There are many reasons why people pursue a career in film and video games—it’s a creative, dynamic, challenging, and rewarding industry that gives artists opportunities to work on world-class projects while earning a regular income.
The film and games industry is a highly collaborative environment, with a large team of people taking on many different roles to ensure the job gets done. A single shot or asset will often travel through numerous artists and multiple departments before being finalised.
So, where do you fit into the production pipeline? How would you like to contribute, creatively and technically, to a film or game? In our comprehensive guide, we explore some of the most popular positions in film and games to help you determine which role suits you best in terms of your interests, career aspirations, and skillset.
"The art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art."
- Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar.
Although each department within a film or video game production is unique—employing different techniques, software, and skillsets—there are some more general skills and knowledge that every artist within the industry should possess, no matter which role you end up pursuing.
General knowledge required by film and game artists:
General skills required by film and game artists:
Let’s dive into some of the most in-demand roles in film and games!
“3D modelling is a rewarding career where you get to bring concepts and 2D imagery to life, sculpting personality and story into characters, objects, and environments. Our role is vital to so many films and games—shaping worlds and the heroes and villains who traverse them.”
- Bryan Bentley, 3D Modeller (Rango, The Golden Compass, The Incredible Hulk)
3D modellers are world builders who help flesh out scenes in a film or game, digitally sculpting the environments, props, and characters of a production.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that 3D modellers commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
Using a brief or concept art as a foundation, 3D modellers digitally craft and refine 3D characters, creatures, props, vehicles, and sets, collectively known as assets. The process commonly begins with 3D modellers receiving a scan of a prop, character, or vehicle either directly from a live-action shoot or from external sources like MegaScans (a website offering a diverse range of pre-scanned generic assets). As a 3D model takes shape, it must be presented in a turntable so its look can be properly inspected and approved or given notes by relevant supervisors or clients.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a 3D model must also be highly functional and compatible with downstream departments and their tools. This involves tasks ranging from optimising geometry (to prevent undue strain on an artist's scene) to more complex requests. For instance, a model may also need to be under a certain polygon count, or it may need to be constructed in a way that will optimise the deformation and animation process.
What does a 3D modeller do?
Modellers require a mix of technical, creative, and interpersonal skills. Although the role is highly creative, it is also quite technical, and modellers must be able to determine scale, optimise geometry and renders, and troubleshoot software issues and bugs.
Skills and knowledge a 3D modeller should have:
The creation of 3D assets begins early in a production and is distributed downstream to almost every other department in the pipeline. 3D models can be rigged, then animated, placed as a stationary object in a scene by a layout artist, simulated or destroyed by an FX artist, and used for shadows or holdouts by a lighting artist.
If they don’t create textures themselves, 3D modellers will work especially closely with texture artists and look development (aka surfacing) artists who will add realism and detail to their model through texture maps and shaders.
3D modellers use a range of software for modelling, sculpting, and texturing. They may also be required to use software that processes scans and photogrammetry.
Software used by professional 3D modellers:
3D modellers are sought after in film, games, and virtual production as well as beyond the creative industries in areas such as product design and 3D visualisation. With the demand for production-ready assets, 3D modellers can also sell their models on places like Unreal Marketplace, or get a job creating assets for dedicated asset sites like KitBash3D.
3D modelling career paths:
The main difference between creating 3D models for film versus video games is the level of detail required. Film and TV can afford higher polygon counts (basic units of 3D geometry) and more complex rigs (the internal structure used for animating) because they are pre-rendered, and camera angles and moves are pre-determined. On the other hand, game assets mostly have to render in real-time while also being built for interactivity, so they require fewer polygons for higher optimisation and must be rigged with fewer joints.
CG Spectrum Institute’s Bachelor of Animation and VFX, specialising (majoring) in 3D modelling, will help you build solid 3D modelling and sculpting skills. You’ll create realistic props, curious creatures, and immersive environments using Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter, guided by industry experts. Complete your degree with a compelling 3D modelling portfolio crafted under expert guidance during your final trimester.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited 3D modelling diploma and shorter industry-led 3D modelling courses and workshops.
“What I love most about animation is it's a team sport, and everything we do is about pure imagination.”
- Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation
3D animators are storytellers who breathe life into digital characters, creatures, and objects by producing their motions, gestures, and expressions one frame at a time, which is then strung together to form a coherent scene that tells a story.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that 3D animators commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
According to the actions laid out in a script, storyboard, or pre/postvis, 3D animators manipulate 3D rigged models to move through and interact with their environment (either digital or live-action) frame-by-frame.
