VFX Editor

The VFX Editor incorporates and updates all required versions of visual effects shots into the current cuts of the VFX / live action sequences. The VFX Editor also has the ability to create a functioning environment where the Visual Effects Supervisor can evaluate any version of any shot in the current sequences, for aesthetic and technical direction. This position works closely with producers to manage all incoming media and outgoing deliverables.

Editing is also known as secondary creation, so the job of an editor is a creative one. In many cases, the editor will edit according to the director’s ideas. But in many cases a good editor can make the whole film or plot look and feel different through his or her editing.

The responsibilities of the VFX Editor  may include:

• Maintain sequence edits and inserting visual effects shots into the timeline
• Manage and document the turnover of shots from editorial through to delivery including ingesting new media into pipeline
• Ensure Shotgun is maintained with current shot counts, lineup and any retime instructions
• Ensure that published shots conform to the current edit and perform basic QC checks
• Prepare sequence edits for internal and client approvals when required
• Create daily playlists and operate the screening room system for dailies
• Perform shot specific colour corrections to match editorial reference when required
• Perform shot retimes to match supplied editorial reference when required
• Create rough shot mockups as proof of concept for artists and supervisors
• Work in partnership with vfx teams and compositors to ensure shots are delivered to the very highest standard while maintaining schedules.

Editing is a key part of the post-production profession, and many good films and TV productions are created by editors. In general, to be an editor you need to have a unique eye and different visual perspectives.

Web reference

https://www.spinvfx.com/careers/vfx-editor/ https://www.productionbase.co.uk/blog/2019/01/22/become-vfx-editor/

Data input/output (I/O) technician

The Data input/output (I/O) technician’s main job is to transfer data and ensure that it is secure and output properly.

Generally speaking they are responsible for the entire company’s computer storage system, including the company’s hard drives or the protection of the company’s data. They are also very familiar with various video formats because they have to deal with a lot of video files.

The responsibilities of the Data input/output (I/O) technician  may include:

• Responsible for monitoring disk servers, performing backups/restores, and handling incoming/outgoing data transfers
• Maintain data and asset tracking
• Prepare incoming/outgoing data transfers
• Collect files from clients and vendors and prepare deliveries back to them
• Monitor servers and studio queue system; escalates issues as needed
• Troubleshoot and correct failing tasks
• Partner with other production personnel to ensure shots are scheduled and delivered in a timely manner
• Coordinate all client deliveries (outgoing and incoming), both physical deliveries and digital deliveries and maintains log of all deliveries
• Technical QA of all masters and digital files, grade conforms and project archiving

Overall this is not a necessary job for a VFX company either. When I looked at job profiles I found that many companies combine this job with that of an editor. After all, this is a job that an editor can easily do and the data can be stored well when the editor has finished cutting the video.

Concept artist

A concept artist is a designer who visualizes & creates art for characters, creatures, vehicles, environments, and other creative assets. Concept art is used to visualize ideas so that modelers, animators, and VFX teams can make these ideas ready for production.

A concept artist is usually a good draughtsman. A good concept artist is usually very good at hand-drawing and has a great imagination. They are able to put a lot of their imagination into their drawings and bring ling ga to the VFX team.

The responsibilities of the Concept artist  may include:

• create quick and detailed drawings and paintings of environments, characters, buildings, vehicles and props (including creation of thumbnails and wireframes)
• use traditional and technological approaches to createdesigns in 2D and 3D through drawing and painting 
• efficiently interpret briefs
• explain and pitch your ideas clearly to the client and design team
• respond positively to client feedback 
• adapt and refine your work based on client response
• maintain good communication with the client 
• be confident using creative programmes and technologies e.g. Photoshop, Maya, Painter and SketchUp
• research topics and information for points of reference and ideas to use in your designs 
• create specification sheets, accurately noting dimensions and details for others to follow
• meet strict deadlines.

Web reference

https://conceptartempire.com/what-is-concept-artist/ https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/what-is-concept-art

Preview Artist

A Previs Animator (or Previs Artist) creates 3D animatics, which are rough versions of scenes used as a draft of an animation to test the action. Different drafts may be created in this previsualization process

The main task of the Preview Artist is to create a simple animation mock-up based on the subplot. This animation mock-up can greatly reduce the number of problems in the formal production later on. In many cases, without this step, there would be a lot of problems with the animation if problems were found during the production process. It is also possible to visualise the angles and textures of many of the movements in the film and television production. This makes the subsequent work much smoother and more fluid.

The responsibilities of the Preview Artist may include:

• Liaising with directors and animators regarding the look and style of the sequences to be previsualized
• Researching the sequences and assembling references for the previs sequence
• Translating storyboards into animated sequences
• Deconstructing and planning out sequences
• Depicting staging, blocking, camera motion and character performance
• Producing previs quickly and efficiently
• Creating previs using media such as photos, illustrations, storyboards, visual references etc
• Generating previs for complex special effects sequences
• Editing and compositing scenes
• Ensuring consistency in style and look
• Adhering to pipeline protocols
• Testing previs assets and rigs
• Working to schedule and curating animation assets 
• Integrating sound elements to visuals in sequence
• Rendering final animations of previs
• Working with motion capture references

Web reference

https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/pre-vis-animatorhttps://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/pre-production/previsualisation-previs-artist/