“World VFX Day” topic has been seen in social media around lately, Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good celebration as much as the next person. Every VFX artist deserve better recognition.
We need to showcase to the world we’re not just button pushers, The idea sounds cool to shine a light on the hard work we do.
But the timing of this whole event seems a bit off. The VFX industry is slowly starting to recover from the worst crisis after pandemic. The projects are dry at this moment. Celebrating the Vfx day with the studios once Laid off/Pay cut due to market conditions seems little bit weird.
Also this “World VFX Day” initiated by a VFX Marketing Consultant and several studios joined lately. Some genuinely interested, and others just trying to boost their branding and online presence.
Perhaps I’m just a little cynical about facilities, PR, marketing and all. In my opinion We need real action, not just a day on the calendar to celebrate.
Some may argue that it’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible world of visual effects. Gathering as a strong community.
Also the idea of using George’s birthday as VFX day is good, since his work is truly a milestone for visual effects. George Méliès practically invented many in-camera tricks like the stop motion trick, multiple exposure, time-lapse, and more. His work is a milestone for visual effects. Plus, the moon, thanks to his film “A Trip to the Moon,” is the symbol of the Visual Effects Society.
Speaking of George Méliès, did you know his grave fell into disrepair years ago?. Since 1954, his grave has been cleaned up but never renovated.
Around 2021, George Méliès family started a Kickstarter Campaign “Save the grave of Georges Méliès, the cinema pioneer” to renovate his the grave in the cemetery. The same descendants launched a new Kickstarter campaign to publish a book filled with untold stories and illustrations about George Méliès.
So, Again Back to Vfx Day, We need to ask ourselves, Do we really need a VFX Appreciation day? or Meaningful changes like less OT, better wages, Job security and work life balance?
We have to wait for ourselves how this event going to be whether a event for studios and Fx houses to pat themselves on the back or Something awareness, even small that can motivate a big change.
Do We Really Need “World VFX Day”?
