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Special Effects Technician

Do you want to become a Special Effects Technician? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Special effects technicians are involved in the design, creation and operation of special effects (SFX) equipment needed for television or film productions. They work in one of the three strands of SFX - physical, pyrotechnic or visual. The work may involve:

• helping the supervisor and senior technician to interpret the design brief and plan the SFX needed in the production
• creating the effects, which may involve constructing objects such as moving props and explosives, or setting up blue-screen shots and in-camera effects
• carrying out thorough tests and maintenance checks to ensure efficiency and safety
• ensuring health and safety standards are observed
• coaching the actors and stunt artists in the correct usage and dangers of SFX
• overseeing the operation of SFX during the actual shoot
• assembling and superimposing visual SFX onto the programme during post-production.

Working hours are long and irregular, with frequent travel away from home. Special effects technicians work in workshops, studios and on location.

The starting salary for a trainee SFX technician could be up to £20,000 a year. Senior technicians may earn up to £50,000 a year, or more.

Special effects technicians should:

• be able to come up with creative solutions to problems
• have good communication and presentation skills
• be patient, flexible and able to cope with pressure
• have the ability to visualise how effects will appear on screen
• be aware of health and safety regulations
• be interested in engineering, construction and science.

There are approximately 500 people employed in SFX roles throughout the UK. Employment is usually on a freelance basis and it may be difficult to find work. The job of an SFX technician is not an entry-level position and requires a vast range of knowledge, expertise and experience. Qualifications are not as important as on-the-job training, which is essential.

Trainee technicians learn on the job from experienced colleagues. Trainees choose to specialise in one of the three areas of SFX and may attend short courses to supplement their development.

An entrant usually works as a trainee SFX technician for a minimum of five years, before progressing to become a technician. Technicians may then become senior technicians, and eventually, supervisors.

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