Training & education
The Guild have formed affiliations to several educational organisations and universities.
The direction of education has always been fluid and fast changing as the film production itself. World economics hasten streamlining, optimum performance and maximum results, never more so than now. The Arts are particularly sensitive when the dollar speaks louder than the creative mind.
This higher benchmark only accentuates the need for passion and the business process to start early, in education. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of passion and the transforming power of it. Education is more than a mechanical curriculum but an organic and human one. It puts fire and creativity in the blood. Teaching the ability to learn is a life long gift of self-progression
Real change almost always happens from the ground up. Our mission is to encourage, invigorate and open up the knowledge of our industry in conjunction with the best educational facilities available. The Guild’s intentions are to incorporate existing skills, knowledge and opportunity to talented individuals looking to enter into the Art Dept. and commence on a rewarding vocation.
We try to introduce graduating students in our Affiliates section within Membership. To those starting your career from our linked affiliated institutions and organisations, please either send in your name, contact details with examples of your work that is suitable for public web mounting, with regard to copyright issues. Or go to the JOIN button at the top of this page.
We will also need your tutor to confirm your eligibility by simply endorsing you by email.
Let us get you started!
Training
We have put together a few links to public domain sites outside of the BFDG. Some of our members have found elements of them useful and want to share them with our audience.
Continuity of content and factual correctness are open to discussion, so have a look and see what you think. Please advise us of other sites and information you have found about work related skills. The ones that we have highlighted are intended for training purposes only – both fee based and public domain accessible.
These Guides / links are intended to create an on going resource for those wanting to know more about Film Production, the departments and technical positions.
Please advise us if a link no longer works and we will update.
Yes you can make it in the Film Business!
Vectorworks Basics for the Beginner
Sometimes the hardest thing is knowing where to start. So have a look around the on screen work desk first.
Vectorworks software have various modules you can add on. Fundamentals is about 85% of functions. Architect is probably the most used add on module for Film and TV use. Followed closely by Renderworks that provide camera views. Where as Landscape and Spotlight have less application but when buying the complete module selection in Vectorworks Designer don’t work out so expensive. However you will waste storage memory on your computer.
Basic Palette. 1/3
Basic Tool Bar Cont. 2/3
Basic Tool Bar Top. 2/3
Useful links:
Vectorworks Essential Knowledge
Key features to use in everyday program use.
General Function Options
Renderworks Styles in VW
Viewport Tips
Viewports are a Key Tool
Vectorworks Powerful Tools
Once mastered these tools and methods will speed up functionality and working.
Importing DWG
Importing Sketchup Textures
Navigational Palette
Stories in Buildings
Vectorworks 3D
This is actually straight forward when you understand the method VW needs data inputting. You no longer have a 2D drawing.
3D Elevations
3D Modelling Techniques
Push Pull like Sketchup
View Bar Overview
Working Plane Principle
Sketchup Friend or Foe
This is actually straight forward when you understand the method VW needs data inputting. You no longer have a 2D drawing.
Getting Started
Sketchup to Vectorworks
Cinema 4D designed to work with Vectorworks
In the Film and TV business we need to work and export to other users, some of which are not using the same program or release. VFX depts typcially operate Maya, a program under the Autodesk company that also produces Autocad. In order to exchange files we need export options. DWG typically for Autocad and OBJ for Maya (this is a generalisation but is a typcial option.) Cinema 4D has the best Rendering program that is designed to work in conjunction with Vectoworks. You also get a whole range of export options too.
Useful Links:
Basic Interface
Tools Creating Objects Move
Scale and Rotate
More Free Download Links
We have tried to select ‘safe’ site that have data to download. Usually these have a sales bias. Often these tasters have very practical applications. Please take precaution via firewall’s, anti-virus as you are accessing these sites at your own risk. We have tried them first though, so fingers crossed.
Useful Links:
Cinema 4D partner
Free 30 day trial program
Free Sketchup program
Vectorwork viewer
Vectorworks community help
Vectorworks have a great range of free training videos. They are a great place to start, but pick the entry level ones as they cater right through to advance users.
What you can do to do your Vectorworks 3D models in Cinema 4D.
Like most things in life, look at the options and make your own mind up. BFDG has linked itself with Vectorworks and Cinema 4D. The main reason is the majority of art department already work with this program hence less exporting into different formats. Exporting often distorts data and increases file size. Autocad is designed to work with Maya but 75% of British Art departments use Vectorworks. Everyone can access Sketchup due to a free basic program and excellent free training videos. Make your own mind up.
One of our corporate sponsors, Bovilles in Uxbridge are also able to offer Vectorworks at special prices for Guild members.
The BFDG carries no responsibility for content, correctness, ownership of links. BFDG suggest taking precautions should you decide to download, sign up or log into any of these sites.
The links appearing on the BFDG website are provided as information for our users. BFDG is not responsible for, does not endorse nor is connected with the websites linked to on the BFDG website (“the linked-to websites”). The content or opinions appearing on the linked-to websites is the responsibility of the respective website owner. Please contact the BFDG office if you have a complaint regarding any links displayed.
