Watch YouTube or Vimeo and you will discover that the internet is full of aspiring VFX artists; some making really impressive content that is on par with the professionals and others scraping their way through tutorials just to gain enough inspiration or knowledge to make something cool to show their family.
Whatever the case may be, it’s easy to say that getting ahead in this industry (or even just starting out) can be a difficult task. In the complex world of entertainment, simplicity is key to making yourself known in order to land a job or get noticed online.
So, what are some simple steps to take to help you do just that?
1. Learn a software
I start with this because it is an extremely important aspect of filmmaking to understand basic editing and compositing programs. With today’s world of accessibility, you don’t even need to spend a large amount of money on a subscription or set program.
Various free programs exist, such as HitFilmExpress and Blender. Do research as to what is available for you or would work well, pick a program, learn it, and learn it well. A Jack-of-All-Trades Is useful, but only if you have something that you know you are good at.
Be a jack-of-All-Trades and master of “one.” If you can master a software then you will have greater confidence in your abilities as a VFX artist, because you have something you can fall back on. Not to mention, it opens you up to learn new things and become a master of something else.
2. Learn about cameras
Buy a camera and use it. This is really important to understanding how VFX are incorporated into movies. Understand what makes a shot and how to properly compose your image. You shouldn’t rely on just your VFX work to “fix” your shot. A good shot starts with good footage.
Learn what your camera’s strengths are, and only ask of your camera what it can give you out of those strengths. What the audience sees is crucial to the telling of a story and the blending of an effects shot, so use the camera as if it were a character in your story. Your shots will come alive in an immersive sense, bringing value to your overall scene.
3. Don’t forget sound
A good visual effect shot is only half a success without the sound to sell it. Consider every Star Wars battle, for instance. Star Wars takes place in space. Space has no sound, and yet for the purpose of cinematic epicness, you hear all the wonderful lasers, explosions, and jumps to light-speed in the Star Wars movies.
This is because the filmmakers understand that by bypassing this simple law of science, they can combine iconic sounds with incredible VFX to make truly memorable imagery.
When you shoot a scene, think about what sounds are present and what sounds you will later want to add, and you will see your production soar in value by adding sounds that fit the shot.
4. Use ActionVFX as a constant recourse
With dozens of stock elements and sound effects designed specifically for visual effects, it is easier than ever to add production value to your shot and help you get ahead in this industry. We are here to help, so utilize us a constant resource throughout your creative process!
First time here? ActionVFX creates action stock footage for VFX and filmmaking. (We also have some great free stuff!)
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