Dr. Jeremy Drake
Coordinator of the Astrophysics with a Year Abroad program at CfA Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Dr. Diego Altamirano
Coordinator of the Astrophysics with a Year Abroad program at the University of Southampton. Please contact Dr. Altamirano if you have any queries about the program. Phone: +44 (0) 23 8059 1277. Email: d.altamirano@soton.ac.uk
Representatives from Framestore, a company that works in Visual Effects and CGI animation, came to Southampton last month to try and convince our Physics undergraduates to come and work for them!
Framestore works on a wide variety of projects, including films such as: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Dr Strange, Thor 3 and Guardians of the Galaxy 2.
In the talk, Phieffer and Paula from Framestore shared their companies vision for "bringing extraordinary ideas to life through craft, imagination and technology". They talked enthusiastically about their roles at Framestore and showed the audience show reels of a variety of films and features they have been working on.
Phieffer is Framestore's recruitment coordinator whose role involves reaching out and informing students of the opportunities available in visual effects.
Paula meanwhile has a physics degree and she described how she uses different types of physics in her visual effects work. For example, she recently used her physics experience during a project to physically correct the position and velocity of sequins on a dress, which was dependent on how the dress was simulated.
Speaking at the event Paula said "all you really need to work in CGI animation is the problem solving skills and Python or C++ scripting skills that a Physics degree at the University of Southampton will give you. As well as a Physics degree and scripting skills you will also need to know how to develop tools in software packages such as Maya and Nuke. However, these days you can teach yourself all you need to known online, and there are lots of free tutorials available."
For more information about Framestore visit: @framestore facebook.com/framestore framestore.com
Articles that may also interest you
2016 students
2016 students during their time in Boston
Athena Swan
Physics and Astronomy holds an Athena SWAN Silver award which recognises our commitment to tackling gender inequality. An applied set of core values, improved recruitment processes and positive public engagement and outreach are among the practices that helped us achieve this status. Our silver award submission demonstrated how good practice is being implemented for everyone in the school, from undergraduate and postgraduate students through to all job families and levels. For example, we have invested in a baby-changing and nursing room and we are tackling gender stereotyping in schools through our outreach programme.
The Physics and Astronomy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee coordinates the school's Athena Swan applications. Our successful 2018 Athena Swan Silver submission and action plan can be found at the bottom of the page. The University also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award.
Physics and Astronomy is also home to a highly active Women’s Physics Network, which was recognised for its ‘exceptional contribution’ with a Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2017.
Project Juno
Project Juno is the Institute of Physics scheme that recognises departments that demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in university physics, and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
We were awarded Project Juno Champion status in 2019, which recognises the actions we’re taking to address the under-representation of women in Physics and Astronomy. The status acknowledges the effectiveness of several initiatives that are creating an equitable working culture, in which students and staff can achieve their full potential. We endorse the six Project Juno Principles, and will now work towards Excellence status.
The Physics and Astronomy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee coordinates our Project Juno applications.
Useful downloads
Need the software?
PDF Reader