My experience in VFX has been a steady 20 year journey still going strong to this day. When I don't develop for VR or AR, I tend to go back to my roots. And it's where I feel like I belong to a community when someone can work the insane hours and months in the dark with only the glow of a computer monitor. Was it worth it, you might say? Indeed it was and will still be worthy if I get new opportunities to create stunning images seen the world over.
One of the main reasons I have stayed away from the industry and invested myself fully in interactive technologies was because of the massive talent exodus and industry shift from Los Angeles to Vancouver, London, and China among others. It's a real shame that Hollywood doesn't recognize and respect the unsung heroes in VFX who have created 17 of the top 20 biggest blockbusters in motion picture history. The very VFX studios who have created some of the most memorable imagery in the past 2 or 3 decades can barely make ends meet and many have met their demise. Some even days after receiving an Oscar for their outstanding achievements. How does that make any sense? One day you receive the highest accolade from your peers and the next day you file for bankruptcy?
It is my sincere hope that the industry will bounce back and be profitable again. I see glimmers of hope with the advent of 360 cinema (VR) and companies like Lytro pushing Light Field technology to define the future of filmmaking in Hollywood. LA and its incredible pool of talent and creatives have not said their last word...
