Special and Visual Effects Technicians

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that employment of special effects artists and animators (which includes visual effects technicians) will grow by about 4 percent, about as fast as the average for all other occupations, through 2033. The motion picture industry is expected to have modest growth, the television industry is projected to have slow growth, while streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as the software industry will have steady growth in the coming years. The pandemic impacted many industries, including the special effects industry, due to business closures and production delays. Post pandemic, demand has grown for animation and visual effects in movies, television, and video games. Overall, competition for jobs is very strong since many people view this field as an exciting potential career path.

For more than 30 years now, films of all genres have incorporated computer graphics and high-tech effects, inspiring a whole generation of young people with computers and imaginations. Many of today's top effects professionals credit their love of Star Wars with directing them toward careers in the industry. As the cost of powerful computers continues to decrease, even more people will be able to experiment with computer graphics and develop their skills and talents.

Though some special and visual effects companies are very profitable, others are struggling to make enough money to meet their expenses. Production companies are attempting to tighten their budgets and to turn out movies and television shows quickly. Therefore, a contract for special effects goes to the lowest bidding effects company. The costs of the effects, including salaries for top technicians, are increasing, while producers decrease their special effects budgets. This situation will either be corrected by effects companies demanding more money, or only a few of the very top companies will be able to thrive.

Digital technology will continue to change the industry rapidly. Experts predict that in the near future, film will be eliminated and movies will be shot and projected digitally, enhancing computer effects. Filmmakers will edit their movies over the Internet. And it may not be long before filmmakers are able to make entire movies with CGI, employing only digital actors. Some companies are experimenting with taking screen images of past and present film stars and digitally creating new films and performances.