I worked in VFX full time for fifteen years. Nobody that employed me seemed to be interested in my Computer Science degree. Also, after fifteen years of steady employment on projects at Digital Domain, Method, and Stereo D, my seniority and work experience meant nothing. All three companies preferred to outsource my job and/or hire workers that are twenty years younger. I am astounded that after working so hard and sacrificing so much for a graduate degree that it is virtually worthless to me except for the "joy" that the additional knowledge and understanding brings. In my opinion it does not matter. There is no honor or loyalty in the companies that do visual effects and you will be lucky to have any work resembling a forty year career. Take it from me -- I know. I have imdb credit in forty feature films, I never had a shot returned, and I now work for minimum wage in another industry. Digital Domain, Method, and Stereo D have no honor and no reliability. Most of the people that work in VFX are selfish, self centered, and not even human. Good Luck.
My computer science education was primitive by today's standards (and I studied artificial intelligence. I even wrote pattern generation algorhythms). The advances in automatic rotoscoping today are amazing. The advances in real time in-camera matte extraction and compositing are amazing. The industry has changed. Just being able to shoot a HD video in your cell phone is amazing.
ALSO, in none of my previous work at Digital Domain, Method, or Stereo D was there any breech of contract and no illegal activity. The short term contract was honored faithfully and when it ended I looked for another assignment. Unfortunately, I assumed that since I always did good work, I would continue to get hired and that obviously was not the case. Outsourcing work, "lack of honor," and fttp: technology were the unanticipated market changes that destroyed my career. Oh well... good luck.
copyright (c) 2020
William Schaeffer
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