r/vfx Apr 30 '26

News / Article VES launches On-Set VFX Data Collection and Usage Guide

42 Upvotes

Hey fellow Visual Effects community stoked to share what we have been working on for the past year over at he VES Technology Committee call it a playbook and usage guide to map key data from on-set capture to delivery.

FYI I am one of the co-authors of the Guide. If you have questions or feedback make sure to reach out.

You can find the guide here : https://ves-on-set-data.org/dashboard/?tab=Introduction

Here is the full information on the release :

The Visual Effects Society (VES), the industry’s global professional honorary society, today released its VES On-Set VFX Data Collection and Usage Guide. Developed over the past year by the VES Technology Committee, this practical on-set resource maps key data sets and capture workflows – giving productions, vendors, and technology teams a shared playbook for using and capturing on‑set data more effectively.

The Guide was designed to establish a common language between on‑set VFX, production, VFX facilities, and technology teams, ultimately enabling clearer communication, smoother handoffs, and better-aligned expectations across departments. This comprehensive Guide explains the major on‑set data sets, their capture methods, their practical applications, and their intended stakeholders, so that every participant across the production understands what information exists and how it can support their work.

In addition to defining data sets, the Guide documents both current and emerging on‑set data capture workflows. This aims to inform stakeholders about potential data sources and to highlight how these choices impact production pipelines, timelines, and budgets, while also laying the groundwork for future efforts around data hierarchies, database development, and workflow automation.

The Guide also underscores that this data has significant value for every department on a production. It supports collaboration, optimizes workflows, and enables better-informed creative and operational decisions. By advocating for open access and visibility for these data sets, the Guide encourages all teams to engage with and benefit from this shared knowledge, strengthening collective outcomes and overall production efficiency.

“Our intent with this Guide is to streamline the filmmaking process by enabling every department to be more well-informed,” said Sheena Duggal, the Guide’s lead author and member of the VES Technology Committee. “Multiple departments can utilize the same data – for instance, the VFX team’s LiDAR scans can be repurposed across departments to support set construction, stunt planning, and other production needs. It’s just a matter of educating and communicating clearly so that everyone can benefit.”

“In today’s hybrid of real-time virtual production, AI, and traditional pipelines, the VFX department is responsible for not just post, but on-set data capture, continuity, and asset integrity from pre-production through final delivery,” explained Jim Geduldick, contributing author to the Guide. “That framework was the key lens that we used in thinking through these workflows and how they relate to each department.”

The Guide was created for the VES Technology Committee by Sheena Duggal, with contributions from Sam Richards, Jim Geduldick, and Jake Morrison, and technical support from Jean-Francois Panisset. It is licensed under the Creative Commons CC‑BY 4.0 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, including for commercial purposes, provided appropriate credit is given to the creator.

To view the Guide, visit: https://ves-on-set-data.org/

Join the VES for a webinar on May 12 to explore the Guide with some of its creators: https://vesglobal.org/event/webinar-introduction-to-ves-on-set-vfx-data-collection-and-usage-guide-online/


r/vfx Mar 15 '25

Subreddit Discussion Advice for Potential Students and Newcomers to the VFX Industry in 2025

594 Upvotes

We've been getting a lot of posts asking about the state of the industry. This post is designed to give you some quick information about that topic which the mods hope will help reduce the number of queries the sub receives on this specific topic.

As of early 2025, the VFX industry has been through a very rough 18-24 months where there has been a large contraction in the volume of work and this in turn has impacted hiring through-out the industry.

Here's why the industry is where it is:

  1. There was a Streaming Boom in the late 2010s and early 2020s that lead to a rapid growth in the VFX industry as a lot of streaming companies emerged and pumped money into that sector, this was exacerbated by COVID and us all being at home watching media.
  2. In 2023 there were big strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA which led to a massive halt in production of Hollywood films and series for about 8 months. After that was resolved there was the threat of another strike in 2024 when more union contracts were to be negotiated. The result of this was an almost complete stop to productions in late 2023 and a large portion of 2024. Many shows were not greenlit to start until late 2024
  3. During this time, and partly as a result of these strikes, there was a slow down in content and big shake ups among the streaming services. As part of this market correction a number of them closed, others were folded into existing services, and some sold up.
  4. A bunch of other market forces made speculation in the VFX business even more shaky, things like: the rise of AI, general market instability, changes in distribution split (Cinemas vs. Streaming) and these sorts of things basically mean that there's a lot of change in most media industries which scared people.

The combination of all of this resulted in a loss of a lot of VFX jobs, the closing of a number of VFX facilities and large shifts in work throughout the industry.

