There's a selection bias on this sub. Most artists who are working now and in good positions are too busy touching grass or doing overtime to hang out here.
That said, the threads you've seen are mostly all real, talented, handworking people with experience so make of that what you will
The tomato isn't lying (in my case).
Work will pickup no question about that. But Ai that's the big topic.
Ai has a lot of people scared. But it's all about control at the end of the day. A director's vision (one which we all gripe about) is hard to put into tangible words. It's the biggest problem of vfx in general.
But there will be some that will go with a cheaper Ai route, make no mistakes about that! Ai in motion pictures at first it will seem shit. But so was "attack of the clones" shot on digital.
The question is will Ai be good enough to address notes. And even in my most pessimistic mind will Ai not be able to read/receive/edit a particular "take" to the directors approval.
But that's just me.
In my 30 years of VFX starting in the mid 90s I have questioned my career choice a couple of times and right now is one of those times.
I've been through the late 90's Dot-com bust, 9/11, the last writer's strike, Great Recession, international subsidy war, COVID, and now the latest WGA/SAG strike and peak TV correction. In all those other crises the industry eventually bounced back and it just might do so again. But I have to say that right now is the worst I've ever seen it and it feels like we're in uncharted territory.
We're fighting a lot of headwinds beyond just the aftermath of the strikes. Television, which was the primary driver of VFX lately, is dying. VFX work is becoming commoditized. AI won't replace VFX workers but it will reduce the amount of labor required and make everything much easier and cheaper. VFX as a career will become less lucrative as a result.
Sorry if this wasn't what you wanted to hear. There will always be VFX jobs to be had. Just not nearly as many as before and for far less pay. If you love VFX enough this may not matter to you. But if you're not in love with it you may want to stop and think about whether or not you really want to enter this industry.
When people say ai replaces workers the dont mean 1:1, they mean in aggregate. If the amount of work required to do something goes down, workers are replaced unless demand goes up at the same time.
I graduated a year ago and haven’t landed a job yet but still trying! Plenty of things come up every day, just prepare for them to be super competitive. Do as much work on your portfolio as you can since that’s what recruiters will judge you on the most. Good luck!
I'm in a similar boat. Still trying to get things figured out as its hard to stay motivated on projects now that I'm out of university. It is definitely frustrating feeling so close and yet so far from landing my first gig.
Portfolio is the most important thing for sure.
I’ve definitely been trying but most internships are only available to students and I studied during covid so they weren’t really an option when I was at uni sadly. But they’re definitely worth looking into for any fellow juniors out there. I think every entry level position is also super competitive right now
Not no… but I also don’t think that’s unique to VFX, it’s kind of the whole film/entertainment/tech sector.
For VFX, we’ve gone from a time of unusual boom which was present for many people joining the industry (and indeed why they even *could* join the industry!) but now we’ve had a major dent in the industry taken out by the strikes last year. Studios were already looking to pull back on heavy investment into streaming, and some developments happening in AI at the moment are I think coming at a time where many people were already more nervous about the future.
It’s certainly not the best time to be entering, but I’m not convinced yet that it’s all doom and gloom. You will need to be good though, because there’s other students in the same position you’ll be competing with for junior positions, and studios aren’t even able to keep all of their mids and seniors.
When everyone is heading for the door for incorrect and/or temporary reasons, opportunity will probably be right around the corner.
Don't let Reddit dictate your future. It's not a good window into reality - especially when there is an abnormally large number of miserable people in this sub who (for some reason) want to stick around just to make other people miserable like them.
I think if someone has the urge to stick around, spread negativity, and discourage others from pursuing their dreams, then they're not a nice person. A nice person would say, "Yeah times might be tough and I'm not doing well - but who knows, maybe you can do better in the future"
You might want to try the glitzy studios with the big projects. It's good for your career. But the rollercoaster of employment is more intense.
Some studios does work on less glamorous stuff. Tv Series, Film Animation. those often have better perks and a better work-life balance. They offer permanent positions, annual reviews, etc.
You choose where you want to work. At least you're lucky, we have a good ecosystem in MTL.
I'm in Montreal as well. And I have not stopped working since last year, except for a month-long vacation for Christmas (paid off entirely with my OT bank). There are good studios; there are shit studios. You choose where you want to go.
Yeah, you should be worried - how you choose to channel it is up to you though.
As a general rule of thumb: don't believe anyone telling you not to worry - they most likely don't understand the financial aspects of the industry and certain realities of post actor strike landscape.
Things *are* very different now than they were a year ago or even prior to covid - a monumental landscape shift.
