VFX EDITOR
A VFX editor is responsible for overseeing all the visual effects in a production, they must pay close attention to detail and scrutinise every shot in a film. They determine what exact effects will be used in a shot, as well as sounds in order to achieve realism. They liaise between the VFX studio and the live-action production team, two roles are possible: either ‘in-house’ or ‘client-side’.
A client-side editor works on set whilst the footage is being filmed, they ensure all footage is shot in way where the VFX artists can successfully work on it. They create drafts and notes, recoding any information needed to be given to the VFX studio.
An in-house editor works closely with client-side editors, however they must ensure that VFX artist in studio have everything they need. They create a workflow to allow the supervisor to easily asses the work produced by the artists. Depending on the clients opinion, the In-house VFX editor ensures they are happy with the aesthetic and current edit.
Requirements of a VFX editor:
–Attention to detail is crucial to ensure the work is to a sufficient standard, they must be able to notice the slightest of errors in any work
–Communication skills are necessary as they act as a liaison between the studio and on-set staff.
–Organisation skills are needed to allow a smooth progress of work, despite any changes that may occur in the project
–Editing ability is required as well as a good understanding of software and story-telling abilities
This role is a senior one, and a wealth of experience may be needed within the VFX production pipeline.
DATA INPUT/OUTPUT TECHNICIANS
Known as a I/O technician, they are responsible for the organisation, transferral and sorting of computer files. They manage the companies hard-drives and deal with high-quality large video files, ensuring that they are well organised and easily accessible. They have a solid understanding of digital camera formats, and can troubleshoot and solve and issues related to data storage. They follow company protocols and securely look after all files, and encrypt them when necessary.
Requirements of a I/O technician:
–Programming and coding skills are essential, they must have a good knowledge of C++ and python
–Technical skills, and the ability to operate computing systems successfully, particularly data sharing applications.
–Organisation is absolutely necessary, attention must be paid towards the data and file storage in order to maintain a working system
They work within a team of I/O technicians, and communicate with a variety of departments within the VFX pipeline.
CONCEPT ARTIST
Concept artists create the artwork that inspires the aesthetic and look of the production. They draw the characters as well as environments for the brief. Creating mood-boards and carrying out relevant research, they produce highly skilled artwork to help members of the pipeline envision the production. Both digital and hand-drawn methods are used, typically in 2D, although some may use 3D software to help create their images. Ensuring that they can convey a story or vision graphically. They tend to work freelance, however employment in a studio may happen.
Requirements of a concept artist:
–Skilled illustration and drawing abilities they must be able to design and create useful art, with a good understanding of colour, form and composition.
– Interpretation of source material is necessary, in order to create the correct aesthetic artwork.
–Understanding of software is needed to create the 2D digital art.
Concept artists tend to work with directors and production designers in order to create their vision, they work alongside lighting and modelling artist to create the 3D assets. These artists tend to come from a background in graphic design or illustration.
https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/what-is-concept-art
PRE-VISUALISATION ARTIST
A previs artist help to develop what the film will look like itself, focussing on visualising the scene before creating it. They use 3D animatics to roughly draw up what the scene may look like, they start from a 2D storyboard from the concept artist, then create drafts of different moving image sequences to decide the best visual shot for the production. They work on the composition, timing and scale of each frame and map out roughly where the characters would go.
Requirements of a pre-visualisation artist:
–Creativity is needed in order to take a 2D image into a 3D software, they must be able to tell a story through their work.
–Knowledge of 3D software is essential, a high level of skill in 3D animation and VFX software is needed to produce appropriate work.
–Cinematography skills ensure a pre-visualisation artist has a good eye for aesthetic composition, camera shots and movement.
–Organisation and communication skills are needed to ensure production schedules and budgets are stuck to, as well as working well with other VFX artists and members of the production team.
The work primarily with layout technical directors, as well as the director. They are multi-talented and use a variety of animating, compositing and editing skills to achieve drafts.
https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/pre-vis-animator