Special Effects Department

The Special Effects Department is responsible for the realization of visual effects in a production, including artificial atmospheric effects, window frosting, frost, fire, smoke, flames, torches of all kinds, fog, steam, mist, water, waterfalls, portable spill tanks, storms of every nature, waves, cobwebs, mechanical effects, electrical effects and explosives.

Recommended sSkills for working in the Special Effects Department:

  • Innovative, organized, calm under pressure and able to solve problems

  • Ability to multitask and cooperate

  • Attention to detail and strong communication skills

  • Knowledge of the media production industry

A combination of demonstrated skills such as carpentry, rigging, welding, mechanics, electrical theory, fireworks and pyrotechnics, auto mechanics, machinist, rigging, steel fabrication, rock climbing, high steel rigging, hydraulics, commercial diving, mold making, plumbing, pneumatics, robotics, animatronics. Experience with special effects such as air rams, air ratchets, bullet hits, steam, snow, wind, rain, smoke, and aerial rigs is an asset.

+ Special Effects Coordinator

The Special Effects Coordinator is responsible for supervising, manufacturing, setting up, operating, striking and storing the equipment and materials used for special effects.

+ Special Effects Rigger

The Special Effects Rigger is responsible for the safe and efficient rigging for special effects.

+ 1st Assistant Special Effects

The First Assistant Special Effects assists the Special Effects Coordinator.

+ 2nd Assistant Special Effects/Buyer

The Second Assistant Special Effects/Buyer assists the Special Effects Coordinator and First Assistant Special Effects. and is responsible for purchase, rental and returns of items.

+ 3rd Assistant Special Effects

The Third Assistant Special Effects assists the department.


Minimum Qualifications for the Special Effects Department:

For further information: