Explore your future career in visual effects and animation with SYNTHÈSE!

2023-08-22

Driven by the creativity and talent of its artists, Quebec's visual effects and animation industry offers exceptional career opportunities for students and adults seeking new artistic and technical horizons.

Located at the crossroads of opportunity and fertile ground for innovation, the province of Quebec is the destination of choice for those who aspire to launch themselves into this highly stimulating field.

At the heart of this exciting adventure is BOUSSOLE, SYNTHÈSE's platform dedicated to careers and training in digital creation. This guidance portal invites you to explore career opportunities and join this community of creative talents who are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.

An industry with high potential for innovation and growth

Crédit photo : MELS Studios et postproduction

In just a decade, Quebec's industry has experienced spectacular growth, consolidating its position today among the world's three largest hubs for visual effects and animation, with direct expenditures of $740 million.

Mobilizing more than 40 studios, the sector can count on the talent of more than 6,500 artists and creators, as revealed in a report produced by the Quebec Film and Television Council (BCTQ) and the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) in 2022.

Drawing on cutting-edge expertise and operating in an ultra-competitive business environment, the industry is bursting with dynamism, with more than 120 visual effects projects completed in 2022. These achievements include internationally acclaimed titles from major American studios, such as Wednesday, House of the Dragon, and John Wick, all of which have helped cement Quebec's international reputation.

Other advantages worth noting: the visual effects and animation sector particularly attracts the younger generation, with a median age of around 32. In addition to its commitment to an inclusive workplace, this industry also offers attractive compensation with a median annual salary of $76,600.

Why study visual effects and animation in Quebec?

Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis – UQAT

From the AEC (Attestation of College Studies) to a master's degree, the Quebec education system stands out with more than 20 college and university programs spread across nearly 25 institutions throughout Quebec (Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Alma, Jonquière, Matane, Montreal, and Quebec City). To help you find your way, our BOUSSOLE portal provides a complete directory of all these programs.

Various opportunities are available to you, including DECs in 3D animation and image synthesis, graphic design, illustration, and cartooning, all of which are gateways to the industry.

You can also enrich your career path by opting for a bachelor's degree such as 3D animation and digital design at the NAD-UQAC School, arts and animation science at Laval University, or 3D creation at the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT).

The result is a variety of careers open to you, allowing you to become a 2D or 3D animator, environment artist, or visual effects and simulation artist. With BOUSSOLE, you have the opportunity to fully discover this variety of opportunities through detailed career profiles.

New opportunities and challenges with the rise of artificial intelligence

In the visual effects and animation sector, artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing professional practices, opening up unprecedented new opportunities for growth and innovation.

In particular, AI offers us the possibility of automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks and accelerating the creative process thanks to the emergence of new tools and techniques, as indicated in this 2021 report, which is still relevant today, produced by the Quebec Film and Television Council (BCTQ).

However, these advances also come with significant challenges for the future of jobs and intellectual property. Indeed, some traditional professions are destined to evolve and could give way to new opportunities.

To cope with this major revolution, professionals are called upon to adapt to this new era of AI, acquire new skills, and collaborate to solve the challenges that lie ahead. These are key assets that will enable them to successfully navigate this new and constantly evolving environment.

If you dream of shaping the future of visual effects and animation, exploring limitless creative horizons, and participating in a dynamic industry, your adventure begins here.

Following an agreement with Repères, the official website for academic and career information, this article will soon be made available to teachers and guidance counselors on their website, in the Blog section.