Special effects people tend to be a curious mixture of artists and engineers. This is because most effects require elements of creativity and mechanics, pyrotechnics, construction or electronics. So if you are just an artist or just an engineer then get experience of the other side. If your name is Leonardo da Vinci, then a glorious future awaits you in Specail effects!

Travel can form a big element of what we do. Being an international company, we work all over the world. Whilst we design and build most of our effects in our London HQ, we may find we have to travel anywhere for the actual shooting or installation. This can range from two days in the Maldives to two weeks in the storm-swept Scottish Highlands. Exciting though it may sound, travel can be tiring, frustrating and damaging to your personal life.

There are a number of formal qualifications that are useful. Degrees are available at universities in a number of relevant subjects. We have listed some below that we would recognise as being of merit.

One of the most important aspects to your credibility is a portfolio. This is a photographic record of any work that you have done. It need not necessarily be work you have been paid for, but could be work you have done for your course or your own entertainment. Make sure the photography and lighting are good. A great model can look dreadful if it looks flat or out of focus.

A CV is also required, listing your interests and all your endeavours to date. Indeed a CV is usually a company's first contact with you. It will be this that gets you through the door and allows you to show your portfolio, so any images you can send along with it are a good idea. Therefore make it short, relevant and to the point. Generally avoid glitzy and colourful 'enhancements' to the document - not everybody's tastes are the same despite what you can do with the graphics package on your PC.

Special Effects people are usually employed on a freelance basis. To make yourself stand out, it may be useful to emphasise an area of specialism. If you can make a prospective employer identify you with a particular look or skill then there is more chance of them remembering you when the need arises. In addition, you should be familiar with the practicalities of self-employment including such mundane things as tax, National Insurance and having your own tool-kit.

Above all else you need to be a nice person able to work as part of a team. A brilliant pain in the arse will rarely be employed!

The arts institute at Bournemouth
The institute runs a BA Honours Degree in model-making for design and media program. This is a full time over three years.

University of Hertfordshire
The new £10m School of Film, Music & Media offers a portfolio of three interrelated degrees on its Model and SFX programme:

• BA(Hons) Special Effects (for careers in animatronics, mechanical and physical effects)
• BA(Hons) Model Design & Model Effects (careers in model making and movie miniatures)
• BA(Hons) Character Design & Technical Effects (careers in creature effects, puppets & prosthetics)

London South Bank University
The University runs a BSc Honours Degree in Special Effects. This is a full time over three years.
Applications must be made through UCAS.

Wimbledon School of Arts
BA(Hons) Technical Arts and Special Effects.

The University of the Arts/London College of Fashion
University of the Arts runs a B.A.(Hons.) in Costume, Technical Effects & Make up for the Performing Arts at the London College of Fashion.

If you have an interest in working for Artem then please e-mail your CV for the attention of Sharon Walter on sharon@artem.com or send it snail mail to Artem Ltd, Perivale Park, Horsenden Lane South, Perivale, Middlesex, UB6 7RH, UK
Please note though, we do get a lot of CVs. We do get around to answering them all, but please be patient. REMEMBER. We regret that we cannot consider anybody under the age of 18 for either work experience or employment.