Adding the special effects to films, from dragons to snow, that create immersive experiences for audiences

How this role makes a difference

Have you ever wondered how filmmakers create snow when they need it, produce an explosion that looks real, have tea pots that talk, or show hundreds of imaginary creatures flying through the sky? These sorts of magical moments are achieved through the work of highly skilled technicians who know how to add visual, physical, and explosive special effects to films.

While some special effects are filmed live, in front of the camera, others can be added in later using digital techniques such as animation and CGI. Physical special effects involve the creation of props, mechanical tricks and models. You could be the technician who helps to create blockbuster films everyone loves because the special effects are amazing!

The kind of work you’ll do

Brainstorming ideas and solutions with creative and technical teams
Proposing ideas to film makers
Building new equipment and props
Assembling and checking models and mechanical items
Working on a computer to model or trigger effects
Introducing props and other special effects on the film set and making sure they work
Repairing parts or mechanics that break
Safely removing and storing props and equipment after use

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Instructing others

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

A vivid imagination and a passion for film.

Experience of making things.

Creativity and ingenuity.

The confidence to share your ideas in a group of people and explain how they are achievable.

The ability to focus on your work and complete tasks with great attention to detail.

A knack for thinking about a problem from different angles and coming up with the best solution.

A proactive approach and the ability to adapt and stay calm under pressure.

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- art, film, fashion and design

- building, making and fixing things

- gaming and technology

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

Once you’ve gained general experience in a broad range of special effects, you can start to focus on those you like most and are best at. There are specialist courses you can take to add to your skills.

After about ten years in the industry, you could become a senior technician, and after a few more you could be promoted to the role of special effects supervisor. Beyond that, you might decide to set up your own special effects company.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

A T-level (available from September 2024) in Media, Broadcast and Production after you finish your GCSEs
An apprenticeship as an Assistant Technical Director (Visual Effects) after finishing your T-level or A-levels

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You could work in a special effects studio that supplies lots of different films, or could spend time on a film set, dedicated to one particular film. You’ll learn how to use a range of specialist tools and work with diverse materials including rubber, wood, and metal. Best of all, when films are launched, you’ll be able to see your creativity and hard work come to life on the big screen.