VFX

CAREERS
Image courtesy of MPC 20th Century Fox

GUIDE 2014
 Image courtesy of Rhythm & Hues
20th Century Fox

Contents
AN INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL EFFECTS 3

A Growing, Diverse and Global Industry 3

Why We Use VFX 4
The Skills That Make Up This Industry 5
A Brief History 6
Bridge the Artist-Techie Gap 7
The VFX Pipeline Explained 9

CAREERS IN VFX 10

VFX Around the World 11

Mastering a VFX Discipline 12
The Freelance Culture 13
Earning Power 13
Tools of the Trade 14

GETTING HIRED 15

What the Industry Wants 16

The Showreel Clinic 17

GET STUDIO-READY 18

VFX Training 19
Your Options 20

SO WHAT NOW? 21

Join the Community 21

escapestudios.com Contents | 2

AN INTRODUCTION
TO VISUAL EFFECTS
A Growing, Diverse
and Global Industry
Looking to forge a career in visual effects
(VFX)? This is your guide to the craft, the
industry and the career prospects that
make up this booming, global business.
Over the last two decades the VFX job market has changed
dramatically and quickly. Once managed by a small number
of specialists, VFX is now a major global industry. As it grows,
new opportunities for VFX professionals develop all the
time, worldwide.
In this digital age, its easy to take the technical achievements
of VFX for granted, but before we continue, take a moment
to think how much of what you see on screen these days is
a product of VFX?
escapestudios.com
Image courtesy of MPC
Three Mobile
The art of visual effects involves
nothing less than making words
into pictures, technology into art,
and magic into reality. Artists and
technicians who create this magic
have laboured throughout the history
of moving imagery, always working
in service of the story, the directors
vision, and the cinematographers art.
Michael Fink and Jacquelyn Ford Morie
The VES Handbook of Visual Effects
ILM COME TO LONDON
Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) the VFX studio
responsible for the VFX in Star Wars, Terminator
2, Jurassic Park, Avatar, Transformers, Iron
Man, Star Trek and many more now have a
studio here in London, creating 200 jobs for the
VFX community in the UK. ILM also have studios in
Singapore, San Francisco, Vancouver, Los Angeles
and San Rafael.
An introduction to visual effects | 3
 Image courtesy of MPC
20th Century Fox

Why We Use VFX

Visual effects is a device used in filmmaking to tell stories Visual Effects (VFX)
in a visual way that wont detract from the emotion of a
Visual effects is the largest computer graphics (CG) sector
scene. It allows filmmakers to bring ambitious ideas to
and the biggest employer of CG artists. VFX is the production
life that otherwise would be too expensive or physically
of effects, CG assets and motion graphics for movies, TV,
impossible to capture with a camera on the film set.
commercials and other video-based media, such as the web.
It is the technical trickery that breathes life into a film,
suspending disbelief with photorealistic effects that seem Feature Animation
so real, the audience cant tell the difference between what Computer graphics animation has grown into a blockbusting
was faked and what was captured on camera. movie genre of its own in the 19 years since Pixar pioneered
the form with Toy Story. Big studios use hundreds of artists
Sometimes when VFX is being used, the aim is to make
on a single title, with teams specialising in one discipline such
the effect invisible, blending all the elements convincingly
as character design, animation or lighting.
and photo-realistically. An artist has done their job well when
the scene is believable. This is often done for set-extensions
or removing unwanted elements from a shot. Games
Games studios produce immersive environments within
There are also more stylised obvious effects that bring tight technical limitations. Video games development is the
superheroes, mythical worlds and impossible stunts to life. second fastest growing media segment in the world, behind
Although we can recognise these effects as being a product online advertising.
of VFX, no expense is spared on detail, making these VFX
assets mimic real-world elements as much as possible.
Virtualisation
Modern engineering, architecture, motor and product
DID YOU KNOW? manufacturing industries all rely on CG artists to help
visualise projects during the design process.
A recent introduction of tax incentives
from the European Commission will see
a 188 million investment for Britains DID YOU KNOW?
games development sector.
The annual revenue of the British
VFX industry is expected to reach
600 million in 2014.

