Docklands Media: And how did you get into teaching?
Ozgur Gorgun: While I was doing my masters degree in Film and TV Directing at the University of Hertfordshire, an opportunity arose for me to deliver a set of workshops to undergraduate students at a different university (University of Westminster). By that stage, I had quite a bit of real life experience in film production but zero experience in teaching. So I decided this would be a worthwhile challenge. That’s when I realised how much I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.
Docklands Media: You are also a Cinema 4D Master Trainer. Can you tell us what this title means and also a little more about the Maxon certification options for users and trainers?
Ozgur Gorgun: Sure. I have been teaching Cinema 4D for nearly 15 years. When Maxon recently went through a restructure in their training department, I was offered to be a Master Trainer. After a very very detailed and thorough skills evaluation processes, I was given the Master Trainer title. There are only a handful of us around the world and we are authorised to certify pro users, as well as trainers, who wish to offer Cinema 4D training to their clients.
Maxon offer two different certifications for Cinema 4D: The Pro User Certification and the Trainer Certification. The details for both of these can be found at https://www.maxon.net/en/certification
Both of these certifications are based on a very thorough and detailed test that lasts around 4 hours. The Pro User test requires a 90% proficiency in order to pass, whereas the Trainer Certification requires a 100%. The latter also includes a 2-hour teaching test to evaluate the trainers ability to teach.
I have also been an Adobe Certified Instructor for more than a decade and been certifying people in applications such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. I also hold a number of other certifications. I can easily say that the Cinema 4D certification is the best one to reflect a users ability as it’s a true representation of how much a user knows.
Docklands Media: Can you share a bit about your teaching philosophy and how you approach instructing your courses?
Ozgur Gorgun: My teaching philosophy revolves around practical, hands-on learning. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing, so I structure my courses to include plenty of real-world projects and exercises. I also focus on demystifying the software, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps. My goal is to empower students to confidently use Cinema 4D in their own projects.
Docklands Media: What are some of the common challenges your students face, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
Ozgur Gorgun: One common challenge students face is the initial overwhelm with the vast array of tools and features in Cinema 4D. To address this, I start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced topics. I also encourage students to ask questions and engage in discussions, creating a collaborative learning environment. Providing clear, step-by-step tutorials and offering personalised feedback helps students build their confidence and skills.
Docklands Media: What do you enjoy most about teaching Cinema 4D at Docklands Media?
Ozgur Gorgun: Teaching at Docklands Media is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy seeing the progress of my students and their excitement when they master new techniques. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to share my passion for Cinema 4D with others make it a rewarding experience. It’s gratifying to know that I’m helping to shape the next generation of 3D artists.
Docklands Media: How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and features in Cinema 4D?
Ozgur Gorgun: Staying updated with the latest trends and features is crucial in this rapidly evolving field. I regularly attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars. I also participate in online forums and communities where I can exchange knowledge with other professionals. We also have a confidential platform where we test the beta versions of C4D before public release and exchange valuable information with Maxon. Keeping an eye on updates from Maxon and experimenting with new features in personal projects helps me stay ahead of the curve.
Docklands Media: What do you find most inspiring about working with Cinema 4D?
Ozgur Gorgun: The most inspiring aspect of working with Cinema 4D is its versatility. Whether you’re creating detailed 3D models, complex animations, or stunning visual effects, Cinema 4D has the tools to make it happen. Additionally, the community around Cinema 4D is incredibly supportive and innovative, constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with the software.