Effects Animation Diploma
This Effects Animation (Houdini) program is designed to enable aspiring effects animators to learn the process of creating 3D technical effects using various 3D computer software including Houdini 3D animation tools.
Accredited. Trusted. Respected.
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Quick facts
| Online and Combined Diploma |
| 12 months |
| Portfolio required |
Student profile
Built for the industry. Built for your trust.
Program designed in consulation with major studios in
the Animation, VFX and Video Game industries.
10 Years of delivering excellence in online education, pioneering online learning since 2009.
Spring Term Starts on:
Monday, April 5th, 2021.
Spring Term Application Deadlines
Round 1: January 25th, 2021 (20% scholarships available if eligible)
Round 2: February 15th, 2021 (10% Scholarships available if eligible)
Round 3: March 15th, 2021 (No Scholarships available)
Note: Students that miss submitting a completed application prior to the registration deadline posted on the school website, will be subject to a late fee.
Live Classes on:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 pm
Pacific Time
Need immediate help?
Click to call: +1 833-437-3872
Diploma Program Description
Effects Animation, Effects Technical Director (FX-TD)
Through a series of assignments students will learn how to create different types of effects simulations. Students will learn how to create both Expressions and procedural geometry generation in Houdini software by Sidefx. Students will choose either online or combined delivery to create their own technical effects for their final projects.
Need immediate help?
Click to call: +1 833-437-3872
We are a fully accredited Studio School designed to give students practical skills in workplace environments
Choose from our 2-Delivery options, design your education around your values and lifestyle
1) Live 100% Face-to-Face Online
Offers the flexibility and freedom for parents and students to shape their education, learning from industry experts and from a trusted Canadian Accredited Education internationally recognized.
Expand your local network
Join your regional chapter while experiencing a live, focused and extraordinary program. We partner with your institution to deliver high quality education in your home country.
2) Combined (Online + Onsite)
Time is divided between online and onsite learning. Every Friday from 10am-1pm, students spend 3 hours with in-person sessions and interacting with their peers and Industry professionals.
Experience Vancouver Canada
Outside the weekly in person sessions, access course content and weekly communication online, while experiencing Hollywood North in Vancouver, one of most livable cities in the world.
Need immediate help?
Click to call: +1 833-437-3872
Who Should
Attend this program
Aspiring effects animators, people that demonstrate problem solving skills, people that like to re-create natural phenonema, enjoy using computer software simulation and have a wild imagination.
People with the technical ability to convey their ideas through computer simulation software.
Our
Target Student
Aspiring effects animators who are deeply passionate about how the physics of natural phenomena works.
People who already recognize and understand their strengths of what they can be best at, and can build a rewarding career throughout their life in the Entertainment industries.
Not Our
Target Student
Artists looking for general education, undecided or unknowledgeable about career paths.
We recommend taking our other short introductory courses to find and recognize their strengths.
Admission Requirements
Age
High school graduate (with transcript), or 19 years of age or older
Assessment Test
Successfully pass general
assessment test that includes
a computer knowledge assessment,
Internet knowledge assessment,
English reading and writing skills
assessment.
Portfolio
If no portfolio is submitted,
student must successfully
pass the corresponding
Introductory course.
Click here to check your eligibility
English Proficiency
International students with English as a second language must demonstrate a good oral and written level of English. A telephone, Skype, or in-person interview may be required to verify this.
Need immediate help?
Click to call: +1 833-437-3872
Program Duration
Terms
per week
hours
Months
Study and Work in Canada
International Students have the option to study from their
home countries or within Canada.
This full-time online program meets the Ministry of Education requirements to Study and Work in Canada. Students may study from their home countries or in Vancouver, Canada. When studying in Vancouver, Canada, all classes are conducted online and 20 hours per week of on-site lab access is available for students to interact with one another.
Need immediate help?
Click to call: +1 833-437-3872
Program Outline
Effects Animation Diploma (FX-TD)
Term 1
Effects Software
Foundations
This course introduces students to the fundamentals for creating computer generated visual effects. Various aspects and functionality of the high-end 3D effects software Houdini, Pyro and Mantra are reviewed. This results in learning the basics of 3D modeling, animation, rendering and compositing. The final outcome is learning how to incorporate the foundations of visual effects simulations in Houdini.