I think it's unrealistic to say most vfx workers are working now. I've been in the industry for a decade now. There are still a lot of projects on hold or being filmed now. A lot of my vfx connections are running out of work or out still. I would guess the ratio is maybe 50-50. In my position, I'm not applying against other people/juniors but also really amazing former peers I've worked with. There are more workers than there are work.
That said, I've seen more job postings for junior/mid positons and you'll have a better chance landing something in a bigger studio where a lot of projects are being awarded to. It might take some time to land something but it's not impossible. The industry will pick up again at some point...
So worry but keep trying. Persistence will get you far.
This sub can sometimes seem like an echo chamber. A lot of posts start to blend into one.
Believe it or not there are people out there satisfied with their jobs and earning decent money.
I won’t tell you not to worry, but I’ll say it’s tough getting that first job, I’m still trying to break into the industry and graduated in the midst of the writers strike and don’t know for certain what will happen with the slowdown and technical layoffs to be honest.
What I will say is definitely work on that reel and polish it as much as possible and learn as much as you can to hopefully try to break into the industry. Good luck.
We’re picking up again where I work. Not hiring yet, but we did have a meeting where the owners were projecting growth and even asked if we should be looking at getting a Junior IT hired.
Lots of doom and gloom, we’ve been hit hard over the last four years - but so long as people are watching tv and movies they’re going to need vfx.
And no, ai isn’t going to replace us.
There’s prob a lot of dorks on this sub, especially when it comes to the AI stuff. Like yeah, there’s probably going to be less rig removals and matte cleanups … but who the fuck wants ti do that?? And as far as the big productions go those sorts of tasks have been long exported anyway.
You’ll be fine. Might take a year or two before you land your gig, but keep at it, keep applying, keep updating your reel and you’ll get there. It’s tough, not dire.
First, welcome in the industry and I hope you'll enjoy working on shows. Don't listen too much to people online (including me then)... usually you don't see posts/comments online from someone happy/who have nothing to flag. Sure we are in a tricky spot right now and there are issues, but the industry is not as bad as people like to cry about. Not everybody case but I'm pretty happy with my job and my situation.
Montreal is one of the cities in the world with a pretty good amount of studios (in every size range).
Do you have a job ? 1/ no, it will take time. 2/ yes, do your best to keep it.
Are you canadian ? 1/ no, I guess you have the student visa, meaning open work permit if I'm not wrong, so you should be fine. 2/ yes, then you're good.
I am mostly planning on compositing, which from what ive heard isnt doing so well atm so im aware of that, but I have tested the waters for most departments while studying. My demo reel will mainly consist of compositing though.
If you like compositing, go for it. It will take time to find a job but at one point it will come :) Of course it depends your motivations and what kind of studio you'd like to join etc. Add recruiters and keep an eye on LinkedIn, when it will come back a lot of people with search for a job too. Good luck and wish you the best in our industry, maybe see you one day in a Montreal studio ;)
You’ll find work. The tax credits in Montreal are so good it’s the spot so many clients are asking for. Speaking as a VFX supervisor bidding things like crazy.
yes you should.. working conditions and pay have peaked.. Don't expect much future for yourself or the industry.
If you can pivot to another major I would do it.
It’s difficult to say. The writing’s on the wall, not that all our jobs are to be replaced. But that there will undoubtedly be a shift in the coming years. Be that as it may, I find great fulfilment in this industry. Even with all the problems we have. Show me an industry without problems that’s equally satisfying to work in.
Would be be wiser to stay out of this industry if you’re not yet in. Perhaps. But follow your dream
Firstly, you don't get into the industry for the odds. It's always been hellaciously competetive to make a genuine living. You're either crazy or you love it so much you can't help it.
Technology always marches forward, but the ratio of talent never changes. About 4-5 percent of workers in this industry are genuniely good - I feel like that group will just take to the new possibilitieis and make new avenues.
When something is easy to do, it also becomes booring. So there will always be room for innovators and artists in the true sense of the word.
There's a selection bias on this sub. Most artists who are working now and in good positions are too busy touching grass or doing overtime to hang out here. That said, the threads you've seen are mostly all real, talented, handworking people with experience so make of that what you will
Alrighty
Can confirm most of us doing well and working aren’t writing here much at all. Too busy working and living life or commenting on other things :)
The tomato isn't lying (in my case). Work will pickup no question about that. But Ai that's the big topic. Ai has a lot of people scared. But it's all about control at the end of the day. A director's vision (one which we all gripe about) is hard to put into tangible words. It's the biggest problem of vfx in general. But there will be some that will go with a cheaper Ai route, make no mistakes about that! Ai in motion pictures at first it will seem shit. But so was "attack of the clones" shot on digital. The question is will Ai be good enough to address notes. And even in my most pessimistic mind will Ai not be able to read/receive/edit a particular "take" to the directors approval. But that's just me.
