The VFX Pipeline Bootcamp for Technicians

Course details

Start date

26th February 2025

Location

Live online

Duration

5 weeks

Contact time

1 day per week for 5 weeks (Wednesdays)

Application deadline

13th December 2024

Fees

This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills High-end Television Skills Fund made up of contributions from high-end television productions made in the UK.

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Who is this course for?

  • Are you a Technical Freelancer or on a fixed- term contract working in High-End TV (HETV)?  

  • Have you ever wondered what happens to your work once it enters post? (More specifically, VFX?)

This course is open to 25 professionals based in Northern Ireland working for HETV.  

The training is particularly relevant to individuals in HETV technical roles who are keen to gain an understanding of VFX production.

Meet your Tutor, Martin Gabriel

This course, led by a highly experienced VFX Producer, Martin Gabriel (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Nice Guys, X-Men: The Last Stand and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), offers participants and engaging insight into the world of VFX production.

Course modules

This course will be delivered as five full compulsory live online days (starting w/c 25th February 2025). Each session will be recorded and made available to you for a further 30 days. The sessions will be tutor- led with regular breaks to ask questions, discuss case studies and bring personal projects and ideas for reflection.

Key topics will include:  

  • What is a typical VFX Pipeline?  

  • Pre-Production in Post  

  • Shot Management  

  • Paint and Prep (The Foundry, Nuke demo)  

  • Shot delivery  

  • How to work with a VFX Supervisor  

  • Budgeting and scheduling  

  • Importance of getting it right on set.  

Thanks to funding from the ScreenSkills HETV Skills Fund, training will be free for participants to attend, and we are able to cover some accommodation and childcare costs if requested.

More information

You will be required to submit proof (either via IMDB, Linkedin or a CV) that you have credits working in HETV.   

This training is only open to individuals living and/or working in Northern Ireland.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.  

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs that we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to meet them.  

If you have any specific access queries, please direct these to Oliver via email – oliver.bowyer@escapestudios.com.

We can provide remote access to our workstations during teaching time. Due to availability restrictions, we highly advise you to have your own set up at home to study in your own time.

More things you’ll need:

  • A strong internet connection

  • Cloud storage or external hard drive to back up your work, 1TB+ recommended

  • A three-button mouse or graphics tablet. Please note, the Wacom Intuos Pro range of tablets have the best support for our remote desktop software and provide the best experience.

  • A computer microphone (and optionally a webcam)

  • Note-taking materials.

If you have any questions about learning online or if you need help with what to buy, get in touch at hello@escapestudios.ac.uk.

Please note, applications for this course should be completed directly through ScreenSkills - Apply now.

This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills High-end Television Skills Fund made up of contributions from high-end television productions made in the UK.

  • Flow (previously known as ShotGrid)