Simon Thomson - Motion 101

Interview with Apple Pro Trainer and Apple Distinguished Educator Simon Thomson, nti™s Motion Trainer.

Simon™s degree is in theatre technology, and his career began with him working as a camera man and editor in Oxford, working for Radio 1, Radio 2, the Home Office and a range of broadcast productions. Simon™s love of all things Apple started with the old Media 100 Desktop production.

Q. So how did you become an Apple Authorised Trainer?

A. The most important training for an Apple Pro Trainer is to know the material you are talking about inside out. It™s a long process to become an Apple Certified Trainer because Apple expect and demand a high quality experience in all their authorised courses. I have spent a lot of time working with Motion, and other products such as Final Cut. As well as that level of knowledge, you need to be interested in the delegates, and appreciate that people work, and learn, in different ways. I normally start the course with an opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves and to give some space for people to get to know each other. The aim is to balance providing what the delegate wants from the course with what they need to know to gain Apple Certified Pro status. Giving delegates a good learning experience is not just about teaching from the book. Its important to bring the material to life, to inform and inspire.

Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching Motion 101?

A. Its about the light bulb moment, for instance when the person realises that Motion 101 is done in real time and doesn™t need rendering. Particularly when freelancers are training and realise the amount of time they can save, you can see the relief come over them!

Q. Tell us in your own words what the Motion 101 training experience offers to delegates.

A. Motion 101 is hands on, fun and enlightening. There will be a few ˜wow™ moments when you will be amazed by the features. Many people are using Final Cut but are not aware how Motion can enhance and improve your way of working for editing and graphic motion. You can create Motion titles and graphic sequences and layers in Final Cut. Because Motion 101 works in real time you can save a lot of time compared to using something like Affect Effects. This can mean the training pays for itself by saving you time which ultimately means more money.

Motion can also be used to create web banners and can be a boost for Graphic Artists. Those that are familiar with using Adobe Photoshop will be pleased to know that using Motion alongside Photoshop can create motion graphics whilst keeping the layers in a final product.

Motion is really good at managing file sizes. You can work with other popular Apple software to create motion in whatever creative discipline you wish. Motion is not second best to After Effects. It can be used for blue screening, compositing and 3D animation all in real time saving time and money, particularly during these days as the recession kicks in. I would recommend the course to anyone who is looking to learn more about creating motion graphics for video and web.

Q. So what does Apple say about Motion?

A. Motion is Apples revolutionary software for motion graphics design. The course comprehensively covers working with Motions Real-Time Design engine and interface, behaviour-based animation, parameter behaviours, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques, masking methods, DVD motion menu design, tablet-driven gesture UI techniques, working with audio, keyframing and intergration. Working closely with Final Cut Studio it provides a completely integrated post-production workflow for creative professionals. Import and edit your footage from virtually any format, add 3D motion graphics, edit and mix audio, and apply a professional colour grade to all or part of your project.

Q. So why choose nti Leeds?

A. nti is a great place to do the training, as they have unparalleled facilities including state-of-the-art training suites where each delegate has a 28 Apple Mac running both Windows and OS X to suit your own preferences, open coffee areas for breaks and networking, and a great Leeds City centre location at the Old Broadcasting House, former home of the BBC; and because they run so many courses for Apple and Adobe and work with so many creative and digital people, there™s also a great atmosphere there.

On Monday 7th September, nti is offering you the chance to attend a hands-on taster workshop to familiarise you with Motion, Apple’s revolutionary software motion graphics design.

This comprehensive workshop covers working with Motion™s Real-Time Design engine and interface, behaviour-based animation, parameter behaviours, blend modes, particle system, advanced title animation, chroma key techniques, working with audio, 2.5D space and file import and export.

Places are £45 per person, to book your space phone 0845 122 1555 or by emailing info@ntileeds.co.uk.

To find out more about the Motion 101 nti offers, you can find out more at http://www.ntileeds.co.uk/course/apple/motion-101/.

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