Here’s something surprising about the VFS Summer Intensives. Every year – every year – people come from all around the world for one (or more!) of the 5-day programs.
This is what we mean. Behold:
It’s kind of astonishing, when you think about it. We all know that VFS is something of a global village, but how exciting is it condense that experience into a single week? We’ve heard from past Summer Intensive students that they’ve made lasting friends and professional contacts in those five lightning-fast days. Now imagine that network extending around the globe.
Live far away and thinking of making the trip? Based nearby but want to work alongside talented new friends during a week-long creative boot camp? Seats in our ten programs are limited and going fast, so register today!
A big congratulations to Makeup Design for Film & Television grads Caitlin Groves, Isabelle Champigny, and Dora Chang for their wins at the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) in New York this past weekend. Dora graduated from the program last August and placed third in Saturday’s Beauty/Fantasy Competition. Caitlin, who graduated last April, placed first in the Character/Prosthetic Competition on Sunday while Isabelle placed second. Isabelle graduated from the program last August. This is the second win in a row for Caitlin, who also placed first in the Character/Prosthetic competition at IMATS Los Angeles earlier this year. Above photo courtesy of VFS Makeup Design. Check out their Facebook Page for more great shots from the weekend.
We’re excited to announce Vancouver Film School’s Summer Intensives are back this July and August! These five days could be the experience you need to prove you’re ready to start your path towards a demanding and rewarding career in the entertainment industry. And if you apply to a full-time VFS program, the cost of your Summer Intensive will go towards your tuition. For anyone seriously considering VFS, this summer is going to be your best. You can also save 10% on your fees by taking two or more intensives. Find out more about VFS Summer Intensives 2013 and register today! Want to learn more about what it’s like inside VFS? Download our new viewbook, inspired by the passionate and dedicated students behind all the jaw-dropping portfolios and reels we see every day.
Last week, makeup artist and VFS Advisory Board Member Gail Kennedy dropped by to share her experience and perform some demos for an audience of Makeup Design for Film & Television students. One of those students, Amber Fox, was there to report on the event. Guest post by Amber Fox In this business of turning fantasy into reality, “if it works, it works.” These simple yet sage words were delivered several times over by Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Gail Kennedy at her workshop last Friday afternoon. This MacGyver-type attitude has been honed over 36 years in Alberta’s film industry, with titles like Hell on Wheels, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, and her personal favourite, Passchendaele. She encouraged us to garner experience in smaller markets like Alberta, where we’ll be exposed to all facets of makeup. We were also reminded there is always more than a single method to achieve any given look or effect. Experimentation is where we grow, but what if we make a mistake? Gail shrugged, smiled, and told us, “That’s why they invented Q-tips.” Gail is a rarity among her generation of makeup artists in that she sought out formal training in her field. After studying under Vincent Kehoe, she ended up in Calgary on the set of Superman III where she was mentored by the late, great Stuart Freeborn – the very same man who brought us the likes of Yoda, Chewbacca, and Jabba the Hutt. Gail revealed she learned more from Stuart on that set than any of her training could have provided alone. It was here that she had to think and learn on her feet, and she loved it. Gail’s commitment to learning translated into a passionate advocacy for education. In addition to heading up makeup departments on numerous projects, running workshops, sitting on the Advisory Board for VFS’s Makeup Design program, and operating as Vice President for IATSE Local 212, she adjudicates the union entrance exams in Calgary. Here, Gail witnesses the same weak spots time and again; Aging and Hairlace Application. During our five hours with this smart and engaging lady, she easily could have spent the entirety of her time showing slides and talking about her countless adventures on set. Instead, Gail did what Makeup Artists do best: Work. We were walked through two demonstrations on our model, Armando. He was aged and bearded, with many of us furiously scribbling notes and snapping pictures. Interestingly, Gail encountered and overcame many of the very same pitfalls we Makeup Design students struggle with as we attempt to navigate these techniques, exemplifying that being at the top of your game has little to do with perfection, but rather perseverance. The expertise will develop, so long as we’re dedicated to our craft. After all, what good are the jobs we’re rallying to save if we don’t have the skills to perform them? Thank you, Gail. You became the teacher you knew you were destined to be. Check out this slideshow of Gail’s visit and demo:
If you’re reading this, well, you probably know a thing or two about VFS. But we have another side, too. It’s our new viewbook - a different look and a fresh angle on the people, places, and history that make up our DNA. It’s a chance for us to wear our true colours, to show you what we believe, and to share students’ stories – because they’re the ones who make VFS go. Got a few minutes? Explore, download our student manifesto, say hello, and meet us again for the first time at vfs.edu/MyYear. Ready to take that first step right now? What are you waiting for? Speak with an Advisor!