The question is, what does this mean for you?

Here's my thoughts on what you should know if you're considering a long term career in VFX:

Work in the VFX Industry is still valid optional to choose as a career path but there are some caveats.

  • The future of the VFX industry is under some degree of threat, like many other industries are. I don't think we're in more danger of disappearing than your average game developer, programmer, accountant, lawyer or even box packing factory work. The fact is that technology is changing how we do work and market forces are really hard to predict. I know there will be change in the specifics of what we do, there will be new AI tools and new ways of making movies. But at the same time people still want to watch movies and streaming shows and companies still want to advertise. All that content needs to be made and viewed and refined and polished and adapted. While new AI tools might mean individuals in the future can do more, but those people will likely be VFX artists. As long as media is made and people care about the art of telling stories visually I think VFX artists will be needed.

Before you jump in, you should know that VFX is likely to be a very competitive and difficult industry to break into for the foreseeable future.

  • From about 2013 to 2021 there was this huge boom in VFX that meant almost any student could eventually land a job in VFX working on cool films. Before then though VFX was actually really hard to get into because the industry was smaller and places were limited, you had to be really good to get a seat in a high end facility. The current market is tight; there's a lot of experience artists looking for work and while companies will still want juniors, they are likely going to be more juniors for the next few years than there are jobs.

If you're interested in any highly competitive career then you have to really want it, and it would also be a smart move to diversify your education so you have flexibility while you work to make your dream happen.

  • Broad computer and technical skills are useful, as are broader art skills. Being able to move between other types of media than just VFX could be helpful. In general I think you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket too early unless you're really deadest that this is the only thing you want to do. I also think you should learn about new tools like AI and really be able to understand how those tools work. It'll be something future employers likely care about.

While some people find nice stable jobs a lot of VFX professionals don't find easy stability like some careers.

  • Freelance and Contract work are common. And because of how international rebates work, you may find it necessary to move locations to land that first job, or to continue in your career. This is historically how film has always been; it's rarely as simple as a 9-5 job. Some people thrive on that, some people dislike that. And there are some places that manage to achieve more stability than others. But fair warning that VFX is a fickle master and can be tough to navigate at times.

Because a future career in VFX is both competitive and pretty unstable, I think you should be wary of spending lots of money on expensive specialty schools.

  • If you're dead set on this, then sure you can jump in if that's what you want. But for most students I would advise, as above, to be broader in your education early on especially if it's very expensive. Much of what we do in VFX can be self taught and if you're motivated (and you'll need to be!) then you can access that info and make great work. But please take your time before committed to big loans or spending on an education in something you don't know if you really want.

With all of that said VFX can be a wonderful career.

It's full of amazing people and really challenging work. It has elements of technical, artistic, creative and problem solving work, which can make it engaging and fulfilling. And it generally pays pretty well precisely because it's not easy. It's taken me all over the world and had me meet amazing, wonderful, people (and a lot of arseholes too!) I love the industry and am thankful for all my experiences in it!

But it will challenge you. It will, at times, be extremely stressful. And there will be days you hate it and question why you ever wanted to do this to begin with! I think most jobs are a bit like that though.

In closing I'd just like to say my intent here is to give you both an optimistic and also restrained view of the industry. It is not for everyone and it is absolutely going to change in the future.

Some people will tell you AI is going to replace all of us, or that the industry will stangle itself and all the work will end up being done by sweat shops in South East Asia. And while I think those people are mostly wrong it's not like I can actually see the future.

Ultimately I just believe that if you're young, you're passionate, and you want to make movies or be paid to make amazing digital art, then you should start doing that while keeping your eye on this industry. If it works out, then great because it can be a cool career. And if it doesn't then you will need to transition to something else. That's something that's happened to many people in many industries for many reasons through-out history. The future is not a nice straight line road for most people. But if you start driving you can end up in some amazing places.

Feel free to post questions below.


r/vfx 22h ago

Question / Discussion How many of you didnt got an extension of the contract in ILM

28 Upvotes

What's the reason for this, in your opinion? I know I have talent—I'm not trying to brag, but I excel in my craft. I do a lot of exploration and apply that knowledge to my FX work. I've been an introvert, and that may have limited my impact on my manager. I completed my work with little effort, but I failed to be the extraordinary team member my manager hoped I would be.

This month, I was laid off because there weren't enough projects to justify keeping me as a senior artist. This devastated me, especially since I saw many others—whom, their voice speaks more than their work and who communicated better than I did—survive the layoffs.

