To become a special effects supervisor, you should typically begin by establishing an educational background in film and consider training in electronics, engineering, hydraulics, or pyrotechnics. While some background or understanding of visual effects can be helpful, this is by no means necessary, as practical effects are the purview of a special effects supervisor. You should begin working on any film or television projects you can as part of the special effects crew, and you should look for work at a dedicated special effects company. Once you have the background and training you need, then you can typically work your way up to become a special effects supervisor through internal promotions.
A special effects supervisor is someone who works as the leader of a special effects crew for a film or television production. The effects made by this type of crew are practical in nature, including on-set effects like explosions, launching cars and other objects into the air, and creating artificial weather such as rain and powerful winds. One of the best ways to become a special effects supervisor is by gaining an educational background in film and the technical skills often needed to work in special effects. While you can major in film, you may be better rewarded taking film classes while receiving a degree in engineering, and becoming certified in pyrotechnics and related fields.
Once you have the education you need, then you can begin working your way up to become a special effects supervisor. Though a degree is not absolutely necessary, it can certainly help you as you look for your first jobs as part of a special effects crew. You may be able to find a production in need of additional crew members, though you should also look for opportunities at a special effects company. These companies often take on multiple jobs and can provide you with the experience and contacts you are likely to need to become a special effects supervisor.
As you work on different projects with a special effects company, you should look for opportunities to take on greater responsibility and demonstrate your skills as an effects artist and leader. You should try to find chances to become a special effects supervisor through internal promotion at an effects company. If this does not seem possible, however, you may be able to look for supervisor positions at a different company and be hired on as a supervisor. This often requires a great deal of experience and connections within the special effects industry, which you can gain by refining your abilities as an effects artist and working on larger projects.