On Set VFX Supervisor

Leavitt entered college with aspirations of becoming an Architect. But as he puts it, he “got bored” and switched over to graphic design. He always had a passion for creature effects, so he also started working in this field. After graduation, Leavitt landed a job at Disney where for the next five years he did design and animation. From there, he went to Warner Bros. to animate on a web series. All the while, he was teaching himself digital creature VFX. Says Leavitt, “I’m a forever learner and always striving to know more and do more,” which accounts for his next gig on CSI: Miami, which he landed without even having a demo reel. He was offered a job on the spot as a VFX Artist, where he eventually rose to Lead Artist and then VFX Supervisor.

Was it a typical path to becoming an On-Set VFX Supervisor? Leavitt says that it’s hard to say. He knows others like him who are self-made professionals, teaching themselves the craft. Other colleagues of his have taken the route of going to school specifically to study VFX. Either way, he emphasizes that the most important quality for setting out on this path is to have a professional — and personal — drive. It’s great to be motivated to succeed, but he’s not impressed by those who work around the clock. He’s found that it actually can hinder productivity, which is why it’s also important to know when to step away for the day.

Leavitt entered college with aspirations of becoming an Architect. But as he puts it, he “got bored” and switched over to graphic design. He always had a passion for creature effects, so he also started working in this field. After graduation, Leavitt landed a job at Disney where for the next five years he did design and animation. From there, he went to Warner Bros. to animate on a web series. All the while, he was teaching himself digital creature VFX. Says Leavitt, “I’m a forever learner and always striving to know more and do more,” which accounts for his next gig on CSI: Miami, which he landed without even having a demo reel. He was offered a job on the spot as a VFX Artist, where he eventually rose to Lead Artist and then VFX Supervisor.

Was it a typical path to becoming an On-Set VFX Supervisor? Leavitt says that it’s hard to say. He knows others like him who are self-made professionals, teaching themselves the craft. Other colleagues of his have taken the route of going to school specifically to study VFX. Either way, he emphasizes that the most important quality for setting out on this path is to have a professional — and personal — drive. It’s great to be motivated to succeed, but he’s not impressed by those who work around the clock. He’s found that it actually can hinder productivity, which is why it’s also important to know when to step away for the day.

Leavitt is a VFX generalist, which means that he can lead a project from concept to final delivery. But he’s quick to add that generalist expertise isn’t necessary for success in the field. Plenty of people have specialties, whether that’s matte painting, 3D animation or another skill. According to Leavitt, it’s more important to have a good sense of spatial thinking. “You should be able to see a shot in your head and be a creative problem-solver. In many ways, we’re like the Sherlock Holmes of the entertainment industry.” Because many in the industry, including Directors and DPs, can find it difficult to visualize a VFX shot, it becomes especially important for someone in this field to have that skill and be able to articulate it to others.

It cannot be overestimated how important it is to have a level head in this field. Says Leavitt, “No matter how someone treats you — and there will be difficult personalities that you encounter — you have to let it roll off your back.” Reacting in like to a hot-headed personality will never have a positive outcome. Likewise, it’s critical to be able to take criticism without taking the note personally. Just listen. Adds Leavitt, “Don’t hold on to negativity.”

Leavitt notes that the life of an On-Set VFX Supervisor means getting up before the sun rises and coming home after it has set. In short, the days can be long, so aspiring On-Set VFX Supervisors should be aware that they may not have open weeknights. And while many productions run five days a week, others might add in a sixth day on the weekends.

He also mentions that the lifestyle of this profession is one of “feast or famine.” At one point, he went more than a year without work. Other times, he must turn down jobs because he’s already committed to a project. Sometimes, as on a film, that project might last for only a few months. It can also go for the better part of a year, as is often the case in television. Leavitt adds that television in particular can be a great way to “cut your teeth” on the craft. Turnaround times are quick, making it essential to work not only competently but also quickly.

As mentioned, Leavitt’s job typically entails collaborating with a wide range of other professionals. He’s regularly in communication with both editorial and post-production crew, as well as other on-set figures such as the Director, Director of Photography and 1st AD.

As far as getting a foot in the VFX door, Leavitt recommends starting with post-production jobs that teach basic skills like rotoscoping or photo retouching. Learning foundational software like Photoshop can also be immensely helpful. Like he mentioned earlier, getting on YouTube to learn and keep growing skillsets is key as well. Other entry-level jobs that can begin a person’s career in VFX include being an Intern or Production Assistant.

In describing the income situation for an On-Set VFX Supervisor, Leavitt explains that it can fluctuate depending on the project. Unfortunately, some productions decline to hire a seasoned professional who would come with a higher rate in favor of a less experienced person. In many cases, the money saved in this move is spent on more hours and fixes needed because of the lack of expertise.

That being said, Leavitt states that there’s “no real full-time” position for an On-Set VFX Supervisor. An On-Set VFX Supervisor might technically be salaried, but they’re also an independent contractor on a given production. Because of the rate disparities, as well as the lulls that can sometimes occur between jobs, Leavitt adds that going into this field is “not for the faint of heart.”

No union currently exists for VFX professionals, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t resources for aspiring On-Set VFX Supervisors!

The Visual Effects Society (VES) has plenty to offer aspiring On-Set VFX Supervisors on its site. While the organization requires at least six years in the field and two recommendations from current members to join, it can still prove a valuable resource.

Leavitt also recommends going to networking events. Go to meet other professionals — and ask questions! It’s okay to approach seasoned VFX pros and ask about how they got into the field.

• Watch “behind the scenes” filmmaking commentaries.
• Subscribe to Cinefex and other VFX publications.
• Study animation and anatomy, which can be important skillsets for VFX professionals.
• Get familiar with popular software like Photoshop, Blender and Gimp.
• Don’t be afraid of math and science, especially geometry and physics, which are used in the field.

1. 1. "VFX Supervisor Salaries in United States". Glassdoor.com. published: December 14, 2019. retrieved on: November 29, 2016