This experience broke me. Any insights on how I can cope with this anger towards myself and my perceived inadequacies would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: I've noticed that many people misunderstand the way I communicated my point. Let me provide an example for you to consider.

During a call, Person 'A' mentioned in a team call with managers that they had started using Comfy for some tasks, demonstrating that they are learning and adapting to new technology. However, when I later asked them a question about the same technology, their response was, "I don't know; I haven't looked into it deeply."


r/vfx 15h ago

Showreel / Critique Noir - new project fully made in After Effects

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5 Upvotes

Hey guys! Just posted my new project on Behance. It would be great if you could take a minute to check it out, you can also get a free Gumroad project file!

Thank you!


r/vfx 11h ago

Breakdown / BTS When Brad Pitt got hit by a car...such great invisible effects for the time

2 Upvotes

r/vfx 22h ago

Question / Discussion Eddy for Nuke. Has anyone tried it? How can I download it?

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12 Upvotes

Coolest plugin I've ever seen for Nuke.


r/vfx 17h ago

Question / Discussion Help with quoting a client - first time freelance VFX

3 Upvotes

Hi folks! I'm a 3D modeler and recently (possibly) landed a vfx gig. It's for a small indie film production of a feature film in Seattle. They want a 3D model of outdoor signage(x2) and indoor signage(x1) in a building and they want me to comp the two shots the models will be in.

I have had a brief discussion with them about budget and they say they'll pay what is necessary but that they are very low budget for this project. They also said they'll work with me to get to somewhere we both feel is fair.

I ran the numbers and ended somewhere between $1200-$1600 for the 3D models. And about $1000 for comping the two shots. I'm not sure if I'm overshotting or low balling myself. I have no perspective on this. I used to work a salary job and haven't really freelanced before.

Any help would be appreciated. I can provide more details if necessary.


r/vfx 1d ago

Fluff! Scott Ross: 75% of VFX jobs could vanish

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274 Upvotes

r/vfx 1d ago

Fluff! I miss doing these fun little VFX tests (end has a mini breakdown of motion track)

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76 Upvotes

Just a little side hobby of mine watching random VFX breakdowns. Did this years ago. Duped a lot of my friends shockingly! I can tell its CGI from the most obvious flaws. Shadow integration, smooth metallic surface, and mirror reflections are completely off. What other tweaks would have sold it more?


r/vfx 13h ago

Question / Discussion Dodge or Snyder School for animation/vfx?

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1 Upvotes

r/vfx 18h ago

Fluff! I built an audio-reactive animation addon for Blender - now live on Superhive! [Promo]

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2 Upvotes

r/vfx 21h ago

Question / Discussion Is there a better alternative to video copilot for basic fun AE training in 2026?

2 Upvotes

I’m going to be mentoring a student at my former high school who has an interest in VFX as part of an extending learning curriculum there. To start, I want to get her making some fun lightweight projects in After Effects to give her a basic intro to the process without bogging her down with a steep learning curve, and introduce more industry-standard material and programs as we progress.

For a lot of years I’d recommend video copilot, but honestly it looks pretty dated looking at it now. I know the fundamentals are all going to be the same, but I’m trying to keep the optics in mind to keep a teenager engaged.

Is there something out there that’s similar but a little more modern, that mixes short lessons with introductory core concepts and little fun shots? For context I originally came from learning it 20 years ago in high school with theforce.net and creativeCOW.

Is video copilot still just the best source for this kind of training, and should I just explain through the dated appearance of them? Please no rude or dismissive comments about using AE, avoiding the industry, or learning Blender instead. Ty


r/vfx 11h ago

Question / Discussion Estudiar CGI/VFX o otra cosa

0 Upvotes

No se si estudiar CGI/VFX,la verdad me gusta crear mis historias,soy creativ,aunque tampoco se usar mucho blender,y también me gusta crear,¿vale la pena?,estoy entre elegir CGI o gastronomía ya que también me gusta la cocina.

I’m not sure whether to study CGI/VFX. Honestly, I enjoy creating my own stories—I’m a creative person—though I don't really know how to use Blender yet. I just love the creative process. Is it worth it? I’m torn between CGI and culinary arts, since I also enjoy cooking.


r/vfx 17h ago

Fluff! Remember when CGI was considered the dark side?

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0 Upvotes

I think I'm going extinct.


r/vfx 2d ago

Breakdown / BTS Breakdown of my previous vid

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691 Upvotes

Viewport preview of my last video. Tools: 3ds max, Tyflow, Ripple Pro, forest pack, zbrush, substance painter


r/vfx 1d ago

Question / Discussion Is this build is good for vfx and 3d work ?

