Comments on: VFS – A Risky Investment

By: Bill Pan

Bill Pan — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:22:31 +0000

Hi guys, im debating if i should go BCIT for digital animation or VFS. since VFS is more expensive, i dont know if there is something that VFS has and BCIT doesnt? does anyone have any idea which one is better and why??

By: Cooman

Cooman — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:56:05 +0000

I meant “3d industry” before they become instructors. Think this way: You are going to learn the basis from, as they call, Junior 3d instructors. Or even senior instructor whose ESL is hard to follow and handouts riddled with spelling mistakes. No offense, but people are coming from around the world, and it is not helpful if your instructor’s english is harder to understand than your own. You are going to spend a lot of the time with them.

I would not mind if an assistant has no proper industry background but yes, I feel quite robbed as I found that Junior instructor 3D industry experience is ridiculously low. Not only that, they seem to lack some basic teaching/pedagogic skills. Some seem simply be taken as they were their former students. Crits… I noticed the other thread about their arrogance closed. Well, it is not about the school but who they hire in essence, but for obvious reasons the names are omitted here. Anyhow, the way they launch their critique session has little to do with creative, brain storming and yes, it can sound arrogant as talented student may become defensive, and he/she has all right to feel insulted if criticized by less experienced or not-that-talented instructor or assistant.

Lack of actual teaching and pedagogic approach for VFS is obvious in 3D program.

By: Cooman

Cooman — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:37:55 +0000

There were some great folks to learn from, Remo was ok to me. The worse were those that never worked in 3d.

By: Andreas

Andreas — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:41:44 +0000

I was an international student as well so i paid nearly twice as much as the author of this review to get into the course. I worked the long hours he worked, at the end of all the last 3 terms i would spend the school break sick, because my body just collapsed.

Thing is, i came out with a decent reel, i got a job (that i hated but i knew that my first, and potentially 2nd and 3rd job would be spring boards only to something better). Now i have my ‘dream job’ basically.

I had gripes about VFS, to be sure, some of them major but almost entirely my problems were with staff that are not there anymore, but in the end it was the best decision i made in my professional life and was worth every cent of the years of savings i put into it.

As a note: The statement that almost all the outstanding reels are from people with previous experience, is a blatant falsehood and only hurts the author’s credibility.

By: 3D73Giancarlo

3D73Giancarlo — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:29:15 +0000

Well, I’m an international student paid 50K from Europe, I have worked hard like everyone else was awarded a scholarship after my program ended and now I am busy as a compositor in features films. I only just finished school 6 months ago. I have 2 feature films under my belt in the past 4 months. VFS taught me alot and to work hard, I learned Maya and XSI in school. I always have had great teachers and mentors to help me and advise me for my future, which still 6 months later continue to advise and be there for me. I don’t have any doubts about my choice because when you get into the industry and you are a junior with other juniors from other schools you quickly realize what level of education you received from VFS institution. No matter where you go there will always be different programs depending on the companies choice. Obviously you need to be smart and on the ball. VFS teaches you to be flexible and adapt quickly to new software and that they are really similar with the same buttons in different positions. VFS teaches you to be have the mentality to handle the pressure and the slight differences of programs. The teachers are caring passionate professionals with a wealth of knowledge and field experience. I feel my money was well spent I made a lifetime choice and will be always be thankful to VFS. Obviously nothing is perfect but from my experience if you work hard and are flexible you can start an amazing very well paid career after only 1 year of schooling vs 5 yrs. and spend way more money.

Good Luck
G

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:33:35 +0000

I am unquestionably on the same page as Can and Jason. I attended VFS’ 3d animation and Visual effects program in 2007/2008, and to echo their sentiments, it was beyond a doubt the most challenging year of my life to date. I entered the program with no experience in the field, I worked my ass off, and I kept my eyes open, because I was so daunted by the competition.

Yet, through this, after listening closely to the mentors, faculty members, and industry professionals that came and went over the course of that year, I learned There are ALWAYS going to be jobs out there, and at the same time there will ALWAYS be dozens of other people trying to get those jobs, many of whom will likely have more talent/experience than you do. The only way to get around this seemingly impenetrable wall of competition is to find a way to set yourself apart from them, and market yourself for the position you are applying for, regardless of experience or talent, or citizenship. And communicate to the company that you truly are their dream employee.

Yes, the financial investment is immense, and almost impossible to comprehend. I scraped the tuition fee together by the skin of my nose, tapping into all financial resources I could and going into a crazy amount of debt (which I am still working to pay off). But proportionately speaking, it really could be worse. I went to school with many students that expected to be spoon-fed a career as a result of this, and then subsequently had little patience for their complaints when they realized that this was simply not going to happen.

I was hired by an incredible company less than a week before I graduated, not because I was any more talented than the other students that could also have sought that same position, but simply because I went out and looked for it, with confidence and motivation. I talked to the right people at the right time in the right place, and was rewarded with a job that many other of my fellow students easily could have done. I worked at that company for just over a year, and was eventually laid off in one of the last waves of downsizing the company had been implementing over the last year as a result of a lack of projects coming into the studio.

After four months of unemployment (during which time I did little more than sink further into debt as I enjoyed the beautiful summer we recently had) I noticed a job posting for another company that I had had my eye on for the last couple of years, and I pounced on it as voraciously as I could. I had to pester and pick at them to finally land an interview, and when I got it, realized that I was once again competing against my fellow VFS grads, several of whom I sincerely thought were more qualified for the job than I was. After a few moments of discouragement, I forced myself to block out those discouraging thoughts and give it my all, and I ended up getting the job.

