How To Get A Job In The Cool H-oriented Company?

[hoknamahn]

Sometimes it seems to me that it's impossible. Sometimes it seems to me that it's very simple. Sometimes I think that I can do nothing. But sometimes I think, that I can do much. Truth as always is somewhere in the middle. I would like to understand, whether in business the main task is to create a good demoreel and to show it to the employer or a demoreel is only one piece of a mosaic.Whether it is enough to merely be able to do something well? I ask because of the reason that I was not lucky enough to be borne in the right place at the right time. I think that to the guys living in Los Angeles (or in any other city of USA/Canada)it is much easier to get a place in a studio than to guys from Europe (especially from East Europe).More recently SESI advertised a following way of development of the person, decided to borrow Houdini: studying Houdini Apprentice -> freelancing -> work in studio. Is such way real? Is it real to get a remote work?

How much strongly the success depends on a capital that I have? (for reception of visas, purchase of tickets for a trip on interview and so on). How much well is required to know English? (such question can seem ridiculous to someone. Though studying of English perhaps the most simple thing from that list that it is required to make). Whether studios help with it?

I think that this question interests not only me. And I know that many professionals have arrived in USA from other countries.

So what an optimum way for reception of such work?

Hope that's possible

[Visual Cortex Lab]

First of all... hi to this great forum.

I read the website and forum since long time now.. but i never been actve cause of my lack of knowledge.. and also cause I reall felt so shy in front of so many Houdini gurus....

I use Houdini apprentice since ever... not that I'm a guru of Houdini, I'm a newbie instead but i got so addicted by this software that I'm now getting al my free time invested on it.

You have pointed to a question that I had into my head forever.

I'm mostly a Softimage guy, which I work into CG industry since 8 year now, everytime with Softimage (|3D then |XSI), i was a teacher, then a TD.

But since ever I wanted to *work* with Houdini on not just *play* with the apprentice version doing all such stuffs that rea simply impossibile to do with other softwares... but the question always was... "where?"...

specially for me, which i live in Italy, where Houdini was used a little bit years ago then nothing more.

I even wrote SideFx time ago asking where to go to make some real practice and I got a incredible great reply, sadly I was too scaried to leave my country and find a job somewhere. Now I'm really owned and I'll lok forward for it, maybe UK, maybe around Europe.

I'm now involved into a CG animated film until end of 2006 but during this time I'll definetly try to learn Houdini as muhc as I can (as far as the needed math to use it extensively) and then I'll see where opportunities are.

thanks for starting to thead, I'll definetly keep my eyes on it.

and again... Hi all from an Italian newbie. I love this place.

cheers

[Mcronin]

Hey Hok,

You are a clever guy. I think any studio in Western Europe, the US, Canada or Japan would be lucky to have you. Have you tried sending reels and resumes out to some of the bigger facilities? Many of them have lawyers and HR people who do nothing but deal with immigration issues so people like you can come work for them.

I don't think language should be a barrier for you. I have worked in North America with people who spoke very little and couldn't write a word of English, the proper mindset and talent will take you far.

[exel]

Hoknamahn --

I agree with what MCronin said, C.O.R.E. hired a lot of people from all over the world to come and work on our current job -- The best thing you could do is work on little bits and pieces for your demo reel at home, and maintain a strong presence online, with any and all Houdini-related forums. Submit work you've done at home to galleries. Post in the forums. When a big job comes around, a senior TD or supervisor somewhere will suddenly have to find a bunch of Houdini people to hire, and *your* name will pop into their head.

I have no idea what the job scene in Europe is like, but I would guess that the companies there are fewer and far between. Your plan of "Studying -> freelance -> work in a studio" sounds good but I think it would be very hard to get freelance so early in a career, perhaps a better plan might be "Studying -> maybe internship -> work in a very small local studio -> work in a big studio" -- oh wait, that's MY career

Remote work (working from home?) doesn't seem very likely, I haven't heard of any studio that will do that with their artists, unless the artist is a super-important-whoop-de-doo-really big deal. As far as having "capital" goes, it depends on where you find work. It shouldn't cost you a fortune just to get a job somewhere. A very small studio won't have the money to fly you in for interviews, and may not be able to help you with immigration into the country. The larger studios (working on feature films and such) seem to be willing to do a lot more to get people into their studios and happily settled in.

