Mainframe - London Studio Visits

On a recent University trip to London we visited the creative production studio Mainframe. The Mainframe studio works in Motion Graphics and animation for tv ads, promos and branded creative content. Some of there projects reach platforms for cinema, online and mobile media. Their clients include BBC, BBC Radio , Channel 4, Five, Virgin Media Television etc. Our visit was hosted by Adam Jenns, founder and Managing director at Mainframe. Adam brought us around the studio and explained that their studio holds full time designers and also free lance designers that work within a different area of the studio. The main bulk of the studio held about 10 to 15 staff, where they seemed to be working on a variety of projects. (by what was displayed on their screens it seemed to range from 3D projects to illustrative work.)

The environment seemed relaxed and creative and I really liked the fact that there was a quite a large group of designers working closely. I think this environment would be great, because as an individual you would be able to bounce concept of one-and-other and get advise/feedback.

From the short introduction of the studio we moved to a smaller area/booth which looked like half a storage area and half render suite. Here he shown us the current house showreel. I was really impressed with their showreels as it visualized the range of skills with mainframe. He moved on to show and explain some current projects such as the Nickelodeon promo rebrand. He explained the relationship with Nickelodeon saying that they area an on-going client so there was no pitching involved in this case. Furthermore he told us that most work and brief they take on is from reoccurring clients such as Nickelodeon. The meeting and visit to Mainframe was very relaxed and casual, reflective of their working environment. Adam went on to give some advice in regards to our portfolios and showreels suggesting to keep this all simple and easy. He suggested that showreels should just show our best work and to keep them short and to avoid repeating content throughout. Then suggested that a blog style online portfolio works well and can easily be found and referred to, also can be easily be updated. His main advise was to keep easily accessible and simple explaining that companies can be overloaded with emails showreels and the whole process needs to be quick.

Overall I found this visit and exciting experience. To see a fully working studio producing high end work was fascinating and Adams advice was very constructive and helpful. This visit helped me analyze and think of what situation and environment I would like to work in in the future. I feel that obviously as a new comer to the industry the working environment at mainframe would be perfect, as working closely with colleges in a team you are able to support each other and work to a high standard.

Double Negative London Studio Visit

Double negative was also a company we visited during our trip to London. Dneg was the largest company we visited during this trip. Located in Soho, London Dneg began with a staff of 30 people in 1998. From the late 90’s the company progressed to around 500 staff which went from occupying a small section of one floor to spreading over the whole building. Their scale as a company is also represent by their history of work and clients. Including Harry Potter, Iron Man, Batman (The Dark Night), Hellboy 1 & 2, James Bond (Quantum of Solace) etc.

























The main point in the visit was in the viewing room which was presented similar to a cinema. During this time we was shown a short showreel of their work and then moved on to watch the making of ‘The Dark Night’ which consisted of visuals and an explanation of how they approached the project and completed the work. It was an interesting an extraordinary watch as it show behind the scene look at how scene were created in 3D and real. They also broke down some of the shots in which they produced special effects for. Including a look into some of the green screen work and stunt doubles. It was amazing to see the work Dneg created on this film and just how much they produced for the film.

We was then given some advise by Dneg in regards to out show reels and what they look for and what their scheme is to progress through the company. The advise was similar to what Studio aka and mainframe suggested. That being to keep the showreels snappy and show our best work. (meaning less is more). Moving on to how people start at Dneg and how they can develop, they referred to Paul Greenwood an ex-student at Stockport. explaining that him and any person will start as a runner. They explained that this is a brilliant way to get in to the industry (similar to studio aka) it provides runners with experience around the company and experience on how projects are handled. In Dneg’s and Paul Greenwoods case the next step is Match moving. Which is the entry level in the production stages. Which basically consists of a designer matching the environment of a live action shot with elements or full scenes of chi (Computer Generated Images). It was great to see another company (especially the size of Dneg) having this root to a successful job, providing support and guiding for there employees. Overall it was another inspiring experience at a Studio.

Studio AKA London Studio Visits

During the University trip to London we visited the animation production company ‘Studio AKA’. Some of their clients include Lloyds bank, Guinness, Bupa etc. Working within a range of mediums and aesthetics they have produced high end commercials which are seen internationally on television and online. Along with their multitude of commercials they have produced a range of animated short films. Their most recent short is entitled ‘Varmints’. At 24 minutes the piece follows the narrative of Helen Ward’s children's illustrated book also entitled ‘Varmints’. We were treated to a full viewing of ‘Varmints’ which was a great experience and pleasure to watch.

