Thanks RPVFX! What were the areas you got stuck with learning about becoming a TD? I'd love to help - let me know what your big sticking points were. Thanks for sharing!
@@AllanMcKay Well everything to be honest..😅 I mean I know it's going to be a long way as I'm just learning everything by myself with not much contacts with people in the industry from who I can question things... And somethings are there that even google refuse to answer.. I always read it on RUclips like fx td reel etc, and kept wondering what the hell is TD.. Even google didn't know that.. And then recently I realized it means technical director.. And then I was able to research about it.. And here you are explaining it to us all in detail.. Soo thank you so much ☺ And sorry about such long message.. I really needed to take that out of myself..
@@AllanMcKay ALSOO... Congratulations on 300 podcasts.. I've just started listening to those.. You're the only one putting out such content for this industry for free.. Thank you again.. ☺
@@RP_VFX I feel your pain. The first time I was promoted to the position I didn't even knew it exists. It is still new position that's why Allan, I and others try to share some light since it is such an important and interesting job.
Thx for the video, Allan! 👏 A lot of TDs I know transitioned from being Artists who helped others with their daily technical struggles, to spending more time with technical issues and coding until they officially were promoted to the position in the next project.
Great to see you still sharing and caring Allan, I remember watching your 3DSMax Particle Flow videos in the early 2000's while I was studying multimedia at tafe and being absolutely mesmerized. You are a great ambassador for the industry, And doing us Aussies proud. :D
I really enjoyed this video thanks Allan. The adage of "learning how to code, teaches you how to think" is certainly true. As as 3D artist of any kind you really can't go wrong with learning some Python. It's a definite super power and of all the coding languages out there it's possibly the most accessible and easy to learn.
Especially if you learn what you need. You don't have to read the whole book to get the points you need out of it. That's also what I recommend with Python: Learn only what you need to make your job easier. The rest comes from itself.
I'm from India. I want to work at big vfx studios and want to become a TD ...and definitely when I become one... I would meet you...anywhere in the world you are! Big fan sir!
Thankyou so much for sharing this. A character TD is what I wanna be and what I am working towards this. I am a character rigger/Technical animator in the industry right now and this helps alot.
Allan! Thank you so much for making these videos about the different types of jobs that are in the VFX industry and film world. There's so many different roles in a film or tv-show that it's hard to even know when to start with work for a lot of these things. Thank you so much.
I do really like the idea of FX TD to be able to ease artist tasks. The idea of creating scripts it's something that really enjoy. Thank you Allan for the content that You Share. And congratulations for your 300 podcast and thank you as well for opening your heart.
@@humbertoorozco6842 thank you Humberto! And thank you about episode 300 too! Hard to believe the podcast has been going for so long, some of the guests this month are going to be amazing.
@@humbertoorozco6842 as for places people request scripts. I think script spot has a section on their site. But I would just ask people what they need on forums or Facebook and decide which are practical that would benefit others
How do you not have more views?! This video is absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for all the information you've provided here, seriously invaluable and I can't thank you enough
Thank you Allan, once again extremelly constructive knowledge and comments. I applaude your capability and effort to organize concepts in such an easy way for us. Regards from Barcelona!
Awesome video!!! Starting uni this year and I’m interested in this career option - do you think I can become a TD with a comp sci degree if I work on vfx and animation on the side?
Hey Allan loved the video so minute information you covered on TD, btw just wanted to know like after 2 years working in a cg animation company how do we make a production level demoreel but we arent allowed to use the production shots for personal use so how do we make a great reel to jump from a small studio to our dream studio or production . Again thanks a lot for making such efforts to educate us in our field.
Hi Kundan, thanks so much So just to clarify, are you based in India? I only ask because that's the only country I've ever seen this - where Indian studios refuse to let artists put their work on their reel. I just wanted to get more specific before answering the question. Thanks again Kundan!
@@AllanMcKay Yes Allan i am a Fx artist based in India.. and I really want to move out to canada ,L.A , or other countries and I cant figure out a way to level up my reel since my knowledge on modelling, animation and texturing is pretty limited and thus my reel looks like a student montage not a production level output
@@kundanmukherji3004 Hi Kundan, so if you are applying for a job as an FX artist, you don't necessarily need your modeling and animation to be good. Why not use stock models that are polished and look good - and just focus on the areas that you are being hired for? This will give better perceived quality of the work you're doing so it doesn't look like a student reel. Does that make sense? Just be clear on the reel that you created the FX only
@@AllanMcKay Okay got it sir..Any advice on what degrees and certification do we need to get a job outside India like in US or Canada?? And thanks a lot taking out the time for replying
Thanks buddy - let's talk soon haven't had any time to get to do any actual 3d work in months but hoping that'll stop soon. Just pulled in too many directions right now. But I'll try to follow up with you in about a week once things quiet down a bit. Hope you're well my friend
Technical Director sound fun, It has lot's thing to learn. Don't give me wring I always want to learn more and more that's why I am learning game dev to make 3d design and coding both. There is a long way to become junior game dev or Technical Director but I love to take this journey ;)
Absolutely love this video! Please may I know how long it takes to become a technical art fresher? I've heard it is possible within a year. Is that so?
