Well, I wrote a long, detailed review and then there was an error processing it. I'm not going to take the time to type it again.
I will say that I have worked at MPC, The Mill, Digital Domain, Industrial Light & Magic, and a myriad of commercial houses in Los Angeles on movies and national broadcast commercials.
ReelFX was the worst experience of my professional life, mainly due to management, severely overworking conditions (compared to EVERYWHERE else I have ever worked), extremely low pay, job instability, poor pipeline/tool sets, production ignorance, and being treated VERY poorly.
The Dallas area is dangerous due to crime, dirty, and only cheaper than L.A. If you live a good distance away from the actual studio.
There are many, many other specific issues with all levels of the company, but I don't have the patience to type all of them again.
If you have an opportunity ANYWHERE else, highly consider it. ReelFX is the only real CG/visual effects company in Dallas or Texas for that matter, so when you loose your job to someone cheaper or even an intern, you will need to move or change careers. Work anywhere else where there is more than one possible company to work for.
THERE IS NO OVER TIME PAY, WORK WEEKS ARE BASED OFF OF 40 HOURS. Work weeks average 60-80 hours, six and seven days a week. There is very little time to spend with the wife and kids, let alone pursue personal interests or projects. And they will not care or show appreciation for your efforts. ReelFX is one of only a few companies in the U.S. That can underbid India, China, Dubai, or the cheapest Canadian companies. This is because the artists get paid so little for so much work they do.
There is potential for improvement if they cleaned house of management and hired people with normal egos and actual experience, but a lump of coal can turn into a diamond, and you just don't have the time to wait for that to happen....
