Research: The past, present and future of the VFX industry

Hi all!

I am currently studying for a bachelor in Digital Visual Effects at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, UK. As part of my final year, I’m taking a course module called Studio Practice & Business where we are supposed to research the business side of the industry we’re hoping to get into.

In my case, I’m looking at the state of the VFX industry and how it has changed over the past five to ten years. In particular, I am looking at:

1. How the VFX industry have changed over the past five to ten years (some numbers would be great, but trends are perfectly ok):
– Size of VFX facilities
– Number of facilities
– Size of budgets
– Average number of shots
– Location of VFX facilities
– Size of VFX workforce
– Etc.

2. How technology has changed the industry in recent years, such as the introduction of the RED camera, the move to stereoscopic workflows, how cheaper equipment allows for smaller more specialised companies etc.

3. Preproduction vs postproduction. Are VFX facilities more involved in preproduction now compared to earlier and if that is the case, why?

4. The industry in the UK compared to the US and/or the rest of the world

5. How VFX companies promotes themselves to clients

6. What changes we are likely to see in the VFX industry in the not too distant future

7. Ways for a graduate student to get a job in the industry today (runner, roto artist, match mover, etc.)

To answer these questions I both need to do primary and secondary research. Secondary meaning research via the internet, publications, libraries etc. Primary meaning some sort of interview (face to face, telephone, Skype, email, forums).

I by no means expect people to do the research for me, but if anyone would have the time to either talk a little about the state of the industry (be it bullet points on the list above or not) or point me in the direction of some sources, it would be greatly appreciated.

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