escapestudios.com An introduction to visual effects | 4


The Skills That Make
Up This Industry
Visual effects is an industry where art, science,
maths and technology all come together with
a shared goal to create something visually
awesome in the most cost and time effective
way possible.
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Image courtesy of Cinesite
We want the superstar
The industry needs people with talents across all these areas
maths students too, not just
not just the artistic. Mathematics, physics and programming
are also skills that help push the boundaries, allowing VFX to the kids who studied media,
reach new technical heights that wow audiences. drama or art.
This industry also relies on talented project managers and
people with a good mind for business. These skills make up Michael Elson Film and VFX Consultant
the production team VFX co-ordinators and producers at Prime Focus World
who keep the production and delivery of VFX on schedule
as well as bringing new business to the studio. After all,
someone needs to make sure the studio is making money.
An introduction to visual effects | 5
 Image courtesy of Cinesite
Warner Bros. Pictures

A Brief History
An industry built on the
shoulders of giants
To get to grips with the art of visual effects,
it helps to go back to where it all started, and
discover how far the craft has come. Over the
last century the techniques and technology used
to create a visual effect has advanced incredibly.
From the earliest use of in-camera effects in the 1890s to the
use of 3D computer graphics in todays industry, it is humbling
to think how far weve come in so little time.
HISTORY LESSON
Learn from the past and take a look at examples of filmmaking
pre computer-generated imagery (CGI) to better understand 1896 French magician Georges Mlis
the principle techniques at work in visual effects today. Much accidentally invents the shot substitution technique
of the functionality we gain through software tools now, is while filming a street in Paris. Following an error
based on artistic, scientific and mathematical logic that were where his camera jammed, Mlis discovers this
achieved by hand (along with very acute attention to detail), happy accident produced a shot where a bus
right up until the evolution of computer graphics. The history of VFX is still being written, and relies on
magically transforms into a hearse inspiring
new talent to surprise us all. We look forward to what
a succession of in-camera effects that would
So we salute the pioneers of VFX who dared to experiment todays VFX students will create tomorrow.
spark the future development of VFX.
and consequently push the boundaries of filmmaking. From
Alfred Clarkes stop action beheading of Mary Queen of Scots 1985 ILM produce the first 3D CG character
in 1895, through to Mlis, Murneau and Lang, OBriens Creative Skillset Core Skills VFX Handbook
composited into a live action shot for Barry
King Kong, Harryhausens fighting skeletons, Trumbulls Levinsons Young Sherlock Holmes. This paved
gravity-free atmosphere in 2001: A Space Odyssey, the the way for the incredible CG achievements in
technical innovations of Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith films like The Abyss, Terminator 2 and the first
at Pixar, to the digital era with John Gaetas bullet time ever photorealistic creature created for Jurassic
in The Matrix and Joe Letteris Avatar.
Park in 1993 another ground-breaking moment
Driven by advances in technology, the growth of new in film history.
media sectors and demand for bigger, better, more
spectacular digital experiences, computer graphics
has grown into a multi-billion pound worldwide industry.

escapestudios.com An introduction to visual effects | 6

Bridge the Artist-Techie Gap
The relationship between mathematics, science and art
Visual effects is a marriage of art, science,
maths and technology. If youre new to the
craft of VFX, this may sound a little scary
but fear not, no one is expecting you to be
an expert. These are simply the theoretical
principles at work when creating visual effects.
An understanding or awareness of each area
will greatly support your progression as a
CG artist, but advanced knowledge is only
important for certain VFX roles.
The VFX industry is built on a balance between art and
technology, both working together to make a cooler image.
Without artists, the technology is missing a vital part for
what creates awesome visual effects, and this relationship
is what makes VFX such an interesting area to work in.
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The Art
Fundamentally, VFX is a creative discipline. A VFX
artist should have a good grounding in art and art history.
You can begin training your eye by learning the theory of
composition, balance, chiaroscuro, framing, implied motion
and other concepts used in the art world. Just like a painter,
a VFX artist needs to examine the natural world and mimic
how it moves, forms, disintegrates or erodes.
Painting can help you appreciate light and colour and what
it takes to replicate or suggest reality. However, if the idea
of putting paint to canvas isnt for you, then try photography.
This is a great way to observe and frame what is real, and
apply what you learn from that process to your work in VFX.
Art is particularly important for artists working in compositing
as they work to blend all the elements together, telling a visual
story that brings the full effect to life.
The Science
Physics can be a very useful subject to know as a VFX
professional. While working in a 3D space, artists will
think about how to mimic the natural world around them.
If a film shot ignores the standard laws of physics, such as
a solid object doing an impossible manoeuvre, an artist
will lose the realism they were working so hard to achieve.
The science of sight also has a part to play. Magic or reality
the way our eyes and brain respond to light and colour tones
can lead to a visual misinterpretation. In areas such as lighting,
compositing and matte painting, VFX artists can create optical
illusions that fool the eye or direct its gaze to a particular part
of the screen.
Image courtesy of MPC
Warner Bros. Pictures
An introduction to visual effects | 7

