(Updated blog story from 2010)

Shane Wicklund first came to VanArts from the USA in 2005 for our full-time 2D Animation program. He continued into our Visual Effects program for a second year of study, finally graduating (with honors) in 2006.

Since then, Shane has worked for various studios in the greater Los Angeles area including Prime Focus, R!OT (Method), and Luma Pictures, and more recently receiving more global job opportunities. He has worked on many major feature films such as Jumper, The Spirit, G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, & Clash of the Titans.

UPDATE:  More recently in 2011, Shane has contributed effects work to TV series Terra Nova and Hawaii Five-0, and feature films The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and The Muppets (opening in theatres today!!!).

Shane shares with us, "My experience at VanArs was a real game changer. It was a truly life-changing experience being taught and guided by such established, talented artists, as well as being surrounded by classmates who shared common interests and goals. There was a great family element: always someone around to bounce ideas off of, and a great bond between students and instructors like. Many of my closest friends to this day are people from VanArts. One thing I will say about that, even better than graduating with a demo reel is that you graduate with a network of potential co-workers.

VanArts did a very good job of preparing me for the real thing, and gave me a true sense of what a real work environment would be like. Starting my job search, I had a very accurate sense of what to expect and which common mistakes to avoid. My work ethic and sense of professionalism to this day are very much based on the standards set by VanArts."

Shane's Website: www.shanesaddiction.com

Shane Wicklund on IMDB