Technical – Rigging Technical Director
Rigging TD’s work with the CG Department and are given the CG Models to create bone structures and rigs to be used in the animation of these models for use in animation. These rigs will determine the way a 3D Model will move and operate. Rigging artists will create a myriad of different poses, facial features and systems for Animators to work with in use of animating a CG Model. Rigging Artists will send these rigged models to the Animators, the animators will then voice concerns or feedback, and both will work together until the Animator has a fully rigged model they are happy with to use in Animating. Rigging is essentially creating a structure to make the 3D model or puppet move around for an animator.
Rigging TD’s need to be good at both using technical software like Maya, communication in terms of communicating with animators, and need to have a fundamental knowledge of Anatomy and how a body works and moves to create realistic rigs that will result in organic movements. A Rigging TD will usually use programs like Maya, Houdini and 3DSMax and a Rigging TD can make around 28,811 pounds per year.
Sources: Salary Info: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salary/MPC-Rigging-Technical-Director-Salaries-E139949_D_KO4,30.htm Role Info: https://www.careersinscreen.ie/role/rigging-technical-director/ More Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/technical/rigging-technical-director-td/
Technical – Creature Technical Director
A Creature TD works on making fur feathers or skin on their creatures in use for CG, In some studios a creature TD may also include the rigging of a creature, though this can vary from company to company and usually depends upon the size of the studio. Creature TD’s must sometimes work off of a concept artist’s sketches to create a matching set of fur, hair, feathers or skin, whatever is called for or looks the most realistic in a scene.
A creature TD will work with the VFX Supervisor as well as modelling artists, riggers and animatiors and should be versed in both 3D software like Maya or Unreal Engine, And texturing programs like substance painter. Sometimes Coding knowledge is also needed to develop systems for fur to work interactively and the Creature TD will need to work closely with a pipeline TD. the salary for a Creature TD can go up to around44,218 Pounds per year.
Sources: Salary Info: https://www.workopolis.com/jobsearch/creature-td-jobs?job=nKddv_GUaijXy_sYNCiZq8M9khWMfmRum-CZf0v-sA5MNYs3pGoBIQ Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/technical/creature-technical-director-td/
Production Managment – VFX Producer
A VFX Producer is responsible for managing all of the processes included in creating VFX. This role serves to go work with a client and director to usually find out how much a VFX Shot will cost and create bids to convince a tv, advertisement, or film’s producer to take on the VFX Studio as the studio that will produce the VFX Shots for the film. VFX producers will also keep the client up to date on any changes or incurring costs and track the progress of a project to update the client properly.
A VFX Producer will need to have excellent organization skills, as they will be organizing things like client details, scheduling meetings between clients and directors and have good client service and communication skills. A VFX Producer will essentially be the line between the artists, directors and clients and communicate these details to the artists. A VFX Producer should be knowledgeable of the whole VFX Pipeline and the average salary for a VFX Producer is around 63,083 pounds a year.
Sources: Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/production-management/vfx-producer/ More Role Info: https://axisstudiosgroup.com/careers/jobs/vfx-producer/ Salary Info: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-vfx-producer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM1035_KO7,19.htm
Production Managment – Production Manager
A production manager will look after both the budget and the schedule made by the decisions of a VFX producer.. A Production manager also oversees the production coordinator and is important in communicating with the producer shooting the live action footage for use in VFX.
A production manager will work on handling any problems on set and making sure things are set and up and running on set as well. A production manager needs to be good at communication, have a history of on set production, and good at handling problems as they arise. The average salary of a production manager is around 44,356 pounds per year.
Sources: Salary Info: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/vfx-production-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/production-management/production-manager-visual-effects-vfx/