The Reality Raid in VFX
What IS a VFX producer? And why should YOU care?
Film production in general is a dark art - most people don’t understand what it is, what it involves or how it works. And as a result, they mistrust it deeply, but without it, no film would ever get made.
VFX production is no exception. Even seasoned VFX artists often don’t understand what’s involved in it. And as a result, they resent being told what to do on their artistic tasks by someone who isn’t an artist. VFX producers often resent them straight back because they get tired of their work not being appreciated by grumpy artists.
The art of production is, in a nutshell, the noble art of getting shit done. Or, more precisely, the noble art of getting shit done on time and on budget.
“Very good Chris”, I hear you say, but I’m a creative. Why should I care about production?
How rude. You should care for several reasons. Here are 3:
1. Delivery is Everything.
Maybe you’re sick of me saying this. It’s the heart of this master class. But I stand by it, and I’m going to keep saying it!
There are many benefits to doing VFX. It’s fun to do. You can work on great films. You can earn good money. I could go on. But none of it counts for anything if you can’t DELIVER.
And who is it that specialises in delivery? Producers.
So that means that you should respect producers, and the skill of production and show your gratitude now and again!
If you’re working alone, even better - learn how to produce yourself! Both of these things are good ways to rocket propel your career ahead of anyone who is purely creative focused (which is nearly all artists!).
2. Producers hold the power
We all know how much power film producers have. Eurgh Weinstein certainly taught us that.
Thankfully, VFX production is different but VFX producers are still the most powerful players in the VFX world.
This is because they are the gatekeepers. They are the ones who talk to the clients (directors and film producers). They are the ones with eyes on the money, and know what’s coming in and what’s going out.
Since there would be no VFX industry without clients and money, the gatekeepers hold all the cards that matter!
So if you’re after power, either pursue a production role yourself or at the very least buy your friendly neighbourhood producer a beer now and again. Seriously - that will make a HUGE difference to your career (many terrible VFX artists have landed work through the purchase of alcoholic beverages for the right people…)
3. You might ALREADY be an amazing producer and not know it.
Whereas there’s a lot of very specific knowledge to absorb before you can step foot into the arena as a VFX artist, VFX production skills can be learned from many paths through life.
Are you:
- Cool under pressure?
- Focused on solutions rather than problems?
- Proactive rather than reactive?
- Well organized and an excellent communicator?
If you have these skills or a desire to learn them, then you have what it takes.
So if you’re looking for a way into the VFX industry, it could be that production is an avenue for you.
Most people start their production journey as a “production coordinator” before moving into full time production. So if you’re interested and have the skills, then that’s the role you want to look for. And trust me, people are looking for you, because God knows, good producers are hard to find!. So Google away, start applying, and let me know how it goes.
All the best!