來到一年的最尾才有時間停下來寫下Blog! 這一年的生活確是十分充實. 雖然辛苦, 不論在體能上的承擔或心力上的付出也比過去日子的多. 但是看到今年學生作品上的成果及成長上的轉變, 這些辛苦也是值得的. 也很感恩能夠與這班學生貼身同行! 有笑有淚呢! https://www.instagram.com/astroheartacademy/ 今學年有40多名學生在短短一年之內製作出超過100個個人作品, 不論是視覺特效, 動畫或是數碼燈光, 他們所付出的努力及下的苦功並不容易. 能夠克服到最後在IG上看到的作品, 都是他們經歷過數十次修改, 重做, 再優化出來的結果. 這也是每一位成長中的動畫師必經階段. 也是一種先苦後甜的一種享受歷過程. 日後當看到自己的作品在大銀幕展示, 有自己的名字列在銀幕前與家人朋友分享成果. 這種滿足感是只有每個影視工作者才能獲得的. 也希望你們每一位日後都能夠獲得這滿足感, 在行業中不斷發光發亮.
今年也有一個不同的轉變, 就是多了不少在學年中移居外地生活的學生. 不論是到日本, 英國或是加拿大, 他們在生活及工作上也發生很大的改變, 但是我很欣賞他們的堅持, 為到自己的未來, 仍然繼續遙距與本港的同學一同學習. 就算面對12-13小時的時差也繼續提升自的作品, 希望在外都能找到電影/遊戲行業工作. 這求學心態確實令我十分感動和尊敬.
回到這年最多朋友問的問題, 點解這裡叫Astro Heart這特別的名? 其實沒有什麼奇怪, 這名原於我成長中的發現和啟示. 從過去二十多年的行業生涯到現在, Heart 是我好想每位來到這裡的學生都要清楚自己的學習初心, 是為什麼而活? 為夢想? 為錢? 為生活? 還是為什麼? 如果想成為一個出色的創作人, 如果不清楚自己的初心, 就算給你找到這行業的工作, 也會很快受社會的薰陶而磨滅意志, 或是為迷失自我, 忘記自己本來的初衷, 甚至放棄這行業轉行. 日後會是這樣是好嗎? 我很希望每個學員日後學會一技之長, 能夠敬業樂業. 不論在行業中得到滿足感, 也能力有足夠的資源平衡家庭及生活. 能夠活出自己的使命, 長久在這行業中發展. 而不是一個做一兩年玩玩下的工作而已. 而是能夠做十年,二十年或是更長久的工作. 就好像大師宮崎駿一樣, 一生學到老, 用動畫故事去為迎世界及社會作出改變. 成為別人成長的點滴!
另一個點 Astro 是原於我十多年前參與的動畫電影項目Astro Boy 小飛俠阿童木, 我是負責阿童木機械心臟特效的設定工作. 阿童木的心臟除了帶給他無窮無盡的能源, 可以劃破宇宙, 一飛沖天! 而他最後回到初心, 用自己心臟能量, 捨命去守護所有人. 我好希望這個地方就像Astro Boy 一樣, 能夠給每個來到這裡的學生都能夠得到能力及心靈上的充電. 認清自己的初心堅守夢想所行的路, 不但能夠裝備好自己一飛沖天, 走出國際. 而且也會勇於實踐使命, 用自己能力回饋社會, 以自身的經驗及能力, 與弱勢或年青的同行者分享同行. 建立互相幫助,攜手克服挑戰的群體.
願主祝福每位在這裡的學員都能堅守這個信念，活出真我。
透過專業的動畫、遊戲和電影，為他人的成長和社會做出貢獻。
享受在創作的樂趣，獲得更多成長的智慧，成為更出色的創作者。
鄧日昇
記錄於2023年12月21日
Arriving at the end of the year, I finally have the time to sit down and write a blog! This year has indeed been very fulfilling. Despite the hardships, whether in terms of physical exertion or the emotional investment, it has been more demanding than days gone by. However, witnessing the achievements in my students' work and the transformations in their growth this year, all the effort has been worthwhile. I am grateful for the opportunity to journey closely with these students! There have been both smiles and tears along the way! https://www.instagram.com/astroheartacademy/
In this academic year, over 40 students have created more than 100 individual works in just one year. Whether it's visual effects, animation, or digital lighting, the effort and hard work they've put in are commendable. Overcoming challenges, the pieces seen on Instagram are the results of numerous revisions, remakes, and optimizations. This is a phase that every growing animator goes through, a process of enduring hardships for eventual sweetness. In the future, when you see your own work showcased on the big screen, with your name displayed for family and friends to share in the success, that sense of satisfaction is something only every filmmaker can understand. I hope each of you will continue to experience this fulfillment in the industry, shining brightly in your respective careers.
This year has also seen a unique change with a considerable number of students relocating to different places during the academic year. Whether it's to Japan, the UK, or Canada, these students have undergone significant changes in both their lives and work. However, I admire their perseverance. Despite the distance and the challenges of a 12-13 hour time difference, they continue to engage in remote learning with their classmates in Hong Kong, striving to improve their work and hoping to find opportunities in the film or gaming industry abroad. Their dedication to their studies truly moves and earns my respect.
Returning to the most frequently asked question this year—why is this place called Astro Heart with such a unique name?
Actually, there's nothing strange about it; the name originates from my discoveries and revelations during my growth. Throughout my industry career spanning over twenty years until now, "Heart" signifies my desire for every student who comes here to understand their learning original intention, the reason for their existence. Is it for a dream? For money? For life? Or for something else? If one aspires to become an outstanding creator, without a clear understanding of their original intention, even if they find a job in this industry, they will quickly be influenced by society, eroding their will. They might lose themselves, forget their initial aspirations, or even give up this industry for a different path. Is this the future they envision?
I truly hope that each student will acquire a specific skill and become dedicated and passionate in their chosen field. Whether finding fulfillment in their industry or striking a balance between family and life with sufficient resources, I hope they can live out their mission and have a long-lasting career in this industry. Instead of treating it as a temporary job for one or two years, I hope they can commit to it for ten, twenty, or even more years. Just like the master Hayao Miyazaki, who continues to learn throughout his life, using animated stories to bring about changes to the world and society. I hope they can become a source of growth for others!
Another point is that Astro is rooted in the animated film project "Astro Boy," in which I participated over a decade ago. I was responsible for the set-up of Astro Boy's mechanical heart special effects. Astro Boy's heart not only provides him with endless energy but also has the power to pierce through the universe, soaring into the sky! In the end, he returns to his original intentions, using the energy from his own heart to sacrifice himself and protect everyone. I really hope that this place can be like Astro Boy, providing every student who comes here with the ability and spiritual recharging. Recognizing one's original intentions and adhering to the path of pursuing dreams can not only equip oneself for great achievements but also lead to international success. Moreover, it will empower individuals to fulfill their missions, give back to society with their abilities, and share experiences and capabilities with less privileged or younger peers. Let's build a community that helps each other, working together to overcome challenges.
May the Lord bless each student here to uphold this belief, living authentically. Through the expertise in animation, gaming, and filmmaking, may they contribute to the growth of others and society. Enjoy the pleasure of creation, gain wisdom for further growth, and become even more outstanding creators.
Tang Yat Shing, Sunny
December 21, 2023
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