What Pipeline TDs and Engineers Need to Know About Visual Effects Studios…
The visual effects industry is an amazing field to be a part of. It not only combines both art and technology, but it also constantly innovates.
As VFX technology comes of age and innovations abound, studios are increasingly looking for talent that goes beyond technical know-how.
While consulting boutique VFX studios in New York, I have been keenly involved in the hiring process and essentially taking on many hats from networking to software to even building up a studio technology from scratch.
I’ve also worked in one of the top studios in NYC where I was a lead pipeline TD working on a unified global pipeline. This gave me a very wide perspective of what is needed for technology in both small and large studios, as well as building a global team to achieve this task.
Over the years I’ve realized that aspiring VFX professionals could do with a little guidance around the desirable qualities VFX studios look for.
I have shortlisted a few pointers you might find useful.
Passion for Your Craft
You can do your job if you have the necessary technical skill, but you can create magic only if you live, breathe and dream filmmaking, storytelling and technology.
Each film that we work on is a close collaboration between incredible artists and engineers in the company.
For me personally I think it’s a combination of art, technology, and innovation that makes it great to be a part of this industry. Everyone who is in this industry is compelled to make art better, and I think technology is crucial to help tell better stories.
Problem Solving Skills
A VFX Pipeline is not a product and it’s not a technology; it’s a workflow or ongoing process that facilitates the easy exchange of data between technologies and departments.
A pipeline helps with establishing a common workflow and is a major source of efficiency in the studio. But, it requires ongoing development and eventually ends up containing millions of lines of often proprietary code that has taken many man years to complete.
To excel in the VFX industry, a pipeline engineer needs to be a good problem solver with strong math and computer skills combined with a flair for the arts.
Pipeline development is a complex and never finished process. Talented technologists work relentlessly coding tools and APIs to make the lives of artists and TDs easier.
Gradually these processes become the standard in the studio and can be reused and improved rather than starting from scratch on each new project.
Work in a Silo?
If collaboration and teamwork are not your strengths, or if you are looking to be the sole contender for the proverbial limelight, it’s going to be hard to survive, let alone succeed in the VFX landscape.
Visual effects is essentially a team sport.
Ability to Effectually Communicate With Production and Artists
If there’s one thing I have learned from working at global studios such as Method Studios, and now ILM, it’s that you have to be humble and willing to see yourself as part of the larger picture.
A visual effects pipeline is only one component of a large number of stakeholders in a project. What you do, and how you do it, affects the entire workflow and there’s really no other way to produce brilliant work than by constant collaboration with the production team.
Technical Know-How — Tools and Applications
While I don’t insist on prospective TDs having a gamut of skills they haven’t necessarily championed, the following skills do count.
- Familiarity with Linux
- Knowledge of Python
- Knowledge of creative Apps (Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Mari, RV…)
- Ability to work with and learn new APIs
Make it your focus to develop a couple of core skills than build an impressive list that makes your resume look good. Knowledge of the Cloud is definitely an asset.