Great Video! Don't see much videos on these roles on youtube. I was also wondering if you have knowledge on other less talked about roles like: Previs/Layout and, the new one on the block, virtual production?
Thanks Polskipete! I am going to start putting out a lot of content specifically around what each role is, as well as general day to day stuff in VFX. I think it will be fun to share some insight into these! So I will definitely cover previs/layout etc. I have had some great experts in previs on my Podcast you might want to check out - www.allanmckay.com/podcast As well as on Virtual Production (I had the guys who created the LED panels technology they use in Mandalorian and other productions on the Podcast, as well as one of the biggest virtual production studios in the world. And feature film directors discussing virtual production. I will try to post some of the video versions of the interviews very soon :)
so the languages you would ideally have to learn is python or c++ and perhaps do some of your own tools in your spare time to gain experience. I come from using javascript
Thanks for sharing and definitely! Python is critical these days and C++ is a great next step (python being a wrapper for c++) as well as being necessary for writing plugins for unreal
Hello Allan, I've got a question for you if you are willing to share your opinions. I just finished my bachelor's degree in graphic design. During the three years, I got way more into 3D and I'm planning to start a career in the field. I also like programming and problem solving and I feel like TD is the path I want to take (I've felt that way even before seeing this video, but this made me sure about what I want to do). There's nothing that I like more than spending hours working in Houdini trying to figure out how to create a setup that will help me create something new. Currently, I'm stuck between three options for my short-term future, but I feel like it's a key moment in my life: 1. Get an internship in the industry and try to build a TD career from there 2. Get into a school that teaches 3D (but I kind of feel that it is a waste of time and money - maybe trying an online course would be a better idea?) 3. Try to get into a college that teaches programming and get a masters degree in computer science Anyways great content as always and thanks for sharing the knowledge. Regards from Slovenia :)
Great to hear from you! A degree in computer science is nice But it's not necessary But it can help with moving to other countries If I were you, personally I would skip school I would focus on getting into the industry as fast as I can. School is just delaying getting started, and the real lessons you'll learn are from industry experience. If you can get an internship and start getting in the door, I would focus on that. And later if you wanted you can always study a part time degree in computer science or programming while working. I know plenty of people who have done that. But maybe you won't want to by the point. But it's better than studying for another 4 years and then starting to look for a job. If you're passionate about 3D, go after it! And, if on the slim chance you don't like it, you'll have wasted 6 months - rather than studying and spending a fortune at college to then go out and do it and realize that valuable lesson. But it sounds like you know what you want, I would focus on getting in there and learning as much as you can see you go. Does that make sense? I'm always around if you have questions or need more direction. Thanks for reaching out my friend 🙏
Thank you so much Allan for the video. I am one of your biggest fans. And I have a big request for you. By any chance are you planning to create a course focusing on Max Scripting? It is really hard to find any good help online on max scripting. So, it would be great if you can help us by creating a single course focusing on max scripting only, and how it can help us in automating different stuff.
Hi Aayush! I'm definitely going to be putting together a lot of python and maxscript lessons this month, pondering also making a course on it. As I had one several years ago that was really big helped a lot of people move up in their career as a TD. So definitely on the cards! If you aren't on my newsletter list yet go to allanmckay.com/inside and that way you'll see any of the new TD lessons in putting out (in case they're not on RUclips). Thanks so much Aayush!
Thanks for the video, it really helps! I'm just wondering though, in terms of salary, how does it compare to other software engineer roles in animation studios? For example, developers who work on the in-house path tracers, implementing rendering algorithms or water simulations? I'm very interested in a TD role in rendering but also I'm a big fan of math, C++ and implementing research papers, not sure which path I should take......
My dream is also to be a technical director. As you said as well I tried to map out my career path on how to be a TD. I had several interviews to be a TD but they ended up with me not getting the job. I was wondering if you have a mentorship program to help me get to where I want to be?
@@alexanderrichtertd one of them said I didn't know enough about computer science but knew plenty about graphics. Other said the interview was positive, but nothing I could improve on.
Hi Allan. I've been hired as a Fx Artist, but I've been doing my own setups and finding workarounds for problems, modifying some nodes in Houdini... My question is that I don't know exactly how complex what you do needs to be in order to be hired as a TD. Do you need to be able to write entire tools, plugins and pages and pages of very complex code? Where is the line where you're started to be seen as a TD? As a FX Artist, are you expected just to play with someone else's setups and never do your own?
