Jeffy Mathew Philip
Jeffy Mathew Philip- 2015/2016
What education did you have before you took the Visual Effects for Film and Television course?
My education prior to the VFT Program at Seneca had nothing to do with VFX, Animation or Film to be precise. I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors in Technology (B.Tech), an engineering program, in Electronics and Media Technology from a University in India. After which, in a twist, I started working freelance as a Touring Audio Engineer working for live concerts and the occasional live TV shows. Being freelance, I ventured into some Production and Advertising projects as a hobby, which pushed me to expand my dimensions skill-wise. This is what led me to VFX.
Tell us a bit about your experience at the college.
To quote my experience at Seneca in one phrase - It was the best time I've had as a student.
The program literally meant it when it said "intensive". Being plunged into a fast paced environment in class was exhilarating. Coming from a non - Art background with self taught skills, I had to re-learn everything I knew (which wasn't much). And to guide you, are some of the best instructors one can ask for. More than the curriculum and the classes, the knowledge they have when it comes to techniques that you apply in a production environment is what blows you away. I came into the program not knowing what exactly I wanted to do in VFX, discovered Houdini and a passion for FX. And the best part was that the labs were open 24/7, accessible to you at all times. I pretty much lived in the lab, crunching assignments and RnD for personal projects and my reel.
How do you use the education you got at Seneca in your job today?
I was lucky to be blessed with job offers from multiple firms and chose PIXOMONDO, working as an FX Artist. I can say with all confidence that Seneca prepared me well. Everything I learned was used in production to the dot. I didn't feel lacking one bit working on my first project. After my orientation(meeting and crew and getting a rundown of the pipeline), I was pretty much working on top gear in productions and haven't slowed down since.
VFX is a field which you cannot stop learning. You need to keep honing and perfecting your skills(efficiency is KEY), developing new ones on the job.
This is Jeffy's demo reel when he graduated from the program in April 2016.
What advice would you give potential students who are thinking of taking the course?
Go for it. You have an idea? A piece of visual art? A shot from a film you want to replicate? Do it. If you're looking into VFX, I'm gonna assume you're already passionate about it - and Seneca is fuel to that fire. Hard-work and Dedication are the only tools you need for the program. Feed off of the passion your peers have and let that drive you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, in fact make as many as you can, and learn from them. Its never a waste of time. Know your limits, but don't shy away from pushing that bar. And above all, use your instructors well. They have been at this for way longer than you have, and the knowledge that they can impart is priceless. When the smoke clears, you will have gained a LOT of skills and have a reel on your hands that you can be proud of to say the least.
(Written in 2016)