About the course

The Technical Animation for Visual Effects 18-week course delves into Maya and Houdini basics, focusing on simulations and rigging for cloth and characters. Students learn Ncloth and nConstraint fundamentals, sculpting, and using deformers for intricate fixes. With guidance from Technicolor experts, they refine simulations, addressing issues and achieving realistic dynamics. Through multiple passes and group dailies, students iterate and perfect their work, ensuring high-quality results. The course also explores advanced topics like hair simulation and Vellum Soft Bodies, emphasizing aesthetic considerations and real-world applications. Regular visits from Technicolor professionals offer invaluable insights and Q&A sessions, enriching students’ understanding and preparing them for the industry.

Course Highlights

Becoming a technical animation artist for visual effects offers a dynamic blend of creativity, technology, and problem-solving. These professionals bring virtual worlds to life, imbuing them with movement, texture, and realism. They play a crucial role in crafting the spectacle that captivates audiences in films, TV shows, and games. Technical animators enjoy the satisfaction of overcoming complex challenges, from
simulating realistic cloth and hair to creating lifelike character movements. Their work requires a deep understanding of software like Maya and Houdini, offering continuous opportunities for learning and growth. Ultimately, technical animation artists shape the immersive experiences that define modern entertainment, making their profession both rewarding and impactful.

Hightlights:

• Setting up Tech Rigs.
• Students are trained to use the Maya nCloth & Nucleus solver tool, as well as
presentation settings, and post-sim fixes.
• Training includes understanding the Vellum Solver, and post-sim fixes as
quality checks.

What we offer

• Intensive training from our industry-leading artists
• Access to studio-grade virtual workstations, software, and rendering
• You will be encouraged and coached to create a professional showreel of your work which you can take with you after completing the course
• Continued access to tutorials after the course
• A digital badge and certificate to share on your LinkedIn profile
• Ongoing recruitment opportunities and continued contact with the Technicolor Creative Studios community

Who can apply

• Recent graduates of a VFX-related program or entry/junior level candidates with some experience looking for their first break in the VFX industry
• Candidates who are ready to cross the bridge from learning to a professional career

How to enroll

• Apply with your department-specific demo reel and CV attached
• Provide the information required in the pre-screening questionnaire
• Your eligibility is based on the location to which you apply; the Admissions team will review if you are eligible and willing to work in that location after the virtual course
• All applicants must complete a standardized skills test provided by the Admissions team
• Receive feedback on results and revise if necessary
• Complete a brief interview with an Admissions or Academy team member
• Admissions team will confirm your enrolment in the designated course’s start date

Virtual workstations

We use the Teradici remote desktop client to connect to our Cloud Virtual workstations, which will run on almost any computer with the following operating systems: Windows, macOS and Linux.

You will need at least a 10MB broadband connection (20mb+ recommended).

Our cloud workstations provide all required software and course assets.

Minimum Requirements

• Laptop or workstation with webcam, microphone and speakers/headset
• External monitor with HD resolution
• 3-button mouse
• 10mb/s Broadband (20MB+ recommended)
• Wacom tablet – list of Teradici compatible models here

Apply now

Don’t see a location which suits your timezone or schedule? Browse more courses to find one that suits and read our FAQs on applying here.