Is the VFX Industry in Crisis? A Closer Look at the Current Landscape

The VFX community has been stirring with a pressing question: Is the industry dying? Online forums like Reddit have become sounding boards for artists worried about job security, studio closures, and shifting technologies. But while the anxiety is real, the situation is more about transformation than extinction.

A Changing Media Landscape

A critical factor in today’s uncertainty is how media is distributed and consumed. The rise—and recalibration—of streaming platforms has disrupted long-established production pipelines. Simultaneously, the industry is still recovering from the ripple effects of the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes, which brought content creation to a halt across the board.

These overlapping events didn’t just slow down new projects—they triggered broader structural changes. Budgets shifted. Timelines extended. Studios adapted or paused. The VFX world, closely tied to film and television, naturally felt the impact.

Technology Disruption and Global Uncertainty

At the same time, AI and machine learning are introducing new tools and workflows. While these don’t spell the end of VFX, they introduce hesitation at the investment level. Studios and financiers are unsure about which technologies will lead and how much to invest in them. This hesitancy doesn’t erase jobs—it just redistributes them and delays their start.

Then there’s the global financial context. Currency fluctuations, shifting tax rebates, and geopolitical tensions are making certain VFX markets unstable. Countries that once dominated with generous subsidies are re-evaluating their positions. As a result, some studios may thrive while others struggle, depending on their geography and adaptability.

So… Is It Dying?

No. The VFX industry is not dying—it’s evolving.

We’re producing more media than ever, and more of that media depends on VFX than at any point in history. This means opportunities will continue to exist. However, the industry is in massive transition, which can be deeply unsettling—especially for those with families, mortgages, or long-term commitments.

It’s worth noting that these pains aren’t unique to VFX. Many industries—from tech to publishing—are undergoing similar transformations. What makes the difference is how individuals and businesses respond. Stability might be harder to come by for now, but innovation and adaptability will lead to new paths forward.

Finding Your Footing Amid the Chaos

In uncertain times, having the right partners and tools can make all the difference. For freelancers and studios alike, leveraging flexible infrastructure—like a cloud-based render farm—can help stay competitive. It enables faster delivery, reduces the burden on local hardware, and ensures you’re ready to scale when the next opportunity arises.

At Forrender, we aim to be more than a technical solution—we’re a creative ally. We provide affordable rendering power with hands-on support, so artists can focus on what they do best: creating.