In the Avatar movies, how much of the facial motion capture data is actually used?

I saw a video a while back about Weta’s pipeline for the Planet of the Apes movies from one of the supervisors. It turns out that because of anatomical differences between a human face and an ape face, the facial motion capture data looks far too human on the facial rig. Because of this, the animators started from scratch, hand-animating using the facial motion capture footage as reference. Is it the same for the latest Avatar movies?

https://redd.it/1pt52q7
@vfxbackup

Rodeo did AI xmas video
https://youtu.be/_9DT8lzzRQc?si=pyPiK1zsZz9tqqqM

https://redd.it/1ptauom
@vfxbackup

Info on Mercor jobs? Raising yellow flags.

I got laid off about a month ago and in my job search I see this company called Mercor show up a lot and from what I can understand they find people for other companies but they don't exactly sound like strictly a recruiting service.

Even though my job isn't as a VFX artist (i'm a 3d artist/animator) I've been applying to anywhere and everywhere anyways. One of those places I applied to a couple weeks ago was for a VFX Artist position through Mercor. It was a weird application process that involved a 20 minute Ai interview and the denoscription of VFX artist for them sounded more like a 3D generalist.

Well a couple days ago I get a LinkedIn message from someone that works at a place called Crossing Hurdles (a "referral partner" to Mercor) that refers candidates to Mercor. They're saying its a contract for several weeks. The role is a VFX Artist applying effects to short form videos. It says training will be provided but I have to provide my own tools. Either way being strictly a VFX artist is a little outside my base of knowledge/experience.

This whole thing seems weird. Does anyone know anything about Mercor or have experience working with them? It sounds like a less than ideal job, but I'm not exactly in the best place to be turning down work either.

https://redd.it/1ptcnm0
@vfxbackup

Interested in 3D DMP and Nuke camera projection courses

Hey I’m wanting to learn more about all types of camera projection in Nuke, specifically patch projections confuse me. I’m wanting to get better at 3D matte painting and compositing my 3D renders. More than happy to buy paid courses. Would really appreciate any suggestions!

https://redd.it/1ptgb5c
@vfxbackup

STAR WARS The Ghost of Korriban Fan Film Trailer
https://youtu.be/-8nA72btRp8?si=_-vFe5h8dNm42hbp

https://redd.it/1ptlfgb
@vfxbackup

Career Change Advise where my experience as a VFX / 3D Artist wasn't for nothing

I studied VFX and Animation, did an internship as a 3D Artist and have troubles getting into the job market after finishing university.
I hear a lot from other artists to migrate into another industry since the job market is very bad at this point. I would even consider to study again, but what? I would like to study which is "future proof" but also where my first degree isn't for nothing. I was thinking pivoting into engineering but then my current bachelor was "wasted"..

Is there some other career / studies where my current degree and knowledge is of advantage?

https://redd.it/1ptor4u
@vfxbackup

Placing person into scene in blender

So lets say i have a tracked camera, and the footage of the person pre rotoscoped out, how can i place that footage into the blender scene in a way that it will interact with the scene, reflections etc, while staying synced with the camera track? Any videos on this are appreciated, or explainations.

https://redd.it/1pu2bgw
@vfxbackup

[Game] Ambitious AA Souls-like Project Looking for a Stylized / Handpainted VFX Artist

Hi everyone and nice to meet you 👋

We’re **Nocturnia Studios**, a small indie team currently working on an **ambitious Double-A Souls-like game** developed in **Unreal Engine**.

The project has been in development for a while, and our current goal is to **complete a playable demo / vertical slice within the next 4 to 6 months**. This demo will be used to move forward with publishers and secure full production funding. We already have **publisher interest**, and this milestone is key to taking the project to the next stage.

That’s where we’re looking for help.

# What we’re looking for

We’re currently looking for a **Stylized / Handpainted VFX Artist** to help bring combat, abilities, and environments to life with strong, readable, and expressive effects.

The visual direction for VFX is inspired by **stylized / handpainted approaches similar to Wayfinder**:
👉 **VFX style reference:** [*www.artstation.com/artwork/RyQKLW*](http://www.artstation.com/artwork/RyQKLW)

VFX play a huge role in the feel and readability of a Souls-like game, so this role will have a **direct and visible impact** on the overall experience.

# About the collaboration

* This is currently a **collaboration / unpaid role** while we work toward the demo.
* Once funding is secured, the position is intended to become a **full-time paid role**.
* You’ll be working closely with the art, design, and animation teams, with clear direction and goals.
* All work can be uploaded to your CV until Publishers funding

To give a better idea of the type of game and experience we’re aiming to create, here’s a short video showcasing the **tone, combat feel, and overall direction** of the project:
👉 [**https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mund-tJxcTctnVZHvouwHbJhO5ueS9PC/view?usp=sharing**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mund-tJxcTctnVZHvouwHbJhO5ueS9PC/view?usp=sharing)
This video is meant as a visual reference to better communicate the atmosphere, pacing, and gameplay goals we’re working toward.

# Project info

* Nane: Zenith
* Genre: **AA Souls-like**
* Engine: **Unreal Engine**
* Focus: Strong atmosphere, stylized visuals, impactful combat
* Status: Demo / Vertical Slice planned in **4–6 months**

👉 **Steam page:** [*https://store.steampowered.com/app/3383600/Zenith/*](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3383600/Zenith/)

https://redd.it/1pu1kud
@vfxbackup

Question for Coordinators

Hello VFX Friends,

I have a question for my fellow coords. I have one year of vendor side experience before that tragically came to an end due to the strikes. I took a little hiatus but I’m hoping to make a come back into the VFX world. I know the industry is still in shambles, such is life.

