The Allan McKay Podcast
020 - The book 'Inside VFX' Author - Pierre Grage

I recently had the chance to talk in-depth with Pierre Grage about his new (and amazing!) book 'Inside VFX'. I have to say the minute this book was released I had it express-delivered because I was so anxious to consume this book. I think there has been so much negative information put out there about the 'instability' of the VFX industry, yet there really hasn't been many resources out there to really help us understand how or why exactly this industry is facing tough times.

What I love so much about this book is it provides so much insightful information about the economics of the VFX world, and Hollywood in general, as well as the history of VFX with many, many insightful case studies on all of the most popular films dating back to the dawn of visual effects. It leaves it up to us to make our minds up about whether VFX is 'doomed' but more importantly it gives us the knowledge and understanding to better adapt to this ever-growing and still very 'young' industry.

For complete show notes and links to all material discussed in this episode, check out http://www.allanmckay.com/20/

 

Direct download: episode20_mixdown.mp3
Category:careers -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Chad Wanstreet is an amazing artist with a very vast background, we dive into a lot of really great subjects as we discuss his background coming from architecture to working on many high profile car commercials in Detroit to relocating to Los Angeles to work for Blur Studio.

This is a subject for me really interested me, as relocating anywhere, especially with a family of your own is a very big deal and it was really exciting to delve into this as well as a lot of what he's accomplished in the past.

Chad's currently running a CG Society workshop as well as various other things and working with Blur on many exciting projects, very cool! This is a long one, but riddled with a lot of really great and valuable insight from someone with a heck of a lot of experience. Really valuable and I urge you to see it through!

show notes at http://www.allanmckay.com/19/

 

Direct download: chad2_mixdown.mp3
Category:careers -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

018 - Chad Wanstreet pt. 1

Chad Wanstreet is an amazing artist with a very vast background, we dive into a lot of really great subjects as we discuss his background coming from architecture to working on many high profile car commercials in Detroit to relocating to Los Angeles to work for Blur Studio.

This is a subject for me really interested me, as relocating anywhere, especially with a family of your own is a very big deal and it was really exciting to delve into this as well as a lot of what he's accomplished in the past.

Chad's currently running a CG Society workshop as well as various other things and working with Blur on many exciting projects, very cool! This is a long one, but riddled with a lot of really great and valuable insight from someone with a heck of a lot of experience. Really valuable and I urge you to see it through!

show notes at http://www.allanmckay.com/18/

 

Direct download: chad1_mixdown.mp3
Category:careers -- posted at: 12:01pm EDT

017 - Branding and defining your niche!

This is one of the most critical episodes so far in our journey to grow our career and multiply our successes. Something so critical yet overlooked, is defining our name and our niche and building our brand. Associating ourselves in a way that will resonate with others and key ways to introduce ourselves that will stay with your audience and grow your job prospects.

This episode we learn to make ourselves more than just an artist or an employee but to strategically build our name and reputation up, and consolidate our efforts and focus onto one outcome, building a our brand.

Direct download: ep17_branding_mixdown.mp3
Category:careers -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

016 - Reflecting back on my successes and failures of 2014

This episode is a look back at my year and what I accomplished, as well as a lot of very valuable lessons I've learned along the way, including areas I failed and what I have taken from that. A lot of valuable information I've taken from this experience and how I can apply this to 2015.

The most valuable piece is a overview of the 3-6-3 mindset which is how I personally have owed a lot of my success as well as how I have defined a lot of my goals and lifestyle around. Really great and valuable information that will ensure you hit your goals in 2015 but also your BIGGER goals further down the road to position yourself in the career and lifestyle that you've always dreamed of!

HAPPY 2015!!!

Direct download: ep16_2014_reflection_mixdown.mp3
Category:careers -- posted at: 4:51pm EDT

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