One of the first lessons you learn in Hollywood is that there are many more jobs than you initially knew, and with so many titles, you frequently have no idea what anyone does. But they are all incredibly important to the development of a film or TV show.
In the past, we've described the many different VFX jobs out there, but today I wanted to look at the VFX supervisor title specifically.
In this video, MPC Film breaks down what a VFX supervisor does and how they streamline efficiency in the post world.
Let's dive in.
Film Jobs: What Does a VFX Supervisor Do?
I hope you watched that informative video because it really shed light on what VFX supervisors do and who they work with. In general, a VFX supervisor is responsible for achieving the creative aims of the director or producers. They sit and develop the visuals to help support the story and the vision.
This is a visual medium, so they help set the tone and build the world.
They use visual effects, give advice, talk logistics, collaborate on budget, and detail how VFX can contribute.
Their job is about building imagination together.
Where Do VFX Supervisors Work?
If you want the title, you have to go out and get the job. Supervisors can be employed directly by a film production company, where they would work exclusively on their projects. They could also work for a visual effects company, where they could work with lots of different production companies.
There can be several VFX supervisors on a project, although there is typically a senior VFX supervisor directing their efforts—that's the person in charge.
What Are the Specific Responsibilities of a VFX Supervisor?
- Handle a VFX project from inception through to completion.
- Manage and direct the technical, artistic, and production personnel for each project.
- Be the authority on visual effects techniques, camera set-ups, with an eye for composition.
- Predict timing and associated costs of projects on varying scales.
- Collaborate on the bidding and negotiation processes.
What's Your Average Day?
Aside from watching the movies and working on the VFX, you are in charge of the visual storytelling that can add to a film. Your day is spent talking to directors and producers, planning how they can deepen their worlds.
VFX can be big and gaudy or they can be subtle.
You show what you have the capability to do and talk about what their story might need.
In this way, you are leading both the story and the audience. Putting the finishing touches on a dream and helping build a reality other people can buy into.
Up Next: Go Behind the Scenes on Marvel Movies
Recently, Marvel movies have been the most reliable iterations of a studio outside of Pixar. You always get something entertaining and inventive. Even the lesser films in their series usually look great. But how do they achieve consistent quality and success across all 20+ films?
Keep reading.
