Program Overview

Program Overview Contents

• FX TD (Houdini) Diploma

• VFX Production Diploma

• VFX Production - Project Examples

• Outcomes

Our purpose is to train the necessary analytical, creative and technical skills to get started in the Visual Effects (VFX) Industry as quickly as possible, while still upholding a high standard of excellence.

The full-time Visual Effects Production Program is an intensive study of creating photo-realistic VFX for the Film and Television Industry. Our program is led by award-winning VFX Supervisor/Mentor, Mark Bénard. Possessing over 16 years of studio, on-set and supervisory experience, he emphasizes an open mind for personal exploration, new experiences and the development of lifelong learning skills. Unique only to Lost Boys, our ten month program now includes a 2 month practicum component where you will gain valuable production experience and strengthen your professional contacts within Vancouver's VFX Industry.

The full-time Effects Technical Director Program is an intensive study of creating photo-realistic FX for the Film and Television Industry. Andrew Lowell is our full-time department head and lead instructor for this program. His CG experience includes feature film effects at a range of studios, such as Rhythm and Hues, Ring of Fire, CIS Vancouver, and Animal Logic. Andrew has also taught college classes in 3D graphics for several years, as well as master classes for Sidefx, FXPHD. He is also the author of a book on music and animation with Houdini. Andrew comes to us highly recommended by SideFX (makers of Houdini).

Effects artists are in high demand, but it was difficult to find a specialized program dedicated to effects in Canada, until now! Not only are we the only Canadian school with a program of this magnitude, but this program has also been approved by Side FX and fully supported by the larger local VFX studios.

With the VFX Industry's top priority being creative problem solving, we embrace project based learning to master the application of our tools and develop and refine our skills. Our projects are also designed to providing you with relevant content to build your first professional VFX Portfolio. We balance production simulations with disciplined exercises and technical demonstrations delivered by industry professionals. During the program each student is assigned their own production class workstation and 24/7 access to our inspirational working environment.

We are the Studio that teaches.