-JS-

[hoknamahn]

Thanks for answers guys So the demoreel is the main thing.

But what about specialization? I think that there are many people to whom are interesting all directions: modeling, texturing, animation, fx, shading, scripting or something else. I understand that it's better to do what one can do the best. But how to be if the same work tires? How to choose?

And what post includes most of all directions? A little more technical posts are especially interesting.

[exel]

Well I think being able to do a little bit of everything is a very good way to start out, it will help you adapt and fit in to different positions, make you more "marketable". 3D artists in very small companies usually have to be able to do everything, but you'll find that you don't have to be an absolute ninja in all fields. Larger productions will usually have you focused on a more specialized direction, and from there you'll really become an expert at one or two specific things. But I think it's to your advantage to start out as a "generalist", to become proficient (or at least familiar) with as many different parts of a CG production as you can.

-JS-

[hoknamahn]

but you'll find that you don't have to be an absolute ninja in all fields.

That's why I asking

[deecue]

i'm glad you brought this up hok.. it's def a topic on a lot of peoples minds but never talked about because most are afraid to post about it as if it's 'only happening to them'.. and i think it even spreads to areas across countries and the same thing is always said 'you have to go where the work is'.. take me for example, i'm from the us and been on the east coast all my life.. my only chances to use houdini at a company on this side are way up in New York or way down in Florida.. So basically my options are those, LA, and Toronto.. I'm considering all of this heavily right now because i'm planning on moving to one of them sometime between november and january.. and yea i'm kinda scared and have those same days as you.. the times where i feel confident in my skills and times where i feel like i can't do anything at all..

as far as the financial investment, it's kind of a catch 22.. you can send out your stuff to companies before you decide on a new location, but you're fighting the odds of getting work because it seems that they'll most likely hire a guy down the street over a guy a plane ride away (as long as talents meet the needs of course)..or you could also decide on an area, spend the money to move and be the guy down the street, but maybe the timing just isn't right and people aren't hiring or you just don't simply get responses.. can anyone out there in the industry comment on that..? is it good to send out your stuff from abroad to know ahead of time where to go, or are you really hurting your chances? should the jump just be made to make the effort and move?

on to the demoreel, etc.. i think it's prob the main thing when starting out.. but after time and jobs it becomes a balance of experience and demo reel.. if you can reflect on your resume/CV that you have reoccuring production experience, then that can be golden.. it's also important when starting out but i think your work is always most important.. it seems to be good to think past the demo reel though.. consider a flatbook or some kind of printed materiel.. think of packaging and how to impress.. if you're into coding big time, then a pamphlet showing that off can help. this depends on the company obviously as some don't care at all about that stuff and some do, but it can't hurt.. it's also a lot with who you know to get a foot in the door.. i keep hearing this all the time, so it's gotta be valid to a degree..

from what i've talked to HR people from various sizes and types of companies, being well rounded is good.. let them know you're capable of more than one thing, but know what your applying for as well and be sure to show that you excel at that skill.. for instance, if you're shooting for an fx houdini job at a large studio, then a bunch of work showing off your modeling skills won't be very helpful.. basically they want you to figure out the position you want to be in at their company and tell them how you can help/add to it. and like exel mentioned, this "position" will be more broad and wide at smaller companies..

as far as remote work.. it can be done in the very limited sense.. the *only* types of remote work i've seen done is for design agencies who mainly do print, web and possibly a little bit of video.. it can work out as they have a project which require some still renders, or maybe an animation, or an effect of some kind, but they don't get enough of the work that they can bring some one on as staff.. so they just hire out to do it for them.. and since it's much cheaper to go through an individual then a company, then it works out.. if your interested, look up and try and find design agencies around your town.. maybe they occasionally get projects that need work done and you'll be able to do it on your own..

phew.. i'm tired of typing.. but yea a topic on my mind as well so you're not alone.. oh and as far as language goes, i dated a dutch girl for 2 and half years, trust me your english is excellent..

i always thought these articles were a good read about stuff if you want to check them out:

http://www.cgchannel.com/news/viewfeature.jsp?newsid=2287

http://mag.awn.com/?article_no=2491

hope that sheds some light on what i've discovered.. i'd still love to hear other people's thoughts and comments about the topic though.. thanks for those who've given their input already..it's always a big help to a lot of us in this situation..

dave

[hoknamahn]

Hi, deecue!

