Introduction to working in the screen industries
What careers are available in the VFX industry
The screen industries
Film, Unscripted TV, High-end TV, Children’s TV, VFX, Animation, Games.
Research aim and purpose
The aim of this research is to understand what careers are available in the VFX industry and which two entry level and one non-entry level roles interest me the most. In this module I have read about the general introduction to film, TV, VFX, animation and game work as an example. Among others, I researched the following questions:
How to identify the right role in screen industry?
How to find a job in the screen industry?
How to apply for a job in the screen industry?
How to do well in a screen industry interview?
After a thorough study of the above, it seemed easier to find the three professions closest to me.
I chose the following three:
- Environment artist -entry level
- Modelling artist – entry level
- Compositing supervisor – non entry level
to be honest, it was not easy to choose three occupations, as these occupations are closely connected and have an influence on each other.
To create a photorealistic and pipeline-friendly model, it is needed to understand what other departments look for. Everything is connected and influences each other. (See VFX pipeline below). The asset must fit the brief and match the requirements.
There are many exciting jobs available for VFX careers (See VFX career map below).
It is difficult to choose one of these occupations. I believe that in order to make good production, creators need to understand every part of the creative process.
Let’s take a look at the works of the model artist and environment artist – entry level
Environment artist
An environmental artist must have a keen eye for landscape, cityscapes, urban planning, and geography, as these skills are used to create virtual worlds within a film or game. I studied interior design in the UK for 5 years and gained a lot of experience in this industry. I want to use this advantage as an environment artist in the virtual world.
Modeling artist
A 3D modelling artist is responsible for bringing characters and animations to life through a powerful artistic process.
As a 3D modeler, I will gladly create 3D characters as environments using my experience gained in interior design and architecture. Since this is closely related to the concept of art, I can fully use my creativity.
The environment and modeling artist should work closely with the concept artists. They are creative storytellers. I would also classify myself in this group. However, creativity is not enough for me these days, I need very strong technical skills in modeling and compositing to bring stories to life. It is important that the art project is functional within the possibilities offered by today’s 3D technology.
Art director as VFX artist level is my goal, which I would like to achieve in my career.
Compositing supervisor non- entry level
I am also interested in the work of composition supervisors. During my business career, I worked as an executive director, so I have no problem with managing people to ensure quality, and meeting deadlines. Compositing supervisor is in charge of the department that puts together all the different elements of the visual effects (VFX) shots. They manage the compositors, who do this work, and check for quality. This is a very responsible position. Compositing Supervisor is involved in the supervision and direction of the Compositing team on a given project. He serves as a mentor to the Composting department, with the goal of helping his team produce high-quality images. Of course, I know that to achieve this career goal, I need a lot of technical knowledge, which this VFX course will give me.
Environment and model artists should work closely with concept artists. They are creative storytellers. I would also classify myself in this group. However, creativity is not enough these days, I need very strong technical skills in modeling and compositing to bring stories to life. It is important that the art project is functional within the possibilities offered by today’s 3D technology. In terms of my development in design, learning and mastering VFX techniques is very important to me. It is also important to consider a developing industry in the design.
Is the 3D profession the “job of the future”?
This is a question that is often asked these days, and there are a few factors that can help find the answer. Today, more and more tasks can be programmed and performed automatically, so fewer people are needed to perform them. This is why it is so important to find an industry that will grow in the future.
What is the future of the 3D industry? It is certain that software and tools will continue to improve.
One of the latest 3D visualisation trends is real-time rendering. The final product will be a virtually finished film that can be easily changed to certain limits and no one has to wait for the render to create the final material in weeks. Building design is slowly turning completely virtual. It is no surprise that 3D technology is constantly bringing new possibilities.
For the future, it is necessary to keep up with the current trends and maintain a high level service, because the whole industry is very competitive. 3D Artist is therefore an interesting profession for me that gives the opportunity to change the world and develop innovative solutions.
Conclusion
The stoic mountains that frame the background of one of the scenes are the creation of an abandoned building discovered while searching for lost treasure.
Creating all the modular pieces that make up the world of a movie or game is an exciting and highly creative task.
Mapping different aspects of a game’s geography with real-world references is what appeals to me in an imagined world.
Today’s meeting with my tutor made me even more convinced that environmental artist is the right profession for me. This is where I can see myself the most.
Thank you to Christos S. (my tutor) for the support, patience and helpful guidance throughout my career research.