During this visit we were shown Studio AKA’s showreel and then shown a range of some of their well none and unseen commercials. Such as their well liked commercials for Lloyds and a piece which I wasn't familiar with for BMW entitled ‘Road Monster’. I really enjoyed the ‘Road Monster’ commercial as it was more in the style of a short film then an advert. The piece seems to represent the battle between the road and the car, as through out the road is continually looking out to find the week spot of the car to defeat it. The car manages to stand tall against the road monster and therefore showing the power and quality of the BMW. The piece is shot in black and white, I think the reasoning behind this is that with no colour the viewers attention is detailed on the action and brings the advert down to its bare essentials, which is the BMW motor. The voice over narrates this action and brings the ad together as a finished piece. Obviously aka’s experience and knowledge working and producing short films played in to the hands of this commercial. The commercial/short film, as a whole flows perfectly and seamlessly.






















After viewing these master works by studio aka we then were given advise in regards to our portfolios, showreels and advise on which ways are best to get ahead in the industry. Their main advise was to keep showreels short and only edit together some of your best work. Aka told us that a showreel that is to long and repeats content is off putting. They also said a good way to distribute your portfolios and showreels is online so that it is easily accessible for people you are sending it to. They also suggested to show the making of our work from early sketches to storyboard to animatic and then resulting in the final piece, they explained this is a great way for employers to see how you work and develop ideas. In regards to starting off in the industry they explained how they look for and develop graduates. Explaining that they take people on as runners who have an good design and creative eye, then possibly working their way through the company learning technical skills and creative thinking. One of the main things they discussed was that if they see talent they will try and nurture and develop that person. I think what aka were explaining by saying this was that, by encouraging the growth and development of young designers it can be beneficial to a company. As new, fresh, and creative minds can develop the company through changing times and styles. The technical side to things can always be gained by experience.

In concluding I found the visit to Aka refreshing and inspiring. Their work in my eyes did show they are technically matched with the best, but most of all that they are a able to visualize their creative concepts well. Overall the visit was brilliant and I think studio aka would be a great environment and studio to work in.

De-Construct Studio Visit & Portfolio Crit

De-Construct
10-18 Vestry Street
London, N1 7RW
info@de-construct.com
tel: 020 7684 8444

During a recent trip to London myself and another pre-graduate arranged a meeting and portfolio critique with the company De-construct. De-construct is a digital creative agency, that combine effective thinking and award winning creativity. They offer creative and media solutions and aim to build long term relationships with clients. They offer a range of services, including:

– website design and technical development
– branded content creation
– digital marketing strategy
– online brand development
– interactive installations
– wireless marketing
– email marketing
– audience research and usability
– search engine optimisation and data tracking

Our portfolio critique was with Leigh Hibell a designer at de construct. Leigh introduced him self explaining his 3 year history with deconstruct, mentioning that he first had a work experience/placement there, later resulting in him being offered a full time job. He explained how the company mainly produces interactive design such as websites etc. The meeting was very much an informal conversation in which we discussed the industry and his views and opinions on various areas.

After introducing himself he talked us through a recent brief for Adidas. He explained how they created the website and problems they encountered. One problem was that the site had to function in 10+ languages which he said made an impact on the design as the interface changed dramatical when a large written language was selected. He explained buttons and vital text/information became larger effecting the interface design. He then explained that they solved this problem by creating areas of the website which would expand and increase to accommodate each language which didn't effect the design. At this time I asked “did you have to pitch this idea to adidas?” he answered, “No, we’ve done a lot of work for adidas and they’re an ongoing client. We actually have someone here that is in constant contact with adidas and manages our work for them”.


Look at site HERE


He then answered a question on the creative process and pitching. He explained that when a brief is given out each person goes away and develops an idea or answer to the brief. Then everyone comes together and discusses there idea until answer is developed. He then explain that one of the creative directors or other members of staff will pitch the idea. He also discussed the number of people working on briefs saying that, the number of designers working on a brief depends on the size of the project.

