What does a data I/O technician do?
Data input/output (I/O) technicians are responsible for organising, transferring and storing the computer files and data for a VFX production company.
They manage the computer storage and retrieval systems, including company hard drives. VFX companies process large amounts of data because they deal with high-quality video files and digital 3D animation files. They know different digital camera formats, for instance, Alexa, Cannon, Phantom and Red. Data I/O technicians troubleshoot any issues that come up to do with file storage.
Data I/O technicians ensure that all of transferring and storing of data is done securely and that files are encrypted wherever necessary. They follow company protocols to comply with safety standards. They make logs of all of the files that they receive and perform quality control checks on these files to see if there are problems or if the files are corrupted. They use file transfer programs in order to perform their role.
Data I/O technicians give technical support to people working in a VFX pipeline when needed. They are usually employed by VFX companies or studios rather than freelancers.
What's a data I/O technician good at?
- Programming and coding skills: have knowledge of programming in C++ and Python with a high level of technical ability
- Computing technical skill: be able to work in Microsoft Windows, macOS (Apple), Linux or Unix operating systems, understand how the data sharing application FileMaker Pro works and be able to use it, understand file transfer protocols (FTPs)
- Understand the VFX pipeline: know the process of how VFX get created
- Communication and teamwork: communicate well with the other data I/O technicians, and VFX artists, when necessary, so that there is a cohesive and structured file storage system
- Organisation: be attentive to the detail of the files and data that you process and store, maintain a working system of file storage
- Efficiency: work quickly and accurately, organise and prioritise your tasks
