This years CGFX speaker line-up is packed with some of the most talented and experienced professionals in the CGI and VFX industry. Our speakers will share their insights and expertise on everything from the latest trends and technologies to their own personal career journeys.
The currently confirmed Line-Up for Wednesday is listed below:
Wednesday, also known as our colleges day, has speakers that cover a range of talks for CGI/ VFX, Film, Animation and Games.
WEDNESDAY | Location: Palmerston Lecture Theatre
If you are new to Computer Generated Imagery or simply want to learn more about the latest visual effects and technologies, be sure to check out the VFX Insights track. This track features guest many Alumni and speakers from leading VFX studios, as well as discussions on topics such as the future of VFX and getting started in your VFX/ Animation/ Games career.
10.00 – 10.20 Dr. Ken Pitts | WELCOME AND HOUSEKEEPING
"Welcome to CGFX"
Starting the day, Course Leader for CGI and Visual Effects, Dr. Ken Pitts will be giving a brief introduction to the day, including what you can expect and of course, today's competition prizes!
Starting the day, Course Leader for CGI and Visual Effects, Dr. Ken Pitts will be giving a brief introduction to the day, including what you can expect and of course, today's competition prizes!
10.20 – 10.40 Niamh Loughran | HYPER LUMINAL GAMES
"Game Dev in a Nutshell"
Niamh has been with us for around 4 years now! Both a producer at Hyper Luminal Games and seasoned speaker - Niamh is always full of some incredible tips for getting started in your career. She joins us today to give a high level overview of the games industry, what its like to be working in it, and how to get involved.
10.40 – 11.00 Louise Richardson | BINYAN
"Insight into a CGI Career - Arch Viz Edition"
A graduate of the CGI and VFX course at Solent. Meet Louise Richardson, the CGI artist sculpting visuals at Binyan Studios. With a background rooted in London's architectural visualisation industry, she has traversed through various studios, ultimately finding her creative home at Binyan. Notably, Louise led the visualisation department at an interior design studio, showcasing a unique blend of artistic and technical expertise. Armed with a CGI degree from Solent University, Louise's portfolio not only captures her journey but also embodies the boundless possibilities of a CGI career in architectural visualisation.
11.00 – 11.20 George Richardson | R/GA
"From campus to career: What happens after you graduate"
George is an Associate Producer at R/GA, drawing from a degree in BA (Hons) Television and Film from Solent University, where he graduated in 2021. His expertise spans the advertising and Financial Technology industry, where his creative aptitude intersects with a deep understanding of media dynamics. George's journey into the world of production and digital innovation led him to R/GA, where he navigates the convergence of media, technology, and advertising, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences in this ever-evolving landscape.
11.20 – 11.40 Jim Eaves | AMBER STUDIOS
"The Honest Filmmaker"
Jim is an award winning filmmaker with eight feature credits as director. His most recent film “You Might Get Lost” starring Corrinne Wicks (BBC’s Doctors) and Colin Baker (Doctor Who) won ’BEST SCI FI FEATURE’ at the Miami Sci Fi Film Festival as well as the AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD. The film has been released in the UK, US and all major territories.
He is currently finishing post production on “The Apocalypse Box” starring Sylvester McCoy and comedian Paul Foot. Jim runs UK production company Amber Pictures with his wife Laura in Southampton.
Jim has also spent 20 years working as Video Production Manager for a national governing body, filming, editing, producing, hiring freelancers and working with agencies.
He also hosts creative industries podcast "The Honest Filmmaker" where he chats to people within film and other creative industries to get career advice for people new to the business.
11.40 – 12.00 James Dye & George Prince | AIRSHIP INTERACTIVE
Both graduates of the CGI and VFX course at Solent.
James works as an Associate Environment Artist at Airship Interactive.
11.40 – 12.00 James Dye & George Prince | AIRSHIP INTERACTIVE
Both graduates of the CGI and VFX course at Solent.
George works as an Environment Artist at Airship Interactive.
