VSFX Alumni honored in the 9th Annual VES Awards February 22, 2011
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements, Competition, SCAD , comments closed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jennifer Bins
Media Relations Manager
Savannah College of Art and Design
404.253.2759
Feb. 11, 2011
SCAD alumni honored at the 9th annual VES Awards
Graduates recognized by their peers for outstanding achievement in visual effects production
SAVANNAH, GA – Savannah College of Art and Design alumni Brendan Fitzgerald (B.F.A., visual effects, 2008), Jason Mayer (M.F.A., computer art, 2005) and Kevin Sears (B.F.A., visual effects, 2007) were recognized for their work at the 9th annual Visual Effects Society Awards. The annual event recognizes outstanding visual effects in more than 20 categories of film, animation, television, commercials and video games.
“Hollywood is noticing the quality and caliber of students coming from the visual effects department here at SCAD,” said Kirt Witte, visual effects professor. “It is wonderful to watch our students not only work on amazing films, commercials and games, but now more and more are winning industry awards.”
Fitzgerald won a VES Award, which was designed by SCAD visual effects professor Stuart Robertson, in the Outstanding Models & Miniatures in a Broadcast Program or Commercial category, where he served as the senior 3-D artist for his work on “The Ivory Tower” episode of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” series. Fitzgerald was also nominated in the Outstanding Created Environment in a Live Action Broadcast Program category for his work as the senior 3-D artist on the series’ “Family Limitation” episode. He currently works as a computer graphics supervisor at Brainstorm Digital, a premier visual effects studio. He recently was credited as the CG supervisor on Ron Howard’s latest film, “The Dilemma.”
Mayer received a VES Award in the Outstanding Effects Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture category for his work as an effects animator on “How to Train Your Dragon.” Mayer is a lead FX artist at DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., which creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds meant for audiences around the world. He is presently working on “Kung Fu Panda 2.”
Additionally, Sears was nominated in the Outstanding Created Environment in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture category for his work as the environment lead for the disc game sequence in “TRON: Legacy.” Sears currently works as a digital lighter at Digital Domain, an Academy Award-winning digital production studio focused on visual effects for feature film and advertising production.
The award ceremony will premiere on REELZCHANNEL Saturday, Feb. 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT with encore presentations throughout the month.
SCAD offers the largest and most comprehensive degree program in visual effects. The university provides a comprehensive curriculum that leads visual effects students to professional opportunities and success after graduation.
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SCAD: The University for Creative Careers
The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution that offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in 43 majors. Visit scad.edu.
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Emmy Award winning VSFX Alumni – Ed Mendez is visiting! April 21, 2010
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements, SCAD , comments closedSCAD MFA Visual Effects Graduate (2005), Ed Mendez, is back this week for a few lectures and visiting with students.
Ed won his Emmy for “Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special”
for: “John Adams” (2008)
In 2010, Ed was nominated by the Visual Effects Society for “Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture” for: The Road (2009)
Ed will be visiting SCAD’s Montgomery Hall, room 211, at 2pm on April 22nd for an informal meeting open to everyone.
On Friday, April 23rd, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at SCAD’s Smithfield Cottage, 118 W. Hall Street, Savannah, Ed will be the featured guest for the Alumni Reception where he will be receiving the SCAD Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Please see his list of film credits on IMDB.com, amazing!
We are very proud of Mr. Mendez!
New VSFX Professor coming soon! Deborah Fowler March 3, 2010
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements , comments closedThe SCAD Visual Effects Department welcomes a new, talented professor to their ranks:
Deborah Fowler will be a new full time faculty (Savannah Campus) starting in the Spring 2010 Quarter. She has a PHD in Computer Science, professional experience at Pixar, and much more!
On behalf of SCAD students, staff, and faculty we welcome her to our department!
VSFX Winter Quarterly show!!! March 3, 2010
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements, SCAD , comments closedThe SCAD Visual Effects Department “Quarterly Show” (of student work) will be held at SCAD’s Arnold Hall (1810 Bull Street), 8pm – 9:30pm, Savannah, GA, USA. This event is open to the public. Come see your work or cheer on your friends on the big screen! A must-see, must-do event for visual effects and 3D artists!
Professor Witte – Solo Photography Exhibition March 3, 2010
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements, Uncategorized , comments closedSCAD Visual Effects Professor Kirt Witte currently has a solo photography exhibition called “Samples of Savannah” from February 19th to June 4th, 2010 at the SCAD Annex Gallery, located in the Cardio-Vascular Rehabilitation Center of Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA, USA. (4700 Waters Ave. Savannah)
Two VSFX Lectures/Demos this week! January 26, 2010
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements , comments closedSCAD Digital Media Club: Presents Professsor Kenneth Huff “Python in Maya and Houdini”
Wednesday, January 27th, Montgomery Hall (Savannah Campus), Room 223, 8pm
SCAD SIGGRAPH Chapter: Presents Professor Kirt Witte “HDR Photography”
Join Kirt Witte and the members of SCAD SIGGRAPH Thursday, January 28th for an in depth look at the art of HDR Photography. The lecture will begin at 7:30pm in Room 221, Montgomery Hall. (Savannah Campus)
Professor Kenneth Huff – Exhibition at the Telfair Museum of Art January 21, 2010
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements , comments closedProfessor Kenneth Huff, of the SCAD Visual Effects Dept. is once again having an exhibition of his amazing digital art work. His series is called “Organic Contructions” and is part of the current exhibition “PULSE: Art and Technology Festival” at the Telfair Museum of Art, in Savannah, Georgia.
This exhibition is on display until January 31st, 2010.
SCAD VSFX “Quarterly” show – Fall 2009 November 11, 2009
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements, SCAD , comments closedThe SCAD Visual Effects Dept. Quarterly Show will be held at Arnold Hall, Thursday, November 19th, 8pm. This event is free and open to any and all SCAD students.
For information, or how to submit your animations and videos, please contact SCAD Visual Effects Professor, Joe Pasquale at jpasqual@scad.edu
It’s going to be a great show!
SCAD’s Scott Ross giving Special Session presentation at SIGGRAPH Asia 2009, Yokohama, Japan November 11, 2009
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements , comments closedSCAD‘s Scott Ross will be giving a “Special Session” presentation at SIGGRAPH Asia 2009 in Yokohama, Japan, on Saturday, December 19th, 2009, from 9:00am to 10:45am.
” Making your Mark on the Digital Movie Business: The Road to Success ”
Scott Ross has been trailblazing the digital media landscape for more than 30 years, leading companies to more than 15 Academy Award nominations and seven Oscars. From his start at Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic to his successful creation and leadership of Digital Domain, one of the largest and most respected digital production studios in the motion picture industry, Ross has been a pioneer and groundbreaking visionary. Recently appointed as executive advisor to the School of Film and Digital Media at the Savannah College of Art and Design, he is currently launching several new programs designed to provide industry-leading digital media education. In this Special Session, he discusses what it takes to build and run a successful animation and movie studio, and the skills and mindset required for success in the global market.
Pixar at SCAD once again!!! November 11, 2009
Posted by Kirt Witte in : Announcements , comments closedPixar at SCAD, once again!
Just a reminder that Pixar is once again visiting SCAD, recruiting our students, and will be giving a presentation to SCAD faculty, staff, and students.
Pixar’s presentation will be held at SCAD’s Trustees Theater, 8:00pm Thursday, Nov. 12th, 2009 in Savannah, GA, USA.
This is a free event that is open to the public as well.
Hope to see you there!