How To Become a Pipeline TD

How To Become a Pipeline Technical Director

What is a Pipeline TD?
Pipeline Technical Directors (TDs) make sure a VFX project runs smoothly by identifying and fixing problems as they arise. This is done by making sure each department has the software tools that they need to complete their part of the project to the best standard possible.

What is the Job?
The role of a Pipeline TD will involve working closely with the rest of the pipeline team. It involves the responsibility for developing and maintaining departmental tools used for animation, VFX and other projects. Specific responsibilities will include writing and modifying computer code to solve problems related to art or productivity, acting as a liaison for communicating technical issues to Production, R&D and IT, testing and debugging tools and processes to ensure stability, and educating Artists on how to work with the pipeline and department tools.

A Pipeline TD will work with a range of people, including 3D Animators, Riggers, Modellers, Lighters, and Compositors. They communicate with VFX Artists across the team to understand their needs. If the project that they are working on isn’t running smoothly, then it is the Pipeline TD’s responsibility to identify what kind of tools need to be developed to fix the issues.

How To Become an Archive Producer

What is an Archive Producer?
Archive Producers are a key part of the production team, employed especially for working on archive-based films. Many productions will use footage that has been filmed by someone else, and the Archive Producer’s job is to source this content, and secure permission for it to be used in the production.

What is the Job?
The role of Archive Producer will vary from set to set, depending on the film that is being made. Sometimes studios can ask for individuals with specialist knowledge of particular subject, so you may not be able to work on every production.

The role of Archive Producer will involve working with Producers and Editors to determine the archive content needed, as well as managing all selected archival materials. In addition to this, Archive Producers may be responsible for working with Assistant Editors and Associate Producers in the management of archival elements for Editors.

An Archive Producer has similar duties to an Archive Researcher, but with more responsibility.

How To Become a Casting Assistant Producer

What is a Casting Assistant Producer?
A Casting Assistant Producer (Casting AP for short) is an individual who assists in the casting of actors or other contributors for film and TV productions.

What is the job?
The role of Casting Assistant Producer involves assisting with the process of finding actors for a film or TV drama, or on the factual side, contributors or interviewees who will be featured.

When working on drama, comedy or entertainment productions, it is the job of a Casting Assistant Producer to help Producers and Directors to cast actors that fit the character brief, who have the relevant skills and experience, and who are available for filming. It’s also important to ensure that the actor’s fees aren’t over the production’s budget. The role of a Casting Assistant Producer will vary depending on the size and budget of the production that they assisting on.

One of the main duties that a Casting Assistant Producer does is reading the script and creating a list of possible actors for any roles. It is then their job to call agents and check for actors’ availability and whether they would be interested in the role. In addition to this, a Casting Assistant Producer will help out with screen tests, operating the camera and providing other help throughout casting sessions.

How To Become a Post Production Runner

What is a Post Production Runner?
A Post Production Runner is an individual who is on hand to help out in the edit suites and around the building at a post production facility. They help out with all aspects of post production.

What is the Job?
Post production facilities are the places where film and TV dramas are edited. They can be independent companies or part of a large studio. Post-production companies often employ Runners to take care of the most basic daily tasks in their facilities, to ensure that operations run smoothly. In exchange, Runners have the opportunity to get the industry experience that they need to progress to more advanced roles.

Post Production Runners, as mentioned, will do a lot of basic tasks, from cleaning, to making tea and arranging meals. They also sometimes work on reception, answering the phone and ensuring that guests and clients feel welcome.

In addition to this, Post Production Runners will often have administrative duties, which can vary from labelling files, filing notes, printing, photocopying and distributing material. They are also often in charge of delivering and collecting packages.

How To Become a Producer/Director

How To Become a Producer-Director

What is a Producer/Director?
The role of Producer/Director, essentially takes the role of director, and the role of producer, and combines them into one position. As a Producer/Director, you will be involved throughout all phases of production from inception to completion. You will initiate, coordinate, supervise and manage the creation and production of movies, television shows, commercial videos and other productions.

What is the Job?
The role of Producer/Director is one of the highest-level jobs within the film and TV industry. It’s undoubtedly a stressful job, and so only a select few can really succeed at the role. It’s reserved for those individuals who can cope with the pressure of being in charge of everything and taking responsibility for anything that goes wrong.

