What are the challenges and opportunities of working remotely as a VFX artist or supervisor?

In the VFX world, going remote was impossible... Until the pandemic changed that. While legacy communication tools like Zoom, Team and Google Meet were helpful, they failed to foster the true collaboration we needed. At Frontier VFX, we decided to embrace remote early on. We knew that we needed to seek a better solution. We partnered with a UK startup called Cosmos.video, to create own virtual office space that will fill that collaborative void. This innovation single-handedly revolutionizes the way we collaborate. This new hub of communication helped us deliver multiple highly collaborative shows including the yet-to-be-release Chicken Run 2 "Dawn of the Nugget" as the main vendor. The WFH revolution is here, and we are not looking back!

VFX work and filmmaking in general takes HUGE ADVANTAGE of the cloud based space that the digital world is becoming. During the pandemic, at Glowstick Bay Studios, we handled the entire post production workflow from color, sound, edit, and VFX, all within these apps: 1. Frame.io (invaluable as you can offload footage IN REALTIME WHILE SHOOTING if you're using RED cameras) and regardless, the realtime collaboration features in this app are mind-blowing. 2. Autodesk ShotGrid - this is a production management software that accelerates workflows for creative studios. A/B testing, Take sorting, A/V matching, Note taking, Note leaving...everything can be done here. 3. Slack - Between these tools and Slack, you can run entire Post Productions

In a remote work setting, you need to be a little more deliberate about cultivating a sense of community. Channeling enjoyment of in-person interactions at the studio into warm, collaborative online teamwork is key. It's important to set aside time to hear how people are getting on personally -- how their weekend went, their new hobby, their pets. Without this, relationships with colleagues can become more transactional, and less rewarding. Supervisors play a crucial role in building culture for artists working remotely, just as they do at the studio. Encourage artists to share their ideas and develop each other's skills, not just participating when something is asked of them.

Working remotely in VFX presents both hurdles and advantages. A major challenge is maintaining strong communication and collaboration. Without in-person interaction, giving feedback, brainstorming, and solving problems can be trickier. However, by utilizing reliable video conferencing, file sharing, and project management tools, these hurdles can be overcome. Additionally, establishing clear communication protocols, with frequent check-ins and updates, is essential. Fostering a sense of teamwork is also important, achieved through acknowledging accomplishments, offering support, and creating opportunities for virtual team bonding.

Most imortantantly, it would help if you had the drive and work ethic. This type of work can sometimes require long hours of self-motivated work. You may have to deal with all sorts of distractions and lose focus. If you are disciplined and organized then the work is seamless to that of being in the office.

In addition to the points already mentioned, to my knowledge we still don't have a reliable and scalable solution for color management. It's not reasonable to be able to control the hardware, calibration and the viewing environment of so many different possibilities. I think VR is potentially a solution for this, but it doesn't come without costs/drawbacks.

Working remotely in VFX brings its own set of technical hurdles. VFX artists and supervisors need powerful computers, fast internet, and potentially specialized equipment like large monitors or motion capture devices to work effectively. These can be personal investments, or require negotiation with employers. Additionally, maintaining secure access to work software, render farms, and collaborative tools while following data security protocols is crucial to protect sensitive intellectual property.

A certain toolset must be available the artists, and the same stands true for VFX sups. This article highlights so many important facets of the relationship of a team. But I think the overall employer (hiring party) need reimburse the team the overhead for their hardware and home-studio rental time at a rate (perhaps not the SAME rate) as in-house post-production studios do. Thoughts?

One thing about VFX is that it's expensive. People don't really like to talk about this, but if you don't have the finances to access the tools required for heavy lifting, things are a lot more difficult. BUT, that doesn't mean you can't find affordable solutions to get started in VFX. I would actually suggest an M3 MacBook Pro. $2,500 cost of entry, download Blender, and get started. It may not be much, but entire careers have been started this way. Don't let the cost of the big leagues deter you from getting started in your dreams. Every tree in history was a seed first :)

Working remotely in VFX offers a double-edged sword for creativity and productivity. While the usual office distractions are gone, allowing for deeper focus, the lack of in-person collaboration can hinder brainstorming and idea sharing. However, the flexibility of a remote schedule empowers VFX artists and supervisors to manage their time effectively and potentially achieve a better work-life balance. This autonomy also opens doors for self-directed learning and experimentation with new techniques as they adapt to remote workflows. To thrive in this environment, setting achievable goals, tracking progress, and rewarding accomplishments is key.

Just as the shift from film and optical visual effects to digital was a methodology earthquake, so is the shift from working in a cubicle to working from home, locally or remotely. We are the shake down cruise, the test pilots. It feels awkward to us as we are used to a different norm and are defining the new work practices. For future generations of artists, working from home or remote will be the new norm, as easy as streaming instead of loading media into a disk player.

While working remotely offers flexibility and convenience, VFX artists and supervisors can face challenges in networking and career development. The physical separation from the studio can lead to feelings of isolation and a disconnect from colleagues, mentors, and potential employers. Missed opportunities to attend industry events, workshops, and conferences can further hinder professional growth. However, proactive measures can help bridge this gap. Utilizing online platforms for professional networking, sharing work, and seeking guidance can be beneficial. Additionally, attending virtual events, webinars, and courses keeps remote VFX professionals up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.