Hi Greg! I fell in technical roles like FX it’s not too bigger leap to go from FX artist to TD or FXTD. mostly being able to support your team, so ‘some’ scripting experience and building tools. As well as problem solving skills (which again, come with the territory with FX). You can go down a rabbit hole with this stuff, getting more and more skill sets to evolve into. But I’d say that’s probably at least the areas to lean into first. If you wanted to either start applying for technical direct roles from that point you could. Then it’s about learning all the supporting areas that other artists are using. Lighting, shaders etc. so you are able to support where FX is coming from and where it’s going. At least more for an FXTD role. Does that make sense?
@@AllanMcKay Hi! Thanks for the answer! Ok, then I need to work on being able to create tools and get deeper into scripting and coding. But besides that, I think I already have a good understanding of what artists need to do back and forth from FX, because I have a generalist background. And many times, how something is modelled, shaded, lighted and comped is an extended part of the FX process. Cheers!!
Thank you so much Alan. Your knowledge is invaluable for all of us. My question is in general, what coding/scripting language(s) would be best to learn or is this program dependent such as 3ds Max, Houdini, Unreal engine?
Thank you Edward! Python is by far the most universally supported language. MaxScript is quite similar to it also, so I feel if you learn one you learn the other. C/C++ and a lot of the others are less and less necessary these days. They are very useful (so is Ruby, Perl, and a lot of other languages - outside of VFX software) but Python is definitely the one to invest in. LUA for Fusion/Resolve is useful .. but a pain in the ass. BUT good news! I plan to release several lessons on scripting - starting from scratch next week, specifically for artists and people new to coding who want to break into becoming a Technical Director in Visual Effects. So if that sounds good - hang tight I hope to start releasing these end of next week :) Is there anything specific you want to learn?
@@AllanMcKay Awesome! Thank you for this info. My main focus is Houdini Particle FX. I've dipped my toes into Pyro and fluid mainly. I've been in Houdini for about a year up to this point. I'm gearing up to learn a program language and don't want to put energy into the wrong path. I'll start with Python. I was looking at C++ and may still do so in the future. But, thank you. This is a good place to plant my first flag in this terrain.
@@EdwardEsparza c++ if you once a write some plugins or software, but for using Houdini honestly Python and VEX (expressions and trigonometry) I pretty much all you're ever going to need. I also wouldn't put so much emphasis on scripting, I think in general it really allows you to do more, not necessarily for 3D but just for automating tasks and doing more overall. But Python definitely put all your focus there and you'll be set!
@@EdwardEsparza Allan absolutely nails this reply. One of my Python students told me that he learned VEX afterwards and he could reuse most of his Python knowledge.
You’re absolutely right, a lot of smaller studios or clients who aren’t very experienced typically see a technical Director as a magic box that will solve whatever problem they have. It’s good to educate them wherever possible ahead of time especially if the position they are asking for isn’t aligned with reality. There’s been plenty of times that I’ve been in meetings and had to let the studio even big studios know the position that they’re talking to me about doesn’t exist it’s actually two or three people that make that up. I guess they figure they can shrink their budget by tying all responsibilities to that one magic person
@@AllanMcKay Exactly that! :-) Thanks for answering Allan. Love your podcast. I made a video a while ago that is a little "rant" about TD and TA jobs that I see and they ask for anything. It became pretty popular (for my standards) and people started chatting about it, it was pretty fun reading the comments. "TA requirements out of hands" ruclips.net/video/msSxSJwqIQw/видео.html
I'm launching a new course similar to it soon. I wanted to do a completely new course built from the ground up that's designed for 2021. So I hope to launch the new mentorship later this year
Hi Mr allan. I am preparing to learn to became a technical artist FX. I am learning fx in blender, after effects, Unity. But i dont know what i need learn to become tech art. I have to learn houdini right? Or can i learn blender? Because blender used python code too. I don't know is it necessary to learn houdini (a new software for me) or can learn on blender ? Thank you so much!
