Double negative is a visual effect studio located in Soho in
We visited the studio on the 5th of March though I missed part of the session as I came in late. The part of the showreel that I saw was absolutely mind blowing. It contained scenes from the green screen shot used in the final post production. It also contained the developmental stages from the raw shoots to the final output. She talked us through how they set up the set for the green screen shot and how that the importance of shooting the objects from the right camera angle is important as nothing can be done about the perspective in post production. Though a lot of corrections can still be done at post production. Corrections such as lighting and the adding of special effects to enhance the experience of the viewers combined with careful sound edit.
After viewing the showreel, she talked about their recruiting process. Where all DVD’s received from prospective students are looked at and separated into two bunch. One for further viewing and the other going straight out back the doors. She also emphasised the importance of keeping showreels short and having the best work at the very start as most directors are most times to busy to go through the whole showreel.
She also talked about the runner system which they adopt at double negative. Where a designer comes in as a runner for about 4months. During this time they have the opportunity of having first hand practical experience with others who have been on the job of a while. More like training on the job. It requires a lot of determination and hard work as long hours is required to be put in even after the end of the official day work as runners most times stay behind to try out stuff that they’ve learnt and most times during the official hours, runner do a lot of menial jobs which is not directly related to their job description.
After the discussion in the cinema hall, we had a tour of the building which is divided into different mini sections where different groups of people are working on different task.
We met up with Paul Greenwood just when we were about to leave and he shared with us his experience from coming in as a runner in double negative. He said it was a very precious experience as he had the opportunity to learn on the job before moving into his specialty in match moving.
Though a somewhat intimidating environment, the people working in it appeared friendly, focused and hardworking. It was a good visit and one to be remembered for a long time.
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