How To Become a CG Producer

What is a CG Producer?
A CG (Computer Graphics) Producer is responsible for managing various areas of visual effects production, relating to bidding, scheduling, resource planning, production management and the overall departmental budget.

What is the job?
As a CG Producer, you’ll be in charge of all things CG, and so you need to have a deep understanding of the pipelines, techniques and workflows involved. The responsibilities and duties you are given will vary depending on the studio you are working for. For example, in some studios you will have to help the CG Supervisor in building the teams and managing other aspects of the project.

A CG Producer you will work closely with the VFX Producer, who will usually work in a more client-facing role, to ensure that the end client is happy with the timing and quality of the work that is being completed.

How To Become a Modeler

What is a Modeler?
A Modeler is responsible for creating 3D models used in computer animation and VFX. The models represent an object from all angles and give viewers the ability to digitally enhance those angles so they can better understand the object.

What is the job?
The role of a Modeler involves creating objects in 3D, which could be anything from a character to a whole environment. Depending on the studio you are working in, the role of the Modeler may be split into Character Artists and Environment Artists, or it may be a generic role in which the Modeler does both.

Modelers will work from reference, and this may include photographers, blueprints, data, and concept designs. On top of this, they will work closely with Texture Artists in order to produce models that meet the specific requirements of a VFX pipeline.

The main responsibilities of a Modeler involve creating models as briefed and then presenting these models for progress reviews to leads, supervisors and clients. In addition to this, the Modeler will have to communicate with other departments to ensure that the models they are creating meet the required standards and requirements specified. Following this, they will be responsible for making changes and updates to these models as and when requested, all whilst staying on schedule and meeting set deadlines.

How To Become a VFX Supervisor

How To Become A VFX Supervisor

What Is a VFX Supervisor?
The VFX Supervisor has overall responsibility for the production of visual effects on the film or TV project that they are working on. It is up to them to make sure the technical and artistic quality of the finished shots is of the standard agreed on with the Director and other production staff.

What Is The Job?
A VFX Supervisor is brought into a film or TV project at its earliest stages. They will work directly with the project’s producer and director as they go over the script and sort out the VFX needs for every shot. As a VFX Supervisor, you must understand and interpret the Director’s intentions, and at the same time be conscious of the project’s budget constraints. You’ll work in collaboration with the Post-Production Manager on tasks such as budgeting, planning and client relations.

The VFX Supervisor will be involved in all stages of production; pre-production, filming, and post-production. In pre-production, the VFX Supervisor will prepare the visual effects production breakdown, and will be responsible for anticipating problems, as well as tackling any present issues as they arise. On top of this, they will play an active role in participating in visual effects production breakdown, and will also have the opportunity to recruit and manage production teams. Due to the fact that so many shots of a film or show must be oriented around the VFX, having the VFX Supervisor involved in pre-production can save time and make the visual effects process much more efficient.

How To Become a 3D Artist

How To Become A 3D Artist

What is a 3D Artist?
A 3D Artist is responsible for creating three-dimensional models, animations, and visual effects that will be used in various ways within a TV, film or games production. It is their job to create special effects to match specific briefs.

What is the job?
The job of a 3D Artist involves using a combination of hand-drawing techniques and computer software to create three dimensional animations and graphics. On top of this, a 3D Artist is also responsible for researching upcoming projects in order to help find new ways to create designs or animations.

At the start of a project, they may also help conceptualise ideas and processes to come up with the best plan of action. Then, towards the end of the project, they will receive feedback from directors, clients, or other animators and they will make several alterations before the final design is approved. This aspect of a 3D Artist’s role with involve meeting with clients, designers and directors to review projects and deadlines and agree on a timeline for the project.

How To Become a Matte Painter

What is a Matte Painter?
Matte Painters are animation artists who create painted representations of landscapes, sets and other locations, as backgrounds for scenes that can be impossible or difficult to find and film. Most Matte Painters work digitally nowadays, instead of using traditional painting.

What is the Job?
The main role of a Matte Painter is to create realistic elements that are able to replace live-action elements and/or improve existing live action footage in films. Matte Painters work with several types of content; live-action footage, digital still photography, CG elements, and digital paint. They are responsible for creating environments that are realistic, believable and can be integrated seamlessly into the film. Matte Painters mostly work digitally, using software, as well as working with a variety of 2D backdrops and 3D projections.

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