thescratchpost.com

Here at TSP we get a lot of letters from students asking how to get their foot in the door into the vfx industry. We try to create as many articles about the how to’s and sending out job postings.. but we always feel like we should still expose more.

What would you say if I was to tell you that there is a studio that offers an apprentice program where you will have the opportunity to be in a major studio, get paid training, your own mentor to help guide you, and potentially being offered a freelance job on one of the studio’s current films?

That’s right kiddies, it’s not a wish.. It is a recent reality that has been created at Rhythm & Hues Studios. We got the chance to talk to Marilyn Beck, R&H’s Digital Production Assistant, and one of the women coordinating the apprentice program, to give you all the juicy details on how you can also be part of this amazing opportunity in the future. Also, check out how cool the studio looks from the inside!

* Hi Marilyn, can you please give us a little background on what exactly is The R&H Lighting Apprentice Program?
The R&H Lighting Apprentice Program is designed to give participants the opportunity to gain valuable experience and the chance to work with a talented group of dedicated professionals in a collaborative, energetic environment. This program is designed to identify candidates who may be suitable for entry-level Lighting Technical Director positions in our studio. Ideal participants will be recently graduated artists and technical people with superior skills and potential.

* What is the duration of the program, and what does it consist of?
The current Apprentice Program will be three weeks in duration consisting of seven days of training, eight days on a simulated production, and will end with an evaluation. You will work with our best artists and supervisors to learn how we create images through a combination of formal classroom instruction and informal collaboration. The current program will start on November 28, 2005. While some participants may be extended as long-term freelance artists after evaluation, participation in the R&H Lighting Apprentice Program does not guarantee employment within the company.

* How many submissions were there? and how many students got chosen?
Approximately 60 submitted, 12 offers were made and 11 accepted.

* What schools did the apprentices graduate from? and how many schools participated?
Academy of Art, San Francisco, Gnomon, Savannah College of Art & Design, Vancouver Film School, Texas A&M, University of Texas, Ex’pression College of Digital Arts, Clemson & USC.
Approximately 30 schools participated.

* What made the studio decide to offer this type of opportunity? and what exactly are you looking for in the submissions?
We have established relationships with some of the best school who offer cg/cs programs and have worked closely with them to help with their content, detail and industry expectations. We have consistently seen good work coming from them, so it is in our best interest to follow through and see how that talent would integrate into the studio. As far as what we are looking for, it depends on the discipline you are interested in. Your best bet is to go to our website and look at our opportunities page which will give you the details specific to each area.

* How many department apprenticeships are available? and how often are they offered?
Apprenticeships come available throughout the year on an as needed basis, determined by each department. This year, which is our first, we will have had three and next year we currently have one planned.

* What is a mentor? and what should an apprentice expect from their mentor?
A mentor is someone who is suitably experienced based on his/her experience in the field and someone who has usually done the work the mentee is doing. This person also has the willingness to act as a guide based on his or her personal and professional skills, to encourage and stimulate the professional development of the mentee.

Although the mentor is not the apprentice’s actual teacher in the classroom, the mentor will become familiar with the mentee’s current project. The mentor explains their function in the context of the studio, allows time for the mentee to shadow their work, gives encouragement, checks in on a daily or weekly basis, and depending on each other’s schedule the whole group gets together outside of work.

* How do you pair up the mentors with the mentees?
We have each person fill out a questionnaire, asking things like,”where do you like to travel “and “what are your favorite movies?” We look for some similarities, but also look at skill-sets and hopefully create a complimentary match.

Do the chosen apprentices get lodging and payment to be part of the program?
Yes, it is a payed position, and they also receive lodging if they are not local.

Since the first 2 sessions of the program occurred at the beginning of this year, what has been the general feedback from the apprentices themselves about their experience?
The responses have been good. There were some days when they were overwhelmed because there was so much information to take in and other days when it was slow because a render would take a long time or something broke. We met with them once a week for lunch to get their feedback so we could make it as effective as possible. Overall, we heard very positive comments from them.

* How many of those past apprentices are now working at R&H as long term freelance? and what show were they assigned to?
18 out of 24 people signed on from the two programs. Most came on to work on Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. A good number are still here, having moved on to our current features.

* Why are the programs offered during school times and not only during the summer?
The program is very intensive for the apprentices and for the people teaching and coordinating it. Timing is determined by what is happening in the studio and when we can allot the time to dedicate to it.

* Does r&h plan on offering future apprentice programs? if so, how far in advance should the interested parties submit their work to the studio?
No news yet, but keep looking at the website. That is your best bet.

* What do you think are the long-term goal plans of R&H offering this program?
Since the program has been so successful in finding new talent, we see offering it as often we can.

* Thanks for your time!
Thank you!

There you have it, the juicy bits of a great opportunity at a major studio. Keep your eyes peeled for future apprenticeships offered by Rhythm & Hues in 2006. GOOD LUCK!

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