The visual effects (VFX) industry in 2024 feels like the plot of a dystopian sci-fi movie . On one hand, cutting-edge AI and machine learning tools are revolutionizing workflows.
On the other hand, studios are downsizing, projects are vanishing, and artists are left wondering if their craft is still valued. Let’s dive into the key trends shaping the industry and explore what 2025 might hold.
AI Hype Train
AI is slowly crawling into the drains of every studios pipeline it doesn’t replace creativity, Chat gpt has been insanely useful for coding, One thing will be little clear AI won’t replace us but may create new potential Job titles but it’s sure cutting down our billable hours , like how virtual productions swallowed car bg replacement comp ,
Rise of boutique studios
A huge chunk of comp, paint, roto, and CG work is being outsourced to companies in India, but “subvendor” is a sneaky problem no one talks about. Big studios farm out their work to smaller boutique houses that either don’t have TPN certification or completely rely on these bigger players to survive. The result? A lot of “ghost work” gets done behind the scenes by subcontractors. It’s like an open secret, but there’s no real way to track it, so everyone just pretends it’s not happening.
Gen Z in VFX
The VFX industry is no stranger to generational shifts, but when Gen Z stepped in, things got a bit complicated.Millennials and Gen X artists are used to the crunch and long hours and accepting it as just part of the job. But Gen Z isn’t having it.They care about the mental health and personal time, and they are not okay with the idea that passion means burning out.There is a tension between a new generation’s values and an old system’s demands., but it’s also a chance to shake things up and make the industry better for everyone.
Supply and Demand
A lot of companies expanded very heavily in the post COVID window. The ripple effects of Hollywood’s strikes and shifting consumer habits like TikTok, hit VFX studios hard in 2024. The work won’t even get close to pre-covid levels . VFX houses to heavily underbid out of desperation.
Rise of Contract Work
Over the past decade, the VFX industry welcomed a flood of new artists, hiring with an eye on future growth. Now, as the market tightens, many of these positions have turned into contract roles or disappeared altogether, Better to stay small, and offer good service
The VFX Industry is Evolving
Will the VFX industry get better by 2025 first quarter? Maybe or Maybe not. Honest answer is no one knows . But the industry is shrinking, but that’s not because the demand goes down (it will go up), but because the industry is artificially bloated. Let’s hope 2025 brings more projects, better working conditions, and a renewed appreciation for the magic-makers behind the scenes.
What are your thoughts on the state of VFX in 2025? Share your experiences in the comments below
