SFX/VFX

SFX/VFX
From small budget independent movies, to commercials, to television programmes, to Hollywood blockbusters, effects today are used to enhance storytelling and create amazing images. The SFX/VFX industry is growing a phenomenal rate and it's constantly on the lookout for talent. SFX and VFX specialists work closely together to blend the enormous amount of physical effects that can be created and shot in-camera with complex digital effects that are created using computers.

The SFX/VFX course is aimed at those who intend to work as Technical Directors or VFX or SFX Technicians, moving into VFX Supervision or Production.

During this extremely practical course you'll spend almost as much time “on set” as you will in front of a computer - working on pre-defined modules to develop skills and knowledge of camera techniques (including motion control), all manner of physical effects including pyrotechnics, atmospherics, prosthetics and special effects make-up, blue/green screen, models/miniatures, motion capture and CGI.

The NFTS holds a unique position within the film and television industries whereby it can offer an invaluable “bridge to the Industry” that attempts to help graduates establish themselves in a new career. At the time of writing all the previous SFX/VFX graduates are working in their chosen fields either within CGI at Framestore CFC, Double Negative, Smoke & Mirrors and Picture Production Company working on films such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Golden Compass and Hellboy 2 and commercials, or at Millennium FX and within the freelance SFX world working on Doctor Who, Torchwood, Hot Fuzz and Waking The Dead.

Curriculum

The course is designed to be modular, and you'll control your own projects from start to finish, as well as developing a variety of practical and creative skills from planning, budgeting, storyboarding and pre-visualisation through filming to post production.

Several modules are shared with other departments within the NFTS - such as the popular Take One Painting project - and the SFX/VFX students participate individually on many of the other NFTS students’ projects.

For the duration of the course, each SFX/VFX student has a dedicated workstation loaded with the latest 2D and 3D applications including Maya, Fusion, Combustion and many other specialist software applications. SFX/VFX students will create effects for multiple projects in parallel with NFTS student productions and workshops. As the course focuses on providing students with knowledge of a broad range of techniques from both the physical and digital arenas, students will learn how to employ these different techniques and offer the best solutions for a variety of situations encountered in production.

During the second year you'll be encouraged to explore the option of specialising further within either Physical FX or CGI, guiding you towards the next stage in your chosen career.

Entry Requirements

You should have a mixture of creative, technical and management skills. Although not strictly necessary, some relevant Industry knowledge is beneficial. An ideal candidate might have a background in a related field in the arts, games or other media, and you must be technically and operationally competent in the use of computers.

The course covers such a diverse range of subjects that there is no typical candidate. You may be a recent graduate or Industry professional looking to fast-track or switch your career. Your application should be supported by a brief outline of your particular interests in the field including any relevant experience, either academic or practical.

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