Since its inception, cinema has been characterized by the use of special effects in order to give realism, generate amazement in the viewer and reduce the costs of representing a scene. Visual effects or VFX are the name by which we refer to an entire sector, of which the composition is a part. Specifically, the part that goes to the end of everything, when the other departments have done their work, and it’s time to put together all the computer-generated parts, with the shot shot on set, or whatever the requirements may be.
Given the great demand in the use of VFX, which today is focused on creation through editing programs, creators are forced to be aware of the latest updates and renew their learning to meet the contemporary requirements of the producers. Within how extensive the world of VFX can be, there is a range of Professional Jobs, among which we highlight the following:
Visual Effects Artist
The main foundation of contemporary visual effects artists is the use of software to create animations and special effects. They work in movies, TV shows, and/or video games. It is a task that requires many hours of work, so the schedules may vary according to the project. Visual effects artists work in an office environment, but may also work on film sets, and may travel frequently. They work closely with the engineering and design teams. It’s a career well suited to those with a knack for visual design, familiar with the world of animation software, art, color theory, visual design, and compositing.
Its main function, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, is to develop scenes that due to their particularities cannot be created in reality.
VFX Compositor (Visual Effects Compositor)
Digital composition, or visual effects composition, is the process of manipulating and combining elements through digital techniques to create a single image, which works as a homogeneous piece and conforms to the artistic vision of the director. The priority is to achieve a hyper-realistic result, which ‘fools the eye’, in order to create a story without distinguishing that there are elements outside of physical reality.
To achieve this, the techniques range from the deletion of elements, the extraction of chromas (green backgrounds) or the extension of environments, to the integration of any type of digital element (from a character, atmospheric elements, particles or any piece unimaginable). These techniques require the development of artistic skills, study of the behavior of light, knowledge of photography, among others.
The average annual salary for visual effects artists, as categorized by the Office of US Labor Statistics as multimedia artists and animators, is $70,000. The lowest 10% of visual effects artists make less than $39,000; the top 10% earn more than $123,000. This profession is expected to grow by 8% in the next 10 years. As the demand for video games, movies and TV series increases, there will also be a growing demand for visual effects artists.
On-Set Supervisor (Visual Effects Supervisor)
The visual effects supervisor directs and reviews the production of all optical illusions made using digital technologies. Thanks to his imagination and creativity, he manages to create all kinds of effects or illusions required for the audiovisual product. Your profile must be that of a professional with managerial skills and technical knowledge, since you direct and coordinate all activities related to the creation of digital effects.
He has under his command the technicians and creatives in the construction of both the set and the models and miniatures necessary for the creation of the effects.
Choose cameras and lenses to make recordings that lend themselves to treatment by computer and the introduction of digital effects; is present and helps in directing and filming sequences in which digital effects appear.
Transmits to the artists and programmers the necessary ideas for the creation of digital effects that will give character to the final product and reviews the production of the digital effects.
It also controls the process of transformation and creation of all the effects that will be included in the end in one way or another: from completely digital scenes or made from models to visual effects that simply aim to reinforce sensations with small touches of color.
- Directs the person responsible for computer graphics resolutions.
Supervises the work of professionals involved in the creation of digital, virtual or visual effects. - Supervises editing and editing of sequences that feature digital effects.
- Together with the director of photography, defines how the visual effects should be mounted on the product.
Coordinates with the director of sound effects to integrate the effects visuals with those of sound in the audiovisual product.
VFX Editor (Visual Effects Editor)
Visual effects editors are the link between the film or television production team, which records the live action images, and the visual effects studio that will produce the live action. A visual effects editor may be employed by a studio or directly by a film or television production company. The role varies depending on whether they are internal (employed by the studio) or client-side (employed by the film or television production company).
Client-side VFX editors work on set, while recording live. They verify that everything is captured in a way that enables visual effects to be created and integrated effectively. They keep track of director’s notes and make sure the editor employed by the visual effects studio is aware of changes that will affect how the effects should be created. The client-side editor assembles the rough shots so the director can see how they will look with the built-in effects and will ensure that all the images come together to create a cut that is in accordance with what was signed in preview.
In short, the profession of VFX combines the creative and design side with a more technical side and mastery of digital tools.
VFX Producer
The VFX producer manages the entire process of creating visual effects. He makes sure that the client, usually the producer or director of the film or television series, is satisfied with the work that the creative studio is doing. The visual effects producer will develop the offer or document, through which he must convince the producer of the film or television series so that his visual effects studio is in charge of this task within the project. The VFX producer will meet with the art department and other technical staff, to establish work schedules and manage the budget.
While filming takes place, the visual effects producer will work closely with the production team; he will also do it with the editor, in post-production. The frequency with which this customer interaction will occur will vary depending on how ambitious the project is. Meetings with the team may be weekly or even daily.