How to Kickstart a Career in VFX
This article originally appeared in LBB, September 23, 2024.
At the cutting edge of filmmaking, visual effects blends creativity and technology. No wonder VFX careers are so enticing for digital natives who have grown up with powerful, open-source tools at their fingertips.
But what is VFX? It’s the art of creating or altering imagery, building characters, environments or dramatic effects and integrating them with live action footage, and is a core part of the modern filmmaking process. Careers in VFX can range from a visual effects artist or a VFX producer to a visual effects supervisor. And while many aspiring artists dream of finding VFX jobs in the world of movies and TV, there’s also a rich and vibrant world of advertising VFX. While some companies span both worlds, there are also plenty of specialist boutiques that focus almost entirely on advertising.
If you’re dreaming of a VFX career but haven’t quite managed to get your first rung on the ladder, it can be tricky to figure out that first step. And once you do snag a job, how do you impress and progress?
We’ve spoken to industry experts from across the world to find out what advice they have for ambitious newbies looking to work visual effects magic.
“Gobble Up Unexpected Opportunities!” Rune Månsson, Creative, Preymaker