Shivani Chaturvedi’s Post

What is happening, I wonder🤔. In my 16 years of experience in the animation and VFX industry, for the first time, I am seeing so many "open to work" profiles floating over LinkedIn and other platforms. Massive layoffs are happening everywhere. Big companies are struggling to get works. The wave of job losses in our industry is unexpected .Talented professionals, who once enjoyed job security in a booming sector, are now facing uncertainty. This trend is not localized but spans across the globe. We don’t know the actual reason behind it. Is it geopolitical tensions, the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, or are studios and production houses prioritizing live-action and lower-cost projects over high-budget animation and VFX-heavy productions? Or is it because of advances in technology, such as AI-driven animation tools and procedural generation techniques? No clue !😟 Despite all these challenges, there is hope that the industry will revive. The demand for high-quality content remains strong. We will overcome this slump and look forward to a future where "open to work" profiles are a rarity in our industry once again.🙂#animation #vfx #cgi #films

This is so great, I found out quite early on in my transition from film to video games that the Narrative department is quite interesting and complex in what it exactly entails. Let’s see what my result says. Any other storytelling peeps on my feed that have also done this test already? #narrative #narrativedesign #videogameindustry #gamedev

The VFX industry has faced significant challenges over the past and current year, with studios grappling with strikes, layoffs, reductions in hiring, and unemployment. These obstacles, coupled with limited project availability and intense competition, have disrupted connections and workflows across the industry. The recent resolution of the Hollywood strike brought some relief, with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) securing a three-year contract. However, the industry still faces a gradual recovery as studios adapt to post-strike conditions and VFX work resumes. Despite the turmoil, Select VFX Studio stood strong without any layoffs or salary cuts. Our team's dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence set us apart. We owe our ability to overcome these challenges to the steadfast trust of our clients and our relentless pursuit of delivering top-notch VFX work. It's not just about business transactions; it's about the meaningful connections we've built. The relationships we've forged and the respect we've garnered are testaments to our commitment to excellence and the trust our clients have placed in us. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing clients. Your trust and support have been pivotal in our journey.🙏 At Select VFX Studio, we're here to support you within your budget, meeting any scope and deadline expectations to ensure your success. Together, we will continue to push boundaries and achieve new heights in the VFX industry.🤝 #vfx #visualeffects #vfxproduction #vfxartists #vfxstudio #movie #film #media #postproduction #vfxsupervisor #entertainmentindustry #vfxindustry #vfxindia #vfxworld #vfxartist #vfxnews

“Stability Returns to the VFX Industry: What It Means for Job Seekers After the Strike” The recent Hollywood strike, which began in July 2023, brought the entertainment industry to a standstill, significantly affecting the VFX sector. After nearly four months of negotiations, a historic agreement was reached between SAG-AFTRA and the major studios, signaling a new era for the industry. The deal includes increased wages, better residuals for streaming content, and crucial protections against the misuse of AI, addressing concerns that had caused uncertainty for many VFX professionals. As the industry begins to stabilize, major studios are resuming their projects, and there’s renewed optimism about future opportunities. VFX studios have shown incredible resilience during this period, delivering high-quality work on blockbuster films and expanding their capabilities despite the challenges. For those of you who have been waiting for new opportunities, the industry is gradually returning to normal. With production schedules picking up and new contracts in place, now is a good time to keep an eye out for job openings and prepare for the upcoming wave of projects. The industry’s commitment to growth, technological advancement, and training will likely create more opportunities for skilled professionals. ##Stay positive, keep honing your skills, and be ready to jump back into the action as the industry moves forward##👍🏻

Check out 🎮 Adam Burt’s neat Narrative Design Calculator. I’ve often had to explain Narrative Design roles to others lately. If I’d had this calculator it would have saved some time. It would be helpful if there were a calculator inclusive of all Game Design disciplines. As confused as some are about Narrative Design, it is even worse for Tech Design, UX Design, and Generalists. A calculator for all game development roles would be useful to. I could send it to my uncles and aunts who have no idea what I do for a living, but assume I am either an artist or a programmer.

"Ghost Job" in Vfx are on Rise The rising trend of “Ghost Job” which is a new trend happening in the IT industry, now it's creeping into the VFX Industry, this is probably due to the potential next hiring wave as the industry slowly starts to pick up steam again. But first, what exactly are Ghost jobs? Well, ghost jobs are vacancies where a studio posts a job on social media but has no intention of filling it .The reason for this may vary among different studios. There's this story from Maureen W Clough who revealed it on Thread. She was told by her company's HR to keep interviewing people for a job that didn't even exist. She was like, "Nope, not falling for that." She didn't want to waste her time or anyone else's.” Why Do Companies Post Ghost Jobs? Well, some do it for Resume harvesting. They just want to collect as many resumes/datas as much as possible to maybe use them in the future. Signaling their Competitors and employees that “We are growing” it's a tactic or an attention grabbing publicity stunt to increase their studio visibility. Then there's the whole market perception thing. Posting fake job ads could be a way to make the company look more successful than it really is. Also Frequently posting fake job ads on social media platforms could be an attempt to manipulate the perception of the company's financial health It might be a way to signal their investors, clients, or employees that the studio is developing and in high demand. Now, how can you tell if a job posting is real or just a ghost? Real jobs will have all the details - the role, qualifications, responsibilities, and a clear timeline. If it seems too vague and generic, it's probably not legit. #vfx #vfxjobs #vfxnews #vfxartist #vfxjob

