Bring monsters, aliens and werewolves to life
VFX compositors and post-production artists are high in demand and the market for trained professionals is vast. Visual effects for movies and television are created by generating scenes using a combination of live action and computer-generated imagery. Concept artists imagine the scene, CGI artists create the characters, and visual effects artists establish the magic that brings it all to life to give you an experience that at one time could only exist in your imagination.
Back to TopProgram Description
Designed for students who have relevant education and experience the VFX and Digital Cinema program will introduce you to the various techniques and technical processes used to create visual effects (VFX) for film and television. In-course projects will be used to create a finished portfolio including a demo reel.
You will gain professional experience and knowledge in a broad range of industry-related areas while using industry-standard hardware and software including:
- Computer-generated imagery (CGI) and VFX composting
- Editing, audio and colour correction
- Feature film and television production
- Film festival submissions
- Storyboards, scripts and production materials
Curriculum is based on developing skills in:
- Creative design
- Generation of scenes combining live action and CGI through the application of professional production and compositing techniques
- Post-production
- Project management
- VFX processes
You will also focus on researching industry trends; the evolution of film and business concepts related to film and television production and distribution; and building relationships with faculty, industry professionals and studios.
Back to TopCourse List & Descriptions
In this two-part course, emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of good cinematography and camera operation. Students will explore Stereoscopic video and the next generation of digital filmmaking. The students learn how to engage an audience with their visual interpretation of a narrative. Lectures, stage lighting workshops and video exercises provide students with practical experience and training. In this course students enhance their creative control and learn to make fast, informed and creative decisions during the entire production process.
This course will introduce the techniques used to create a seamless composited sequence. Student will learn practical compositing skills used in the motion picture industry. Upon completion of this course students will have acquired all the skills necessary to work in a VFX studio as a compositor.
This course is an introduction to computer-generated effects for film and television. Each student will explore the endless creative possibilities of computer-generated effects with only their imagination as a limitation. Students will be introduced to variety of industry standard tools, software and techniques used in high budget features films and television series.
In this course students learn how a film is created during pre-production. It provides a comprehensive overview of how the artistic vision affects the entire production process. This course emphasizes the underlying principles and processes of art direction, asset production, concept design, storyboarding and artist statements.
The goal of the Production course is to prepare students to actively engage in the film and television industry. Students are encouraged to assume leadership roles in developing creative and responsive ideas. The thesis studios adopt a methodology of research, analysis, and communication, with emphasis on creative problem solving and the development of visual literacy. An integrated program of study encourages more self-directed independent study at the senior studio levels, culminating in a focused thesis project of the student's choice. The written concept document provides a forum for students to link studio practice and research skills while producing an actual film. Recognizing areas of overlap and the benefits of collaboration, the program is structured in an integrated way, allowing sharing and/or interchange of ideas with other students and faculty. Mandatory for graduation, students must create a demo reel of their accumulated work.
Through individual and group story editing sessions under guidance from the faculty, students develop a script for a television series or episodic film. The language of the ‘series script’ will be achieved through group workshops and intensive writing exercises with industry guests. This course reveals narrative storytelling in an environment that simulates the world of professional screenwriting. Mindful that a screenwriter struggles to maintain artistic integrity in a highly competitive professional environment, students are encouraged to find their unique voice, while emphasizing the critical importance of working as part of a creative team.
In this course, students will use the skills learned in Compositing & VFX I to create composited sequences for their video projects using special effects for a variety of extraction techniques with industry leading software.
In this course students will have the opportunity to use the techniques they learned in CGI AND EFFECTS I to create a series of custom effects that will be used on the projects from Compositing & VFX II. The students will gain experience in a simulated CGI effects production pipeline.
Through lectures, workshops and presentations by professional filmmakers and videographers and practical assignments, students will learn the basics of entrepreneurship. They will be mentored in the creation of a personal entrepreneurial plan for a realistic business venture. The objective of the course is to provide students with a concrete plan for creating a job for themselves and covers relevant topics such as business financing, risk & return in the creative industry, international opportunities, and professional ethics. Students will learn how to register and operate a small image production business including bookkeeping, business protocols; the pricing, estimating and invoicing of assignments; and how to protect their copyright. Students will also learn the steps involved in managing and bringing a screenplay to the screen: organizing, staffing, budgeting, scheduling, securing locations, shooting and post-production. In addition to offering practical, hands-on help in dealing with each of these steps, students will learn how to work within smaller budgets while producing their own short film ideas.
This course will arm the students with the skills they need to market themselves as artists. Students will design and create demo reels, portfolios and written support material in preparation for their future career.
Case studies and workshops provide student editors with the knowledge and tools to successfully secure work in the industry, tackle their first feature film, stay ahead of the ever-changing post-production landscape and improve their artistic skills. The class will be divided into thirds as the students will choose between picture editing, compositing effects and audio post-production in order to gain more experience in a specific field of post-production.
This course provides students with the support, guidance and assessment needed to prepare their final independent projects for distribution to festivals.
Courses and course descriptions are for the next academic year and are subject to change.
Back to TopProgram Costs
| | Domestic | International |
| Tuition Fees | $8,000 | $17,396 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $1,010 | $1,570 |
| Incidental Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total Fees: | $9,050 | $19,006 |
Please note: fees are based on the 2012-2013 academic year and do not include textbooks. For more information please see Other fees to consider.
Back to TopOpportunities For Degree Completion Or Additional Credentials
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Back to TopDisability Considerations
Students with disabilities who wish to discuss accommodation plans are encouraged to contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
Back to Top
Program Quick-Find
If you are an International student, please contact
Open: September 2013