Duration: 3 months
Term 2
Effects
Design
This course provides an introduction on how to technically manage a 3D visual effects project. The focus of the course is on learning how to ingest an asset and build a reusable technical effects rig. Students will learn how to create technical effects such as bullet shots in order to produce muzzle flash, tracer streaks and wall impacts.
Duration: 3 months
Term 3
Effects Production &
Studio Pipeline
This course provides an introduction to Expressions in Houdini. The focus of the course is on learning how to create procedural effects simulations. Students will learn how to edit Expressions within Houdini, in order to create complex simulations and procedural generation of clouds and forest.
Duration: 3 months
Term 4
Portfolio &
Final Effects Projects
This course is a continuation of production techniques used in the technical effects pipeline. This final term advances the students’ knowledge and ability to create realistic technical effects. Students will learn through a series of milestones, how to complete two industry level effects shots, in order to achieve a finished demo reel.
Duration: 3 months
Students must obtain a minimum grade of a B- to successfully pass.
Course codes: FXTD-100, FXTD-200, FXTD-300, FXTD-400.
Vancouver Animation School reserves the right to review and change without notice the curriculum design to meet the industry requirements.
Onsite + Online
Live Classes
- Small class sizes
- 2 live session per week, one hour per session - Full time
- 1 live support classes per week, one hour per session
Assignments
Workload
- Weekly assignments comprised by milestones and deadlines
- Online activities
- Assignments workload 20 - 25 hours per week
Times
Schedules
- Class times are listed at the top of this website page
- Class times are also visible on the application form
- Flexible times for you to work and study at the same time
Need immediate help?
Click to call: +1 833-437-3872
Software Requirements
Students are responsible for supplying their own Computer Software.
Academic discounts are available to our students.
Maya
Free for VANAS Students
Adobe Creative Cloud Software
VANAS Students save 60%
Houdini
Free for VANAS Students
System Requirements
Students are responsible for supplying their own Computer Hardware.
Windows System
Processor: 3 GHZ or higher
8 GB RAM (12 GB recommended)
Firefox or Chrome internet browsers
Flash Player
Apple Mac OSX
Processor: Core Duo / Intel
8 GB RAM (12 GB recommended)
Firefox or Chrome internet browsers
Flash Player
Internet
Broadband, High Speed connection
10 Mbps Download (Recommended)
1 Mbps Upload (Recommended)
Webcam & Headset
These are essential tools for Online Programs
Recommended Books
The VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures 2nd Edition
Canadian Designation
An official transcript is the VANAS' certified statement of your academic record. The official paper transcript is printed on security sensitive paper and contains the Institution seal and signature of the Institution Registrar.
The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is British Columbia’s brand for quality post- secondary education.
The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education administers associated regulations.
A joint initiative of the provinces and territories, through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC),
Established in 1990 to fulfill Canada’s obligations under the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies.
The Effects Animation FXTD Diploma program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
Degree Pathways
Post-Graduation Work Permit
While VANAS programs do not qualify for the post-graduation work permit, some of our educational partners do.
The post-graduation work permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. For more information, visit: cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp
Watch our Graduation Video
Watch video (3 min)
Meet your next industry teachers
Blaine
Toderian
Known For:
Adrian
Enciso
Known For:
Calvin
Leduc
Known For:
Ralph
Soll
Known For:
Chris
Woods
Known For:
Christopher
Vacher
Known For:
Some of the Studios VANAS alumni work at
“I wanted to move to the next level in my career, for a long time I wanted to learn
character animation because I love movement and the possibility to make a
digital 3d character come to life, make feelings believable!”
Hermann TroegerCareer Pathway
1 year
VANAS Effects Animation
Diploma
| |
1 year
2nd Year Option
Portfolio Polishing
& Production Experience
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4 weeks
VANAS Professional Career
Development for Artists
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4 weeks