Going from Film to Game
polycounter lvl 15
I've been working in film and tv for about 3 years in a few different studios
and am thinking about switching over to games. My main issues with film is that its very much contract centric so you kind of need to be on the look out for the next job every 9 months or so also as a result I feel management doesn't really care about the ever fluctuating team members so long as projects get done on time.
The real reason I'd like to switch is I like the idea of being purely a character artist. Working in film you occasionally get to do a creature/characters but you mostly end up making whatever is needed, environments, props, vehicles which isn't really a bad thing
but it can be grueling.
I'd like to hear from artists that have made the switch and what your thoughts are on changing over to games.
and am thinking about switching over to games. My main issues with film is that its very much contract centric so you kind of need to be on the look out for the next job every 9 months or so also as a result I feel management doesn't really care about the ever fluctuating team members so long as projects get done on time.
The real reason I'd like to switch is I like the idea of being purely a character artist. Working in film you occasionally get to do a creature/characters but you mostly end up making whatever is needed, environments, props, vehicles which isn't really a bad thing
but it can be grueling.
I'd like to hear from artists that have made the switch and what your thoughts are on changing over to games.
Replies
I have worked with one guy personally and know of a couple of others that were fired because of an eliteism that they posessed from coming from film.
They kicked up a fuss or downright refused to deal with much outside of making high poly sculpts, and making textures. I think its pretty rare these days to find a position where you will get to produce art 100% of the time. Theres a lot more technical, non artistic stuff that goes into making characters 'game ready'
I think as long as you dont expect to be that rockstar who only gets to sculpt monsters all day - youll be fine man! Your works kickass im sure you wont have any issues!
You're a talented guy. I'm sure you'll find something. Especially if looking in Montreal. Seems that's where all the action is happening these days in Canada anyhow.
Best of luck to you!
I think any place you go and you have that attitude you would get fired o_O
but i'm usually not working inhouse and have even shorter periods in between jobs more around 3-6 months rather than your 9
Neox: So you freelance as an artist for both film and games? Do you think it doesn't matter if your from film as long as your have character/creature work to show your a candidate for game work?
But its sure no rocketscience - normalmaps can be, but you can learn it quite quick here on polycount and with the wiki as well, you are a good artist so i have no doubt you will be good for games as well and your pipelineknoqledge should be worth a lot to game companies, because thats whats imho missing too often in games, a proper pipeline.
Have you ever thought of working at a studio like Blur? they make tons of CG stuff for games and commercials.
Or are you more interesting in making game art?
from your initial post it just seems you want a stable job, and i think working at a studio like blur would be a good fit for you
Im not sure how they work,if there contract based or not but it would be easier to go into something like that than just jumping into game art.
Cheers,
Arman