All that you have told sounds logically. But I see at least two problems here.

but you're fighting the odds of getting work because it seems that they'll most likely hire a guy down the street over a guy a plane ride away (as long as talents meet the needs of course)..or you could also decide on an area, spend the money to move and be the guy down the street

I don't think that it's possible because before to get tome in US or Canada the visa is required. The most simple variant will be the working visa (or educational). And I don't think that green card is a real alternative. But for the working visa it's necessary to find the employer (and work for me is necessary in CG). The circle has become closed.

as far as remote work.. it can be done in the very limited sense.. the *only* types of remote work i've seen done is for design agencies who mainly do print, web and possibly a little bit of video..

At present time I'm engaged in low poly modelling/texturing. Also I know people who are engaged remotely in character animation. But yes it's a very limited spectrum of tasks.

if your interested, look up and try and find design agencies around your town.. maybe they occasionally get projects that need work done and you'll be able to do it on your own..

There is no studios which use Houdini in production, they use 3DSMax, Maya, XSI, LW etc. But if you mean work in studio to get production experience... That's not bad idea but I can't wait eternally

Btw. What top limit of age of the СG expert which the company is ready to take for work?

phew.. i'm tired of typing.. but yea a topic on my mind as well so you're not alone.. oh and as far as language goes, i dated a dutch girl for 2 and half years, trust me your english is excellent.. wink.gif

Hahaha. Now I almost trust in myself

hope that sheds some light on what i've discovered.. i'd still love to hear other people's thoughts and comments about the topic though.. thanks for those who've given their input already..it's always a big help to a lot of us in this situation..

Thanks all who has stated the reasons. I hope that other people who has already passed through it will join to us.

And thanks for links, deecue

[edward]

There is no studios which use Houdini in production, they use 3DSMax, Maya, XSI, LW etc.

20439[/snapback]

Er, you mean by where you live, right? Newbies might misconstrue this. So just in case, for newbies:

http://www.odforce.net/wiki/index.php/Prod...onsUsingHoudini

[hoknamahn]

Er, you mean by where you live, right? Newbies might misconstrue this. So just in case, for newbies:

http://www.odforce.net/wiki/index.php/Prod...onsUsingHoudini

20442[/snapback]

Of course

[deecue]

I don't think that it's possible because before to get tome in US or Canada the visa is required. The most simple variant will be the working visa (or educational). And I don't think that green card is a real alternative. But for the working visa it's necessary to find the employer (and work for me is necessary in CG). The circle has become closed.

yea, it's definitely a completely different story for out of country workers.. i suppose i would be in the same boat if i considered canada or new zealand/australia (which i happen to be)..

At present time I'm engaged in low poly modelling/texturing. Also I know people who are engaged remotely in character animation. But yes it's a very limited spectrum of tasks.

There is no studios which use Houdini in production, they use 3DSMax, Maya, XSI, LW etc. But if you mean work in studio to get production experience... That's not bad idea but I can't wait eternally

actually i meant that all types of work can be done remotely (modeling, texturing, character animation, motion graphics, etc).. i've seen it all.. but i'm just saying that mainly the companies i've seen this successfully done for in the area's i've been to are mainly design houses that occassionally get a project which requires 3d work but just can't afford to keep someone on staff doing it.. so they freelance someone out to do it instead.. i'm not saying go find a studio around your area that uses houdini in production.. i'm saying, go around looking at design studios who might need 3d work done and then it's just up to you on what software you decide to use because they just want the final product.. so that might be a way of doing it.. they need something done, you invest in a copy of escape and use it at home for whatever project you wish..

[lisux]

I have a very similar problem hoknamahn.

