Notes For The Underbelly - How To Be a Great Visual Effects Intern
What could be better than spending countless hours doing menial tasks for little recognition and no pay, just for the slim chance of getting a job with even longer hours and slightly more pay at the end of it all? Such is the dilemma of the VFX intern. An internship can be looked at as a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a glimpse into the real world of how the industry works. But it is also a hazing ritual with a tradition as old as civilization designed to weed out those that truly wish to enter a specialized trade from those who would sit around playing World of Warcraft in their parents’ basement all day if they hadn’t been coerced into the workforce by way of a threat to disconnect the cable modem. But don’t worry kids. The fact is, most of us started out as interns (or something similar) and know well the sacrifices you need to make, to forge a career in VFX. As one who has jumped through this burning ring of fire myself (unpaid intern Dreamquest Images 1990) I offer you these humble tips to see you through.
Don’t Be A Teacup
“Teacup” is a derogatory term used by managers of all types to describe young folks who’s psyches are so fragile that even the slightest critique will reduce them to a sobbing pile of goo. I’ll say it again. Don’t be a teacup. If you feel you are being abused, you’re probably not. VFX artists and supes need to react to notes from all sources and find ways to deal with the stress of constant judgment. It’s just part of the job. So if you feel all steamed up, count to ten, suck a lemon, do some push-ups whatever it takes. Listen to feedback no matter how much it stings and move on. If you need to cry it out, that’s what bathrooms are for.
Bonus Tip: If you think someone is really abusive and out of line, don’t make a big beef in front of everybody. Request a private meeting to air your concerns in a rational and reasoned way.
Make Friends In High Places
Keep an eye out for who bangs the drum on your VFX slave ship. The people who run the show at your shop are always faced with scheduling issues that might require some intern power. If you make your name, face and skills known to the powers that be, this increases your chance of getting called up to the big leagues should the opportunity arise. A friendly “Hello!” at the coffee urn is a good start, but asking for a personal reel review is even better. Make sure you ask for specific criticism on what you can do better. If you can swing it, watch your reel with El Nacho Grande so you can ask questions and get a little extra face time.
Bonus Tip: Don’t stalk, it’s creepy. If you see a supervisor at Trader Joe’s, a quick acknowledgment is fine but let the poor guy (or gal) get his Hummus and get out!
Get Stuff Done
No mater how mundane the tasks you are given, do them to the best of your ability and as quickly and efficiently as you can. Remember, your internship is a test. If you balk about how boring it is to run around town all day dropping off and picking up tapes, people aren’t going to ask you to help out with roto or tracking (the first tasks you’ll probably be asked to do vfx-wise). Complaining is not an option and neither is being lazy. Once your are finished with a task immediately tell your direct supervisor you are done and ask for another assignment. This is the visual effects equivalent to “Thank you sir, may I have another” (that’s an Animal House reference for those who are generationaly impaired).
Bonus Tip: Always volunteer to go on set, even if it means extra hours for no pay. The experience you get on a VFX stage is worth it. Just keep you mouth shut when your there.
Grab For The Brass Ring
That’s an old timey expression that means that you should reach out for the good opportunities that may come your way, not some kind of veiled reference to facial piercings or other body modifications. Oddly enough, the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for will probably come in the form of a chance to work all night doing thankless drudge work but that’s besides the point. The point is that an iternship is all about getting a foot in the door and showing a VFX company that you have something to offer. You need to be as flexible as you can be and put yourself out there for any chance at all to get real-live production experience.
Bonus Tip: Working on productions for free once (or even twice) is an opportunity, more than that can be exploitation. After a while everyone needs to get some compensation even if it’s at a Barista pay scale.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
You forgot to mention that there is always the option of not returning from lunch, with no phone call.
January 17th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Old Redneck saying: 2 ears, 2 eyes one mouth; they should be used in that ratio Dress for success. (and future success) When you go on runs always chat up everyone you meet. One day they may be able to give you a better job. PAY ATTENTION all the time. PAY ATTENTION all the time. Learn as much as possible, look all around the facility(facilities) try and figure out what you find interesting. Find a mentor in that department, who is into answering all your questions. Sponge as much knowledge and experience you can. PAY ATTENTION all the time.