An animator's composed movements and trajectories are input into the appropriate software to be translated into a kind of mathematical equation. These equations are then combined and rendered using a graphics processing unit that outputs a rough but legible animated scene known as a 'playblast.' Following this, supervisors, directors, and clients review the playblast for approval before it advances to the lighting department for the final render.
A recent 3D animation student reel from CGS.
What does a 3D animator do?
The role of the 3D animator requires strong technical knowledge along with a highly creative sensibility.
Skills and knowledge a 3D animator should have:
Great advice for beginners learning animation from professional 3D animator, Mark Pullyblank.
Animators sit in the middle of the production pipeline and typically rely on matchmove, 3D modelling, and rigging to be able to start work. In most instances, their work must be lit and rendered by the lighting department before it can be considered final.
3D animators use software that allows them to generate their animations, as well as tools to process motion capture footage.
Software used by professional 3D animators:
3D animators can work on live-action projects (VFX), fully animated projects, virtual production, and video games (all platforms).
3D animation career paths:
Once you have established yourself as an animator, you can choose to focus on one area to further hone your skills, including:
In video games, the role of a gameplay animator is slightly different because, along with breathing life and personality into characters and creatures, they must work in a way that makes the most of a game engine’s technology and maximises the opportunities for gameplay and interactivity. They are also responsible for implementing NPC (non-player character) movement, performances, and behaviours, which are controlled by AI (artificial intelligence).
Impressive animations by professional Gameplay Animator Aaron Skinner (League of Geeks, Sledgehammer Games, EA Games).
By studying CGSI’s Bachelor of Animation and VFX, majoring in 3D animation, you’ll learn how to breathe life into digital characters using Autodesk Maya with instruction and support from professional film and game animators. Graduate with an impressive animation showreel that you’ll build with expert guidance over your final trimester.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited 3D animation diploma and shorter industry-led 3D animation courses and workshops.
“FX is everywhere in movies, TV, games and advertising—frosty breath, blood splatter, bullet hits, sparks, clouds, ocean extensions and splashes. You may not think the movie you’re watching has many FX, but wait for the end credits.”
- Magdalena Bisogni, VFX Producer and Recruiter
True to their name, FX artists generate digital effects and simulations that respond to the actions or the surrounding environments within a scene. These effects contribute to infusing realism, depth, and atmosphere, enhancing the overall visual impact of a shot or scene in a film or video game.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that FX artists commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
An FX artist creates digital simulations and procedural workflows based on real-world elements or supernatural concepts that move or react under the basic laws of physics. The outcomes can range from realistic to stylised, depending on the nature of the effect and its intended application. Their work will be reviewed by supervisors, directors, and clients before it’s approved to advance to the lighting and compositing (and sometimes animation) departments for the final render.
In addition to generating explosions, destruction, particle systems, and liquid simulations, FX artists’ responsibilities can encompass diverse tasks such as developing procedural environments, constructing basic assets, handling character FX, and solving challenging pipeline problems.
CG Spectrum's 2022 Houdini FX student showcase.
What does an FX artist do?
FX artists require a mix of technical, creative, and interpersonal skills.
Skills and knowledge an FX artist should have:
FX artists sit in the middle of the pipeline and, depending on their assigned task(s), rely on upstream departments such as matchmove, modelling, rigging, and animation before they can properly start work on their shot. Depending on the effect, however, their work determines how the animation will look, meaning animation will rely on them before they can get to work. FX artists can start testing and researching while they wait for a shot from upstream.
FX artists typically use SideFX Houdini, but it's also useful for them to know the basics of 3D modelling, lighting and compositing tools.
Software used by professional FX artists:
FX artists are in demand in both film (visual effects and virtual production) and video games. In the video game industry, the two main areas an FX artist will typically work on are gameplay effects (enhancing the action) and environmental effects (enhancing the overall visuals).
The main differences between FX in film and games lie in the real-time rendering nature of games versus the pre-rendered approach in film. Game FX is interactive, responding to player actions in real-time and prioritising performance, while film FX is pre-determined, high-quality effects crafted during post-production to enhance cinematic storytelling. The workflows, rendering techniques, and integration with assets and narratives will differ accordingly.
Once you have established yourself as an FX artist, you can choose to focus on one area to further hone your skills, including:
As you progress in your career as an FX Artist, you could also choose to specialise in one specific effect element. For example, you might choose to become an expert at water simulations, fire fx, or destruction. While there is a possibility it may pigeonhole you into only being able to take jobs with that effect, it can also make you an in-demand expert in a particular field.
FX reel by FX Supervisor Alex Halstead (ILM, Method Studios, Animal Logic).