@@AllanMcKay Hi Alan, thanks for your comment. I'd love to hear your reasoning to think that would not be the case. In my humble opinion, investing in automation/tools/scripts is more than justified for long repetitive tasks, but it will get to a point where all those tasks have been addressed. At that point, it is more difficult to justify investing huge amount of time programming something that only takes 10 minutes to do. Once that stage is reached, why would you need TDs any longer? I am happy to be corrected and I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Many thanks :)
@@javierpachonalvarez5757 Hi JP I really have to wrestle with this concept. Because it's also like saying "if I do my job well, and I work fast, and get all my work done.. they'll just let me go early. So I should instead work slower, and take my time, and not do a great job so I'm on the job longer" In reality, the more you position yourself as a critical asset to the team, that you're able to figure out and solve problems that occur and support the team in working better. The more it makes you irreplaceable on the team, and you move up, you're paid more, and if there are ever lay offs, you're the last to go. I've never ever ever seen someone who crushed it, did so much for a team then be told "ok you're amazing, you've saved us so much time, please leave" in fact I just saw one of my close friends, and part time team member get offered 3x his salary at another studio because he is automating so much of what he does for the other company. No job is ever going to run out of tasks, new projects require new innovation, tools and needs change over time - and there are always new challenges. Besides a TD doesn't just make buttons, they're the one trying to figure out how to pull off the impossible - both with pipeline but also with technically challenging tasks. VFX is definitely a technically challenging industry, the artists who "can't" code are typically the ones in the awkward position, because what happens when certain things get faster, easier, or someone comes along of equal talent, who can also code and build out further. I hope that helps JP - I'll admit your comment broke my brain a little as it's more leaning toward the scarcity mindset, that all things will go away. Rather than thinking "if I do a great job, it will create more opportunity" rather than "if I do a great job, then there'll be no more job for me to do" So that's why it threw me off a little. We all see things differently, but it's important to embrace being as important to your team and the production as possible. Again I hope that helps brother :) Thanks again
@@AllanMcKay Hi Allan, Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it and your clarification means a lot to me. I think I have now understood it a bit better, but please correct me if I am wrong. My previous view was that the TD does not produce art, only tools. In which case, my thought was: 'Once the tool is created (e.g. a screwdriver), now the only thing left to do is to use the tool (e.g. use the screwdriver to assemble furniture)'. In other words, you just need the artists to use that tool that has been already created to produce things. In which case there is no need to keep the person that created the tool (e.g. screwdriver) employed full-time because now you just need to use the tool to produce things (and you cannot justify to pay a full time person to just come up with a minor upgrade to that tool after a lot of time). My new understanding is that the TD doesn't only produce tools, but also produces art. In which case, he is just another artist producing art but AT THE SAME TIME, he uses his coding skills to automate things ( as an extra, but not as his full-time job). In which case, once he creates a tool (e.g. a screwdriver), he is ALSO going to use the tool to produce things (e.g. use the screwdriver to assemble furniture). In other words, he does both jobs: 1) the artist job of using the tool that has been already created to produce things, AND 2) from time to time, he ALSO makes small upgrades to the tool. So he is an artist with coding skills, and therefore he produces both art and code. Is my new understanding correct? I look forward to hearing from you!I really appreciate your clarification!! Many thanks bro!
@@AllanMcKay one day i will be live with you for my Pakistani VFX artists they are excited to talk with you iam always talking with them about your FX TD Courses
Hey mr. Allan..
I was really having a hard time learning about TD.. I'm gonna love this video.. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE..
Thanks RPVFX! What were the areas you got stuck with learning about becoming a TD? I'd love to help - let me know what your big sticking points were. Thanks for sharing!
@@AllanMcKay Well everything to be honest..😅 I mean I know it's going to be a long way as I'm just learning everything by myself with not much contacts with people in the industry from who I can question things... And somethings are there that even google refuse to answer..
I always read it on RUclips like fx td reel etc, and kept wondering what the hell is TD.. Even google didn't know that.. And then recently I realized it means technical director..
And then I was able to research about it..
And here you are explaining it to us all in detail.. Soo thank you so much ☺
And sorry about such long message.. I really needed to take that out of myself..
@@AllanMcKay ALSOO...
Congratulations on 300 podcasts..
I've just started listening to those..
You're the only one putting out such content for this industry for free..
Thank you again.. ☺
@@RP_VFX I feel your pain. The first time I was promoted to the position I didn't even knew it exists. It is still new position that's why Allan, I and others try to share some light since it is such an important and interesting job.
Thx for the video, Allan! 👏
A lot of TDs I know transitioned from being Artists who helped others with their daily technical struggles, to spending more time with technical issues and coding until they officially were promoted to the position in the next project.
Great to see you still sharing and caring Allan, I remember watching your 3DSMax Particle Flow videos in the early 2000's while I was studying multimedia at tafe and being absolutely mesmerized. You are a great ambassador for the industry, And doing us Aussies proud. :D
Cheers man that's a huge honor! Where is aus are you these days?! Hoping to get back there later in the year for a visit it's been too long
I really enjoyed this video thanks Allan. The adage of "learning how to code, teaches you how to think" is certainly true. As as 3D artist of any kind you really can't go wrong with learning some Python. It's a definite super power and of all the coding languages out there it's possibly the most accessible and easy to learn.
Absolutely!
Thanks for sharing Ad!
And yeah Python is my main jam :)
Especially if you learn what you need. You don't have to read the whole book to get the points you need out of it. That's also what I recommend with Python:
Learn only what you need to make your job easier. The rest comes from itself.
I'm from India. I want to work at big vfx studios and want to become a TD ...and definitely when I become one... I would meet you...anywhere in the world you are! Big fan sir!
