What does a job in Film Visual Effects entail?
VFX is the craft of blending computer-generated (CG) elements with live-action footage to create scenes that are impossible to film in real life. By combining technical expertise with artistic creativity, visual effects artists can bring alien landscapes, massive crowds, or fire-breathing dragons to life on our screens. The industry demands a diverse set of skills, ranging from programming to artistry, and often a blend of both.
What can you become with a degree in Film Visual Effects?
With a degree in Film Visual Effects, you can embark on an exciting career in the gaming industry, working for top game development studios, animation companies, or VFX firms. You may also find opportunities in related fields such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or digital media.
Depending on your interests and skills, you can pursue roles that focus on creating immersive visual effects, integrating CGI into game environments, or even leading VFX teams to bring game worlds to life. Below are a few examples of potential career paths:
- Visual Effects Supervisor at Remedy Entertainment
As a Visual Effects Supervisor at Remedy Entertainment, the creators of Control and Alan Wake, you would lead the VFX team in developing the game’s visual effects, ensuring that they enhance the eerie, atmospheric worlds the studio is known for. You would oversee the entire VFX pipeline, from concept to final integration, ensuring visual consistency and high quality across all effects, such as supernatural phenomena and environmental interactions.
- FX Artist at Ghost VFX
As an FX Artist at Ghost VFX, a top-tier visual effects company renowned for its work on major films and series like The Hunger Games and Star Trek, you would be responsible for creating lifelike digital effects such as explosions, fluid simulations, and weather elements. By working on high-profile projects, your effects would play a crucial role in bringing epic scenes and imaginative environments to life, enhancing the overall visual impact of the production.
- Compositing Artist at Framestore
As a Compositing Artist at Framestore, a renowned VFX studio that worked on films like Gravity and Avengers: Endgame, you would be responsible for integrating various elements such as CGI, live-action footage, and matte paintings into a final, cohesive scene. Your work would ensure that all elements blend seamlessly, creating visually stunning sequences that are both realistic and immersive, whether in film or high-end commercial projects.
- 3D Modeler at IO Interactive
Working as a 3D Modeler at IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman series, you would design and create detailed 3D models of characters, weapons, and environments. Your models would form the backbone of the game’s visual assets, requiring a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the game’s aesthetic to ensure that every element fits perfectly within the game world.
View all Film Visual Effects job profiles
CMGT Film Visual Effects Alumni
Silvan and Wouter's journey with Ghost VFX
Silvan Kerseboom and Wouter van Stenis, former students of BUas, have seamlessly transitioned their game development skills into the world of visual effects, achieving remarkable success at Ghost VFX.
Josh Rizzo FX artist at Axis Studios
Meet Josh Rizzo, a BUas alumnus who dedicated his studies from 2018 to 2022 to the field of Games, with a focus on Visual Arts. He now works as a FX artist at Axis Studios.
Choose Film Visual Effects at BUas
If you choose Visual Effects (VFX), you'll be prepared for roles like VFX Artist or Compositor in the gaming industry, mastering the art of creating stunning visual effects and integrating CGI into live-action seamlessly.
A master’s programme after Film Visual Effects
After earning your bachelor's degree in CMGT Film Visual Effects, you have the option of attending a master's programme at BUas or at another university. For further specialisation.
Frequently asked questions about Film Visual Effects
If your question is not among the ones listed below, ask your question in the chat. Our students will surely be able to answer it.
- What is VFX?
VFX, or Visual Effects, is the art of combining computer-generated (CG) sequences with live-action footage to create scenes that are impossible to film in real life. This craft merges technical expertise with artistic creativity to bring extraordinary elements, like alien landscapes, enormous crowd scenes, or fire-breathing dragons, to our screens.
The VFX industry demands a wide range of skills, blending programming with artistic design to achieve seamless and believable effects that captivate audiences.
- Can I pursue an international career after graduating from CMGT Film Visual Effects?
Absolutely! A degree in CMGT Film Visual Effects equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global entertainment industry. The demand for skilled VFX professionals is worldwide, and your expertise will open doors to opportunities in film, television, gaming, and digital media across the globe. Whether you aim to work at top studios in Hollywood, London, or even emerging markets, your career prospects are truly international.
- What do you earn as a film visual effects artist in the gaming industry?
As a film visual effects artist in the gaming industry, your salary in euros can vary based on experience, location, and the company size.
- Entry-level VFX artists can expect to earn between €35,000 to €55,000 per year.
- Mid-level VFX artists with a few years of experience might earn between €55,000 to €75,000 annually.
- Senior VFX artists or leads can earn €75,000 or more per year.
These figures can be higher in larger studios or in areas with a higher cost of living. Bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits can also affect overall earnings.
As a film visual effects artist in the gaming industry, your earnings at the beginning of your career might start modestly, reflecting your entry-level status and the need to build experience.
The average gross monthly salary 1.5 years after graduation of the CMGT programme is.
[Source: HBOmonitor, NAE]
- What are my job prospects after completing the CMGT Film Visual Effects programme?
After completing the BUas Creative Media & Game Technology programme, you have a good chance of securing a job at a professional level. After 1.5 years, a large proportion of graduates have found a job at the bachelor's level in their field, while only a small part do not have a permanent job or are unemployed.
[Source: Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics - CBS]