For comprehensive training in FX and the industry, enrol in CGSI’s Bachelor of Animation and VFX, specialising (majoring) in FX. You’ll enter the dynamic world of Houdini and learn how to conjure realistic CG fire, destruction, oceans, and more using industry-standard workflows and techniques taught directly by professional FX artists. Complete your academic journey with an outstanding FX showreel developed with expert guidance and feedback during your final trimester.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited FX diploma and shorter industry-led FX courses.
“One painting changed my life. One piece of art could change yours—if you’re passionate enough.”
- Eric Wilkerson, award-winning Digital Illustrator
A concept artist’s work acts as the stylistic building blocks upon which a film, animation, or video game is built, setting the tone and mood of key sets, characters, and props through their artwork and designs.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that concept artists commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
Concept artists visualise the initial ideas and concepts of a film or game, bringing them to fruition for the first time. They interpret a design brief or elaborate on their own original ideas, translating them into illustrations of key characters, creatures, props, vehicles, and environments. Concept art is often simple but expressive, serving as a foundation that will be refined and expanded upon throughout the development process, based on feedback from the client and what the needs of the production are as the film or game progresses.
What does a concept artist do?
Concept artists must possess a vivid imagination and strong communication skills to be able to transform the ideas of others into graphic imagery.
Skills and knowledge a concept artist should have:
Concept art is one of the first art assets required in film and video game productions. Approved concept art will continue to be used as reference throughout a production, and concept artists are often asked to elaborate on or produce new concept work as the show progresses. Concept art is useful for almost every downstream department, especially 3D modelling.
Concept artists use traditional and technological approaches to create their art, often working in 2D and 3D. Some prefer sketching initial drawings using paper, pens and/or pencils. However, the final artwork is generally delivered digitally using a tablet and stylus.
Software used by professional concept artists:Concept artists can work in both pre-production (before filming) and post-production film (the visual effects stage), video games, and publishing. The skills of a concept artist are transferable to a wide range of roles within the broader realm of digital illustration.
Concept art career paths:
CGSI’s expert-led Bachelor of Digital Art, majoring in concept art, will help you pave your pathway to a career in concept art. The degree (also available as a diploma) covers creature, character, prop, environment design, matte painting, photo-bashing, and paint-over techniques. Your artwork will take shape in both 2D and 3D using the latest industry software, including Photoshop, Blender, and ZBrush.
Graduate with a concept art portfolio you can be proud of, which you will craft and curate with feedback and support from industry professionals.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited concept art diploma and shorter industry-led concept art courses and workshops.
“Animation is not the art of drawings that move, but the art of movements that are drawn.”
- Norman McLaren
2D animation is a longstanding art form that continues to entertain audiences. From traditional hand-drawn animation to modern digital techniques using specialised software, 2D animators create the illusion of movement to tell stories and evoke emotions.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that 2D animators commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
Guided by a script or storyboard, 2D animators illustrate frame-by-frame images that portray the movements of characters, props, or machinery within a two-dimensional environment. 2D animation includes initially animating rough sketches, then refining them to line drawings, followed by layering the scenes against the backgrounds, matching the character visuals to the recorded dialogue, and, lastly, compositing to the final render. An animator's work will be reviewed by supervisors and clients as it progresses to ensure it remains on brief, keeping in line with the rest of the project.
What does a 2D animator do?
Skills and knowledge a 2D animator should have:
2D Animation by CGS grad Bianka Farago.
The tools of a 2D animator can be as rudimentary as pen and paper, but their work will invariably end up being translated to a computer using specialised software.
Software used by professional 2D animators:2D animators can find fulfilling work in film, television, and video games.
2D animation career paths:
In games, 2D animators also animate environmental elements such as background objects, special effects and Game UI components to enhance the overall gameplay experience and are optimised for performance across various platforms and devices.
Study CGSI’s Bachelor of Digital Art, specialising (majoring) in 2D animation, and develop foundational knowledge in this digital art form through an exploration of the twelve principles of animation, executing core animation principles such as timing, spacing and overlapping action in Toon Boom Harmony.
Guided by professional animators with years of experience, you'll also learn principles of biology, physiology and anatomy as you bring 2D-drawn humans and quadrupeds to life. You’ll complete your studies with an industry-level 2D animation showreel, which you will have developed with guidance and support from industry animators.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited 2D animation diploma and shorter industry-led 2D animation courses and workshops.
“Game design isn’t just a technological craft, It’s a twenty-first-century way of thinking and leading.”
