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Understanding the Visual Effects Service Industry
Visual effects (VFX) have always been a service industry, and understanding this is crucial for anyone aspiring to join the field. Initially, when movies began incorporating special effects, they evolved into what we now know as digital effects or VFX.
The reason for the significant rise in VFX over recent years is the growing desire to tell stories that were previously impossible to portray. Advances in computer graphics have enabled filmmakers to create fantastical worlds, incredible creatures, and epic battles that were once unimaginable.
Consider the epic battles in "The Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit." When Tolkien wrote these stories, he couldn't have envisioned the massive CG armies and intricate environments that modern VFX can create. This is where VFX studios come in, offering their services to bring these impossible images to life. Essentially, VFX is about providing a service to filmmakers, helping them tell their stories by creating the visual elements they need.
When working at a VFX studio, you're not making an entire movie but rather individual shots. For example, a film like "Batman v Superman" might have 2,000 VFX shots. After the initial footage is shot, these shots are divided among various VFX companies through a bidding process. One company might handle a specific sequence, another the green screen work, and another the rotoscoping.
In this segmented workflow, your work is a small part of a much larger process. For instance, you might work on a 4-6 second shot that is out of sequence. This means you need to deliver your work according to specific guidelines and standards set by the studio. A good VFX school will teach you how to meet these standards, ensuring your work integrates seamlessly into the broader project.
Understanding studio requirements is crucial. For example, if you work in matte painting and collapse your Photoshop layers incorrectly, the compositors who assemble the final shots might struggle to isolate elements or adjust black levels. If you don't adhere to standards like working with overscan, you could cause delays and additional work for others.
Most studios have well-defined protocols for delivering work, and learning to work within these standards is vital. Schools prepare you to handle these requirements, teaching you the importance of consistency and collaboration. When artists work independently, they often develop personal workflows, but in a studio, standardized processes are essential for efficiency and cohesion.
Understanding that VFX is a service industry and learning to work within its standards will significantly enhance your ability to thrive in this field.