Vancouver, BC - Vancouver Film School (VFS), a post-secondary entertainment arts institution in Canada, was named School of the Year for the second year in a row in cgCoach's Computer Graphics Student Awards (CGSA).
The annual competition features the best in student-created computer graphics from around the world, says a representative. This year, out of 150 submissions, VFS 3D Animation & Visual Effects alumnus Andrew Juano of Singapore won Student of the Year for his reel, "0 Gravity." Aldo Martinez of Mexico was one of the top five finalists, receiving a Special Mention for his reel, "Gliese 851." Both students were also awarded coveted internships with visual effects companies in Canada, and will be placed at Prime Focus, Image Engine, or MPC.
"It's really an honor," says Juano. "It feels great that the effort you put in actually pays off, and is appreciated as well." When creating his reel, Martinez says he was inspired by his classmates and "movies like Aliens and recent sci-fi videogames."
These honors follow an impressive showing at the 2010 CGSAs, where VFS alumnus Maximilian-Gordon Vogt took home the first Student of the Year award. This year's winners and finalists share a total prize pool of over $50,000. The judging panel was comprised of senior members of the visual effects industry, including representatives from Pixar, Double Negative, and DreamWorks.
"We are thrilled to have been recognized for the second year," says Marianne O'Reilly, head of Animation & Visual Effects. "This is a great achievement for both the school and our alumni. I am extremely proud of what our VFS alumni have gone on to accomplish and as for the school, we aim to continue on the path of excellence and strive to make progress every day, small or large, and being named School of the Year celebrates that fact."
To watch the winning student reels, visit Vancouver Film School's YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/vancouverfilmschool.