Technology
If youre a dab hand at computer programming
consider yourself an asset to the VFX industry. In some
roles it is desirable (but not essential) to have a working
knowledge of Python, C/C++, or other forms of scripting
and programming. Technical Director (TD) roles are where
we see this in practice most, but if youre an artist and are
new to the concept of computer programming, this is a
skill you can learn along the way.
Mathematics
Its a common misconception that maths isnt creative,
yet maths in itself is a form of art. A creative mind is
essentially a curious one, and by applying thinking skills
and creative thought you gain a better understanding
of maths. Mathematicians tend to have a mind-set that
promotes curiosity and problem solving, two attractive
attributes for a VFX professional.
In VFX, the maths element is really only about thinking
logically and mental arithmetic. So if youre an artist
thinking you need to be an expert, dont worry. Knowledge
of trigonometry, matrices, vectors, applied mechanics and
basic algebra are deemed to be useful, but you can learn
these as you go. We simply want to draw attention to the
beautiful relationship between art and maths, and how
they can support your work as a VFX professional.
escapestudios.com
Image courtesy of MPC
Warner Bros. Pictures
There is particularly poor awareness among
students interested in maths and sciences
of the potential application of their skills to
VFX; yet these are the students who hold the
most potential for us in technical positions,
which are the most difficult to recruit.
Courtney Vanderslice-Law
Production Director at Cinesite
Two major reasons drove Renaissance
artists towards the pursuit of mathematics.
First, painters needed to figure out how to
depict three-dimensional scenes on a two-
dimensional canvas. Second, philosophers and
artists alike were convinced that mathematics
was the true essence of the physical world
and that the entire universe, including the
arts, could be explained in geometric terms.
Michelle Emmer Visual Mind, Volume 2,
Section 3, MIT Press 2005
An introduction to visual effects | 8
 Art
Pre-viz
department

The VFX Pipeline Explained Research and

development
PRE
PRODUCTION
Dailies

If you want to work in visual effects, youll need to ASSET GENERATION

understand the VFX pipeline and we aim to help. Modeling Shading

This is the process that makes VFX possible, from Texture Rigging
the initial idea to the finished image. Ever wonder
why the list of rolling credits for the VFX department
is so insanely long?
THE
Films that rely heavily on VFX films like Inception, The Matrix,
Avatar, Tron: Legacy require thousands of artists, sometimes
SHOOT
working from many different studios across the globe. The work
from each artist slots into a chain of complex tasks that when brought
together will create the ultimate visual effect and the illusion of reality.

Every finished VFX shot you see is the result of a defined pipeline that
guides the different stages of achieving a visual effect. Along the process,
each set of artists will have their own specialised task to complete
Post-viz Animation
before passing the shot on to the next stage.

So having a good understanding of the entire VFX pipeline allows you

to recognise how your work contributes towards the entire process
Matchmove
POST FX

and what you need to deliver to keep a project running smoothly Rotoscoping PRODUCTION Lighting
further down the line. In the industry, delivering accurate and efficient
work will earn you friends higher up the ranks. By anticipating whats Matte paint Compositing
coming up ahead, you can second-guess potential issues or pitfalls.

Here at Escape Studios, we help VFX artists learn the skills to work in
two main departments 2D (also referred to as Compositing) and 3D
(otherwise known as CGI). Both of these departments play an important
part in the process of creating a visual effect. Our courses not only teach
you the techniques, they also give you an in-depth knowledge of the
VFX pipeline so you can fully understand the process and how it works.
FILM
OUT

escapestudios.com An introduction to visual effects | 9

CAREERS
IN VFX
If youre looking to kick-start your VFX career here
in the UK, then youre in luck. The UK boasts one
of the largest visual effects industries in the world.
Double Negative, Framestore, MPC and ILM all have
UK-based studios and films including the Harry Potter
franchise, Gravity, Avatar and Inception, have been
made possible due to the work of UK artists.

