One of the many benefits of training at Vancouver Film School is the unparalleled access our students have to mentorship opportunities. Students from all VFS programs get to learn first-hand from professionals spanning the creative industries who are THE VERY BEST in their field. This past fall, screenwriters from VFS’s Writing for Film, Television & Games program entered Beyond Capture Studios – a 64,000 cubic ft. motion capture volume (and VFS industry partner!) that just-so-happens to be right here on campus – for an unbelievable motion capture mentorship with BAFTA-nominated actor Siobhan Williams (The Quarry). As a gamer, I was teeming with jealousy when I found out!
This two-day mentorship, which ran November 20-21 of last year, had students writing cinematic scenes for an original video game concept and then bringing these scenes to life at Beyond Capture studios. The results were truly astounding, and our Writing students were able to gain so much valuable industry knowledge for their careers.
Behind the Scenes of the Motion Capture Shoot
This opportunity was part of the ‘Mocap and Cinematics’ class offered in Vancouver Film School’s Writing program. As this is one of the final classes students take before graduating and starting their writing careers, these writers already possess a wealth of game writing and cinematic storytelling knowledge, including cutscenes for AAA video games. By the time they’d entered Beyond Capture, their scripts had been workshopped multiple times, ensuring they’d be of the highest quality.
Additionally, the students had the unique opportunity to direct their scenes, providing them with the full scope of a professional motion capture film set. But the process didn’t end here. After the capture days, students entered our Unreal Engine training labs, where they learned the basics of editing and sound design, editing the final product themselves and having an amazing 3D scene to add to their game writing portfolio, giving them a leg up as they’re on the cusp of entering the industry and apply for jobs.
“The importance of VFS’s mentorship opportunities is huge,” commented John Meadows, VFS Writing Instructor and game writer (Avatar: The Game, Dead Rising 2). It gets them face-to-face and collaborating with professionals at the highest level, along with the technicians of a world-class performance capture studio… We have replicated this professional environment like very few schools are able to do. It's somewhat rare that a writing student can write a cinematic for their game, walk across the street to shoot the scene using Unreal Engine on the stage of world-class performance capture studio, AND work with industry pros to realize their vision!"
The students had nothing but great things to say about the mentorship, with Rae Vyse commenting: “Having the opportunity to be fully involved in the motion capture process and seeing our work come to life was more than just beneficial, it was a dream come true. Siobhan Williams and the team at Beyond Capture were so friendly and helpful, I’m grateful to have had such a hands-on experience.”
An industry pro, Siobhan has worked in film, TV, and games – including Welcome to Marwen alongside the legendary Steve Carell.About Siobhan
Well-versed in mocap acting, Canadian actor Siobhan Williams was the perfect candidate to lead this mentorship. As the star of The Quarry, a cooperative choose-your-own-adventure game from powerhouses Supermassive Games and 2K, Siobhan was one of many actors on The Quarry to be strapped into mocap suits, led by Los Angeles-based Digital Domain, to truly capture heart of classic horror films. And, in 2018, Williams also acted alongside Steve Carell in Welcome to Marwen, pictured above.
How to Become a Game Writer
If you’re looking to start your writing career (and perhaps meet a few stars along the way!), apply to VFS’s Writing for Film, Television & Games program today! In just 1 short year, Vancouver Film School gets you fully trained and connected with top industry writers. You’ll build a powerful, multi-piece writing portfolio (your career calling-card), access unforgettable mentorship opportunities like this one, and join the ranks of a talented alumni including Game Awards-winning writer Tyler Burton Smith (Alan Wake 2), Gemma Holdway (Cardinal), and Richard McManus (Last Man Standing, Grownish).
And while you’re at it, read more about VFS alumni successes, like our recent 205 alumni credits at the Golden Globes and Beyond Capture’s incredible work on The Fall of the House of Usher and for the Vancouver Canucks.
FAQ
1. What is motion capture?
Motion capture (mocap) is an advanced technology used to record actors’ movements and translate them into digital character animations. It is a widely used production technique in film, TV, and video games for creating realistic and immersive performances.
2. Who is Siobhan Williams, and what is her connection to Vancouver Film School?
Siobhan Williams is a BAFTA-nominated actor known for her work in The Quarry and Welcome to Marwen. She led an exclusive motion capture mentorship for Vancouver Film School Writing students, sharing her expertise in performance capture technology.
3. What are the benefits of mentorship in creative education creative education?
Mentorship provides students with direct access to industry professionals, real-world insights, and networking opportunities that can significantly enhance their career prospects.
4. What is Beyond Capture Studios, and how is it affiliated with VFS?
Beyond Capture Studios is a state-of-the-art motion capture facility located on Vancouver Film School’s campus. As an official VFS industry partner, they offer students direct access to professional-grade resources during their training.
5. How does VFS’s creative writing program prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry?
In addition to the hands-on writing experience & training students receive in writing for video games and storytelling, the multi-piece portfolio they create at VFS serves as the ultimate display of the talent they have to offer writing rooms, studios, and beyond. Students also attend a variety of guest lectures with industry professionals (past guests include The Boys Writer/Producer Evan Goldberg and The Power writer Claire Wilson), participate in hands-on mentorship opportunities, and build strong networks of connections that will help them secure their first job after graduating.
6. How can I apply to Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film, Television & Games program?
To learn more about the program, visit https://vfs.edu/programs/writing for information on curriculum, application prerequisites, start dates, tuition costs, faculty, and more. To speak with a VFS Admissions Advisor and start the application process, visit https://vfs.edu/admissions.
7. How does Vancouver Film School prepare students for careers in film and television?
Through one of the leading film and TV writing programs in Canada, Vancouver Film School students have exclusive access to THE VFS ADVANTAGE, which sets us apart from all other creative arts schools:
- SUPERIOR CURRICULUM: VFS offers an unmatched 1-year training model, with master instructors pulled directly from the entertainment industry. Full-time instructors provide extensive one-on-one time, while part-time instructors bring current industry experience. Small class sizes optimize training, enhance networking, and guarantee personal attention. VFS’s curriculum is regularly updated and realigned to be in lockstep with the most current industry standards.
- WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES: VFS students have access to cutting-edge facilities across 8 production centres from day 1. This includes film sets & studios, a 64,000 cubic ft. performance & motion capture volume, mixing labs & recording studios, a 180-degree green screen room, makeup labs, screening rooms & theatres, industry-standard software, and more. Students work with the same equipment and software being utilized by professionals across the creative industries.
- A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO: Students build a powerful, multi-piece creative portfolio that will serve as their industry calling card as they begin their career.
- A NETWORK OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS: Students forge strong connections with classmates, with students from other VFS programs (for a comprehensive knowledge of the industry), and with working professionals from the creative industries – all of which will last a lifetime.