Effects Animation Diploma
This online program is designed to enable aspiring effects animators to learn the process of creating 3D technical effects using various 3D computer software.
Accredited. Trusted. Respected.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Quick facts
| Online Diploma |
| 12 months |
| Portfolio required |
Student profile
Online Diploma Program Description
Effects Animation, Effects Technical Director (FX-TD)
This online program is designed to enable aspiring effects animators to learn the process of creating 3D technical effects using various 3D computer software.
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. Students will create their own technical effects for their final projects.
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
Portfolio
If no portfolio is submitted,
student must successfully
pass the corresponding
Introductory course.
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.
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.
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.
100% Online
Live Classes
- Small class sizes
- 2 live session per week, one hour per session - Full time
- 1 live session per week, one hour per session - Part 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
- Schedules are assembled by time zone
- Applicants will provide 3 time preferences in the application form.
- We do our best to match those preferences between students and teachers.
Bonus Live
Mentorship Classes
Every week, students have access to additional live classes of their preference.
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.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers. It ensures that a school is educating its students and meeting quality standards. If you choose a school that isn’t accredited, it may be difficult to use your academic credentials. Few employers will take your education seriously. Additionally, you may not be able to transfer your credit hours or degree to an accredited school.
If you are learning for personal enjoyment, accreditation may not be important to you. However, if you want to use your academic credential in the workplace or plan on furthering your education at a later date, accreditation is essential.
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
Meet your teachers
Blaine
Toderian
Known For:
Adrian
Enciso
Known For:
Calvin
Leduc
Known For:
Susan
Campbell
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 TroegerEducation by real Artists who love helping Artists succeed.
Your Tuition is Protected
The Student Training Completion Fund is established under the Private Training Act
and provides consumer protection to students enrolled in programs at institutions
registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB).
Career Pathway
VANAS Effects Animation
Diploma
1 year
1 year
VANAS Digital Matte
Painting Diploma
(Optional)
VANAS Advanced 3D
Modeling Diploma
(Optional)
1 year
4 weeks
VANAS Professional Career
Development for Artists
(Optional)