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1 Upvotes

r/vfx 1d ago

Breakdown / BTS Real-Time Sword-Triggered Volumetric Fire in Unity 6 URP.

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0 Upvotes

r/vfx 1d ago

Question / Discussion How to find (and land) a technical position as a new grad?

1 Upvotes

I'm graduating with a BA in Computer Science in May. By graduation, I'll have one thesis project (real product for a company), one internship in web dev/cyber security, and experience in C, Python, and Java through class assignments/projects. I also have amateur experience in Blender (2D and 3D), Premiere, and AE from an intro to animation class and some personal stuff I've done for fun.

I'm honestly just shooting for any technical job anywhere in the US. I enjoy programming for the most part, but ultimately regret not going to school for 3D animation or film. I found my love for creative storytelling projects far too late to switch majors. I want to use a technical opportunity (using my credentials) to break into the 3D animation/VFX industry, eventually transitioning to be a 3D artist, not solely a programmer. Studio fame and pay don't matter to me, I just want to love my job.

Just looking for anyone's two cents about how they got in, what education you have (and if mine is enough), where to find these jobs, etc.

Thanks guys.


r/vfx 1d ago

Question / Discussion Need Help with Tracking in Mocha Pro

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1 Upvotes

So I am a beginner, and self learning to track with mocha and decided to make a personal project while learning but i can't figure it out what is wrong with this track. The track feels wrong but i cannot pinpoint what is wrong in this track frames maybe it has something to do with nature of footage which is a 2d animation each frame are drawn so no frame is same drawing and they have some change, at first or maybe for an untrained eye like me the track looks okay but drifts can be seen when switching stablize on so, how can i improve it i am trying to track the head for rotoscoping it.

P.S. I apologise for any mistakes in grammar as English is not my first language.


r/vfx 2d ago

Breakdown / BTS VFX Breakdown of how we created a "tracker drone" for an indie pilot

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20 Upvotes

r/vfx 2d ago

Showreel / Critique Experimenting with text animation in After Effects

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12 Upvotes

Made entirely in After Effects using only text animation options

Check out my Behance

Thank you!


r/vfx 1d ago

Question / Discussion What’s the best AI tool for realistic VFX on existing camera footage?

0 Upvotes

Thinking about making a hybrid film where the VFX gets added later with AI. I have generated backgrounds, explosion effects, fire and debris, character morphs, and so on.

I’m already planning on shooting for real; what I need is something that builds on top of my own footage. I don’t want to generate from scratch. Can anyone recommend some AI tools I can use for this?


r/vfx 3d ago

Question / Discussion Zerply Closing September 28th

16 Upvotes

Just received an email that it's closing down. For those that don't know what Zerply is. It was a VFX and Animation recruitment and showcase portal.

Personally I was signed up, but never got even tumbleweed signs of work out of it.

Is there even a point to these kinds of websites? Any kind of work I have had has come through LinkedIn or my own contacts network.

This MOTA platform is now going live and there is also something called 8lue that I am signed up on. Doomed to fail also?


r/vfx 2d ago

Breakdown / BTS A little invisible VFX work from the archives.

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0 Upvotes

r/vfx 2d ago

Question / Discussion Blips not converting to trackers in Syntheyes

1 Upvotes

Admittedly I don't entirely know what I'm doing, but when I've needed to track a difficult scene I've followed online tutorials and used Syntheyes with some success in the past.

Normally I'll track some points with parallax manually, play around with the image preprocessor and advanced settings under the features menu (mostly just adjusting the blip size, usually to be larger if it's a higher res plate – and adding some contrast if the plate is log, which it is in this case) to add blips and then peel them – and track the scene and refine it from there and the solution is eventually adequate.

In this case, I have a pan/dolly with relatively little parallax (more panning than dollying) and with a pretty fast pan right (not a whip pan) toward the end of the shot.

I've put down 17 manual trackers and already have a decent solution (2.5 pixel error for a high res plate; do you want under 1 pixel error always or does it scale with resolution so 2 is okay for 4k and 4 is okay if you're using 8k plates, for instance?) but when I go to add more trackers in the features menu I see the blips as usual but when I peel them, I get nothing.

What am I doing wrong? I tried setting the minimum track length much lower and increasing the blip size (which helped a lot in this scene as it's a blurry high res plate) and the lines from the blips all look good? But when I peel there are no extra trackers.

Thanks.... not trolling (I get that this is a professional forum and, while I am getting paid for this work, my use of Syntheyes falls more into the dilettante category), just trying to understand what's going wrong here.... both to improve the solution and to avoid this issue in the future.