Such scenes could have come out of a Hollywood blockbuster, but they were created by two 19-year-old Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) students who went through training with Canadian software developer Side Effects Software in Santa Monica, California, from June to August, 2009.

Over some three months, they learnt to use Side Effects Software Inc.’s (SESI) program Houdini, a 3D animation and visual-effects software that has been used in more than 300 feature films and movies, including blockbusters like Superman Returns, Spider-Man 3 and The Incredible Hulk.

Apart from attending classes and tutorials, the students also went on field trips to studios in Los Angeles to get a first-hand look at how they produce well-known games, commercials and movies, visiting studios such as Rhythm & Hues, Digital Domain, Method and House of Moves.

What’s more, Liew Ming Jia and Joel Tan, both final-year students studying digital entertainment technology at NYP’s School of Interactive & Digital Media, also got to tap on the experience of two industry mentors they were assigned to.

SESI, the two said, not only kept the students updated with the latest new media technology, but also allowed them a chance to express their ideas while giving them free rein to do their projects.

“The people at Side Effects were extremely professional and friendly,” said Joel. “They were always ready to share their knowledge and offer advice, but at the same time, gave us plenty of leeway in making our own decisions regarding the projects.”

“Now I know what to look out for in an effect and am able to come up with a systematic way of creating one,” said Ming Jia. “I have a better idea of how to make my effects look more photo-realistic and am able to do troubleshooting.”

The field visits also gave them greater insight into LA’s mature digital entertainment industry. Said Ming Jia: “We were able to have Q&A sessions with the professionals there and broaden our knowledge of the industry. We were also kept up-to-date on the current technology they were using and even the future direction the companies were planning to take.”

Joel and Ming Jia were among the first few to benefit from the Media Development Authority’s (MDA) new Media Training and Attachment Programme (META). The scheme, which supports the training and attachment of local talent with local or overseas media firms, aims to develop local media talent by giving them a chance to meet and learn from top industry players around the world (see box).

In Joel’s and Ming Jia’s case, the attachment also helped shape their career plans. “Before this attachment, I just wanted to be part of this industry and create awesome graphics,” said Ming Jia. “Now that I have more knowledge on the different areas of specialisation, I have realised that my passion lies in cinematics.”

Agreeing, Joel said: “With all the exposure to the studios and talks from people in the industry, I have a clearer picture of what I really want to do and how to get there, which is working on visual effects either in movies, commercials and even games.”

Their willingness to learn and ability to produce so much in a short time won praise from SESI. Said Ms Aliza Sorotzkin, SESI’s training and school accounts manager: “There is a demand for Houdini skills in the industry and this is a phenomenal opportunity to learn Houdini and the real-world production skills needed for high-end visual effects work.”

Indeed, both students landed interesting projects and stints with local media firms soon after returning from their attachment, reflecting the value they had gained under META.

Among other things, they helped out at a week-long Houdini “boot camp” held in Singapore, and also helped create a video clip for the closing ceremony for the Special Olympics in June.

Joel landed a stint with Infinite Frameworks, a media and entertainment content producer, where he helped to create special effects for a commercial project for an international client using Houdini.

According to Mr Freddie Yeo, the firm’s general manager, the project involved complex and photo-realistic effects, CGI and animation, but Joel was able to handle it.

“He impressed us with his familiarity of the software and his productivity,” said Mr Yeo. “He managed to produce supporting elements that helped the VFX and compositing team achieve what was required within tight deadlines. What stood out also was his ability to work independently once instructions and comments were given.”

He added: “We have no doubt that Joel's skill sets and training will make him very marketable and help him gain employment at entry level with post and VFX facilities in this very competitive industry."