To apply to Technicolor Academy, you need a demo reel of work showing ONLY the specialization you are applying for.
See below for examples of work in each specialization.
These are edits from demo reels of successful Technicolor Academy applicants.
What do you look for in a compositing reel?
ALL shots must be created with Nuke.
Photoreal images - Realism and 'invisible' compositing.
CG elements integrated into a live action plate with seamless blending between the two.
Breakdowns using simple wipes to show your skills in invisible compositing.
Keying shots showing good, subtle spill suppression and detail preservation such as hair.
Accurate colour manipulation, so that elements sit well in the plate in terms of colour and light interaction
Marker removals and object removal shots.
Screenshot breakup of the Script view followed in Nuke
What do you look for in a lighting reel?
Lighting reels must be light and rendered with modern 3D and rendering software such as Maya, Renderman (or Arnold or V-Ray) and Nuke.
CG elements integrated into live-action plates, with matching lighting, shadows and reflections.
Stills are acceptable but consider adding a subtle camera pan/zoom. Including moving objects like curtains, tree branches, or moving clock can bring a shot to life.
Examples of lighting and rendering a variety of surfaces including hard surface, organic, fur, FX, particles, volumetrics, etc.
Breakdowns showing render passes and how they can be used in the compositing process.
Some Technicolor studios use Katana. YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW KATANA. We will teach this in the Academy.
What do you look for in an FX reel?
Please show examples in at least two of the following categories: particles / destruction / volumes / fluids
We prefer to see rendered FX elements presented in a shot.
FX elements presented without a plate should be presented on a checkerboard background
Technical demos of tool development welcomed.
Demo reels will be evaluated based on a few key elements:
- timing (realistic demonstration of Newtonian physics principles in action)
- appeal (composition, use of color, staging of elements, and image quality)
- originality (personal projects vs tutorials)
Scripting is not a requirement but is a bonus. MEL, VEX or Python are ideal.
Please demonstrate your scripting skills with a screen capture of the script running or the rendered result.
What do you look for in a animation reel?
Most Technicolor studios create photorealistic sequences for live-action films.
We’re happy to review reels showing stylized cartoon animation, especially from students with no professional experience as we will teach realism during the Academy.
Showing realistic character animation is a bonus.
We only want to see key framed animation.
Please do not show motion-capture or clean-up work.
Your reel should show a variety of animated characters of different types.
Please show at least one example of a biped character.
Please show at least one example of quadruped character.
You don't need to show muscle movement, or breakdowns showing rigs or controls. Simple grey shaded models are ok.
Please show the video reference for at least one of your shots. Ideally as a frame in frame shot.
Animation cycles are fine, but cycles leading into a different action are ideal.
Keep you reel short, 30 to 120 seconds is ideal, and only how us your best work.
What do you look for in an Assets (Modeling / Texturing) reel?
* reference Should be able to achieve photorealistic renders based on the real lifeused
* Both real life reference image and your render output should be included for comparison
* You may submit an exclusive Modeling only or for that matter Texturing or it can be both in one
* Include multiple views showing turn tables, long shots, close ups and super close ups where ever needed.
* A demo reel for Assets can also be web links that can provide you to upload HD renders of your respective files. You can then share the uploaded reel link
* Keep the presentation simple and clear
