How to get a job in visual effects is a common question among people considering serious careers in the field. Visual Effects, commonly referred to as F/X refers to the combination of computer-generated imagery with live-action footage to create realistic scenes that are impossible or too expensive to produce in real life. Computer-generated imagery is commonly used in big-budget movies although its use is no longer limited to such films since animation and compositing software is now within reach of even amateur filmmakers.
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Educational Foundation
Like in any other field, educational foundation can provide that all-important push towards career success. For a job in visual effects, students can consider an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Manual or Computer Animation, or Still and Cinematography; as well as online degree or diploma courses in Animation and Visual Effects, Computer Illustration, Computer Graphic Artist, Commercial Art, and Visual Effects, Proficiency courses in computer software and programming utilized in the entertainment industry such as Adobe Dreamweaver, CS4 and others should also form part of learning.
Part of educating one’s self is reading up on all available information relevant to the desired career including specializations and the careers of successful visual effect specialist. The preparation of an impressive portfolio and resume is a requirement to be seriously considered for a job position in this field. Any academic endeavor is best supported by hands-on experience which can be obtained from internship programs with the help of the school.
Job Opportunities
Graduates of Visual Effects degrees can look forward to employment opportunities as visual effects artist, texture artist, or lighting artists. Visual effects artists create the required visual elements for live action or animation movies, video games, and audio-visual productions such as a TV commercial. Texture artists are tasked to improve the overall look of the visual elements through the application of textures, colors, and other surface attributes for 3D models utilized in production. Lighting artists create lighting rigs and is in charge of designing how light sources fall on a scene’s visual element.
Visual effects specialists derive their main satisfaction from being part of a major project that is often seen worldwide as in the case of high-budget films. They are however under constant pressure from deadlines until a project is finished. The highest paying employers of people working on visual effects remain to be the film industry.
Getting a Job in Visual Effects
The first thing to do when looking for a job in the visual effects field is to prepare the portfolio and credentials. Since additional experience serves an advantage, applicants can take in short duration jobs by assisting in theatre groups or local film and television studios just to have an idea of what to expect in the entertainment industry. Applicants should work on building a network of contacts which can be a rich source of employment opportunities.
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In lieu of portfolio, applicants can present a demo reel which can showcase his skills and creativity in the field. Nothing can convince prospective employers more than seeing what the applicant has to offer. When trying to get as many work experience as possible, it is best not to limit one’s self to a specific area but to aspire to work on different areas to gain a broader knowledge. These hard-earned experiences will boost confidence of applicants in their ability to answer to the requirements of employers. Membership in an organization in visual effects takes job-seekers closer to opportunities. That is how to get a job in visual effects.
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