- Jane McGonigal, author, game designer, and researcher
A game designer is responsible for devising the rules and dynamics that make up a game, ensuring it’s immersive, entertaining, challenging, and fun.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that game designers commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
Game designers concentrate on the functionality of a game, developing systems, rules, and gameplay. They contribute to world-building, shaping the story and intellectual property (IP) to guarantee playability, enjoyment, and engagement. They oversee both the foundation and execution of the game mechanics and overall user experience.
Some game designers focus on combat balance, using spreadsheets and simulations to provide challenges without impossibility. Others are writers and/or world directors who focus on player experience. Some hone in on game controls, trying to make them responsive and meaningful to players. Additionally, designers may assume roles akin to creative directors, ensuring consistency and quality by imparting the game's vision to the entire team.
Scene from a 2D-pixel game called Gerel: Against the Corvus Empire, designed and developed by CGS grads.
What does a game designer do?
Game designers must be creative and have good analytical and communication skills. Although game designers don’t necessarily don’t need to be super technical (unlike, say, an AI programmer), this role does require a good understanding of some of the basic aspects of technical game design and programming.
Skills and knowledge a game designer should have:
Game designers must be able to use a game engine along with organisational applications and tools to map their vision via design, flowcharting, and mind mapping.
Software used by professional game designers:
Still from an adventure game designed CGS grad Sergi Martinez Guiteras.
Game designers are required for all types of video games—from console to online to mobile.
Game design career paths:
To gain a comprehensive understanding of game design and the industry in which it resides, CGSI’s Bachelor of Game Development, specialising (majoring) in game design, is a great option. You’ll learn how to design and implement game systems using Unreal Engine using learned knowledge of the principles and processes that make digital games unique, playable and successful.
With instruction and support from professionals, you'll explore combat and action gameplay development for PC and consoles and level up your level design. Finish your degree with a playable game you can confidently share with prospective employers.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited game design diploma and shorter industry-led game design courses.
“Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want to pursue a career in the 21st century, computer programming is an essential skill to learn.”
- Stephen Hawking
Game programmers ensure a video game runs smoothly behind the scenes. They turn the vision of game designers into a functional reality, writing the code that governs how a game behaves.
Although one’s interests are highly subjective, some things that game programmers commonly enjoy or find interesting include:
The role of the game programmer is to develop the software that powers a video game. This involves assembling the platforms and engines that the game runs on, as well as writing code for custom software to support the unique requirements of each game.
Game programmers work closely with game designers and developers during the video game pipeline process, setting up the game engine and ensuring the production runs smoothly, working out the game’s limits, solving technical problems, and eliminating bugs. They commonly create prototypes that will act as proof of concept, a crucial early stage of the production pipeline.
What does a game programmer do?
A game programmer should be technically minded and pragmatic with excellent creative problem-solving abilities.
Skills and knowledge a game programmer should have:
Game programmers are required to drive the technical needs of the game using industry-standard software and the platforms that support them.
Software used by professional game programmers:Game designers are required for all types of video games—from console to online to mobile. Programmers are also required in almost every single other industry, making it a versatile and in-demand role.
Game programming career paths:
Game programmers may specialise in areas of coding such as graphics, AI, sound, scripting, user interface, network, tools, porting, etc. Some roles include,
CG Spectrum Institute’s Bachelor of Game Development, specialising (majoring) in game programming, will prepare you for a career in video games. You’ll master C++, a renowned and versatile object-oriented programming language for games and software applications, and dive into Unreal Engine to create a playable game, including developing game mechanics.
Build simple game levels, and explore AI while also learning how to debug your gameplay to ensure it runs successfully in complex environments. Graduate with a playable game that you can use in your showreel to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
You’ll also develop a broad understanding of the interpersonal and business management skills required to be successful in the creative industry and fine-tune your understanding and knowledge of vital industry theories, processes, and practices.
We also offer an accredited game development diploma and shorter industry-led game programming courses.
Choosing a role within the film and games industry largely comes down to what you want to create and the skills you want to build. Take the time to explore the options we've shared above and consider your own creative strengths and interests to help you determine which role is best for you.
Whatever film and games career path you choose, know that you will be contributing to captivating stories and interactive adventures for eager audiences around the world.
Our unique degrees and diplomas empower you to master the essential skills needed to thrive in your chosen field after graduation. You'll choose a specialisation at the beginning of your studies, allowing you to dive deep into your passion and emerge as a true expert.
And, while you're mastering your specialisation, our courses also ensure you build the essential general skills and knowledge required in the industry, no matter your role, including interpersonal skills, film and games theoretical knowledge, and a practical understanding of industry practices and procedures.
Don't delay getting started on your creative journey guided by industry pros—enrol now!