I'm honored Bhuvana! I hope to meet one day
Thankyou so much for sharing this. A character TD is what I wanna be and what I am working towards this. I am a character rigger/Technical animator in the industry right now and this helps alot.
That's awesome man. I'm actually going to do a video specifically on character TD's soon and go more in depth on it. Thanks for sharing!
Allan! Thank you so much for making these videos about the different types of jobs that are in the VFX industry and film world. There's so many different roles in a film or tv-show that it's hard to even know when to start with work for a lot of these things. Thank you so much.
Thank you! And totally it's definitely overwhelming, glad these are helping!
Thank you for this! I wanted to be a TD for a long time now, it's hard to find a clear path to follow to achieve it. This helps a lot!
I do really like the idea of FX TD to be able to ease artist tasks. The idea of creating scripts it's something that really enjoy. Thank you Allan for the content that You Share. And congratulations for your 300 podcast and thank you as well for opening your heart.
Do You know a site where artist request tools to improve their Workflow? As You mentioned it's hard been a one person studio.
@@humbertoorozco6842 thank you Humberto! And thank you about episode 300 too! Hard to believe the podcast has been going for so long, some of the guests this month are going to be amazing.
@@humbertoorozco6842 as for places people request scripts. I think script spot has a section on their site. But I would just ask people what they need on forums or Facebook and decide which are practical that would benefit others
@@AllanMcKay cool, thanks. Have a great sunday
Hey Allan, am currently pursuing the technical arts program at BCIT , your video gave context to a lot of things, thanks for sharing!
You're the best person in the world to learn VFX from ❤️❤️❤️
I'm honored man thank you
Just trying to help
How do you not have more views?! This video is absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for all the information you've provided here, seriously invaluable and I can't thank you enough
This is gold. Thank you Allan.
You're welcome! Thank you Mohamad!
This video is a must see for upcoming TD's. Thank you so much Allan for sharing this and breaking it down.
Vanya Kapetanovic
Thank you Vanya! You rock I appreciate the comment and hope everyone else finds this video valuable!
Just what i needed at right time. Thanks a lot for sharing Allan. Very informative.🙏🏻
Thank you Aniket!
Damn just yesterday I wrote fxtd in your survey and here it is 😅 .
Also a big thanks for the brand 10x series, still can't believe it was free !!
Hi Vedant! That's awesome! Well I am going to be putting it a lot of TD related material very soon! And you are welcome about the pricing class!
This is such a great video. You are amazing for sharing all the insides.
Thanks Peter!
Thank you Allan, once again extremelly constructive knowledge and comments. I applaude your capability and effort to organize concepts in such an easy way for us. Regards from Barcelona!
thank you brother! I appreciate it Pere, always great to hear from you. And I hope to visit Barcelona one day (finally)!
@@AllanMcKay Whenever you drop by just let me know Allan!
Awesome video!!! Starting uni this year and I’m interested in this career option - do you think I can become a TD with a comp sci degree if I work on vfx and animation on the side?
Great video!
Thank you kari!
Galactic size of "THANK YOU!"
You're welcome Alex!
Hey Allan loved the video so minute information you covered on TD, btw just wanted to know like after 2 years working in a cg animation company how do we make a production level demoreel but we arent allowed to use the production shots for personal use so how do we make a great reel to jump from a small studio to our dream studio or production . Again thanks a lot for making such efforts to educate us in our field.
Hi Kundan, thanks so much
So just to clarify, are you based in India?
I only ask because that's the only country I've ever seen this - where Indian studios refuse to let artists put their work on their reel.
I just wanted to get more specific before answering the question.
Thanks again Kundan!
@@AllanMcKay Yes Allan i am a Fx artist based in India.. and I really want to move out to canada ,L.A , or other countries and I cant figure out a way to level up my reel since my knowledge on modelling, animation and texturing is pretty limited and thus my reel looks like a student montage not a production level output
@@kundanmukherji3004 Hi Kundan, so if you are applying for a job as an FX artist, you don't necessarily need your modeling and animation to be good. Why not use stock models that are polished and look good - and just focus on the areas that you are being hired for? This will give better perceived quality of the work you're doing so it doesn't look like a student reel. Does that make sense?
Just be clear on the reel that you created the FX only
@@AllanMcKay Okay got it sir..Any advice on what degrees and certification do we need to get a job outside India like in US or Canada?? And thanks a lot taking out the time for replying
Hey, I Really enjoyed this video, A big thanks for sharing the knowledge & also ur experience about the TD job. tHAnks........!
You're welcome thank you Vishal!
Oh man!! Love you for sharing all these knowledge ❤️
Thanks buddy - let's talk soon haven't had any time to get to do any actual 3d work in months but hoping that'll stop soon. Just pulled in too many directions right now. But I'll try to follow up with you in about a week once things quiet down a bit. Hope you're well my friend
@@AllanMcKay yes sir... I'm doing good. Thank you. Let's talk soon.
