Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers posed to the VFX HQ:
Why isn't the VFX HQ being updated?
What is the VFX HQ?
Who runs the VFX HQ?
What isn't the VFX HQ?
Is there a newsgroup for visual effects?
Is there a FAQ for the newsgroup?
How can I get a job in the effects industry? What school should I attend to learn about visual effects? (updated)
What is the e-mail address of ILM? I want to apply for a job.
Do you accept resumes?
What does CGI mean? Bluescreen? Compositing?
How'd they do that?
How can I download larger pictures featured on the VFX HQ?
What happened to the VFX HQ on June 4, 1997?
Why isn't the VFX HQ being updated?
On January 1, 1999, VFX HQ became VFX HQ Archive, a comprehensive reference tool on visual effects films between 1994 and 1998. Films in release from 1999 on will not be covered. For more information, read the Spotlight article.
What is the VFX HQ?
The Visual Effects Headquarters (VFX HQ) is a web site that covers the visual effects industry. Focusing on feature film effects, the VFX HQ covers films from 1994 through 1998, and all the major visual effects producers. It is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.vfxhq.com/, and has existed in its current structure since January, 1995.For visual effects feature films, the VFX HQ lists the film's director, visual effects supervisor, and all effects houses that worked on the film. 1996 and 1997 films also feature in-depth reviews and commentary on the visual effects of the film. Effects Houses pages feature some company history and, where available, a complete filmmography.
Who runs the VFX HQ?
Todd Vaziri. My e-mail address is tvaziri@gmail.com.
What isn't the VFX HQ?
The VFX HQ is NOT the web site to visit for upcoming movie information, rumors or storylines. There are plenty of great web sites that are dedicated to upcoming movies, including Ain't It Cool News?, Corona's Complete Movie Listing, What To Expect.
Is there a newsgroup for visual effects?
Certainly. The address is alt.movies.visual-effects.
Is there a FAQ for the newsgroup?
Fletcher Chenn writes the a.m.v-e FAQ. It is posted periodically on the newsgroup, and you can also read it from his web site.
How can I get a job in the effects industry? What school should I attend to learn about visual effects?
There are plenty of resources on the web to help answer these complex questions.
Visual effects houses' career opportunities pages:Rhythm & Hues
http://rhythm.com/inside_randh/opportunities_faq.shtmlWeta Digital
http://www.wetadigital.com/digital/students/Pixar Animation Studios
http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/jobs/career_faq.htmlDigital Domain
http://www.digitaldomain.com/ , click on CareersSony Pictures Imageworks
http://www.sonypictures.com/imageworks/hr/index.htmlSIGGRAPH's Resources page
http://www.siggraph.org/resourcesThe fact is that there is no single way to break into the industry. To make a long story short: the competition is tough, but effects houses are ALWAYS looking for good people. My personal advice is to look for a school with a strong video and film department. Learn about film history, editing, cinematography, and other aesthetics.
What is the e-mail address of ILM? I want to apply for a job.
For information about any effects house, go straight to the VFX HQ's Effects Houses page. All pertinent information including phone numbers, addresses and web sites will be posted there.
Do you accept resumes?
No. The VFX HQ is not an effects house. If you're interested in applying for a job at an effects house, contact them.
What does CGI mean? Bluescreen? Compositing?
Cinesite has put together a wonderful, descriptive glossary of visual effects terms. POP Film also has a terrific description of visual effects techniques on their site.
How'd they do that?
If you have questions like this, I highly recommend going to that movie's page. If you can't find what you need there, look for the references to Cinefex or American Cinematographer magazines. You can also e-mail me, and I'll do what I can.
How can I download larger pictures featured on the VFX HQ?
If you see a thick, red line around any graphic on the VFX HQ, click on it to see a larger version of that still. For an example of what the thick border looks like, go to the STARSHIP TROOPERS page or the SPEED 2 page.
What happened to the VFX HQ on June 4, 1997?
The internet service provider that hosted the VFX HQ abruptly went out of business without notifying any of its clients. All data was destroyed--the VFX HQ was then pieced together using a number of backups. The VFX HQ is now hosted by Yahoo Website Services. Read the full story in Spotlight.
. . VFX HQ Produced by Todd Vaziri . . http://www.vfxhq.com . . e-mail: tvaziri@gmail.com . .
All text Copyright © 1998 Todd Vaziri, unless otherwise noted