Visual Effects

Department Function 

Handles the producing and execution of all CG and 2D work during post production.

Working in this Department

The Visual Effects department casts a vast net over many different disciplines, from Supervisor to VFX artist, as well as engineering and IT support. Most of the talent are trained and skilled specifically in one facet of the full pipeline.

Knowledge

Specific knowledge is dependent on discipline. For example, animators may work in Maya or MotionBuilder. FX artists have an array of software to choose from; Houdini to Flame. Comp artists typically use Nuke. There are also several options for lighting and rendering; Arnold, Redshift, VRay, etc. Supervisors and artists alike use programs such as Shotgrid to track and review their work. Pipeline developers must be familiar with a host of software development tools such as Python and Javascript. It is also helpful for them to have familiarity with all of the software packages utilized by the various departments in the studio. Production relies on Excel and industry specific tools such as FilemakerPro, Shotgrid (aka Shotgun), as well as being conversant in file transfer utilities like FTPs, Aspera, FrameIO. Additionally, familiarity with programs which facilitate remote review sessions such as Cinesync or SyncSketh is important. Regardless of the department/discipline; artists must possess the ability to manage workflow, communicate to those above and below them; and to meet deadlines.

Job Roles

VFX companies hire both full time employees and contracted freelancers, depending on the needs of a given project:

Office Production Assistant (Entry Level)

Visual Effects Editor

CG Generalist

Modeler

Rigger

Animator

Lighting Technician

Compositor

Motion Graphics Artist

Engineer / IT Technician

VFX Coordinator

On-Set VFX Supervisor

VFX Producer

VFX Supervisor

Executive Producer

Head of Production

Experience

Artist teams are typically built around a mix of junior (0-2 years experience), mid-level (2-5 years experience), and senior artists (5+ years) within their specific skillset (Animator, modeler, compositer etc). Leads and Supervisors typically have 8+ years. These years can be clocked on TV series or films. Work in commercials or music videos is also considered. On the production management side, the most junior position is a Production Assistant (or PA); then VFX/Production Coordinator; Production Manager; Associate Producer; then Line Producer or Producer.  Executive Producer and Head of Production roles typically require over 10 years of experience in producing/supervising roles.

Union or Non Union

Visual Effects artist positions are all NON-UNION packaged under the umbrella of the hiring studios (the vendors). However, recently some vendors have seen efforts to unionize.  An on-set VFX Supervisor hired as part of the production crew is an IATSE 891 position.