I'm from spain, for people from usa, canada or asutralia is difficult to begin to work into this industry, for us, who came from other countries is very very difficult.

In addition to the known experience problem, you have to add the visa problem.

My advice is to try to know all people as you can, contacts a very important.

Another advice is to get a job, the more closer to the industry the better, and save money to move to LA, San Francisco, Toronto, etc ..., move where the industry is.

I want to be an effects animator, but at the moment to earn enough money, i am working, part time, as a developer in a graphics software company. It lets me to be in the industry, earn money and have time to improve my skills and prepare a demo.

Another option, create your own job, i have been able to convince to a 3d school manager here in spain to teach Houdini.

Maybe you can create your own studio .....

But. i'm agree with you, there are many people to get a few jobs located in a very small area

But be patient a go ahead ....

[hoknamahn]

Maybe you can create your own studio .....

Oh, I can't And I won't I prefer to be played with software than with papers

[TheUsualAlex]

Oh, I can't And I won't I prefer to be played with software than with papers 

20476[/snapback]

Heh... John Coldrick can probably say more in this area.

[hoknamahn]

Heh... John Coldrick can probably say more in this area.

20485[/snapback]

I'll better ask e.d.w.a.r.d. Just a joke.

J. Coldrick, where are you?!

[hoknamahn]

It's time to lift up this topic and ask you guys some simple (I hope) questions. First of all... Am I right if I think that it's better to send my reel to some of you guys directly and pass over official circumlocution (I mean HR managers They do the work but sometimes it's impossible to reach people to whom you are necessary). Jason? Arctor? Somebody else?(by the way, Arctor, you promised to reply on my letter about 1 year ago (!!!) and now I don't remember what did I ask you about So you can answer on my new questions )

The second... Is it better to have two reels (one - plainly reel and other - "making of"). I mean something like nice deecue's reels http://odforce.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=3471&hl=dna

If so is it good or bad idea to use DVD menu in the "DVD version" of reels? I've heard different opinions about DVD menus in reels.

And the third question concern "web version". I know somebody asked that already but it's too hot now and I'm too lazy to search What format is better (what format people like) DivX or QuickTime?

[symek]

Hi hoknamahn!

my two cents to your story....

I've watched your threads from time to time and I think you are a perfect man for some serious position (TD, effect animator) in Houdini company. While going to L.A. could be a great opportunity for future it would be relatively easier for you just to visit UK with well researched VFX companies. (Are You Russian or Ukrainian?). I think your understanding of 3d world is far beyond middle-class and actually I've thought you work at houdini in some Moskow studio.

As I remember you are also c++ coder, right? (Actually where is, for God's sake, your great texture Cop!? I was so impressed with it and I've waited for a long time for some news/public beta )

Surely you have quite a lot technical knowledge and now it's just a matter of showing this to the right people. I see on web many houdini job offerts. As here: FrameStore.

After one job you will feel much more comfortable with your skills...

cheers,

SY.

PS Apparently, sooner or later there must be at least one Houdini studio somewhere around...

[hoknamahn]

Hi, SYmek!

You right, 3DTD or effects animator is what I'm looking for and what I'm doing right now. But I want a new level of the project complexity that can be achieved only in the big studio such as D2, R+H, Framestore and other like that (in any case not in Ukraine or Russia. Yes, I remember Night Watch or Day Watch movies, but... ). Framestore is a good studio and it's closer too me... And it's Europe London. Sounds good. And it's in my "wishlist".

it's just a matter of showing this to the right people.

Yes, that why I'm asking And thanks a lot for support!

[altbighead]

Hi, SYmek!

You right, 3DTD or effects animator is what I'm looking for and what I'm doing right now. But I want a new level of the project complexity that can be achieved only in the big studio such as D2, R+H, Framestore and other like that (in any case not in Ukraine or Russia. Yes, I remember Night Watch or Day Watch movies, but... ). Framestore is a good studio and it's closer too me... And it's Europe London. Sounds good. And it's in my "wishlist".

it's just a matter of showing this to the right people.

Yes, that why I'm asking And thanks a lot for support!

try posting yor demo reel in sesi mailing list .