Our trip through wonderful China continues.

Yesterday we met with local production companies and film effects houses. I was surprised to learn that FCP is so strong here, for all the talk of piracy – that Intel Mac tower makes for one heck of a dongle. One of the companies we visited yesterday specializes in episodic TV – on a grand scale – they have done 19 series and over 700 episodes. Not only do the work exclusively in FCP but they grade in Color. And for anyone worrried about the level of vfx here, we saw a 3.15 mins opening shot yesterday – made up of 6 separate shots, all rolled into one long seamless killer period establishing shot – it was really well done and the local artists here have clearly got what it takes to produce intelligent complex vfx shots.

Planning is going great for our shoot on Thursday. The thing I love about this industry is just how much people are just positive – keen to help and open to lending a hand. We had a bunch of stuff planned from the Tech Penthouse before we left – but we wanted to try and add one more high speed shoot. Sure enough within I think 3 hours of getting here and making calls we had people offering us studios for the week, gear, tripods and Jim had booked our amazing talent – but more on that later in the week 😉

Special thanks to John who has been doing the heavy lifting at the ranch while I have been in Europe, watch out for his amazing Exams stuff which is about to go into Beta. The Chicago team have done a great job and exams – with all the complex stuff such as certification that goes with it – is the next step in our 5 year plan. We are also a week off revealing our new courses – we have leaked some but the big guns are still ‘up our sleve’ waiting for the start of the new term. Courses are announced June 30th and enrollments open simultaneously. I am sure you will not be disappointed I think we have really lifted the bar and hopefully listened to your requests.

I dont know if you guys do this but in fxphd we always establish weird traditions, many around food,.. for example John and I always try and find a Lebanese restaurant in every city we visit and in Asia, Jimmy and I always see if we can find a German Restaurant ! Dont ask me why – I guess as it is hard – it makes the exploring interesting, (and Jim likes a good German Sausage and I like the beer!) and sure enough last night we found a great German place here in Beijing. Traditions make give life continuity and history.

For moment to moment info check our my twitter feed www.twitter.com/mikeseymour (assuming it is up)