
Visual Effects (VFX) is the art of enhancing the real world by making images and sequences on computers that can’t be filmed in real life (dinosaurs) or is safer and less expensive to do digitally.
The VFX department is the logistical and creative link between physical production and post production whereby images captured on set are manipulated by Visual Effects artists.
Responsible for combining computer-generated sequence with live-action footage to create scenes that can’t be filmed in real life.
Jobs
Legend:

Entry Level

In-demand

Entry Level & In-demand
What kind of jobs are available?
Skills
What people who work in this department or discipline usually bring to the work:
Knowledge
- Proficiency and technical knowledge with a range of software, whether working in an artistic or technical/programming role.
- For artists, a trained eye and strong sense of light, colour and physics is essential.
- Familiarity with live-action film production and post production processes is helpful.
- Most artist and technical hires have post-secondary education.
- Production management-type roles can be learned on the job.
Experience
- As with animation, people who work in visual effects demonstrate their work experience through an online portfolio that shows one’s talent, creativity and a range of styles through work on a range of projects.
- Some visual effects positions are based on set, therefore on set working experience is required.
Many job roles in the motion picture industry are represented by a union or guild.
If you see a logo below, the role may be covered by a union or guild. Please consult those organizations to understand the requirements (such as certification, licensing or work experience) to join as a member.