Details

Program Overview

The Visual Effects Production Diploma at Lost Boys Studios | School of Visual Effects is an accelerated program covering television and feature film quality visual effects production, including 3D, compositing and live-action integration. In the classroom and in the field, students complete a project-based curriculum modeled after real-world examples.

Students specializing in visual effects can go on to work as VFX or Pre-Visualization Artists in film, TV or videogames. For more about career paths, check out the Outcomes page.

Program Duration

8 months duration, full-time. Students should expect to put in a minimum of 40-60 hours per week, which includes 25 hours per week mandatory in-class time.
Upon successful completion students receive a Diploma in Visual Effects Production and job placement assistance. We currently have a 93% successful placement rate, including full-time, contract and VFX intern positions.

Students develop and enhance their skills in the following areas:

ANALYTICAL. Understand the fundamentals of 3D and compositing techniques for creating visual effects shots. Develop the ability to choose the most efficient and appropriate technique and tools to create the required shots in production.

TECHNICAL. Develop the ability to use specific production techniques relevant to industry-standard skill sets, including appropriate aspects modeling, texturing, 3D cameras, UV unwrapping, shading, rigging, animating, lighting, rendering, projection-mapping, rotoscoping, keying, matting, painting, tracking, matchmoving, effects, compositing, colour correction and more.

PRACTICAL. Understand and participate in the pre-production and execution of live action plates for visual effects shots. Understand and participate in the visual effects production pipeline in a group setting.

CREATIVE. Analyze and apply art direction and creative choices through the use of colour, composition, movement and production techniques to achieve the desired look.

Instructional delivery methods include:

• on-site delivery – supervised and unsupervised classroom and studio access
• one-on-one mentoring with industry professionals
• Project-Based Learning, a technique which enables the students to explore and grasp concepts and methods within a simulated production pipeline
• demonstrations/lectures
• individual and group projects
• extensive training library and online resources
• location and green screen/studio shoots
• studio tours (Vancouver)
• visiting artists and guest speakers