GanzChroma 0031
You will absolutely NOT get a job at a AAA VFX Studio!
You know, getting a job in the VFX industry can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. Everyone says it's super tough to land a gig at a top-tier studio, especially if you're just starting out.
But hey, I've been around the block, taught over 200 students here in Vancouver for the past 13 years, and guess what? A whole bunch of them are now rocking it at big names like Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic, Framestore, Weta Digital, Scanline VFXMPCDigital Domain, Cinesite, DNEG etc. So, take that, naysayers!
Here's the deal: Recuriters and Artists are often busy telling everyone that if you're new, you should stick to smaller VFX studios and earn your way to the top. But let me tell you, that's as outdated as flip phones.
The real scoop is that a lot of jobs in this industry are for the mid to senior artist. And those smaller studios? They're often so tight on cash that they're more scared of hiring a newbie than a cat is of a cucumber. But the big studios? They're like the cool, rich uncle who's always ready to give you a shot, with internships and junior positions.
Now, if you're dreaming of doing some kick-ass compositing in a AAA studio, don't just sit there waiting for a Hogwarts acceptance letter. You've got to get out there and mingle with the right people. Connect with recruiters, slide into their LinkedIn DMs, and find out when they're looking to hire.
Most of these internship programs have a season, like summer - it's like knowing when your favorite food truck will be around.
The last class I taught? They didn't just break into the industry; they smashed through the door. We're talking about landing jobs at the big leagues like Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic & Framestore.
It's proof that all this talk about how hard it is to get into a AAA studio is just as real as a unicorn. So, go ahead, aim high and shoot for the stars - or in this case, the AAA studios. It's totally doable! And if you are not getting where you want to go, then seek out the right kind of experts.
A senior artist at a studio is not the right kind of expert for you. If you are having trouble finding a job and are really serious about it, you need to find instructors who have dedicated their lives to doing just that.
Like Miles Morales says, "There are people out there who can literally teach me the things I want to learn, but they aren't in Brooklyn."
This is an incredibly insightful line because it tells you that you need to embark on a journey to find these people to teach you and mentor you. And thankfully, the internet has bridged this gap. You can find these people if you look for them.
Working for a major VFX studio is like wanting to be wealthy. If you secretly despise wealth, it will elude you.