🎬 To the VFX Artist Community 🎨 In these uncertain times, we understand the challenges you may be facing due to layoffs and unemployment in the VFX industry. Your talent and dedication are undeniable, and we recognize the impact of these circumstances on your livelihoods. Remember, setbacks are temporary, but your creativity and resilience are permanent. Use this time to hone your skills, explore new opportunities, and connect with fellow artists. Whether it’s updating your portfolio, networking within the community, or seeking support, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you through this journey. Reach out, share your experiences, and let’s navigate through these challenges together. Together, we’ll emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. Keep creating, keep innovating, and never lose sight of your passion. Brighter days are ahead. 💫 #VFXCommunity #StayStrong #KeepCreating

The reality is, the past year and a few months have been crap for many people in the VFX Industry. Multiple strikes was just a part of what destroyed Hollywood. That, and the rise of A.I. and advancement in technology played a huge role as well. All of that, mixed with inflation, rising cost of everything, and other economic factors also played a big part in all of it. But there is also a bright side. Never take your job for granted. Over and over, I've seen artists, experienced or new, output subpar content and do "just enough" to float on by. No dedication and no care for high quality output. They are half way out the door as soon as their clock hits 8 hours. This situation may be a good reminder to start giving more crap about your jobs and your output. Make yourself invaluable so you can not be replaced. Continue to learn and expand your knowledge and skills. Now that most of us do not have a job, we sure seem to have grown to appreciate them a bit more. I think that most of us had gotten a bit too comfortable. I guess this could be seen as a good reality check. Employers don't want to hire people who will simply fill up a seat. No. They want people who will grow with them and help the company advance to the next level. Employers want people who take accountability for their work and show passion. They don't need a robot, they need humans who give a crap. There have been many times that I've continued to work on a shot during my own time or even lunch break, even after submitting for a deadline, just because I was not happy with it and wanted to improve it, all in the hopes of sending it to the client as an 'improved' version. That is the dedication and accountability we should all have at a job in this industry. Otherwise, it'll be very tough to be successful in the coming years. Good luck to all. Good luck to us.

🌟 To my fellow VFx professionals still seeking their next opportunity: I understand the challenges of this journey all too well. However, through resilience and unwavering determination, I've found the courage to keep pushing forward. Here are a few steps that is helping me leverage my job search in this tough job search situation. 1. **Refine Your Portfolio**: Continuously update and refine your portfolio to showcase your best work. Highlight projects that demonstrate your skills and versatility. 2. **Networking**: Engage with industry professionals through online forums, industry events, and social media platforms like LinkedIn. Building connections can lead to new opportunities. 3. **Skill Enhancement**: Consider enhancing your skills or learning new technologies relevant to the industry. Continuously improving can make you a more attractive candidate. 4. **Stay Informed**: Keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends, news, and job openings. Being informed gives you a competitive edge. 5. **Maintain Positivity**: It's easy to feel discouraged during a job search, but maintaining a positive mindset can make a significant difference. Believe in your abilities and stay persistent. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to showcase your resilience. Your perfect opportunity is out there, and with the right mindset and approach, you'll find it. Keep going, keep growing! #vfx #JobSearch #Resilience

🚨 Urgent Call to Action: The State of the VFX and Animation Industry 🚨 As professionals deeply invested in the VFX and Animation industry, it's crucial to address the ongoing challenges we're facing. The recent wave of layoffs and job losses has sent shockwaves throughout our community, highlighting the fragility of our field in the face of economic uncertainty. Many talented individuals, including artists, technicians, and support staff, have found themselves displaced, adding to the strain on an already turbulent job market. The ripple effects of these layoffs are felt not only by those directly impacted but also by the broader ecosystem of studios, freelancers, and educational institutions. However, amid adversity, there is hope. Our industry has always been resilient, powered by creativity, innovation, and a passionate workforce. It's during these trying times that we must come together as a community to support one another, share resources, and advocate for positive change. We must also look towards the future with optimism, believing in the potential for better days ahead. By fostering collaboration, investing in skill development, and advocating for fair labour practices, we can work towards building a more sustainable and equitable industry for all. Let's use this moment as a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can weather the storm and emerge stronger, more united, and ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Here's to hoping for a brighter future and a more balanced industry for generations to come. #vfx #animation #animationjobs #vfxjobs #layoff #industrychallenges #unityinadversity #togetherwerise 🌟