bltcd1-ct2ect

SFX will move to the simulated as real bangs have a risk and risk cost. Mack Sennet did his own stunts in the 1900s by the 1970s there were stand -ins, stunt people and body doubles, as we pass into the 21st century the cost of an injury is so huge that CGI and chroma screening is important. The B&W movie industry regarded it as acceptable to "lose" a few stunt people - they got a good price for a job BUT it might be fatal. Modern movies regard things very differently.

You have to make the SFX look good AND perform them safely.

Models get blown up, actors get covered in sand and dust, the editing makes it look like the actors have survived an explosion.

Spend time in your library (local and college) look out directories and find the details of film and TV SFX companies and individuals. WWW.IMDB might have the credits for some really good action films and their SFX crew.

Manor Farm, Theale by any chance? That is a good course, BECTU approved, and a good step to being a competent sfx person

Thanks for the advice, and I have had a look at Manor Farm on the net and it sounds right, as my tutor did say something about Somerset, so thanks!

A 3 year course and only a week's worth of pyro?! Is the other 2 51/52 years taken up with CGI?

My advice would be to go on a proper training course (they are out there) and put out some feelers and get yourself known.
Also, if you feel you are experienced enough; create a showreel of effects that you can do and send copies to the major studios (TV & Film) and FX houses.

As i took the B Des course, i do more model making classes and design work, but yes i have done CGI work.

Whats a weeks worth of pyro's?

I know, it is a basic course run by a guy who is working on the new Bond film. What I have been told by my tutor is that, it is two days in the uni working on small stuff like Squibs, then its head down south to do the bigger stuff on a farm!

The transition from enthusiast to professional is hard! Some serious effort NOW to find thousands of contacts who might provide SFX employment - even temporary. will help tremendously.

Many people are individuals in business but there are some significant companies. Search KFTV.com... for SFX companies. Search the ASP for members with a LOT of experience, search here for the odd post that identifies someone as a professional rather than a hobbyist.

Be sociable, pleasant and helpful with folk and they will be more receptive.

Remember that pyro is only a small part of SFX you may need a range of skills to maintain yourself in work.

Thank You Very Much, on the course I have also studied in the areas of, CGI, Video Production, Model Making, SFX Make Up, Basic Animatronics and a few more so I have a wide scope.