Getting a Job in Computer Graphics : Real Advice from Reel People

by Sean Wagstaff; With: Dariush Derakhshani

• ISBN13: 9780782142570
• ISBN10: 0782142575
• Edition: CD
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

Get the Inside Track to Landing an Enviable Job in Computer Graphics Breaking into the wildly creative and fiery 3D/Effects industry is a tough proposition. With so many talented people competing for each alluring job, it's imperative that candidates grasp what employers look for and make every attempt to stand out. Maya Press, a joint publishing effort between Sybex and industry leader Alias, brings you this definitive and practical guide to help you land that first job or advance your current job in the computer graphics industry. Getting a Job in CG: Real Advice from Reel People is rich with candid strategies and priceless insights straight from industry and academic leaders, job recruiters, and employers. Through interviews, case studies, and sample demo reels on the CD, this book teaches you how to: Discover the myriad job possibilities from the obvious to the obscure Identify precisely what tools, skills, and knowledge employers seek Determine your best training options: college, art school, or do-it-yourself Recognize what staffing agencies and in-house recruiters are looking for Build an extraordinary resume that gets noticed Find out where to go to meet the right people and tap into networking opportunities Acquire the know-how to ace the job interview Produce an exceptional and applicable demo reel that will help you land the job Emulate the career paths of successful artists This book's companion website, www.3djobs.net, serves as a research hub packed with supplementary information and links to vital sources. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Introduction	xv
Chapter 1 What 3D Job is Right For You?	1	(28)
Finding Your Niche in Film and Television	2	(10)
3D Job Descriptions	12	(17)
Chapter 2 Technical 3D Jobs and	29	(18)
Other Industries
Technical Art Jobs	30	(9)
Management Jobs	39	(3)
Other 3D Jobs	42	(4)
Summary	46	(1)
Chapter 3 What To Learn	47	(28)
Fundamental Skills	48	(12)
3D Graphics Skills	60	(9)
Other Skills	69	(4)
Summary	73	(2)
Chapter 4 How and Where to Learn	75	(34)
Going to School vs. Teaching Yourself	76	(4)
Choosing a School	80	(11)
Getting the Most Out of School	91	(2)
Teaching Yourself	93	(14)
Summary	107	(2)
Chapter 5 The Demo Reel, Portfolio, and Resume	109	(28)
Preparing Your Resume	110	(10)
The Portfolio	120	(7)
The Demo Reel	127	(9)
Summary	136	(1)
Chapter 6 Finding Jobs	137	(14)
To Hollywood (and Beyond)	138	(2)
Finding 3D Jobs on the Web	140	(10)
Summary	150	(1)
Chapter 7 The Real Goods: Who You Know	151	(20)
Friends in the Business: The Job Hunter's Hotline	152	(8)
Networking Opportunities	160	(7)
Film Festivals and Trade Shows	167	(2)
Summary	169	(2)
Chapter 8 Working with Recruiters	171	(12)
What Staffing Agencies Want	172	(4)
What In-House Recruiters Want	176	(5)
Summary	181	(2)
Chapter 9 Interviewing for the Job	183	(14)
Preparing for Different Types of Interviews	184	(3)
Research Before the Interview	187	(1)
Questions to Expect	188	(6)
Closing the Interview	194	(1)
Summary	195	(2)
Chapter 10 Frequently Asked Questions-Insights from Reel People	197	(32)
What Kinds of People Do You Look or When You're Hiring?	200	(5)
What Do You Look for in Specialized Positions?	205	(3)
What Do You Look for in a Demo Reel?	208	(5)
What Do You Look for During the Interview?	213	(3)
How Important Is Education?	216	(4)
What Advice Do You Have for Expanding Your Skills?	220	(1)
How Do You Network?	221	(4)
General Advice	225	(4)
Appendix Real Reels	229	(4)
Index	233