The FX Institute’s Special Effect on Moviemakers

by Andre Ward | Published October 21, 2007

Ask any casual movie fan and he or she will tell you that special effects are reserved for big productions directed by people like Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg. But Jon Gress, director of the upcoming 1 Anunnaki, begs to differ. Having taught digital and visual effects at the graduate level, Gress founded The FX Institute to help independent artists bring extra flash and pizzazz to their movies.

With technology coming to the forefront of moviemaking, Gress came to believe that even beginners could accomplish amazing effects after some basic instruction. “One of the best things about our special effects seminars is that they are designed to cut through all of the confusing ‘mumbo jumbo’ and teach—very quickly—a system of concepts of digital and visual special effects which allows even a complete beginner to begin integrating special effects into their productions immediately,” says Gress. “And because we are teaching them the underlying principles of special effects and not just ‘button-pushing,’ they will be able to advance very quickly to creating and designing even more sophisticated effects very rapidly.”

The FX Institute offers a basic introduction in a two-session format, going over the essentials of exciting effects like bullet hits, bluescreen/greenscreen and set extensions. For those seeking a more intensive course, Gress also offers a course over two full days and a week-long seminar which explains the details of atmospherics, 3D and beyond.

The seminar will join forces with Guy Magar and his Action/Cut Filmmaking seminars for a nationwide tour, with stops including Los Angeles on November 2 and and New York on November 9.

To sign up or learn more, visit www.thefxinstitute.com.