Category Archives: Events

Thanks to Fon Davis and OMSI!

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20160412_224610000_iOSBig thanks to Fon Davis for making the trip up from LA to wow us with tales of Star Wars past.  And a big thanks to OMSI for the support, not to mention the 40 ft Empirical Theater screen (the Empirical Strikes Back!).  And last but not least, thanks to you, Portland, for coming out in droves.  Not a single seat was left open and the sellout crowd helped to set a tremendous precendent as we try to bring more events and speakers like this to the area.

IMG_5391Generally speaking, the Reverse Angle series is an attempt to bring events that appeal more to senior artists.  There was a sentiment that we were in a rut there for a while with events that were geared more towards students and up-and-comers.  Hopefully you all agree with me and this is a great start to some events in that vein – it was great to see all of you put down your Wacom pens and step out!

It was also great to see this one have significant crossover appeal to the general public – not since Jeff White’s Avengers presentation have we had a sellout crowd like this.  We had several members of the 501st Legion in attendance, and many of them stuck around for this photo at the end, where anyone wearing a Star Wars t-shirt or costume was able to jump in on a photo with Fon.  Click the image below to get access to the full size original if you were in this photo!

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I think I speak for everyone when I say “let’s do it again sometime.”  Until then!

Local VFX Industry is Making a Splash at Design Week Portland 2016

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Portland VFX Industry is Making a splash at Design Week Portland 2016

Design Week Portland is back, and bigger than ever before. This annual occurrence offers hundreds of ways to connect with creative professionals in the Portland metro area – from candle makers, to wood workers, to creative agencies. The event lasts an entire week and is comprised of open houses, cocktail parties, panel events, and more. The community is invited to learn about multiple creative disciplines by visiting studios, engaging in conversation, viewing work samples, and gaining a sense of what goes into the creative process.

“Design Week Portland traverses every discipline, creating important moments of overlap that stoke the flames of innovation and impact,” said festival director Tsilli Pines, who views creative work as a cultural and economic resource for Portland. “The festival exists to galvanize the creative community and aims to fuel the city’s rise as an important design center.”

Visual effects artists of all disciplines will find this year’s edition particularly interesting, as DWP2016 marks the highest number of visual effects related events in the history of the festival.  With open houses occurring at VFX studios around the city, as well as a number of other related events, there will be plenty to do that week. Here’s a brief run-down of all the VFX happenings this year at Design Week:


 

Monday April 18th

Local VFX Industry is Making a splash at Design Week Portland 2016Reel Review + Alphabest

Come see a showcase of local talent as their reels are projected and reviewed for all to see. Whether you’re an artist yourself, a creative director, or a casual viewer, the talent on display, as well as the constructive feedback being dished out, is sure to please!

Schedule for the night – Alphabest screening, Reel Review, Alphabest screening encore.
Monday, April 18th, 6:30-10:00pm
Artist Repertory Theatre
1515 SW Morrison
Cost: $10

Click here for more information about this event, and to RSVP


 

Wednesday April 20th

9iFX Open HouseLocal VFX Industry is Making a splash at Design Week Portland 2016

9iFX is a VFX/Animation studio located on the SE waterfront near OMSI. They specialize in high-end visual effects and motion graphics for film, TV, big brands, live event visuals, and music videos. They’ve collaborated with corporate clients like Nike, Intel, and Puma; TV and broadcast networks ESPN, the SyFy Channel, and MTV; and a number of independent feature length films and music videos. Their open house will feature retro video games, snacks, beer, and an impressive cheese plate.

Wednesday, April 20th, 4:00-7:00pm
211 SE Madison ST #23
Cost: Free

Click here for more information about 9iFX, this event, and to RSVP


 

Bent Design Lab Open HouseLocal VFX Industry is Making a splash at Design Week Portland 2016

Bent Design Lab is a newly launched brand from the creative folks at Bent Image Lab. Bent is a long- time pillar in the film industry in Portland, and this latest venture is already producing stunning projects. Their headquarters is located on Division St. in SE Portland. They’ll have a gallery of work samples projected on a 25’ screen and a dance party starting at 7pm.

Wednesday, April 20th, 4:00-??
2729 SE Division St.
Cost: Free

Click here for more information about Bent, this event, and to RSVP


 

Thursday April 21st

Local VFX Industry is Making a splash at Design Week Portland 2016Wacom Experience Center Open House

Vancouver-based tech company, Wacom, is making inroads into downtown with their new experience center. Wacom is the leader in digital drawing hardware and the company behind industry tools, like the renowned Cintiq and the ever-useful Intuos. Their new space in The Pearl aims to become the living room for Portland’s creative community. Their open house will feature an exhibition of local artists and product testing, as well as some snacks and local brews.

Thursday, April 21st, 4:00-7:00pm
1455 NW Irving St.
Cost: Free

Click here for more information about Wacom, this event, and to RSVP


 

Friday April 22nd

Local VFX Industry is Making a splash at Design Week Portland 2016Hinge Digital Open House

Hinge Digital is an award-winning production-studio-gone-creative-agency based in SW Portland. Their specialties include live action, animation, and visual effects, and they have worked with big brands like Bayer, Amazon, and Microsoft. Their open house will feature facility tours, snacks, drinks, and friendly conversation.

Friday April 22nd, 4:00-7:00pm
740 SW 21st Ave
Cost: Free

Click here for more information about Hinge Digital, this event, and to RSVP


 

Know about any other VFX related events happening during Design Week? Tell us about them in the comments!

 

 

Coming 4/9 – The Secret Models of Star Wars

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fon_davis_VFXPDX

What better way to kick off our new Reverse Angle series, highlighting heroes working behind the lens, than a screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens followed by long time model shop guru Fon Davis joining us from LA to present “The Secret Models of Star Wars.”  This is a can’t miss event giving us one last chance to catch Star Wars on OMSI’s four story Empirical Theater screen, and simultaneously getting us primed for Design Week with some serious shop talk.

And no one, NO ONE, can talk shop like Fon Davis.  When it comes time to roll up one’s sleeves to create some movie magic back in the model shop, there are few who can top Fon’s travels.  A long time ILM’er who since struck out on his own with his company – Fonco Creative – Fon is entrenched in a world of models and miniatures that are again in demand thanks to films like Star Wars making a responsible choice to return to more physical methods of filmmaking.  Under Fon’s watchful eye, model shop artists deliver incredible visuals, inspring awe and appreciation with real-world detail you can reach out and touch, while seamlessly allowing room for “new school” digital enhancement.  This is an evening you won’t want to miss.

Get your advance tickets here.  Act now, seating is limited and likely to sell out.

VFX/PDX Presents – Reverse Angle w/Fon Davis: The Secret Models of Star Wars
Saturday April 9th
Doors 7pm, Film 7:30pm, Presentation 10pm
OMSI Empirical Theater
1945 SE Water Ave
$10

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