Animation/Visual Effects Prodigy Enjoys Big First Year

Early Career Success Attributed to Laurel Springs School

Ojai, CA (Vocus) June 2, 2009

At 18 years old with four feature films and a worldwide video game franchise project credited to his first ten months as a visual effects artist, it has been an amazing career launch for Nick Marks ‘Waken’ Paschal. In 2008, the day after graduating from Laurel Springs School, the accredited private school offering K-12 distance learning programs, Nick began work as a visual effects artist with top studio CafeFX – specifically recruited to work on the internationally renowned multiplayer game title ‘Halo 3’ for the ‘ODST’ release on behalf of BUNGIE/Microsoft Game Studios. Nick created fluid effects scenes using highly progressive 3D design software programs he mastered during his individualized learning programs begun when he was 14. Look for Nick’s rain scene also still shot for the box cover of Halo 3:ODST releasing in November 2009 for Xbox 360.

Throughout the past year Nick worked with a team of highly trained specialists to bring Hollywood’s stories to life. It is his job to create drama and support the story with realistic, water, smoke, fire, explosions, and supernatural phenomena – often these events meeting character interaction such as the way Nick’s jellyfish tentacles interact with actor Will Smith in Columbia Pictures ‘Seven Pounds’. Also look for Nick’s film effects work in upcoming 2009 studio releases including Paramount Pictures ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra’, Columbia Pictures ‘Whiteout’, and Disney’s ‘G-Force.’ Nick says, “It is amazing how much work goes into making the smallest thing…everyone in this industry looks for the tiniest details. A smoke effect that might be on screen for half a second can take weeks of design, engineering, testing, and rendering on the studio’s 600+ computers. When the lights dim and your work shows up on screen for millions of people to enjoy...it pays off and the feeling is truly surreal.”

Nick is sought after for his contemporary awareness of what makes entertainment experiences exciting and popular and for his ever-developing skills in technical directing and visual production of film and game projects. Proud to be Laurel Spring’s first graduate to focus his talents in animation/visual effects, Nick added, “the visionary leadership of Laurel Springs provided a way to help me discover and unleash my talent. My mind works in a scientific and artistic way. I really love to learn and explore potentials – and I do that best in a quiet and focused think-tank environment. I was encouraged for my unique mind by my supervising teacher at Laurel Springs School, Dawn Belden. This rarely happens in traditional schools. Without this kind of support, no doubt I would not be where I am today.” Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, founder of Laurel Springs School said, “Laurel Springs School now has an internship program with financial aid for students who show an aptitude in the field of animation, media and computer graphics.”

Laurel Springs School is at the forefront of accredited, powerful learning and productivity for young people around the globe. By understanding learning style, interests and innate talent, Laurel Springs moves K-12 education from a school-centered to a student-centered platform that can increase accomplishment in today’s competitive worlds of commerce.

About Laurel Springs School
Laurel Springs School, founded in 1991, is the accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Located in Ojai, California Laurel Springs serves students across the United States and in 43 countries. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience. Laurel Springs offers gifted and talented students an alternative to traditional schools and an opportunity to become part of a thriving online community.
Laurel Springs School

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