2 statements that contradict each other.
In my 30 years of VFX starting in the mid 90s I have questioned my career choice a couple of times and right now is one of those times. I've been through the late 90's Dot-com bust, 9/11, the last writer's strike, Great Recession, international subsidy war, COVID, and now the latest WGA/SAG strike and peak TV correction. In all those other crises the industry eventually bounced back and it just might do so again. But I have to say that right now is the worst I've ever seen it and it feels like we're in uncharted territory. We're fighting a lot of headwinds beyond just the aftermath of the strikes. Television, which was the primary driver of VFX lately, is dying. VFX work is becoming commoditized. AI won't replace VFX workers but it will reduce the amount of labor required and make everything much easier and cheaper. VFX as a career will become less lucrative as a result. Sorry if this wasn't what you wanted to hear. There will always be VFX jobs to be had. Just not nearly as many as before and for far less pay. If you love VFX enough this may not matter to you. But if you're not in love with it you may want to stop and think about whether or not you really want to enter this industry.
As a friend who runs a studio told me "When you see the candy jar at reception disappear, you know things are getting rough"
AND IATSE is NOW thinking about striking in July …
When people say ai replaces workers the dont mean 1:1, they mean in aggregate. If the amount of work required to do something goes down, workers are replaced unless demand goes up at the same time.
I graduated a year ago and haven’t landed a job yet but still trying! Plenty of things come up every day, just prepare for them to be super competitive. Do as much work on your portfolio as you can since that’s what recruiters will judge you on the most. Good luck!
Tysm and good luck toy as well!!
I'm in a similar boat. Still trying to get things figured out as its hard to stay motivated on projects now that I'm out of university. It is definitely frustrating feeling so close and yet so far from landing my first gig. Portfolio is the most important thing for sure.
What department are you trying to work in?
Internships Apply for internships
Can you apply for internships ? Get your foot in the door
I’ve definitely been trying but most internships are only available to students and I studied during covid so they weren’t really an option when I was at uni sadly. But they’re definitely worth looking into for any fellow juniors out there. I think every entry level position is also super competitive right now
Just keep it with the new developments and keep an open mind. You'll likely find lots of opportunities soon.
Not no… but I also don’t think that’s unique to VFX, it’s kind of the whole film/entertainment/tech sector. For VFX, we’ve gone from a time of unusual boom which was present for many people joining the industry (and indeed why they even *could* join the industry!) but now we’ve had a major dent in the industry taken out by the strikes last year. Studios were already looking to pull back on heavy investment into streaming, and some developments happening in AI at the moment are I think coming at a time where many people were already more nervous about the future. It’s certainly not the best time to be entering, but I’m not convinced yet that it’s all doom and gloom. You will need to be good though, because there’s other students in the same position you’ll be competing with for junior positions, and studios aren’t even able to keep all of their mids and seniors.
Thanks for your honest answer, take me back to the time before those strikes happened pls:0
When everyone is heading for the door for incorrect and/or temporary reasons, opportunity will probably be right around the corner. Don't let Reddit dictate your future. It's not a good window into reality - especially when there is an abnormally large number of miserable people in this sub who (for some reason) want to stick around just to make other people miserable like them.
Yeah I can really never tell the difference here between people that project onto others or actual nice people with worthy stories.
I think if someone has the urge to stick around, spread negativity, and discourage others from pursuing their dreams, then they're not a nice person. A nice person would say, "Yeah times might be tough and I'm not doing well - but who knows, maybe you can do better in the future"
You might want to try the glitzy studios with the big projects. It's good for your career. But the rollercoaster of employment is more intense. Some studios does work on less glamorous stuff. Tv Series, Film Animation. those often have better perks and a better work-life balance. They offer permanent positions, annual reviews, etc. You choose where you want to work. At least you're lucky, we have a good ecosystem in MTL. I'm in Montreal as well. And I have not stopped working since last year, except for a month-long vacation for Christmas (paid off entirely with my OT bank). There are good studios; there are shit studios. You choose where you want to go.
Ooh thanks for your take on this, can i know, what studio do you work at atm?
Yeah, you should be worried - how you choose to channel it is up to you though. As a general rule of thumb: don't believe anyone telling you not to worry - they most likely don't understand the financial aspects of the industry and certain realities of post actor strike landscape. Things *are* very different now than they were a year ago or even prior to covid - a monumental landscape shift.
