Training or Learning with Deko or Vizrt

I did post this in the requests forum, but feel it may be more appropriate here...

How could a nobody such as myself, get the chance to try or lear how to use a product like DekoCast or Viz|Artist.

I am becoming more and more frustrated trying to animate straps and other TV Graphics in a post-production environment, and I would greatly like to learn and experience desiging full-screen graphics systems, tickers/craws, and "lower-thirds" graphics, in a template/database environment.

I understand training is offered to staff memebers who use these systems, but that doesn't include myself sadly.

It's the old saga of needing an Equity card to get an Equity card again, isn't it, Martin?

I'm sure the manufacturers concerned would add you to a scheduled training course in these things if you threw enough pounds at them; but you're not going to have enough pounds to throw till you've got the high-paid job, and to get the job you need the training.

I have the demo disc (including tutorials, templates etc.) for Deko software, and the company I work for are about to eBay off a couple of FXDeko II machines which we aquired not long ago. The machines themselves may go for surprisingly little money, but I'm sure I could pop the disc in the post for you Martin.

Contact me if you are interested.

I've looked up some stuff on Deko, and even downloaded the demo (which doesnt work without a dongle, despite it saying it should run in demo mode) and looked up the training videos.

I also understand the concepts, but alas, You can't train, unless you are a member of staff, and I want to learn, in the hope of becoming a memeber of staff in a Presentation dept.

Who says you can't train unless you are a member of staff? Get in touch with the software companies and ask how much it would cost to be included in one of their scheduled courses.

If you're prepared to pay, and travel if necessary then anything is possible.

I have to say though, you would pick up the mechanics of a bit of software once you get a job. It absolutely isn't a barrier to finding work. Your portfolio should demonstrate creativity and execution more than an awareness of any given piece of software.

But learning is a beautiful thing. Knock yourself out.

I did the same thing but I got it part paid for by a sponsor. Once you've got yourself a recognised training qualification, you are taken more seriously within the industry than just another wannabe firing CVs left rigth and centre. It may be expensive of around £1-£2k but you'll reap the rewards in the long run through full-time employment or freelancing.