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Located in Calgary, Alberta, Satellite Studios is offering an intensive project based Visual Effects and Animation mentoring program that is modeled after a working studio environment. Satellite understands that many employers in the industry hire talent for a specific job (ie. Character Modeler, Rigger, Animator, Compositor, etc) and are looking for someone with a high level of proficiency in at least one of these areas. Providing focused training in one primary discipline will allow a student to excel beyond the basics giving them a skill that is useful in securing an industry specific job. Students will be given constant feedback on their work and will gain valuable experience by applying their skills in team driven projects. Time management, attention to detail and meeting deadlines are all vital to success in this industry and students who are committed in these areas will benefit greatly from this program.

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1. Introduction
   Students will be introduced to the animation and VFX industry, and the typical roles within a studio pipeline.


2. CG Basics
   Students will be introduced to several CG software applications.  XSI, ZBrush, Mudbox, Modo, Fusion, After Effects and Photoshop are common programs that are widely used in the industry and it is imperative that students learn the basics in these applications. Students will complete simple projects, learning basic skills in modeling/texturing, keyframe animation, simple particle systems, basic lighting and compositing.


3. CG Basics Review
   Students will be reviewed on progress from their projects and, together with their mentor, the student will then determine the best areas to specialize in for the remainder of the course.


4. CG Specialization
   Students will learn advanced techniques in their area of focus such as character modeling and texturing, animation, lighting, compositing and more.


5. Team Project
   For the final segment of the program, students will work together on a team project that mentors will specifically tailor to incorporate the individual skills of each artist in the team, showing how they work together in a production pipeline. We emphasize the importance of communication, team work, problem solving and flexibility in approaches throughout the project.


6. Final Project Viewing
   Students will present their final project to a small select audience that will include industry professionals.


7. Final Student Review
   Students will be reviewed individually on their overall progress, attitude and ability to work in a team.

Satellite Mentors will assist students in tailoring their reels and portfolios to efficiently showcase their specific skills and clearly identify their contributions to a team project.
Additionally, Satellite Mentors will make personal recommendations to industry peers based on individual evaluation.

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Trevor is the owner and creative director of Satellite Studios and has worked in the visual effects industry for more than 12 years.  He freelanced as an artist and supervised with several A list vendors such as CafeFX, Rainmaker Studios and FX Cartel.  He has worked closely with creative directors from BBDO, Pittard and Sullivan, Matel, and Family Channel. Trevor's work has been featured in Television Series such as Stargate, Stargate - Atlantis and Dark Angel.

Trevor has completed work on dozens of national and international commercials for clients such as Cartoon Network, ESPN, Pringles, British Telecom, Hotwheels, and many more.

In visual effects his work has been featured in major motion pictures such as The One, Spy Kids 2, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Underworld Evolution, Sin City, Ghost Rider and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.



Shannon has been working in the Television/Film Industry for over 15 years and has experience in several different areas including animation, lighting, rendering, modeling, texturing, compositing and rigging.  Shannon excels in team management with an overall understanding of all stages of production including CG supervision and software R&D for CG/Special FX.


Her credit list includes Stargate SG1 and Dark Angel for television.  Spy Kids 2, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Good Boy, Gothika, Snakes on a Plane, Underworld 2, Scary Movie 4 and Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium are films that Shannon has contributed to and she has been a part of the team for commercials such as Pringles, Hotwheels, BBC Network and ESPN.


Shannon has extensive experience in many software packages including XSI, Lightwave, Maya, Messiah, Zbrush, Fusion, After Effects and Photoshop.  



In addition to the full-time mentors students will receive lectures from supervisors and guest artists from some of the industry's leading effects houses.

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Satellite Mentorship is a 10 month program that begins Monday, March 2, 2009.

Instruction and studio hours are from 9-5, Monday-Friday


Students can expect to pay an additional $200-$300 for books and other related materials specific to their specialty.

Fees are to be paid 25% on acceptance and 75% no later than February 16, 2009.

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Please include the following in your application:

1. Resume - list all areas of interest and any former work experience emphasizing anything to do with art, film, video or special effects.


2. Samples of any kind of related work you have done already. Sketches, independent video projects, paintings, and previous CG related projects.


3. A list of any software you currently know and the level of your expertise.


4. A $50.00 non-refundable administration fee.

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Space to this program is limited and applications will be processed as received.
Satellite Mentorship will conduct interviews with applicants that meet necessary requirements and will notify all applicants in a timely manner.

Satellite Mentorship takes into account students of all skill levels.  We will, however, only accept students who demonstrate commitment and ability. Our program is intensive and we recommend students be willing and able to work at mastering their specialty both inside and outside of classroom hours.

*Satellite Mentorship reserves the right to refuse any application or refund any fees collected due to changes in program schedule or availability.

For any further information please e-mail administration:
mentorship@satellitestudios.com

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