Getting a break in film special effects is difficult, but not as hard as you may think. The following ten things go a long way to help get your dream job.


1) Understand the Industry

If you want to work in special effects, it is important not only to know the difference between a deer (props) and a director, but he knows special effects itself is divided. Gone are the days when Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) was locked in a shed with a small team of people and all the special effects himself. Now, all that is transmitted through the different teams and departments. Therefore, if you are interested in sculpture and large monsters game, you want to work as a sculptor in the film, if you prefer smaller more technical projects that would be better to choose the model unit.


2) Be realistic

Working in the creative industry and in particular the film industry is not easy. They often have to deal with challenging projects and demanding deadlines and there will be dozens of different people waiting to finish so they can complete their own work. You'll have to find a balance between the time allowed and the quality of what they produce, can not be too precious about their work. Not only that, it should be promoted - all special effects artists are independent and have to chase jobs out there.


3) Study of Art

Whether you're self-taught or went to art school, it is vital that there is great interest in the art of working in special effects. If someone asks you to sculpt a life-size Roman-style statute or an Egyptian sarcophagus is invaluable to have a reference point in his own mind. But more important than this, that will make work more enjoyable. You can browse through an art book on the weekend and Monday morning will be asked to recreate one of the pieces you've been admiring.


4) Drawing

In the film industry all technical drawings are by artists in the Art Department. So this is just filler to get to the magic '10 'footsteps? No. If you want to create a 3D object, in particular the human form, is vital to learn to draw and keep practicing. Sculpture sculptors regularly compare the development of his subjects in clay from various angles. The key to good sculpture, like drawing, is the definition of lines and shadows.


5) Practice

This is obvious, but it is also vital. If you practice and sculpture building things in his spare time, you will improve. It is also very valuable to recreate a working theater experience - so it is limited to reference pictures (rather than a way of life) and given a period of a challenge for the job. A little more difficult, but equally valuable, is to try different media. You can be an expert in steel construction and welding, but unless it is attached to the special effects engineering and metal working equipment, these skills are useless. The materials of choice in movies tend to be low-grade sandstone and polystyrene.


6) Accessible

Almost everyone in the film industry's self and to understand the only way to get work is to promote yourself. This does not mean you should give back to the home of a potential employer or creating marketing campaigns free crazy, but it means most people in the industry are available. If you cold call the relevant department head (DOH) and show commitment and desire to learn that it is often agreed to meet for 5-10 minutes to look over your portfolio.


7) The persistence

When we get to know the man or woman who is waiting to be your future boss, do not stop there. Will have their data, but it might be 18 months before they have a suitable project and give you a call. You need to ensure that you meet as many prospective employer, and stop and have a chat with other people in the department if you feel brave enough. Try and leave a card or better yet, copies of your favorite one or two pieces of work with their contact details (and, ideally, your online portfolio address if you have one). Then, give them a quick capture of attention every 6 months or so - even if they can offer you a job, it's amazing how much information you get about different opportunities.


Portfolio

Vital. In a word. The keys to a good portfolio are simple:

> Diversity - show different types of work you have done - you can be proud of the series, 18 of the statutes you've done, but do not show at all. In addition, you can not think that 30 feet of snow drift polystyrene sample, which is fine as a sculptor, but it shows his versatility by what you put in.

Honesty> - that should be obvious, but it is not. Only one thing JD does a backup rather than see a large piece of work with someone who claims to have created the single-handedly, and that's because a piece of their work being claimed by another person. Believe me, it does happen. Therefore, be honest. If you did the left foot of a giant, say so and not be ambiguous about it.

> Brief - use your opportunity wisely. 12.10 photos are definitely enough to show a wide range of work and skills.

> Best Foot Forward - most people will make a decision about his work in examples 2-3 to put their best work in the front.

> Presentation - try not to have pieces of paper falling out of your wallet moth eaten. Invest in a portfolio easy to carry and use A4 plastic folder. If you have any Photoshop skills to improve the presentation of their work after use. Do not feel the need to take an example of the sculpture - he showed his work to the professionals who are very used to assess the work through photographs.

> Information - may have produced a scale replica of Michelangelo's David, but it took three years is not good for the film industry. Be sure to note the scale of each sample of your work, what material is used and how long it took. These simple pieces of information are important for Heads of Delegation and will be appreciated.

> Online Portfolio - if you can, get an online portfolio designed and ensure that any contact information containing the address. Ideally, try to get the email address of the DOH so that you can send the link. Whenever you update the contents of the portfolio is a good excuse to contact the heads of delegation with another link to your work.


9) Networking

Networks can feel a little uncomfortable and embarrassing, at times, but it is important to know what jobs are out there. After working at a job or two that you get the phone numbers of a few colleagues - make sure you give them a ring. But beware, if you are the first to hear about the new James Bond film and then tell everybody, you'll join the queue to show your portfolio. This does not mean you should not share the information you have about coming to jobs, this means that you should keep in mind that everyone is trying to get a job. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the news websites of movies.


10) watch movies

A great benefit for those moments when you're at work - you can watch movies and say it's research. Obviously, it's a great feeling to see their own work on the big screen, but also exciting to see the work and the names of people he knows. After their first job or 2 you'll very quickly start to feel part of the industry and begin to recognize names and faces. Also, for those jobs that are lost, you can go and have a good complain about how he would have done better!

Working in the film industry is not for everyone, but if you're willing and develop skills and knowledge, then you're likely to get a chance to show what he can do. Good luck!