Both of these positions I have described pay the minimum industry standard for VFX artists. Given my level of experience, I am still classified as a “junior” artist, which is gradually changing as I take in more and more experience. For the last two years now since graduating I have barely managed to live in this expensive city and pay off my loans at the same time. But I have managed, and I have loved every moment of it.

VFS prepared me as much as any school possibly could for the reality of this industry, and I will always be grateful and appreciative of that. They taught me to ultimately rely on myself to get to where I wanted to be; You have to rely on yourself to ask for help from your peers and your mentors without hesitation, because time is precious. You have to rely on yourself to keep a positive attitude through the inevitable tough times. You have to rely on yourself to create a balanced lifestyle between work and play, otherwise your sanity will be compromised.

I have never been happier than I am now. I feel a sense of accomplishment that I have so far been able to overcome the obstacles that have been set before me, and have been rewarded with the career of my dreams, which has still only just begun. If you truly wish to be a part of this industry, I can honestly say that VFS will introduce you to it as accurately as you can possibly hope for.

By: Adam Vorous

Adam Vorous — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:08:54 +0000

When I was in VFS, I noticed there were 3 kinds of students. Ones who just didn’t have the eye and didn’t really give it the effort needed to succeed. Students who literally worked non-stop till there bodies shut down not allowing them to learn in a healthy way. And the smart ones who dedicated there lives to this one year goal on getting a good demo reel to send them into a great career. I knew Remo, and I believe him to be a great guy, very talented. But i remember he had some stressful times at VFS, no sleep, late nights, which lead him to see this negative atmosphere he described. Most of us have been through all this aswell, but its up to us on how we deal with it.

VFS was one of the best years of my life, thanks to VFS and most of its staff, I am doing what I love today! VFS is like most other schools in that it is not perfect, and yes it was very expensive. But these days, money can only do so much, even if it is $50,000. Software licenses, hardware, staff payroll… It all adds up! I am glad they were able to provide us with all of this. And to be honest, the building was like being in a comfortable office. Describing the building as run down and dilapidated is a bit much. But taking into consideration all the other schools, I am happy with the choice I made. VFS is like life, its what you make of it.

By: Jason Martin

Jason Martin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:15:43 +0000

Ok… I was also in Remo’s class as well as in the modeling stream. A lot of what he mentioned rings very true. However I have had instruction at two other schools in the US prior to attending VFS and I must say VFS was superior in many ways. True the building and equipment needed a serious face lift! However, the instruction was far superior and refreshing than my prior experiences. Some of the beginning classes were ridiculous and they have one certain 3d instructor (dinosaur) that has no business teaching anyone. Overall though, you were getting instruction that would prepare you for the industry. Good enough so, that I landed a job in a high end 3d animation company and I cant tell you enough how easily I transitioned into the field. This would have not have been possible without VFS and my fellow classmates, through whom I learned so much. I have to strongly disagree with his views on the industry and competition a whole. Yes its competitive but in that sense every career field is like this. Every career field is constantly pumping out grads that are left competing for jobs so how is this one any different. Will every kid that graduates college automatically be given a job in his or her specific field?? The deal here is, if you have the talent, if you really want it, if you have the drive, go do it! Don’t let discouraging wright ups drag you down. VFS isn’t cheap but if you have the talent and drive its worth your time! Its not perfect but in my honest impression good luck finding a school in north America that will prepare you better! I will admit, I was one of the fortunate who landed his dream job directly after graduating. Some may say my view is skewed compared to others fortune upon graduation. However, I worked really damn hard and long to get where I am. Its not easy to break into this industry and don’t expect your starting pay to be all that awesome. Times are tough out there and this field is hurting but not as much as others out there. To sum this all up, VFS isnt perfect but overall a good institution. I strongly agree that the price is way to high and the facilities arent nearly as good as they should be. If you do attend suck up every drop of instruction and give it all you have!

Remo was a talented classmate and a good friend during my stay at VFS. I respect and value his opinion, this is just my take on my experiences.

-Jason

By: Can

Can — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:18:44 +0000

I dont agree with you guys, sorry. Im a current student at VFS (Visual Effects Stream). Ive been to 3 other private Schools before coming here and i learned more in 1 year than i did in the past 5 years at those other schools. Yes it is very expensive in a way. but think about how much you would pay for a 4 years diploma at a university. Especially if your coming from a foreign country. Not to mention the time you loose for ridiciulous classes wich really dont even have anything to do with your actual study.
When i came here i had absolutly NO experience with 3D Animation and Modeling and just a little knowledge about Visual Effects. Thanks to ”Classical animation” classes in the First second term, and the Wonderful teaching of our 3D Animation teacher i am now able to observe movement (something i didnt even think about doing before coming here) and Animate in a pretty high standart.

I only have to say.. If youre looking for a school that will give you a Diploma in exchange for your money or if youre looking for some magical place that makes you suddenly know everything about Animation and Visual effects.. VFS is not the right place for you

Like it says in the review. being a student here is really hard and you really have to work your butt off, if you want to have a good reel and a chance to get a job. But honestly .. isnt it the same anywhere else with anything else?

For those who still didnt get a job.. Keep looking guys.. Noone said that its going to be easy..

Wouldnt it be wonderful to have such a thing? where you just have to pay 50k and instantly get a job that pays you a 100k ? shure it would be great:) but thats just not gonna happen and you know it.

Nothing thats worth having comes easy…

Cheers

By: anon2009

anon2009 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:28:36 +0000

Not only do they take your money, give you no books, but then they “own” your completed film!! I have had outside offers for my film but I couldn’t sell it because they are impossible to deal with at VFS. I wrote the story, designed the characters and animated it – mostly from my own computer! How can they “own” it? I paid for my education there – and it was a LOT! So why do they think they own your work, too???? It’s total BS!