Technical Director sound fun, It has lot's thing to learn. Don't give me wring I always want to learn more and more that's why I am learning game dev to make 3d design and coding both.
There is a long way to become junior game dev or Technical Director but I love to take this journey ;)
Awesome Monhoo! Keep at it!
I will also be releasing some tutorials next week around this subject :)
@@AllanMcKay Okay
Absolutely love this video! Please may I know how long it takes to become a technical art fresher? I've heard it is possible within a year. Is that so?
Great Sir Allan
Thanks Arshad
Great Video! Don't see much videos on these roles on youtube. I was also wondering if you have knowledge on other less talked about roles like: Previs/Layout and, the new one on the block, virtual production?
Thanks Polskipete! I am going to start putting out a lot of content specifically around what each role is, as well as general day to day stuff in VFX. I think it will be fun to share some insight into these! So I will definitely cover previs/layout etc.
I have had some great experts in previs on my Podcast you might want to check out - www.allanmckay.com/podcast
As well as on Virtual Production (I had the guys who created the LED panels technology they use in Mandalorian and other productions on the Podcast, as well as one of the biggest virtual production studios in the world. And feature film directors discussing virtual production.
I will try to post some of the video versions of the interviews very soon :)
so the languages you would ideally have to learn is python or c++ and perhaps do some of your own tools in your spare time to gain experience. I come from using javascript
Thanks for sharing and definitely! Python is critical these days and C++ is a great next step (python being a wrapper for c++) as well as being necessary for writing plugins for unreal
Thank you so much.
It was necessary.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you very much sir I have seen all your vedios very informative you are my role model and I am motivated to pursue vfx as career .love you sir
Hello Allan, I've got a question for you if you are willing to share your opinions.
I just finished my bachelor's degree in graphic design. During the three years, I got way more into 3D and I'm planning to start a career in the field. I also like programming and problem solving and I feel like TD is the path I want to take (I've felt that way even before seeing this video, but this made me sure about what I want to do). There's nothing that I like more than spending hours working in Houdini trying to figure out how to create a setup that will help me create something new. Currently, I'm stuck between three options for my short-term future, but I feel like it's a key moment in my life:
1. Get an internship in the industry and try to build a TD career from there
2. Get into a school that teaches 3D (but I kind of feel that it is a waste of time and money - maybe trying an online course would be a better idea?)
3. Try to get into a college that teaches programming and get a masters degree in computer science
Anyways great content as always and thanks for sharing the knowledge.
Regards from Slovenia :)
Great to hear from you!
A degree in computer science is nice
But it's not necessary
But it can help with moving to other countries
If I were you, personally I would skip school I would focus on getting into the industry as fast as I can. School is just delaying getting started, and the real lessons you'll learn are from industry experience.
If you can get an internship and start getting in the door, I would focus on that. And later if you wanted you can always study a part time degree in computer science or programming while working. I know plenty of people who have done that.
But maybe you won't want to by the point.
But it's better than studying for another 4 years and then starting to look for a job.
If you're passionate about 3D, go after it!
And, if on the slim chance you don't like it, you'll have wasted 6 months - rather than studying and spending a fortune at college to then go out and do it and realize that valuable lesson.
But it sounds like you know what you want, I would focus on getting in there and learning as much as you can see you go.
Does that make sense?
I'm always around if you have questions or need more direction. Thanks for reaching out my friend 🙏
Thanks for sharing !
You're welcome thanks Varun!
Thank you so much Allan for the video. I am one of your biggest fans. And I have a big request for you. By any chance are you planning to create a course focusing on Max Scripting? It is really hard to find any good help online on max scripting. So, it would be great if you can help us by creating a single course focusing on max scripting only, and how it can help us in automating different stuff.
Hi Aayush! I'm definitely going to be putting together a lot of python and maxscript lessons this month, pondering also making a course on it. As I had one several years ago that was really big helped a lot of people move up in their career as a TD. So definitely on the cards!
If you aren't on my newsletter list yet go to allanmckay.com/inside and that way you'll see any of the new TD lessons in putting out (in case they're not on RUclips).
Thanks so much Aayush!
@@AllanMcKay Thank you so much. I will be looking forward to it.
Hi Alan
What about role in key artist-fx explain
Definitely coming up 👍
@@AllanMcKay okay
Hello Allan, what do you think about the programs? can you make a tutorial for it?
especially blender and 3ds max
Absolutely! Thanks Mr Boyraz, I will be putting a few videos out specifically related to this soon
thanks Allan
You're welcome brother
Thanks for the video, it really helps! I'm just wondering though, in terms of salary, how does it compare to other software engineer roles in animation studios? For example, developers who work on the in-house path tracers, implementing rendering algorithms or water simulations? I'm very interested in a TD role in rendering but also I'm a big fan of math, C++ and implementing research papers, not sure which path I should take......