DID YOU KNOW?

Over the last decade, the UK film industry has built on its niche appeal for VFX
production. There is a rich talent pool of VFX professionals, capable of meeting Since 2007, tax relief has provided
Oscar-winning high standards and this is what has attracted companies like more than 800 million worth of
ILM, who will begin work on the next Star Wars trilogy over the coming year, support for more than 800 British
right here in London. films with a combined production
value of 5.5 billion.
Filmmaking produced in the UK is supported by the UK government through
tax incentives. As financial incentives like these continue, the UK can look
forward to attracting many more exciting projects to its shores. And lets not
forget that VFX is also widely used in international advertising, long-form TV DID YOU KNOW?
series (such as Game of Thrones) and games industries, of which the UK is
among the most high profile in the world. The European Commission has confirmed Image courtesy of The Mill Smithwicks
a tax relief for game developers based in
the UK. To be eligible, video games must
be in line with EU state aid rules.

Find out more

escapestudios.com Careers in VFX | 10

 Europe
1,140 Russia
44

Middle
North East
57 Asia
America Pacific
653 281

Africa
2

VFX Around the World Latin

America
South
So VFX as an industry is doing well here in the UK, but 224 Africa
what about the rest of the world? Well, youll be glad to 24
know that this industry is global, with opportunities for
VFX professionals to work in established VFX communities Australasia
73
across Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle
East, Asia and the wider southern hemisphere.

The past few years have seen an encouraging rise in VFX

communities among developing economies such as the
Asia Pacific regions, India and Latin America.
The estimated number of CG studios
Take a look at the VFX studios in your area
currently active around the globe.

escapestudios.com Careers in VFX | 11

SENIOR

Director

VFX Supervisor

Facility VFX Supervisor

COMPOSITING / PRODUCTION CGI / 3D DEPARTMENT

2D DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT

Facility 3D Supervisor
Compositing Supervisor VFX Producer

ANIMATION Sequence Lead Lighting TD

Sequence Lead Compositor DEPARTMENT

Compositor VFX Co-ordinator Animator

CG GENERALIST RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Digital Matte Prep / Paint Artist Motion Creature /
Painter Capture Prep Rigging TD 3D Modeler Texture Painter Lighting TD Pipeline TD Effects TD Shading
Programmer
Roto Artist
Assistant TD

Assistant VFX
Co-ordinator Matchmove / Camera Tracking Artist
JUNIOR

Runner

Mastering a As computer graphics have become more specialised,

the opportunities available to artists expand. To embark
on a successful career in VFX, you should look at your
VFX Discipline natural abilities and aptitude and choose a path that best
compliments them. However, if youre up for a challenge,
theres no reason why you shouldnt work hard to try
something outside your comfort zone.
Although not extensive, heres a rough guide to some VFX
disciplines you could consider working towards. The great
thing about VFX is you dont need to choose just one of
these. You could be skilled in a combination of these areas,
qualifying you as a VFX generalist. Generalist VFX artists
are popular among smaller studios, because they can apply
a range of valuable skills to a collection of projects. At the
larger studios artists tend to specialise in one area.

In VFX theres a specialism for everyone, you just need

to find where your particular talents lie.

escapestudios.com Careers in VFX | 12

 Image courtesy of Prime Focus
Lionsgate

The main bit of advice I can offer anyone wanting to work in

VFX is that you need to really want this career and be willing to
work hard to achieve what you want. When applying for work,
you must apply everywhere. If you dont get a reply from one
or many companies, dont give up. Studios hire people depending
on how busy they are. Also, dont just target the big VFX studios.
Youll quite often have more luck with smaller studios, plus theres
the added advantage of working on a greater range of projects,
and using a wider range of skills.