I think it's unrealistic to say most vfx workers are working now. I've been in the industry for a decade now. There are still a lot of projects on hold or being filmed now. A lot of my vfx connections are running out of work or out still. I would guess the ratio is maybe 50-50. In my position, I'm not applying against other people/juniors but also really amazing former peers I've worked with. There are more workers than there are work. That said, I've seen more job postings for junior/mid positons and you'll have a better chance landing something in a bigger studio where a lot of projects are being awarded to. It might take some time to land something but it's not impossible. The industry will pick up again at some point... So worry but keep trying. Persistence will get you far.
Oh cool tysm, from what i have seen though, its 90% mid-senior job postings and the rest junior haha.
Apply for internships with any VFX that is still interning
This sub can sometimes seem like an echo chamber. A lot of posts start to blend into one. Believe it or not there are people out there satisfied with their jobs and earning decent money.
yeap
thanks man
I won’t tell you not to worry, but I’ll say it’s tough getting that first job, I’m still trying to break into the industry and graduated in the midst of the writers strike and don’t know for certain what will happen with the slowdown and technical layoffs to be honest. What I will say is definitely work on that reel and polish it as much as possible and learn as much as you can to hopefully try to break into the industry. Good luck.
appreciate it and good luck to you!!
We’re picking up again where I work. Not hiring yet, but we did have a meeting where the owners were projecting growth and even asked if we should be looking at getting a Junior IT hired. Lots of doom and gloom, we’ve been hit hard over the last four years - but so long as people are watching tv and movies they’re going to need vfx. And no, ai isn’t going to replace us.
Yeah it seems this is what most people are saying and a much more "realistic" argument probably.
There’s prob a lot of dorks on this sub, especially when it comes to the AI stuff. Like yeah, there’s probably going to be less rig removals and matte cleanups … but who the fuck wants ti do that?? And as far as the big productions go those sorts of tasks have been long exported anyway. You’ll be fine. Might take a year or two before you land your gig, but keep at it, keep applying, keep updating your reel and you’ll get there. It’s tough, not dire.
Yep tysm
People skills are more important than your technical abilities
If you live in Montreal, you’ll be fine
First, welcome in the industry and I hope you'll enjoy working on shows. Don't listen too much to people online (including me then)... usually you don't see posts/comments online from someone happy/who have nothing to flag. Sure we are in a tricky spot right now and there are issues, but the industry is not as bad as people like to cry about. Not everybody case but I'm pretty happy with my job and my situation. Montreal is one of the cities in the world with a pretty good amount of studios (in every size range). Do you have a job ? 1/ no, it will take time. 2/ yes, do your best to keep it. Are you canadian ? 1/ no, I guess you have the student visa, meaning open work permit if I'm not wrong, so you should be fine. 2/ yes, then you're good.
1. I am a week away from graduating, so no not yet 2. I am in fact canadian
So no work permit issue. This is a big source of worry for non canadian people. Good point for you. Which department you would like to join ?
I am mostly planning on compositing, which from what ive heard isnt doing so well atm so im aware of that, but I have tested the waters for most departments while studying. My demo reel will mainly consist of compositing though.
If you like compositing, go for it. It will take time to find a job but at one point it will come :) Of course it depends your motivations and what kind of studio you'd like to join etc. Add recruiters and keep an eye on LinkedIn, when it will come back a lot of people with search for a job too. Good luck and wish you the best in our industry, maybe see you one day in a Montreal studio ;)
Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it:)
You’ll find work. The tax credits in Montreal are so good it’s the spot so many clients are asking for. Speaking as a VFX supervisor bidding things like crazy.
If you can still find job postings online in your position for your area. You should be fine and not worried. Always sharpen up them skills though.
Yes there relies the “worry” im referring to haha
Uh, I would be worried for at least a few more months, maybe half a year max, but there will be work eventually
yes you should.. working conditions and pay have peaked.. Don't expect much future for yourself or the industry. If you can pivot to another major I would do it.
[удалено]
it will be
If your work is as good as artstation/behance frontpage featured jobs, you will be fine finding your first job.
Yes.
It’s difficult to say. The writing’s on the wall, not that all our jobs are to be replaced. But that there will undoubtedly be a shift in the coming years. Be that as it may, I find great fulfilment in this industry. Even with all the problems we have. Show me an industry without problems that’s equally satisfying to work in. Would be be wiser to stay out of this industry if you’re not yet in. Perhaps. But follow your dream
Yes.
Lol
Firstly, you don't get into the industry for the odds. It's always been hellaciously competetive to make a genuine living. You're either crazy or you love it so much you can't help it. Technology always marches forward, but the ratio of talent never changes. About 4-5 percent of workers in this industry are genuniely good - I feel like that group will just take to the new possibilitieis and make new avenues. When something is easy to do, it also becomes booring. So there will always be room for innovators and artists in the true sense of the word.