Thanks, man ur such an Inspiration
Thank you Raneem!
I have the dev experience but no art/animation experience
Do you recommend I do some certificAte or schooling for that ?
the link in the description seems not working anymore... sadness.
Very helpful, thankyou so much! 😊
You're welcome! Thank you Apratim!
@@AllanMcKay This is just what I wanted, thankyou so much for sharing this. 💯💯
@@apratimverma3420 cheers brother it means a lot thank you :)
My dream is also to be a technical director. As you said as well I tried to map out my career path on how to be a TD. I had several interviews to be a TD but they ended up with me not getting the job. I was wondering if you have a mentorship program to help me get to where I want to be?
Getting to the interview stage sounds already like a great step! 🙌
Did you ask why they didn't hire you in the end?
@@alexanderrichtertd one of them said I didn't know enough about computer science but knew plenty about graphics. Other said the interview was positive, but nothing I could improve on.
Hi Allan. I've been hired as a Fx Artist, but I've been doing my own setups and finding workarounds for problems, modifying some nodes in Houdini... My question is that I don't know exactly how complex what you do needs to be in order to be hired as a TD. Do you need to be able to write entire tools, plugins and pages and pages of very complex code? Where is the line where you're started to be seen as a TD? As a FX Artist, are you expected just to play with someone else's setups and never do your own?
Hi Greg! I fell in technical roles like FX it’s not too bigger leap to go from FX artist to TD or FXTD.
mostly being able to support your team, so ‘some’ scripting experience and building tools. As well as problem solving skills (which again, come with the territory with FX).
You can go down a rabbit hole with this stuff, getting more and more skill sets to evolve into. But I’d say that’s probably at least the areas to lean into first. If you wanted to either start applying for technical direct roles from that point you could. Then it’s about learning all the supporting areas that other artists are using. Lighting, shaders etc. so you are able to support where FX is coming from and where it’s going. At least more for an FXTD role. Does that make sense?
@@AllanMcKay Hi! Thanks for the answer!
Ok, then I need to work on being able to create tools and get deeper into scripting and coding. But besides that, I think I already have a good understanding of what artists need to do back and forth from FX, because I have a generalist background. And many times, how something is modelled, shaded, lighted and comped is an extended part of the FX process. Cheers!!
Thank you so much Alan. Your knowledge is invaluable for all of us. My question is in general, what coding/scripting language(s) would be best to learn or is this program dependent such as 3ds Max, Houdini, Unreal engine?
Thank you Edward!
Python is by far the most universally supported language. MaxScript is quite similar to it also, so I feel if you learn one you learn the other.
C/C++ and a lot of the others are less and less necessary these days. They are very useful (so is Ruby, Perl, and a lot of other languages - outside of VFX software) but Python is definitely the one to invest in.
LUA for Fusion/Resolve is useful .. but a pain in the ass.
BUT good news! I plan to release several lessons on scripting - starting from scratch next week, specifically for artists and people new to coding who want to break into becoming a Technical Director in Visual Effects.
So if that sounds good - hang tight I hope to start releasing these end of next week :)
Is there anything specific you want to learn?
@@AllanMcKay Awesome! Thank you for this info. My main focus is Houdini Particle FX. I've dipped my toes into Pyro and fluid mainly. I've been in Houdini for about a year up to this point. I'm gearing up to learn a program language and don't want to put energy into the wrong path. I'll start with Python. I was looking at C++ and may still do so in the future. But, thank you. This is a good place to plant my first flag in this terrain.
@@EdwardEsparza c++ if you once a write some plugins or software, but for using Houdini honestly Python and VEX (expressions and trigonometry) I pretty much all you're ever going to need. I also wouldn't put so much emphasis on scripting, I think in general it really allows you to do more, not necessarily for 3D but just for automating tasks and doing more overall. But Python definitely put all your focus there and you'll be set!
Awesome! Thank you. I'll keep my eye out for your future courses!
@@EdwardEsparza Allan absolutely nails this reply. One of my Python students told me that he learned VEX afterwards and he could reuse most of his Python knowledge.
How can I approach my road as a TD if I am a totally beginner
Watch this channel over the next few weeks I'll be releasing a lot of training to answer this exact question
Seems like there's not many people who know what a TD is. They ask for many stuff that is not needed or is absolutely not related to TD or TA jobs.
You’re absolutely right, a lot of smaller studios or clients who aren’t very experienced typically see a technical Director as a magic box that will solve whatever problem they have. It’s good to educate them wherever possible ahead of time especially if the position they are asking for isn’t aligned with reality. There’s been plenty of times that I’ve been in meetings and had to let the studio even big studios know the position that they’re talking to me about doesn’t exist it’s actually two or three people that make that up. I guess they figure they can shrink their budget by tying all responsibilities to that one magic person
@@AllanMcKay Exactly that! :-) Thanks for answering Allan. Love your podcast. I made a video a while ago that is a little "rant" about TD and TA jobs that I see and they ask for anything. It became pretty popular (for my standards) and people started chatting about it, it was pretty fun reading the comments. "TA requirements out of hands" ruclips.net/video/msSxSJwqIQw/видео.html
Do you still sell your td mentorship cd ?
