Diploma of Achievement in Advanced Visual FX (Virtual Production)

at Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts Canada

Advanced VFX (Virtual Production) is a full-time, two-year program focused on the fundamentals of Visual Effects and the integration of Virtual Production workflows and pipelines. Students will study numerous specializations in VFX, such as modeling, sculpting, texturing/surfacing, lighting, compositing, and FX. The program also integrates Virtual Production workflows into these departments and courses, by introducing Unreal. Unreal and other Virtual Production software and tools are used in the preparation, modification, and filming of VFX assets, in-camera. By replicating real-world fundamentals of Virtual Production and its fast-paced work environment of real-time rendering, artists are trained to be equipped both artistically, and technically in the realm of quick problem solving, teamwork and collaboration.

The fundamentals of cinematography, data acquisition, match move, photography and real-world lighting are also explored before they are taken into the 3D, virtual space. In advance studies, 3D matte painting is introduced as a hybrid of 2D and 3D images for set extensions, for use in both traditional VFX and VFX for Virtual Production. Basic scripting is used in various software packages, such as Unreal, Nuke, Houdini and other industry leading software to optimize artists’ workflows. The program also teaches students the fundamentals of pre and post production, critical analysis and review, realistic production schedules, teamwork and soft skills. It also teaches students how to interact with other VFX departments, both on set and in studio.

A wide range of industry standard software and tools, processes, and workflows are taught to the students for both traditional VFX and VFX for Virtual Production. Students will create a portfolio of VFX shots in the form of a demo reel. Demo reel shots may be solely the student’s own creations, or the result of a collaborative group project(s).

The Advanced VFX (Virtual Production) program is best suited for students that display an artistic or creative background. A foundation in technical and or software skills is also beneficial. These artistic, creative and technical skills serve as a foundation for the challenging roles in VFX, and Games industries.

Software and hardware taught and provided to students during this program:

• Maya
• zBrush
• Substance Designer
• Substance Painter
• Houdini
• VRay
• Arnold
• Mari
• Nuke
• Shotgun
• Unreal Engine
• QuixelMegascans
• Davinci Resolve
• Python
• Deadline Renderfarm
• 3DEqualizer
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Premiere
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Microsoft Office 365

Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling is a full-time, two-year program focused on 3D Animation and 3D Modelling and its various departmental specializations, such as 3D animation (character and creature), rigging, 3D modelling & sculpting, and texturing/surfacing. The program also touches on the fundamentals of storytelling through acting and visual composition, look development and the basics of compositing. The program teaches students production, art, observation, critical review and soft skills to round out their skillset, teaches them how to interact with other disciplines, and enable students to prototype their own compositions and shots from concept through to completion.

While covering the 3D Animation and 3D Modelling processes, a multitude of industry standard software, tools, processes, and workflows are taught to the students. Students will create a body of portfolio ready shots, animations and models, and work either individually or collaboratively in small teams to produce finished portfolios.

The 3D Animation courses focus on animation principles, while integrating rigging, basic scripting, cloth simulation, body mechanics and animation for characters, inanimate objects and creatures. In the 3D Modeling courses, students will learn the latest industry techniques in the fields of hard surface modeling, sculpting, texturing and surfacing. While starting with the observation of traditional drawing and sculpting techniques, students will take these skills into their 3D models, environments and 3D animations. The integration of look development, shading and compositing fundamentals helps bring both 3D models and animations together for polished, final compositions. The program is geared towards students who already have demonstrated a background in a creative or technical field. It is intended to empower artists with the creative and technical skills needed to enter the demanding 3D Animation, 3D Modelling, Visual Effects, and Games industries. Some graduates may also be eligible to bypass entry level roles for anyone interested in entering the 3D Animation, 3D Modelling, Visual Effects, and Games industries.

Software and hardware taught and provided to students during this program:

•  Maya
•  zBrush
•  Substance Designer
•  Substance Painter
•  Marvelous Designer
•  Blender
•  Arnold
•  Mari
•  Nuke
•  Shotgun
•  Davinci Resolve
•  Confluence
•  Adobe Photoshop
•  Adobe Premiere
•  Adobe Creative Suite
•  Microsoft Office 365

The Foundation in Entertainment Arts certificate program is a full-time, one-year Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) program to prepare you for advanced studies in animation, modelling, visual effects, or game development. Students who are interested in a career in entertainment arts will be taught how to observe, represent, and ultimately development fundamental visual decision making skills in a variety of formats.

With classes such as figure drawing, colour and design, sculpting, and more, the students will be able to create increasingly expressive, dynamic, and consistent artistic works, while establishing a well-rounded technical base. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to pursue intermediate or advanced programs of study in line with their specific professional goals in the industry. This program welcomes students in September, January, and May.

You will receive foundational, hands-on training in the industry software and workflows. Students will also work to develop a strong personal portfolio which will help graduates gain entry into the advanced diploma programs at Centre for Entertainment Arts.

Software and hardware taught in this program:

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Adobe Photoshop
• Confluence
• Nuke
• Maya
• Blender
• Microsoft Office
• Substance Painter
• Unreal
• zBrushCore