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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MENTORSHIP BOOKINGS - FAQ's

What is included in the call / booking?

  • Whether you choose a live call or prefer pre-recorded feedback, I will provide a recording of the session. This will include any 3D or 2D images and files I create during our time, such as lighting setups or modeling assistance. I will record the process, explain my approach, and send you both the 3D files and the session recording. Additionally, you’ll receive more than just one hour of my time, as compiling, editing, and formatting the recordings and files takes extra effort. Disclaimer: All files received from woodcockvfx.com, info@woodcockvfx, and Mark Woodcock are copyrighted and for private use only. These materials cannot be shared or distributed.

How is a call booked?

  • After purchase, you can email me at info@woodcockvfx.com, or I will reach out to the email you used at checkout within a few days. If you contact me first, feel free to suggest a preferred time and date for the session.

Do we have to do a live call, or can I ask questions via email?

  • The mentorship session essentially reserves one hour of my time to focus on helping you. If you'd prefer not to do a live call, you can simply send me your questions or work via links. I will review everything, record my screen while providing feedback, and make any necessary adjustments to your files. You'll receive the updated files in 3D format, along with the recording of my feedback session.

What software can you provide feedback or technical support with?

  • I regularly work with software like Maya, Houdini, Substance Painter, Photoshop, ZBrush, and Mari. I’m also experienced with several renderers, including Arnold, PRman, V-Ray, Redshift, and Mental Ray. While I may not always have every software package or renderer installed, I’ll do my best to assist you with what’s available.

Can you teach me software during a call?

  • Yes! As mentioned, the session is yours to use as you wish. If you'd like help learning a specific software, I can guide you through the program step by step.

Can you improve or fix my work?

  • Absolutely. If you send me your 3D files, I can either work with you live during a call or independently. I’ll review your work, fix issues, and make improvements, recording the process for you to review later.

How will you send me files?

  • Depending on the number of sessions and the size of the files, I will either use WeTransfer to send you a direct download link or create a synced Google Drive folder. This folder will be located on one of my internal hard drives, where I organize and store files from our sessions, each named and dated. The folder syncs with Google Drive, meaning any updates or changes I make will automatically sync as well. This method ensures everything stays organized, easily shareable, and securely backed up.

Why does it cost that much?

  • You’re paying for the expertise I’ve built over 10 years of professional experience and more than 16 years of 3D education. I’ve worked with over a dozen companies, deliberately broadening my knowledge of software, techniques, and pipelines. My experience spans films, TV series, commercials, and even a few game engine projects, providing me with a diverse range of skills and insights that go beyond what one might gain from working at just one or two similar studios.

PORTFOLIO REVIEWS - FAQ's

What is included with a portfolio review?

  • This depends on whether you choose the "All Portfolio" or "Showreel Only" option. For the Showreel Only review, I will record my screen while watching your video, providing real-time feedback on the content, editing, and presentation. I’ll also include relevant links or stills, such as reference images or tutorials that may be useful to you. For the "All Portfolio" review, the process is similar, but I will review all the work you submit, not just the showreel.

Should I send you files or links?

  • I prefer receiving links to online content for easier access and review. However, if you wish to send files, please ensure they are well-organized, clearly named, and not excessively large. If you’d like me to review your 3D files within specific software, you'll need to book a mentorship session.

Will you review my work again after I make changes?

  • To have your updated work reviewed, you would need to book another session. I’d be happy to assist, and I keep records and notes for all clients I work with.

CLAWS: A VFX MASTERCLASS - FAQ's

Does this tutorial cover tracking or rotomation?

  • No, but if you have a rigged human model, the provided files will enable you to do this. I can also explain the process if you purchase a mentorship session along with the masterclass.

Is this tutorial suitable for someone with no knowledge of 3D?

  • No, although I do explain things as if you're new to the software. You will need some basic knowledge of 3D and Maya. This tutorial package is primarily a collection of prepped assets and scenes, along with tips and help files, designed for someone familiar with the basics to complete a shot. I've included a PDF guide and a video, but to make the most of this pack, you would start by using one of the base scenes, importing the assets, and beginning the lighting process. If you're unfamiliar with those steps, there are specific videos for each aspect. The guide video walks you through the lighting methodology for film, showing how I approach lighting and select colors for the initial lights.

