Course description
3D Visual Effects
Our longest running and most popular course just keeps getting better!
Do you want to kick-start your career in VFX? This course is the perfect foundation for those with no previous experience but who are passionate about VFX.
It's highly interactive and intensive and will equip you with the skills required to succeed. You'll learn how to use software such as Maya, Photoshop, Mudbox and 3D Equalizer, along with key techniques such as modelling, texturing, lighting and shading.
What's more you'll get the chance to work on hands-on projects and problem-solving challenges, you’ll learn the latest 3D software and techniques required by industry.
Our talented 3D tutors have worked within the industry so you get to learn from the inside out! Plus, we work with industry professionals on all of our daytime courses (full-time) so you'll hear directly from someone who's working in the industry and get feedback on your work from a pro.
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Suitability - Who should attend?
Aged 18 or over, a good understanding of written and spoken English.
Training Course Content
Module 1 - 3D Foundation
Week 1: Introduction to Maya
- The user interface
- Introduction to modelling
- Introduction to textures
- Introduction to lighting, shading and rendering
Week 2: Modelling
- Nurbs Curves
- Nurbs surfaces to polygons
- Polygonal modelling
- Topological rules
Week 3: Modelling continued
- Polygonal modelling continued
- Organic modelling
- Non-linear modelling
- UV mapping techniques (organic and hard surface)
Week 4: Colour and lighting
- Lighting - traditional cinematographic and photographic techniques
- Colour theory, three point lighting
- Natural lighting
- Indirect lighting techniques
- Image based lighting
- Matching lighting
- Advanced lighting
Week 5: Basic texturing
- Hypershade
- Texturing masterclass
- Image manipulation with Photoshop
- Texture distressing with Photoshop
- Non-destructive texturing workflows
- Camera projection mapping
Week 6: Shading and rendering
- Displacement mapping
- Maya nodes
- Raytracing (reflections, refractions and shadows)
Module 2 - Visual Effects
Week 7: Tracking and integration
- Introduction to cameras
- Camera tracking with 3D equalizer
- Manual tracking techniques
- Advanced matchmoving techniques
- Lens distortion
- Camera lineup
Week 8: Digital sculpting and 3D painting
- Texturing
- Sculpting/detailing
- Import/export workflow
Week 9: Advanced shading and lighting
- Advanced lighting theory
- Lighting effects
Week 10: Render layers and compositing
- Render layers and passes
- Introduction to Linux
- Introduction to compositing
- Compositing with Nuke (CG layers)
- Rotoscoping and keying with Nuke
Week 11: Animation and rigging
- Keyframe animation
- Path animation
- Constraints and rigging
Week 12: Project week
- End of course presentation
Why choose Escape Studios
Top 6% of Institutions for Graduate Employability -- by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
First Unreal Authorised Training Center in the UK
Expenses
- Tuition fees (on-campus): £11,295
- Tuition fees (live online): £9,036
Continuing Studies
Our students go on to work in many areas of the industry.
Some of the junior opportunities you will be able to consider on completion of the course include:
- Runner
- Junior 3D Artist