I want to get into post production (making 3D explosions, particle effects, compositing / green screen removal). I don't care where I work at. I'm not looking to be a millionaire or land a dream job at a big studio. I'm fine with working at small studios, on small projects, even commercials if I have to. I am not aiming to be the next James Cameron or superstar writer (I'd love to direct and write, but those things aren't my focus right now). It's just every company wants you to have a life time of experience or have a number of huge games under your belt or movies or awards. Or they want particular programs you have to know, despite there being a high number of available programs for this industry that makes it impossible to learn all of in college, and learning on your own isn't exactly easy when you have to google something every two minutes and then spend another 2 hours finding an answer that may or may not exist. Then there's the pressure of having to make it all perfect the first time so you can apply to the job with something to show, except nothing ever turns out perfect the first time. I've been spending the past 5 months trying to learn a visual effects program. I've learned a lot so far, but I feel like I've nothing but tests to show for it and that those aren't good enough. Making my own mini film / project takes up time, and because I need to make money I can't give myself a lot of free time.

Then there's Sony who moved to Vancouver, and now have 270 or so staff staying in Culver City, CA. When I was in CA, it was inspirational to see that studio there. I loved it, I told myself I'd work my way into that company somehow. Now, whatever kind of dream that may have been, it's going to be next to impossible. I believe Canada has a lot of restrictions of hiring out of country (from what one person told me who is also in the industry), so it's great for those in Canada, but it sucks for everyone in America. Even less jobs and increased competition.

I tried to join the job board from my college, which is useless. There were about 5 jobs related to art / graphic design. One company was Wall Street Productions, and they just wanted interns (who have to be in school). Another was a graphic designer position who refused to list pay range (which means they can't pay much from my experience), and the others were Javascript related. The rest are retail job postings or one that makes me laugh, a 'pet sitter'. It's like one big joke.