After Leigh discussed de-constructs work he moved on to look at some of our work. I shown leigh my self directed project, in which I created a music video for the streets. After watching the piece leigh stated how he doesn't work within moving image but said he liked the concept of the music video n how I have synced image with sound. He did suggest that I try n produce another shorter version so it can be viewed in a shorter time. He also suggested that the use of a different music track with various tempos might create a different feeling and would be interesting to see. Overall the visit to de-construct gave me more of an insight into how some design agencies work and handle briefs and clients. Leigh gave me helpful and constructive criticism in regards to my own work, which I will use.

Striped Dog

http://www.stripeddog.co.uk/
Striped Dog is a Graphic and Web Design Company based in the north west. They specialize in Print and web design. I was fascinated by there work and the professionalism they show in there online port folio. Even thought the two current briefs I have been working on revolve around motion graphics I decided to contact Striped Dog to see if they would be interested in taking a look at my work.
















I contacted them via email:

From:
philip o'connor (philoc7@hotmail.com)
Sent:
11 December 2008 20:30:29
To:
hello@stripeddog.co.uk
Hello Striped Dog,

I'm Philip O’Connor and I am currently studying a Multimedia Degree at Stockport College.

At the moment I am creating a self-directed moving image project and also producing a live competition brief for YCN. I was wondering if possible, if there is a chance to show you my work in progress to get gain some feedback. This would be a great help to improve my work and gain some advice.

I can see from your website that you specialize in Print and Web design. Most of my current work is moving image/motion graphics but I would still greatly appreciate any feed back.

Thank you for your time,

Phil O’Connor


I received an email from Ant of Striped Dog:

From:
hello@stripeddog.co.uk
Sent:
13 December 2008 18:34:40
To:
philip oconnor (philoc7@hotmail.com)
Hi Phil

Thanks for getting in touch with us. It would be great to have a look at your work, Always good to see new talent thats out there. And always happy to give feedback.

Look forward to seeing more.

Cheers

Ant


At the moment I am waiting for confirmation of a portfolio crit in the new year.

Rogue Robot

http://www.roguerobot.co.uk/index.html

Rogue Robot is a creative multimedia design company based in cheshire. There services cover Video production, motion graphics, graphic design and general multimedia services. After looking through there online portfolio I discovered they had done work for clients such as Fifa, EASports, Playstation, Harlem Globetrotters. Etc.
I really was fascinated by there range of work and really liked the individual style of each piece in there portfolio.

There short film entitled ‘Qualm’ really stood out from the rest of there work. The piece is a motion graphics piece and one of the main things I noticed about this piece was its use of composition, line and shape. The sound design within the piece is fantastic and really compliments the work. After discovering this company I contacted Rogue Robot via email. Here is the email I sent:

From: philoc7@hotmail.com
To: contact@roguerobot.co.uk
Subject:
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:53:43 +0000

Hello Rogue Robot,

I'm Philip O’Connor and I am currently studying a Multimedia Degree at Stockport College.

At the moment I am creating a self-directed moving image project and also producing a live competition brief for YCN. I was wondering if possible, if there is a chance to show you my work in progress to get gain some feedback. This would be a great help to improve my work and gain some advice.

Thank you for your time,

Phil O’Connor

I received a reply from Rogue Robot on the 11th of December. Here is the reply:

RE: ‏
From:
Rogue Robot (roguerobot@hotmail.com)
Sent:
11 December 2008 21:02:52
To:
philoc7@hotmail.com
Hello

It would be a pleasure.
Give me a call on 0161 428 6627 tomorrow afternoon.

Chris
ROGUE ROBOT
www.roguerobot.co.uk

After receiving this email I contacted Chris via phone. I discovered from the conversation that Chris is a Freelance designer who work under the name Rogue Robot.
Chris said he would happily take a look at my work and asked how I would go about showing him my work. I suggested us meeting in person so I could show him some work in progress. He agreed with the meet up but was busy before christmas but happy to meet after new year. He asked me to contact him again in the new year to arrange a portfolio crit.

Death to the Pixels

Death to the pixels is a company working within Moving image producing work for ad agencies, entertainment production companies and corporate clients.They specialize in a range of areas from commercials to music promos working with FX shots, 2D and 3D animation and more. Their clients include BBC, itv, Sky, Granada, Discovery, Five etc.

One piece from their portfolio I really enjoyed was a piece they created for ‘Bench/Revolution’ the piece consists of live action shots and visual effects and edits. The piece is short but effective. I felt that their work was in a similar field to what I would like to work in so I decided to contact them. (still waiting for reply)