Taran Spear Escape Studios graduate and now NUKE Artist at Electric
Theatre Collective

The Freelance Culture Earning Power

VFX has a large freelance culture. In fact many artists What you can expect to earn as a VFX artist
freelance their whole career. Its an attractive way to
Salary Guide for 2014 Freelance positions (/day)
work for many people, as they are given the freedom
to move between a range of studios, on a mixture of 75-100 Entry-level/Juniors
projects. Variety is the spice of life after all!
100-150 Junior to Mid-level
Thats not to say there arent many permanent roles available to artists
150-250 Mid-level to Senior
as well, especially at the big post houses, where they tend to work on the
big blockbuster titles. Smaller studios also see their fair share of exciting 250-350 Senior to Experienced
projects, and their reliance on artists to display a wide range of skills
across all their projects means you may find youll get your foot on 350+ Supervisor/Senior TD/Lead
the career ladder a lot quicker.

escapestudios.com Careers in VFX | 13


Tools of the Trade
These are some of the leading industry software tools used
by CG artists today. As mentioned earlier, technology in VFX
is evolving all the time, so dont sit on this list for too long.
Keep your ear to the ground and discover what technologies
are taking VFX production to new dimensions.
3D VFX
Autodesk Maya 3D computer animation, modeling,
visual effects and rendering software tool.
Autodesk Mudbox Computer-based 3D sculpting
and digital painting tool.
ZBrush 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and digital
painting tool.
Adobe Photoshop Used by texture and paint artists
as an image editing and compositing tool.
MARI 3D paint tool that offers a fluid and flexible way
to paint directly onto 3D models.
3DEqualizer Used by tracking artists this tool lets you
accurately track and reconstruct the world space, camera
and object movements of the original live action scene.
PF Track Another tool used by tracking artists to
accurately track and reconstruct the world space,
camera and object movements in a scene.
Houdini A high-end 3D animation software used by
many FX Technical Directors when simulating ambitious
effects like particles and dynamics.
Cinema 4D Used in the Motion Graphics industry, this
tool allows graphic designers to add 3D to their work.
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Image courtesy of Weta Digital
New Line Productions, Inc.
2D Compositing
NUKE The award-winning compositing tool for visual
effects and the industrys standard software.
Adobe Photoshop For matte painting and compositing
for accurate image editing.
Adobe After Effects A digital motion graphics, visual
effects and compositing tool, used in post-production
for film and television production.
Mocha Pro A tool that lets you achieve multiple tasks
like planar tracking, rotoscoping, object removal, lens
calibration and stabilisation.
Silhouette This tool includes rotoscoping, non-destructive
paint, keying, matting, warping, morphing, stereoscopic
workflow and 2D-3D conversion capabilities.
Start your education download free demos
and learning editions of leading VFX software
Maya and Mudbox autodesk.co.uk
NUKE, MARI, MODO and HIERO thefoundry.co.uk
Software and hardware discounts for students
Our friends at Escape Technology are always happy to help
you find the kit you need to get started in your education
towards VFX stardom.
For more information, contact
Careers in VFX | 14
GETTING Image courtesy of MPC
Paramount Pictures

HIRED
Recruiters in any company will
be sent hundreds of applications
on a weekly basis, and when it
comes to getting your application
noticed, you need to make sure
you stand out. Your challenge,
should you choose to accept it,
ADVICE FROM VFX RECRUITERS
is to impress them at a glance!
1 When applying for a junior role, we recommend you research
and understand the company youre applying to. Tailor your
application around the kind of work they do.

2 Show lots of enthusiasm for VFX and know the type of

work you want to focus on. Are you looking to specialise in a
particular area or will you be a generalist with a range of skills?

3 Keep improving your skills by learning new software. Some

software vendors will allow you to download a demo or
education version online.

4 Only put your very best work on your showreel. Push for quality
over quantity every time and position your best work first.