I'm launching a new course similar to it soon. I wanted to do a completely new course built from the ground up that's designed for 2021. So I hope to launch the new mentorship later this year
Hi Mr allan. I am preparing to learn to became a technical artist FX. I am learning fx in blender, after effects, Unity. But i dont know what i need learn to become tech art. I have to learn houdini right? Or can i learn blender? Because blender used python code too. I don't know is it necessary to learn houdini (a new software for me) or can learn on blender ?
Thank you so much!
blender is not in the fx pipeline would suggest you to learn houdini and vex it has a learning curve tho
Once the necessary buttons/scripts are created, there is no need for TD anymore!
Wow you really think that?
@@AllanMcKay Hi Alan, thanks for your comment. I'd love to hear your reasoning to think that would not be the case. In my humble opinion, investing in automation/tools/scripts is more than justified for long repetitive tasks, but it will get to a point where all those tasks have been addressed. At that point, it is more difficult to justify investing huge amount of time programming something that only takes 10 minutes to do. Once that stage is reached, why would you need TDs any longer? I am happy to be corrected and I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Many thanks :)
@@javierpachonalvarez5757 Hi JP I really have to wrestle with this concept. Because it's also like saying "if I do my job well, and I work fast, and get all my work done.. they'll just let me go early. So I should instead work slower, and take my time, and not do a great job so I'm on the job longer"
In reality, the more you position yourself as a critical asset to the team, that you're able to figure out and solve problems that occur and support the team in working better. The more it makes you irreplaceable on the team, and you move up, you're paid more, and if there are ever lay offs, you're the last to go.
I've never ever ever seen someone who crushed it, did so much for a team then be told "ok you're amazing, you've saved us so much time, please leave"
in fact I just saw one of my close friends, and part time team member get offered 3x his salary at another studio because he is automating so much of what he does for the other company. No job is ever going to run out of tasks, new projects require new innovation, tools and needs change over time - and there are always new challenges.
Besides a TD doesn't just make buttons, they're the one trying to figure out how to pull off the impossible - both with pipeline but also with technically challenging tasks. VFX is definitely a technically challenging industry, the artists who "can't" code are typically the ones in the awkward position, because what happens when certain things get faster, easier, or someone comes along of equal talent, who can also code and build out further.
I hope that helps JP - I'll admit your comment broke my brain a little as it's more leaning toward the scarcity mindset, that all things will go away. Rather than thinking "if I do a great job, it will create more opportunity" rather than "if I do a great job, then there'll be no more job for me to do"
So that's why it threw me off a little. We all see things differently, but it's important to embrace being as important to your team and the production as possible.
Again I hope that helps brother :)
Thanks again
@@AllanMcKay Hi Allan, Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it and your clarification means a lot to me. I think I have now understood it a bit better, but please correct me if I am wrong.
My previous view was that the TD does not produce art, only tools. In which case, my thought was: 'Once the tool is created (e.g. a screwdriver), now the only thing left to do is to use the tool (e.g. use the screwdriver to assemble furniture)'. In other words, you just need the artists to use that tool that has been already created to produce things. In which case there is no need to keep the person that created the tool (e.g. screwdriver) employed full-time because now you just need to use the tool to produce things (and you cannot justify to pay a full time person to just come up with a minor upgrade to that tool after a lot of time).
My new understanding is that the TD doesn't only produce tools, but also produces art. In which case, he is just another artist producing art but AT THE SAME TIME, he uses his coding skills to automate things ( as an extra, but not as his full-time job). In which case, once he creates a tool (e.g. a screwdriver), he is ALSO going to use the tool to produce things (e.g. use the screwdriver to assemble furniture). In other words, he does both jobs: 1) the artist job of using the tool that has been already created to produce things, AND 2) from time to time, he ALSO makes small upgrades to the tool. So he is an artist with coding skills, and therefore he produces both art and code.
Is my new understanding correct? I look forward to hearing from you!I really appreciate your clarification!! Many thanks bro!
Iam working on VFX in Pakistan iam building VFX Industry i will take interview live and ask questions from Pakistan
Let me know how things go! 👍
@@AllanMcKay one day i will be live with you for my Pakistani VFX artists they are excited to talk with you iam always talking with them about your FX TD Courses
By 19 and I am watching this at 33 😢
First comment
Damn it! You beat me, Atindra! 😂 Second comment!
@@CurveWraps haha the race is on! Cheers guys! (and gals!)
@@CurveWraps he he , 😅😅 cheers!
@@AllanMcKay Namaste sir 🙏😊.