Framestore and Nokia  launched a competition today inviting amateur animators and VFX enthusiasts to contribute ideas for an exciting new special effect for their new project, FX Studio. FX Studio is a mobile and web-based application that allows people everywhere to add a range of Hollywood-quality special effects to their home movies.  Using 3D marker technology and external rendering processes, the application is poised to deliver startling results. FX Studio will feature a number of effects from a range of film genres.





Entrants to the competition have been asked to submit an idea for the final Sci-Fi special effect, which will feature on both the web and mobile versions of the FX Studio application.

Rather than focus on software skills, Framestore's animation team will determine the winner based on the originality and creativity of the submissions.

The winner will not only work with Framestore to bring their idea to life, but also receive a commercial copy of Autodesk Maya Entertainment Suite 2011 and a Nokia N8 mobile phone, featuring a 12 megapixel camera, HD video recording and a HDMI output. Runners-up will also receive Autodesk software and a Nokia N8.

In addition to the competition, the page will give aspiring animators access to Framestore staff including creative director Dadi Einarsson - a member of the Oscar-winning The Golden Compass team - and animation lead Anthony Gibbs. The team will post updates throughout the app's production, and field questions relating to all aspects of their creative process - including hints and tips for Autodesk Maya, the software through which FX Studio has been exclusively developed.

The FX Studio animation competition closes Sunday, August 1st, 2010.

For more information please look at the Facbook page http://www.facebook.com/framestore or view the competition video click here