What Does It Take to Nail a Technical Interview in VFX, Animation, and Games?
Technical interviews in VFX, animation, and games can be daunting. They test not only our technical expertise but also our ability to communicate, problem-solve, and collaborate effectively. To uncover what studios are really looking for, Alex sat down with industry veterans, Jimmy Ockey (Animal Logic) and Iva Datseva (Bardel Entertainment) for an in-depth panel discussion on mastering technical interviews.
Drawing from decades of experience in recruiting, technical direction, and team management, the group shared invaluable insights into what makes candidates stand out. Their advice goes beyond common tips, highlighting what hiring managers expect in today’s competitive industry.
From understanding how to craft a compelling personal pitch to showcasing technical projects that resonate, this conversation reveals the key strategies that transform interviews into career-changing opportunities.
Meet Our Experts
Alexander Richter is an accomplished Technical Director who worked at Weta FX and Framestore for Avatar: The Way of Water, Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings and Monsters at Work. Additionally he has years of interview coaching experiences getting people hired at Disney Animation and Skydance.
Jimmy Ockey is a senior recruiter with over 15 years of experience, having worked with leading studios like Animal Logic and Image Engine. He knows what it takes to stand out in a competitive field and is highly skilled at spotting candidates who meet technical expectations while aligning with a team's culture.
Iva Datseva is a technical recruiter dedicated to understanding both the technical and creative aspects of roles within animation and VFX. With a background in digital education and experience recruiting for top studios like Bardel Entertainment, she connects technical expertise with creative collaboration.
Key Insights
The Purpose of an Interview: More Than Just Skills
An interview is far more than just an evaluation of our technical abilities. It's about who we are and how we will contribute to a team. As Iva wisely put it:
“The resume and reel show what you can do; the interview shows who you are.”
This perfectly captures the essence of what hiring managers and recruiters are assessing. They're looking for problem-solvers who can thrive in dynamic team environments, who communicate clearly, and who will mesh well with the studio's culture. If we want to stand out, we need to focus on more than just our technical skills. We must present ourselves as a team player with the right mindset and soft skills.
Preparation: The Hidden Superpower
Preparation is non-negotiable. As Jimmy emphasized, understanding the job description thoroughly is just the first step:
“Why not use tools like ChatGPT to analyse the job description and generate potential questions? But don’t memorize answers. Build a catalogue of stories to share naturally.”
This approach shifts the focus from rote memorization to meaningful storytelling. Gather real-world examples “mini-presentations” that showcase how our experience aligns with the role. The more we prepare, the more flexible and authentic our answers will be. This ensures you can naturally adjust to whatever question comes our way.
The First Question: Setting the Tone
When it comes to interviews, the first question can set the stage for everything that follows. This question is our chance to take control of the narrative. Don't underestimate its power. Iva offered great advice on how to tackle it:
“This is your elevator pitch. Practice until it’s seamless. Showcase your personality and align your skills with the role.”
Don't bore them with a detailed history of your career. Use this question to show them why we're the perfect fit for the role. Tailor your response to the company’s needs and culture, and make sure your passion comes through.
Transitioning Across Industries: Passion is Key
Embrace the challenge of shifting from one domain to another. Demonstrating our genuine interest in the new field and we will succeed. Jimmy advised:
“Showcase how you’re learning tools like Unreal or Unity and engage with the gaming community.”
Showing our commitment by doing real-world projects and personal work. These demonstrate that we've gone beyond just theoretical knowledge. I’ve seen first-hand how a lack of passion can be a deal breaker - Alexander shared a powerful example:
“When I asked, ‘What’s your favourite Blizzard game?’ and the candidate replied, ‘I don’t like video games,’ that answer ended the conversation.”
It’s not enough to simply have the right skills. A passion for the industry signals to employers that we’ll go above and beyond to succeed in the role.
The Power of a Strong Portfolio and Technical Showcase
If we want to get ahead in a technical role, we need to show more than just a resume and a reel. We need to prove we can solve problems and approach development in a way that gets results. For instance, Iva shared the importance of a GitHub page:
“While not mandatory, a GitHub page showcasing tools or systems you’ve built demonstrates your problem-solving skills and ability to document work effectively.”
It’s also crucial that the code we showcase is recent and relevant. Employers are looking for clean, well-documented code that reflects our current skill set. Adding videos to our portfolio, like a demonstration of a tool we’ve developed, further strengthens our case by making it tangible.
Soft Skills Matter Too
For senior roles, technical expertise alone isn’t enough. Iva explained that interviews often focus more on personality and teamwork:
“With experienced candidates, it’s less about technical skills and more about personality. Can we work with you eight hours a day? Can we trust you to collaborate effectively?”
This is where high-level TDs stand out. Jimmy echoed this sentiment, stressing that the best TDs are those who communicate clearly and ensure their tools meet the needs of the team:
“The best Technical Directors aren’t just coders; they listen, adapt, and ensure their tools meet the team’s needs.”
Interview Coaching
Improve your interview skills and land your dream job in the Visual Effects, Animation and Games industry. Our expert guidance will teach you how to ace your interviews and stand out from the competition. Shift your mindset, present yourself in a bright light to secure the right job opportunities. Wishlist the job interview video masterclass or book a personal interview coaching.
Resume
Ultimately, Technical Interviews are not about answering every question perfectly. They are about showing who we are and how we'll contribute to the team. As Jimmy summarized:
“It’s not about tricking anyone. It’s about showing your genuine self and making sure you’re the right fit.”
The interview is a two-way street. We as well as the studio are assessing whether the studio and role align with our values and aspirations. With the right balance of preparation, authenticity, and passion, you will make a lasting impression and land the role that's right for you.
Thank you for reading,
Vish Patel & Alex
Links
TD Meetup Newsletter - Perfectly tailored for you if you're a (future) artist or technician working in visual effects, animation, and games, and want to receive future TD Meetup notifications.
Successful Interview Coaching - Learn more about interview preparation and industry insights from Alexander Richter's masterclasses and coaching sessions
Job Application TD Meetup - Applying for a new or next job can be a difficult and confusing experience, and it's easy to miss what the recruiters on the other side are really looking for. In this episode, we explore the purpose of each step in the application process and how to create an application with the best chance of success.
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