Anyway here’s the thing, I’m interested in potentially moving to client side, and my question is, would anyone so kindly be willing to chat with me about the difference between working vendor side vs client side? I’m just looking to gain some insight and clear up some things I’m confused about.

Thank you!

https://redd.it/1pu8olk
@vfxbackup

Mac Studio M5 ULTRA BENCHMARK LEAKS! Unreal Scores SHOCK Everyone 🔥 (2026 Rumor)
https://youtu.be/txG3zplGmBA?si=UwwVmK6tbwSw8Yad

https://redd.it/1pu8hne
@vfxbackup

why is the VFX industry in a bad spot atm?



https://redd.it/1puex5o
@vfxbackup

What is the day-to-day life of a project coordinator (not a production coordinator) at DNEG Animation ?

What is the day-to-day life of a project coordinator (not a production coordinator) at DNEG Animation?

https://redd.it/1pufgcb
@vfxbackup

Junior/Mid VFX artist salaries - Malaysia

Hi everyone,

I’m a VFX artist based in Malaysia, currently considering offers and trying to get a sense of the market. I have at least 2 years of experience in the industry, and I've been a freelancer since 2020 for TV shows. I consider myself a junior or somewhere mid-tier. Does anyone know the price range for the role? Does it make sense to be offered 41k-45k a year in MYR? Happy to discuss.

I’m curious:

1. What is a typical salary range for junior/mid VFX artists in Malaysia?
2. How flexible is salary negotiation at this stage?

Any insight would be super appreciated, especially from people who have worked in Malaysia’s VFX industry recently.

https://redd.it/1puf007
@vfxbackup

Where do I go to have a custom screensaver made?

Where do I go to have a custom screensaver made?

https://redd.it/1puktto
@vfxbackup

[Collab] I need help with one "Missing Reflection" climax shot (10-15 secs)

https://redd.it/1pujgg4
@vfxbackup

CPU vs GPU Rendering with Current Prices

Hey everyone,

I was wondering what the current opinion is as to wether CPU Rendering is becoming more and more of a viable alternative again to GPU Rendering at the current state of prices etc.

Many render engines come from or already have to ability to render GPU or CPU based and with current GPU Prices I’m wondering if it’s starting to become a viable alternative again to just get the highest end CPU and a mid tier GPU and Render using the CPU. Of course, depending on the engine used CPU is way slower than GPU, but when talking about scaling in a smaller environment (maybe 10-20 nodes) maybe this changes? Especially regarding availability with smaller companies not being able to bulk order a couple of Graphics Cards such as the 5090 (at least here in Germany mostly it’s still only possible to order one, maybe 2 at a time)

Some render engines are really fast using CPU even with features such as GI - looking at vray or corona renderer.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

Happy Christmas!

https://redd.it/1puntf4
@vfxbackup

LEGO Star Wars Stop Motion: Battle of Hoth – Attack on Echo Base
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lo37GGaXI-A&si=qnXivp4YZInNZSZy

https://redd.it/1puqyiv
@vfxbackup

How long are vfx contracts these days?

Hi,


I do not have much experience in VFX, only in animation surfacing — but in these times are short contracts the norm? Ranging 3-6 months? I am aware it varies depending on the project and the company situation, but overall would it be expected to be renewed at the end or are you usually let go? At these times have you found VFX companies offer up to 1 year contracts as well? This is for a surfacing position.

Thank you!

https://redd.it/1purhhv
@vfxbackup

Merry Christmas, Guys! "The Gift" - by BLR VFX (2010)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eIMafROjyo

https://redd.it/1purfi3
@vfxbackup

Is it a waste of time to learn Blender over Maya?

I’m a lot more used to Blender to currently but if I want to become a full time professional in the 3D CGI industry is it a waste of time to pursue it further over Maya? I know Maya is the standard for a lot of studios and I’m not sure how professionals really feel about Blender.

Any advice is much appreciated thank you!

https://redd.it/1puxsax
@vfxbackup

FUTURE OF VFX INDUSTRY

Hi guys, I'm 20 old man and a selft taught VFX Artist. Basicly I was in Materials Engineering department in Turkey and got really good at the classes that I took but I was always been in love doing VFX projects at the same time. I didn't actually like the environment of engineering because most of the people whom I talked to either doesn't know what the hell he/she is gonna do with their life and also they don't really care about their responsibilities whatsoever.

At the same time AI improvements and all that, I knew that most of the students who don't get a job or own a business would absolutely have no chance of living properly in the future, that was my mindset. Long story short, I have quited engineering and digged deep into getting clients on VFX, Motion Graphics or Product Visualizations (since I have created a lot of personal projects and have a good understanding of VFX pipeline, and use Houdini + Maya on daily basis or R&Ds). And I'm thinking that I would do anything that required to get clients for product renders or VFX jobs. I was actually building a reel on VFX shots and environments created with USD pipeline but I thought that it takes quite a lot of time and computational power so I choose a lighter nische to get clients from companies so I can acually start my journey on VFX works. Rightnow I'm just coldmailing or sending forms to companies who manufacture electronic devices.

And the reason I'm writing these stuff in this subreddit because I have encountered a lot of bad news about where the VFX industry is going and the unstability that it has. So I'm kinda scared and confused at the same time because I literally don't think that in enginnering or any other field people would have a good time getting jobs in lets say 5 years ?

I think I have enough technical knowledge to stand with the vision that I have for my VFX journey but I have no clue whats going to happen in near future. I think, VFX is not the only industry that people lose their jobs and maybe there are worse industries to be in now ?

I really wanna hear your guys opinion about my journey and also the future in 3D in General.

https://redd.it/1puyyl6
@vfxbackup