Special Effects Technician

1
Special Effects Technician

• By Malcolm Gardner

2
Job Description

• A special effects technician is a person who
  sets, creates and of course makes all the big
  magic happen in a movie. By meaning Big Magic,
  I mean all the special effects to make the
  setting look realistic. A special effects
  technician also helps with the make up, costume
  design and when and where a certain effect will
  switch or change in a movie scene, commercial or
  T.V show. A typical day for a special effects
  technician would be working and working just to
  get a scene, a commercial or a T.V show done.

3
Working Conditions

• The working conditions of a special effects
  technician are mainly on set. On set has many
  terms, the set could be indoors, in large
  buildings or outside in any type of environment.
  The hours of a special effects technician may
  vary on what it is you are working on. Some days,
  they could start as early as 300 am, to apply
  complex makeup effects on actors. In total, they
  work more or less 40 hours a week and may work
  evenings or weekends to meet production
  deadlines. A special effects technician works
  more with others than alone to get further ahead.

4
Earnings

• A special effects technician earns more or less
  than 30 000 to 70 000 a year. But there are
  some exceptions. Though technicians with 1 or
  more proven track records of skilled work and
  extensive industry contacts can earn quite a bit
  more. Most of the large Canadian television and
  film production companies are based in the cities
  of Toronto and Vancouver.

5
Education

• The Education for being a special effects
  technician may vary depending on the area of
  specialization. Even though that may be that
  case, most special effects technicians complete a
  relevant post-secondary vocational program at a
  community college.Other study programs for those
  who become interested in computer effects
  include computer programming and art design. But
  those who are interested in physical effects, may
  consider electronics, mechanics or explosive.
  These programs usually last 1 or 2 years give r
  take the school. Some techs may get their
  education from similar degree programs at
  University.

6
Career Path

• To be able to pursue a career as a special
  effects technician, I have to graduate high
  school and then I have the choice to either go to
  college, university or take a vocational program
  in computer or physical effects.

7
Related Jobs

• Computer Animator
• Construction Tradesperson
• Costume Designer
• Exhibit Designer
• Explosives Specialist
• Film and TV Crew
• Film Editor
• Inventor
• Lighting Technician
• Magician
• Makeup Artist
• Model Maker
• Set Designer
• Sound Technician
• Stunt person

8
Likes Dislikes

• A special effects technician has, so I believe a
  few likes and dislikes. We all know that a
  person can get extremely mad during their daily
  job because something isnt going as they planned
  or something didnt work when it was supposed to,
  well a special effects technician has a lot of
  those days. Some times the wiring is right or
  they forgot to set something for a certain time.
  This job requires a lot of patience and
  concentration.