5 Always include breakdowns of your work, especially if youve

worked as part of a team. Your breakdown should show exactly
what you have done, not the team as a collective.

escapestudios.com Getting hired | 15


What the Industry Wants
The proof is in a showreel
What does it take to get your foot in the
door? A killer showreel is a great place to start.
The proof of your talent comes in the form of
a showreel (or demo reel). This is how you will
catch the eye of potential employers it is your
calling card to the industry.
Want to learn how to create an awesome showreel? Here
are some tips from the industry experts. Depending on the
VFX discipline youre applying for, you will need to show
your knowledge of specific techniques.
escapestudios.com
In a 2D or Compositing for VFX showreel,
demonstrate that you can:
Effectively perform rotoscope, paint and rig removal
techniques. These are entry-level skills for any artist
looking to work in the Compositing team and should
be on your reel.
Apply additional techniques such as keying and
3D compositing.
Pairing up with a 3D CG artist is a great way to get a 3D
composite shot in your reel. Escape Studios students do
this when working towards their end of course projects.
Image courtesy of Cinesite
Warner Bros. Pictures
In a 3D for VFX showreel, demonstrate
that you can:
Camera track.
Create a photo-real CG shot showing off good
geometry, texturing and lighting. Show a bit of variety to
your skillset by incorporating a product shot. For example
a bottle of perfume, a bottle of gin, a watch or a detailed
high-end camera.
Attempt a product that forces you to work with glass
and reflections. Its difficult to get these effects right,
and if you master them, youll win Recruiters over.
If youre really looking to impress, include an additional
matchmove shot with some basic 3D.
Getting hired | 16
 Image courtesy of Framestore
Sony Pictures

The Showreel Clinic

When in between jobs, its important
The Escape Studios in-house Aftercare Team, who to continue working on your own
have helped place hundreds of our graduates into their projects, targeting the skills that tie
first job, have some key dos and donts to bear in mind in with the company you want to work
for. For example, an animator applying
when preparing your showreel. for animation work could try creating
realistic animation cycles, using rigs freely
DO available on the Internet. Research the
companies youre applying to and keep
Keep it relevant to the position youre applying for.
in touch with Recruiters.
Play to your strengths.
Lead with your best shot. Ben Owen Global Head of
Show a range of skills but focus on the skills to get you that specific role. Recruitment at MPC

Breakdown and annotate your work.

Show finished shots in the first half and breakdowns in the second half.
Keep it fresh and original.
Keep it short and simple.
Think about composition and presentation.
Practice and develop all of your art skills.
Every year Framestore will look to hire
Use reference material. approximately 30 to 40 junior artists,
depending on the type of projects being
DONT produced in-house and how many juniors
Attempt overly complex or ambitious work. are required. If you include Runner roles,
this number can rise from 40 to 60.
Use/copy other peoples work.
Show any work in progress.
Anna Swift Recruitment Manager
Include sub-standard work. at Framestore
Use offensive material.
Make it too long.

escapestudios.com Getting hired | 17

 Image courtesy of Framestore
Marvel Studios

GET To work in VFX youll need to learn the

craft, and this requires training. One option
SKILLS FOR INDUSTRY

STUDIO-
Escape Studios was born in 2002 with a singular vision to solve the
is to learn on the job, starting as a Runner industrys lack of educated studio-ready talent. Since then, weve
and working your way up. However, if youre graduated over 2000 Escapees. The Escape alumni now work in

READY
every facet of the VFX industry working on:
looking to live the dream a little sooner, you
can train with a VFX school like ours to try and VFX Oscar and BAFTA winning films, including Gravity,
Life of Pi and Dark Knight Rises.
get a leg up on the competition. Our courses
100s of award winning films and television shows.
are intensive, designed to give you the skills
1,000s of award winning commercials.
and knowledge to help you get a job in VFX.
As a student of VFX, its important to learn real-world production
techniques used by professional artists right now. The industry
evolves incredibly quickly, so youve got to keep up with the pace.
Educating the future generation of VFX talent is a big responsibility,
Here at Escape Studios, we can make sure youre learning the most
but weve taken it on and have been doing it for the last 12 years.
relevant skills for todays industry.
Alongside Pearson College, we have the pleasure of seeing literally
hundreds of students realise their dream job, turning their creative
passion into a career in VFX.

escapestudios.com Get studio-ready | 18

 VFX Training
Supported by the industry
Industry professional tutors
If youre going to learn something new, learn from an
expert. Someone who has been there, done that and now
wears the t-shirt. At Escape, we invite VFX professionals
who have worked on the big blockbusters and commercials
you will recognise, to teach our students.

Meet the Escape Studios tutors

Advisory board
Delivering the most up-to-date curriculum to our students
is always at the heart of Escape Studios training. To achieve
this we rely heavily on our industry connections to keep
us tuned into the latest trends, technologies and processes
at use in the current VFX climate. Our advisory board of
top industry players, help us develop and deliver the most
relevant training for those looking to forge a career in VFX.