This March, VFS will be at South By Southwest (SXSW), the annual music, film, and interactive conference and festival in Austin, Texas. If you’re interested in VFS Game Design, you’ll want to join us at the SXSW Gaming Expo to learn more about our world-renowned one-year program. A VFS Unity Instructor will be on hand to offer demos, and we welcome participants to stop by our booth and help us build a Unity game. At the end of the event, we will be able to show off a Unity game, created by the attendees of SXSW! Event: SXSW 2013 Gaming Expo You can also visit us at the SXSW Trade Show to meet with a VFS representative, as well as Michael Baser, head of the Writing for Film & Television program. For those looking to kick-start their writing career, Michael be sharing his insights during one on one and group consultations throughout the event. To book a session in advance, please contact eventinfo@vfs.com. Participants are also welcome to book their time while at the event. Event: SXSW 2013 Trade Show We’ll also be sharing a number exciting scholarship opportunities that will be available to potential students enrolling in any of our 13 programs. We hope to see you there!
Film Production grad Raynor Shimabukuro is one of the talented filmmakers behind Evil Dead in 60 Seconds, a 60-second remake of horror classic The Evil Dead. The film was created for the annual Virgin Radio Fake Film Festival. With $10,000 at stake, the team went all out! Carolyn Williams, a VFS Makeup Design for Film & Television grad, created the incredible zombie looks you see in the film. Their entry is getting great feedback, and was even featured on entertainment and science fiction blog io9. Check out the video: If you liked what you saw, visit the Virgin Radio Fake Film Festival to vote for them. Good luck to the whole team!
Congrats to Makeup Design for Film & Television alumni Caitlin Groves, Darla Edin, and Toryn Reed for their big wins at the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) in Los Angeles, California this past weekend. Toryn, who graduated from the program last August, placed third in Saturday’s Beauty/Fantasy Student Competition. Caitlin placed first in the Character/Prosthetic Student Competition on Sunday while Darla placed third. Both Caitlin and Darla graduated last April Below is a clip of Caitlin winning her award, along with an interview, courtesy of IMATS.
This morning’s Oscar nominations came with some surprises – and some not-so-surprises. Here at VFS Blog HQ, it’s not just water cooler conversation – it gives us another great chance to celebrate the worldwide impact of VFS alumni. We know that our grads our pretty much ubiquitous in the world of entertainment, so it’s no wonder many of the films nominated for the 85th annual Academy Awards featured their talents! Let’s break it down a little:
For the Vancouver Film School community – both our students here in Vancouver and our alumni around the world – it doesn’t get much better than 2012. It was truly their year. They blazed trails. Broke ground. Shattered the status quo. They made jaw-dropping feature films and innovative games. In the world of entertainment and design, they made a difference. For 52 straight weeks in 2012, something big happened in film, TV, or games with the help of the VFS graduates behind the scenes. Watch this and see what we mean. Now, isn’t that something? Join us in looking back, month by amazing month, and celebrating their accomplishments!
VFS Makeup Grads Celebrate Big Wins at IMATS New York
How Can One Week Change Everything? Join VFS at the 2013 Summer Intensives
VFS Summer Intensives 2013
Art, Film & Design – July 8-12 *Offered at a $400 discount when paired with a second intensive!Guest Post: Makeup Artist Gail Kennedy Brings Her Insight to VFS
There’s A New Way to Get to Know VFS: Check Out Our Viewbook
Meet VFS at SXSW 2013
Date: Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10, 2013
Time: March 8: 3:00pm – 9:00pm • March 9 & 10: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Palmer Events Center, Booth #131
Address: 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas
Date: Sunday, March 10 – Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Time: March 10 – 12: 11:00am – 6:00pm • March 13: 11am – 4:00pm
Place: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Halls 3 & 4, Booth #14
Address: 500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TexasEvil Dead in 60 Seconds
VFS Makeup Grads Impress at IMATS LA
Oscar Nominations Highlight Impact of VFS Alumni
2012: This Is What Exceptional Looks Like
