Want to work at Weta?
Matt Aitken VFX Supervisor at Weta Digital gave Media Design School students some valuable insight into the company structure and how to make their application stand out.
He also unleashed a few home truths about the commitment required to get in the door.
“Some departments are more likely to hire graduates than others. These jobs will not necessarily be the most glamorous but you have to see them as a stepping stone,” he said.
He told students that Weta Digital was always on the look out for new talent and said the company offered scope of projects and a career in visual animation.
“It is likely you [recent graduates] will progress through the company if you have the talent, drive and energy for the work. We are always hungry for people’s talent. If we see it we will make the most of it.”
He urged students not to be discouraged if their application was unsuccessful on the first attempt, applications received through the online form at wetafx.co.nz/jobs were carefully tracked.
“We like to see multiple applications and we will monitor your progress and you gain more experience.
“More and more we are seeing graduates go off to work in the smaller studios and gain 1-2 years experience then reapply to us successfully.”
He explained that Weta Digital was made up for 27 different departments including previs (previsualisation), concept art, compositing, layout, motion edit, creatures, onset, crowds, iO, shaders, matt painting, colour grading, rotoscoping, paint, R&D, IT, pipeline, editorial and production.
In the last couple of years, the departments that have hired graduates include layout, camera tracking, models, motion edit, FX, lighting, photoscoping, paint, compositing, IT and facilities.
Tips for applicants
- Weta recruit at a department level, tailor your cover letter and reel to the department(s) you are applying to.
- When you cut your reel, put your best work at the start and keep it to 2-3 minutes.
- Include a reel breakdown, even if you did all of the work yourself.
- Apply at wetafx.co.nz/jobs the form captures your info and tracks your progress over multiple applications
About Weta Digital
Weta Digital, not to be confused with Weta Workshop, is located in the Wellington suburb of Miramar and currently employs around 1000 people. Current projects include The Hobbit and Man Of Steel.
- Filed under: General, 3D Animation, VFX Motion Design