Meet the Escape Studios advisory board

Industry partners
In any business, its important to have partners, and we
feel very lucky to have partners who are the leading names
in the VFX industry. As part of our industry partner scheme,
our students get to visit these world-renowned studios and
get a sneak peek into life as a VFX professional.
Image courtesy of The Mill Valspar
Check out our list of industry partners

escapestudios.com Get studio-ready | 19

Your Options
Learning VFX your own way
At Escape Studios you can learn 3D and Compositing for
Visual Effects disciplines, starting with basic concepts, right
through to technically advanced techniques and ending with
a graduation project designed to showcase your skills and get
your showreel well and truly started. To help give your career
in VFX the best possible start, weve created three modes of
study so you can learn in a way that best suits your needs.
Full-time courses
Our fast-track classroom courses run for 12 weeks, giving you
the essential skills you need to get your career in VFX started
as soon as possible.
There is also the option to extend this training by 6 weeks
and take our advanced programme where you can sharpen
your technical understanding of VFX principles, before moving
onto more complex and sophisticated techniques. By the end
of an 18-week full-on VFX knowledge assault, youre going to
have a pretty awesome showreel!
Part-time evening courses
If youre someone who already juggles a lot during the day,
our part-time evening courses are a great alternative. Taught
by industry experts, who sometimes arrive at the classroom
directly from their day-job in VFX production, youll learn the
skills and techniques needed to create a kick-ass showreel of
your own the tools you need to apply for entry-level and
junior roles in the industry.
Online courses
If distance prevents you from attending a course in our
London studio, try learning visual effects online. Our online
courses also offer support from expert tutors, using our
unique interactive learning platform.
escapestudios.com
Image courtesy of Framestore
Warner Bros. Pictures
With an internet connection, a workstation and the relevant
software, you can study from anywhere in the world using
the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This platform lets
you take advantage of pre-recorded and live tutorials as
well as feedback from tutors on your VFX creations.
The VLE also hosts a Student Wall the perfect place
to interact with your fellow students and a great online
community for VFX enthusiasts.
Taster courses
So youve got this far in the Careers Guide, and youre still
not sure which discipline is right for you. Whats the difference
between 2D Compositing and 3D for Visual Effects? And do
you fully understand what theyre all about?
To help you dig deeper, weve designed one-day classroom
taster courses, so you can jump straight in and get a hands-on
introduction to the software and skills we teach. Cant choose
between Compositing or 3D for VFX? Try both!
One-day classroom taster courses
3D for Visual Effects
Compositing for Visual Effects
Cant come to London?
Try a two-week online taster course
3D for Visual Effects
Compositing for Visual Effects
Get studio-ready | 20
SO WHAT
NOW?
We hope this guide has given you a
better idea of the size and scope of the
VFX industry and what its like to work as
a professional VFX artist. If weve inspired
you, the next step is to find out more
about us and what we can offer.
escapestudios.com
Join the Community
Visit our website Free resource centre
You can find out more about Escape Studios, our courses For advice, tips and tutorials on a range of topics around
and the unique way we do things at: VFX, theres a range of free online resources you can get
your teeth into. All these tutorials are hosted on the Virtual
escapestudios.com
Learning Environment (VLE) and to access these for free,
all you need to do is register.
Get a tour
Take a look around
We hold regular open days at our state of the art facilities
with guest speakers straight from some of the biggest post
houses in the world. Student wall
Share your work, interact with other students and get
Book a studio tour feedback from your peers. The student wall is a great
online community for VFX students.
If youre more interested in distance learning, we can show
you around our facilities remotely with an online tour. Register for our VLE
Book an online tour
Get social
Speak with an advisor For the latest VFX news and updates on free tutorials, tips
and tricks and what the VFX community are talking about,
Our training experts are ready to answer any questions
follow us on:
you may still have about the fascinating world of VFX, so
what are you waiting for? Get in touch and get ready to Escape Studios Blog YouTube
change the world!
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Get in touch through our website
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Email us at info@escapestudios.com
Or you can give us a call on +44 (0) 20 7348 1920
So what now? | 21