Growing up with a rather uneventful childhood, I found myself spending countless hours on the computer, exploring various skills that ranged from the useful to the obscure. My journey into video editing began with simple slideshows on Windows Movie Maker and evolved to using Adobe Premiere Pro. I vividly remember my first project: a slideshow set to Jethro Tull’s music, which sparked my fascination with video editing and solidified my career choice.
I pursued a degree in cinema with a major in video editing in Montpellier, France. By 2023, I had graduated and faced a crucial decision: continue as a video editor in a French-speaking television industry or seek a new path. My internships in television, particularly editing promotional clips for Le Meilleur Patissier (the French equivalent of The Great British Bake Off), felt repetitive and uninspiring. While proficient in video editing, my true passion had shifted towards VFX, captivated by its ability to bring imaginary worlds to life.
My interest in VFX grew alongside my self-taught skills in After Effects and compositing. A turning point was watching Edgar Wright’s masterclass at Bournemouth Film School on YouTube. This inspired me to apply to AUB, and to my delight, I was accepted, embarking on a new adventure in the UK.
The first year on BA (Hons) Visual Effects for Film and Television at AUB was filled with challenges and growth. One of the most groundbreaking experiences was my first life drawing class. Initially daunting, it helped me realise my ability to draw by observing and following what I saw, a skill I never thought I possessed.
The coursework introduced me to a variety of software, including Nuke and Houdini. Learning to use nodes, code in Python, and VEX was both technical and exciting. Projects like creating an environment from scratch in Houdini allowed me to explore and expand my creativity. The diverse results from class assignments, like making Spider-Man beat a piñata, highlighted the freedom and fun in our projects.
A memorable project was the third-term hybrid animal creation, which involved designing, rigging, animating, and using software like ZBrush, Substance Designer, and Nuke. Additionally, I collaborated with an MA Animation Production student on a MoCap stand at the Seven Seas Festival, using AI tools like RADiCAL and Unreal Engine to capture and animate movements, an invaluable experience for future virtual production work.
Towards the end of the year, I worked with BA (Hons) Film Production students to add VFX to a BFI-bound shot. Using Nuke, smart vectors, and Copycat, I enhanced blood effects, showcasing my skills with the latest technologies like style transfer and machine learning. This project, among others, helped me establish my name and work early on.
Finishing the first year has left me eager to learn more and engage in more collaborative projects. I aim to specialise in Nuke and explore machine learning further. My first year taught me technical skills, work ethics, and collaboration methods, providing a strong foundation for my portfolio.
For incoming students, my advice is:
- Be curious: Explore beyond classes. Use YouTube and forums to learn more about the vast software capabilities.
- Work hard: Projects require significant effort. Be prepared to put in the work from the start and utilise class time effectively.
- Seek advice: Engage with older students for valuable insights and advice. Everyone is friendly and willing to help.
Finally, remember to have fun. Pursuing your passion should be enjoyable and fulfilling.
