Visual effects (VFX)
VFX is the art of combining computer-generated (CG) sequences with live-action footage to create scenes that can't be filmed in real life. Using a combination of technical and artistic skills, alien landscapes, enormous crowd scenes or fire-breathing dragons can be brought to our screens.
The industry requires a broad range of skills from programming to art and a combination of the two. Click on the icons below to learn about particular roles and how to get into them.
You might also want to download our map: careers in visual effects (VFX) (PDF)
If you are a teacher or careers adviser you may also like to browse our classroom resources.
Production management department
Wins the contracts for the work, puts together the teams, draws up the budgets, delivers the project
Pre-production department
Draws up rough versions of the VFX so the production can be planned, works out what tools will be needed
On set department
Gets the information about the way the live-action footage is being filmed, liaises between VFX and film teams
Computer-generated (CG) department
Defines the look of the VFX, creates the characters, vehicles, backgrounds and effects like explosions
Entry Level
Environment artist
Entry Level
Layout artist
Entry Level
Matchmove artist
Entry Level
Modelling artist
Entry Level
Texture artist
Technical department
Makes the software tools to enable the artists to work efficiently, creates a smooth pipeline
Entry Level
Assistant technical director (TD)
Compositing department
Brings together the different assets from the live-action footage and the computer-generated imagery