Does this tutorial cover FX simulations?

  • No, but the FX simulations are provided, along with information on how to render and shade them.

Do I need to watch all the videos?

  • No, you don’t need to watch any of the videos if you prefer not to. There’s a quick-start PDF that explains how to download all the files and use the assets to light a scene. The help files cover topics like motion blur for FX simulations, importing caches, and more. This tutorial pack is more about providing high-quality footage and ready-to-use assets for lighting VFX scenes.

Can I include this in my reel once I finish?

  • Yes, but you must credit woodcockvfx.com and the director, Mahmut Akay.

Can I buy this and share it with my friends or class?

  • No, these files are for personal and private use only. I’ve invested over 100 hours in creating these clean files, scenes, and documents, in addition to producing the original VFX back in 2020. The knowledge and insights shared come from years of industry experience. Distributing this content for free not only undermines the value of quality work but also negatively impacts the VFX community by devaluing hard-earned expertise and effort.

RENDERING 180 DEGREES STEREO FOR VR - FAQ's

What do I get from this tutorial?

  • This video package provides the correct methodology for using Maya to create 180-degree stereo renders. Whether you have an existing scene or need to adapt your current camera setup, this video will guide you through the process. It also includes a brief overview of compiling in Adobe Premiere, covering the basic math required.

Do I need any plugins?

  • No, this method does not require any plugins or cropping. Cropping is ineffective as it doesn’t resolve issues with render interpretation, even if metadata is altered through editing software like Premiere Pro.

TERMS & CONDITIONS - ALL PRODUCTS & SERVICES

General Terms and Information for WoodcockVFX.com Products and Services

  1. Student & Graduate Discount: If a "student" or "graduate" discount code is used and the customer is unable or unwilling to verify their status, we reserve the right to withhold services or files without issuing a refund. A graduate will be classed as someone who has finished studying less then 18 months prior.

  2. Late Arrivals: If you are late to a mentorship booking, the session will not be extended unless the delay is on the part of WoodcockVFX.

  3. Booking Changes: To reschedule a booking, you must provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Without this notice, the booking will remain at the original time. If you cannot attend, you may send your work, a pre-recorded video, or an email, and I can record my feedback and send it back to you.

  4. Content Usage: By purchasing products or services from this website, you agree to use the content—videos, files, emails, and recordings—solely for your personal use. You may not distribute, share, copy, or replicate any information or discussions.

  5. Confidentiality: Opinions or feedback given during video calls are confidential and should not be shared or discussed outside of the session. All conversations and information must be treated with complete confidentiality.

  6. Credit for 3D Files: Any use of enhanced, fixed, or pre-created 3D files from tutorials in your portfolio, films, games, or other content must include proper credit to Woodcockvfx.

  7. Service Refusal: Woodcockvfx reserves the right to refuse service to clients who are rude, uncooperative, or unable to communicate effectively in the same language. If language barriers are an issue, I may offer pre-recorded sessions with subtitles as an alternative but this will be considered at the time.

  8. Refunds and Alternative Requests: There are no refunds on purchases unless instigated by WoodcockVFX. If you have a mentorship booking but choose not to have a call, you may request that I work on an asset or similar task for you. I will complete this work within one hour (or the allotted hours you paid for) and return it as promptly as possible.

  9. Coupons & Discounts: If coupons or discounts are applied and do not meet the reasonable pricing standards set by WoodcockVFX, the company reserves the right to issue a refund or propose an alternative arrangement at its discretion. For instance, if multiple discounts are incorrectly applied (WIX error) or used (multiple coupons added to one product) on a service where only one is valid, WoodcockVFX may choose to refund the purchase or suggest an alternative solution to ensure fair compensation for services rendered.

For any further queries please use the form on the "contact" page or simply email info@woodcockvfx.com

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