Enable job alerts via email!

Special Effects Senior Technician

Real SFX

Bristol

On-site

GBP 35,000 - 55,000

Full time

2 days ago
Be an early applicant

Generate a tailored resume in minutes

Land an interview and earn more. Learn more

Start fresh or import an existing resume

Job summary

A leading special effects company is seeking a Senior Technician to oversee practical effects on high-profile projects. This role involves collaboration with various production team members, ensuring safety, and maintaining a workshop environment. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience with special effects, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety practices.

Benefits

Creative and supportive team environment
Travel opportunities across UK locations
Career development and training opportunities
Work with cutting-edge, sustainable SFX technology

Qualifications

  • Extensive practical experience in special effects for film, television, or live events.
  • Proven experience with factory-made pyrotechnics and explosive materials.
  • Strong knowledge of special effects techniques.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in preparing, constructing, and executing special effects.
  • Liaise with department heads on safety requirements.
  • Maintain the effects workshop and records.

Skills

Knowledge of camera angles
Strong communication skills
Teamwork
Creativity in SFX solutions
Health and Safety regulations
Experience with pyrotechnics
Risk assessment

Education

Relevant industry qualifications

Job description

The Senior Technician will assist the Supervisor in the preparation, construction, and execution of Special Effects as required. They will usually be in control of the floor or Special Effects workshop and will coordinate the team of Special Effects Technicians and Trainees, providing practical, aesthetic, and economic solutions to any problems encountered. They will work closely with the Special Effects Supervisor, Director, Production Designer, and Stunt Co-ordinator to create the desired effects and may advise on the most practical means of achieving these effects. Extensive liaison with the Art Department may also be necessary to ensure continuity of the production theme throughout props and effects. They may work from technical drawings and sketches and must be able to construct suitable effects from technical specifications. Senior Technicians also need to maintain a logbook recording their work and techniques, which serves as documented proof of experience for promotion to Supervisor.

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter to our recruitment manager at carmela@realsfx.com. If your background and experience match the requirements, you will be contacted for an interview when a position becomes available.

Responsibilities of the Senior Technician

  • Assist the Supervisor in preparing, constructing, and executing effects.
  • Liaise with other department heads on safety and safety requirements, including Fire Officer, 1st Assistant Director, and Company Insurers, as necessary.
  • Be aware of script breakdowns, scheduling, and budget constraints.
  • Have a working knowledge of camera angles and lenses to advise on capturing effects during shooting.
  • Discuss effects professionally with the Producer/Director, Director of Photography, and Stunt Co-ordinator, ensuring safety considerations are prioritized.
  • Capable of taking control of the effects department when needed.
  • Maintain and control the effects workshop where applicable.
  • Be fully aware of all safety aspects, regulations, and legal requirements related to Special Effects.
  • Keep comprehensive records of work experience and obtain supervisor approval.
  • Have authority to sign off on Trainee and Technician pyrotechnic work records.
  • Help and advise Technicians and Trainees as needed.
Required skills

Proven experience with factory-made pyrotechnics and explosive materials, with in-depth knowledge of their properties and visual effects.

Strong knowledge of camera angles, lenses, and special effects techniques in production.

Extensive practical experience delivering a wide range of effects for film, television, or live events.

Thorough understanding of Health and Safety regulations, risk assessment, and safe working practices.

Relevant industry qualifications.

Ability to develop creative SFX solutions and communicate concepts effectively.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with professional direction-giving and receiving capabilities.

  • Part of a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning SFX company.
  • Experience working on high-profile productions.
  • Opportunities for career development and training.
  • Creative and supportive team environment.
  • Travel opportunities across UK locations (Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham).
  • Work with cutting-edge, sustainable SFX technology.
  • Commitment to safety, innovation, and crew wellbeing.
Get your free, confidential resume review.
or drag and drop a PDF, DOC, DOCX, ODT, or PAGES file up to 5MB.