oh wow!” and “awesome” shouted out over the loud music track. Watching it, my mind was blown and I could feel ideas bubbling in the back of my brain of future projects I could work on.

As I walked back to school after the presentation, I heard my classmates say how splendid the day had been. Many described the event as wonderful. However, the experience was not over just yet. Ten lucky students, one from each class, would have lunch with Chris the next day (it turned out to be a nice day outside so they didn’t have to walk in the Vancouver rain). Wednesday afternoon, before he had to leave, VFS gave Chris a ‘thank-you-for-visiting-us’ party at which he surprised all of the students with a parting gift of ice cream! (I managed to snag one before they ran out.) I don’t think it would be possible to describe all the awesomeness that transpired over the two days. Words and one person’s experience can only say so much. However, I can write with confidence that Chris Bailey left behind many encouraged students, me included.

Matthew adds:

Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. From movies to music, from fine art to sculpture. It’s fantastic to have an opportunity to meet the creatives that are behind so much of the work that inspires us. A visit from an industry veteran such as this is one of the great reasons to come to VFS. Chris was great in sharing tips and tricks from his experience and offered advice on succeeding in our growing industry. His advice was both interesting and encouraging. His guidance on taking hold of every opportunity, working with a plan, and “making your character think” were of specific interest and value to me.

I am now more than ready to create some inspiring work of my own.

Thanks for the guest post, Emily and Matthew, and thanks to Chris Bailey for the visit!

UPDATE: Additional content from 3D Animation & Visual Effects student Lindsay Gilmour.

There are some things one is unable to learn from books. In America, we call it “street smarts.” I’m sure every culture has a similar concept- a body of knowledge that is acquired only through experience. As students at VFS, we are all well aware that the technical training we gain here will become obsolete in a year, two if we’re lucky. In order to survive, we must adapt to new software, new industry standards, new tools and techniques.

But what doesn’t change, and what is impossible to learn from a book or a Wikipedia site, is what Chris Bailey was able to share with us: the human factor. He told us of the mistakes he made when learning to interact with supervisors, of the challenges of helping a colleague to grow. He told us of the lessons he had to learn on the spot- to fight the battles worth fighting and not to sweat the little things. He reminded us that our job as animators is not only to give life to the inanimate, but to collaborate with others in pursuit of a goal. To be able to share in both effort and credit.

If this was not what Mr. Bailey intended for us to take from his many interactions, I suppose then it is a bonus. We are one step ahead for having been given a peak into the world in which we all wish to enter. We are two steps ahead for having been taught at least some key lessons of survival in the industry in which we will soon be thrown.

To see more pictures from Chris’ visit, check out the VFS Flickr page.