Reel Opportunities

VFX Editor

Also known as: Editor

What does a VFX Editor do?

VFX Editors work as the link between the film or TV production team, which shoots the live-action footage and the VFX studio that does the visual effects. A VFX Editor can be employed by a VFX studio or directly by the film or TV production company. The role varies depending on whether they are in-house (employed by the studio) or client-side (employed by the film or TV production company).

Client-side VFX Editor: Client-side VFX Editors work on set, while the live-action footage is being shot. They check everything is being captured in a way that makes it possible for the VFX to be created and integrated effectively. They keep track of the Director’s notes and make sure that the VFX Editor employed by the VFX studio knows about any changes that will affect the way the VFX needs to be created. The client-side VFX Editor brings drafts of the shots together so that the Director can see how they will look with the VFX incorporated and make sure the footage all comes together to create a cut of the film or TV programme that’s in keeping with what was signed off in previsualization.

In-house VFX Editor: In-house VFX Editors work closely with client-side VFX Editors but are responsible for ensuring that the VFX Artists at the VFX studio have everything that they need to create their work.
While the project is being worked on, the VFX Editor creates a workflow that allows the VFX Supervisor to evaluate the VFX Artists’ work and provide feedback on the aesthetic and on the technical direction. As the client approves shots or versions, the VFX Editor incorporates them into the current cut (edit) and oversees the passing of work back to the team that is editing the film or TV programme.

What's a VFX Editor good at?
  • Attention to detail

    Be meticulous with a strong eye for detail, making sure all shots are of the highest possible quality

  • Editing

    Have a good understanding of story-telling and be adept at using editing software

  • Communication

    Have excellent communication skills, understand exactly what the desired effect is in each shot and give effective direction to achieve that, keep clients informed on progress

  • Organization

    Be on top of the work that needs to be done and its progress with a good understanding of the pipeline, keep track of any changes in the project and keep all staff informed

  • Working to deadlines

    Have very good time-management skills, make sure the project stays on track for its deadline and cope well with working under pressure towards tight post-production deadlines at the end of the project

Who does a VFX Editor work with?

Client-side VFX Editors work closely with the Director, Producers, Editors in post-production and in-house VFX Editors. In-house VFX Editors work closely with a large range of staff across the VFX pipeline. They work directly under the VFX Supervisor. They work closely with Data Input/Output Technicians, TDsand VFX Producers to manage all incoming media and outgoing deliverables. They also communicate with the client-side VFX Editor and the post-production Editor of the film or TV programme.

How do I become a VFX Editor?

VFX Editor is a senior role so you will need to gain experience of both working in VFX production pipelines and doing editing work. There are a variety of routes into this job. You might want to start working as Production Assistant or Assistant Technical Director in a VFX studio. Alternatively, you could find your way into the industry by working as a Post-production Assistant in a post-production studio. Most VFX Editors have a degree in computer graphics, animation or a related subject.

Get a degree: Provided you have strong show-reel and know VFX software, it’s not essential to get a degree to become a VFX Editor, but it can help.

Get an internship: Internships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might want to enter the VFX industry through an internship as an Assistant Technical Director or a Junior 2D Artist. If you can’t find an internship with a VFX company, it might be worth getting an internship in a related industry, such as games or animation, which could give you some experience to help you find your way into VFX at a later point.

Build a portfolio: Learn how to use, and then experiment with, VFX programs and create a show-reel that you can show to admissions personnel or employers.

Network: Get to know people in VFX by attending events. Meet professionals and ask them questions about their work, while demonstrating interest and knowledge in the sector. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Research VFX companies you’d like to work for. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for junior roles in the art or technical art department. Even if they aren’t, send in your CV and showreel and ask them to bear you in mind for future positions.

More tips

For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Job Profile Design by Dave Gray. Based on an original concept by Ian Murphy/Allan Burrell.