Recruiting needs change constantly. According to a majority of the companies interviewed, color and lighting technical directors are currently the hardest talent to attract. The demand is high for engineers, programmers and developers. Also in demand are character animators familiar with working not only on pencil and paper, but also within the digital realm.

With the increase in business, the talent pool has increased. Much of this new talent has come out of art schools and colleges. All of the companies interviewed work with entry-level applicants, but some university background in vfx, animation or programming is generally necessary to meet minimum entry requirements at most companies. Rhythm & Hues offers scholarships and a summer intern program in association with several colleges. ILM has an excellent apprentice program for students with a reel showing strong animation skill and knowledge. Zoic will pair a new artist up with a senior artist and then “throw them into the fire.” If a motivated applicant has no prior experience, Framestore-CFC starts them in a position such as a runner. “If they show the right dedication and interest, they will often move into a junior position with hands on requirements [such as] the tracking team or data management.”

Opportunities exist at all levels of experience. If you have the talent, secure the training. Be persistent. A position is out there if you are serious about working in the industry.

Mary Ann Skweres is a filmmaker and freelance writer. She has worked extensively in feature film and documentary post-production with credits as a picture editor and visual effects assistant. She is a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild.

Jeff Barnes, exec producer of Café FX, a division of Computer Café, www.cafefx.com (Gothika, Master and Commander, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over)	Ken Maruyama, recruiting manager, Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucas Films, www.lucasdigital.com (Van Helsing, Star Wars: Episode III)
Sharon Berlin, human resources director and Patrick Kenney, senior staffing specialist, Sony Pictures Imageworks, www.imageworks.com (Big Fish, The Polar Express, The ChubbChubbs)	Barbara McCullough, recruiting supervisor, Rhythm & Hues Studios, www.rhythm.com (Garfield, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, The Chronicles of Riddick)
Dan Chuba, vp, Hammerhead Prods., www.hammerhead.com (The Chronicles of Riddick)	Rocco Passionino, digital effects supervisor for Zoic Studios, www.zoic.com (Battlestar Galactica, CSI: Miami, Angel)
Anna Holguin, human resources manager, Cinesite (Europe), www.cinesite.co.uk (Harry Potter, What a Girl Wants, Buffalo Soldiers)	Matthew Sagar, human resources manager, The Moving Picture Co., U.K, www.moving-picture.co.uk (Troy, Harry Potter, Wimbledon)
Lara Hopkins, senior CG producer/manager, Framestore-CFC, U.K., www.framestore-cfc.com (Thunderbirds, Love Actually, Troy)	Paul Sidlow, founder/ceo, Rezn8, www.Rezn8.com (Sci Fi Fridays, Academy Awards)