12.00 - 12.50 - LUNCH
Students & Staff, please feel free to make use of the open space on Campus.
12.50 – 13.10 Dr. Ken Pitts | COURSE TALKS - CGI/ VFX
"Courses in CGI/ Visual Effects at Solent / Competition"
Dr. Ken Pitts will be sharing a quick overview of the CGI and Visual Effects course at Solent before recapping today's competition.
Dr. Ken Pitts will be sharing a quick overview of the CGI and Visual Effects course at Solent before recapping today's competition.
12.50 – 13.10 Dr. Stuart Joy | COURSE TALKS - FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
"Courses in Film and Television Production at Solent / Competition"
Dr. Stuart Joy will be sharing a quick overview of the Film and TV Production courses at Solent.
13.10 – 13.30 Daniel Ellerby | INDIE PRODUCER
Daniel Ellerby is an award-winning writer/director with a passion for crafting humanist social realist stories and moving, scary and dark horror films. His work often explores the lives of people living on the margins who feel like they’ve been thrown into the world.
His graduation short Her Castle is in its festival run, and has played at multiple festivals, including the BIFA qualifying Bute Street Festival and INDIE-LINCS International Film Festival, where it won The Baby IMP Award for Student Film.
13.30 – 13.50 Tom Gough | HUTCH GAMES
Tom is a 25-year-old 3D Artist with around 7 years of experience in the field, having worked professionally for 3 years. He specializes in vehicle rendering and hard surface modelling. In his current role, Tom serves as a 3D Vehicle Marketing Artist at Hutch Games, where he creates realistic and stylized vehicle renders for use on the company's social channels and in their games.
13.50 – 14.10 Emma McConologue | SKY TV
Working as a Multi-Skilled Operator for Sky Sports News. Previously worked as a Director’s Assistant across Sky Sports News and Racing.
Also working as a Freelance Camera Operator, most recently working with companies like Gravity Media, Progress Productions and Group Visual Ltd on events including the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 and Premier League Football games. Have experience using cameras like Sony HDC 2500, Sony PMW400, Blackmagic 4.6K Blackmagic Ursa G2, Panasonic AJ-PX380G and Sony PXW-X70.
Have previous experience working as a Production Coordinator and Camera Operator for Pop Paper City, a 52 x 11" animated Children's Television show, currently airing on Channel 5's Milkshake! and distributed by Aardman Animations.
Also working as a Freelance Camera Operator, most recently working with companies like Gravity Media, Progress Productions and Group Visual Ltd on events including the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 and Premier League Football games. Have experience using cameras like Sony HDC 2500, Sony PMW400, Blackmagic 4.6K Blackmagic Ursa G2, Panasonic AJ-PX380G and Sony PXW-X70.
Have previous experience working as a Production Coordinator and Camera Operator for Pop Paper City, a 52 x 11" animated Children's Television show, currently airing on Channel 5's Milkshake! and distributed by Aardman Animations.
14.10 > 15.00 - SPEAKER PANEL | Location: Jane Austen Lecture Theatre
Following the talks, we will have panel discussions and Questions/ Answers featuring a line-up of speakers from today's talks. These discussions will delve into the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry and hopefully answer your questions about the progression from College to Industry.
- All speakers from today
Hosted by Jim Eaves also including Solent Alumni from Tuesday Talks, Jake Cooper (Below/ Thanks Jake!)
Inc. Jake Cooper | STORYLAND STUDIOS
Jake is a graduate from the Film and Television course at Solent University. In 2023, after his graduation, Jake proudly joined the team at Storyland Studios as a Design and Production Intern. Here, Jake works alongside Location-Based Entertainment industry professionals, providing support to the Project, Business Development and Marketing teams. Jake has always been an avid Theme Park and Experience enthusiast and is happy to share his passion with others!
COMPETITION | Location: Jane Austen Lecture Theatre
Following today's event, John will be wrapping up the session for our guests and then it's time to head home :)
-John Wilson, External Relations
END OF TODAYS EVENT