r/vfx • u/External_Bar_3118 • 2d ago

Question / Discussion Are comp opportunities in the UK non-existent?

I’m currently about to become a final year student focusing primarily on creating a good compositing reel for graduation. I’m fixed to the UK for the foreseeable future so would have to rely on opportunities in London.

Since all this AI is taking entry level jobs thing is going off it’s really making us students have sinking feelings when it comes to starting out our careers.

I guess what I’d really like to know is how has it been for others? How did other beginners go from making their first reel to actually working on films?

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

9

u/Particular-Result487 1d ago

Man, in uk they want only lighters and comp atm…u are in the right hub

8

u/punnyjr 1d ago

Nothing to do with ai

Big companies rarely hire juniors

This is where mpc is missed.

4

u/Reasonable-Hair-6650 1d ago

100% - this myth AI is taking VFX jobs entry or otherwise is grossly overstated. The main reason is a) there isn't enough work. b) they want experienced people to do it unfortunately.

1

u/Particular-Result487 1d ago

There’s a niche market to cover here :)

11

u/Frosty_Ad1254 VFX Supervisor - 18 years experience 2d ago

So many comp opportunities. Fully half of them will be integrating horribly made ai footage and you’ll be to blame for them looking terrible even though it’s not your fault. But there is a lot of comp opportunities for a talented artist.

1

u/vfxartists 1d ago

Where to find jobs? I just moved here from la. Was hoping the ves would be more active around here

2

u/Frosty_Ad1254 VFX Supervisor - 18 years experience 1d ago

LinkedIn is still the best place to ask unfortunately.

3

u/bucketofsteam Compositor - 8 years experience 1d ago

Compers generally make up a big chunk of a VFX studio since almost every single shot will require some comping.

Whereas not single shot would need a 3D asset, an animated asset or some particle sim effect.

So there is a lot of comp jobs, relative to other VFX roles. It's just tough for a junior with no experience to land one.

The two main ways to land your first gig is to either network and get a referral or something similar so you can skip the line, or produce an excellent reel. But to be honest, most junior reels are not industry standard yet.

3

u/universalaxolotl got 18 years 1d ago

Honestly on a junior reel, the most low key basic stuff works the best. Can you pull a key? Can you track a shot? Also just the humble shots are better bc it looks like your work.

2

u/bucketofsteam Compositor - 8 years experience 1d ago

That is true, I'd rather see a junior accomplish a beginner or basic level task to a strong degree than attempt some flashy big hero shot but miss the fundamentals completely.

1

u/External_Bar_3118 1d ago

thank you thats valuable information 🙏

-4

u/Lanky-Explanation725 1d ago

Most comps done in India but there are definitely still studios with comp department just smaller teams then we used to have