Langara Centre for Entertainment Arts

Diploma in Advanced Visual Effects

Overview

The most well-designed and crafted visual effects shots bring your imagination and the impossible to life. They take you to unbelievable places through a seamless journey of dazzling effects. Visual effects such as fire, water, destruction, green screens, CG models, and animation transport the viewer to another world altogether. Our program will immerse you in the latest visual effects technology to make your studio ready to work on major Hollywood productions.

Diploma Program: Advanced Visual EffectsThe Advanced Visual Effects (VFX) program allows you to confidently enter production-ready roles in the fast-growing film and game industries. You’ll learn the history of special effects techniques and apply that knowledge to create an entire short animated film from top to bottom. This includes directing, designing, and building 3D characters, and fully integrating visual effects shots from concept to post-production. Along the way, you’ll develop a professional demo reel and/or portfolio in line with the latest industry trends. Beyond the classroom, you can establish professional connections through a variety of industry events as you prepare to take on visual effects and motion graphics roles working in the feature film, games, and other media.

Program options

Our entertainment arts programs are designed to equip you with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the vibrant and growing entertainment arts industry.

The curriculum

Continuing Studies Diplomas are two-year, full-time programs designed to give graduates the skills and abilities they need to immediately enter the animation, VFX, and game design job markets, and to succeed in their careers. The program consists of 24 required courses over six 15-week terms. Most courses have three hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week. Additional studio lab time is also provided to complete assignments and projects.

International students

International graduates who successfully finish their program are eligible to apply for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Admissions

Entrance requirements are based on the following criteria:

• Applicants must have completed B.C. Grade 12 (or equivalent) or must be at least 19 years old at time of program start
• An intermediate to advanced level foundation in traditional art and/or design, or a strong proficiency in computer graphics or computer programming
• A portfolio of 15-20 of their best pieces of work (e.g., sketches, renderings, design variations, etc.) in either digital or hardcopy format. The portfolio should showcase the student’s proficiency, creativity, artistic range, and/or technical ability in collaboration, while reflecting one’s own artistic interests and identity. Ideal portfolios will reflect a broad range of influences, styles and subject matter.

Demonstrated English language proficiency, with one of the following:

• IELTS 6.5
• TOEFL (Internet-based) with a total score of 80 or higher and a minimum of 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 19 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing
• LPI (Language Proficiency Index) Level 4 with essay 24
• ELA (English Language Assessment for VCC) 145
• LET (Langara English Test) Level 2
• Successful completion of LEAP Level 8 with a minimum of 70%
• Successful completion of B.C. Grade 12 English or Communications or equivalent with a minimum of 70%
• Successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course for which Langara College awards transfer credit with a minimum of 70% or B-
• IB English A1 or A2 (HL or SL) with a score of 4
• Advanced Placement:
• English Language and Composition with score of 3
• English Literature and Composition with score of 3
  • English Language and Composition with score of 3
  • English Literature and Composition with score of 3

*Please note that students who have not completed Grade 12 or equivalent may still apply to this program, but must be 19 years or older.

Career opportunities in 3D animation

Graduates will be prepared for many positions in the film and animation industry including:

• Effects Animator
• Concept Artist
• Modeler
• Texture Artist
• Technical Director in:
  
• Compositing
• Lighting and Rendering
• Dynamics
• Rigging
• FX
  • Compositing
  • Lighting and Rendering
  • Dynamics
  • Rigging
  • FX
• VFX Producer or Supervisor
• CG Producer or Supervisor

Software/Hardware Highlights

• Maya
• Nuke
• Photoshop
• Houdini
• Arnold
• Substance
• Premier
• ZBrush
• Shotgun
• Powerful DSLR cameras
• Greenscreens
• Cintiq and Wacom Tablets
• On Premises and Cloud Render Technology
• Access to Motion Capture

Graduates who earn their Advanced Visual Effects diploma will have the opportunity to transfer to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to continue their studies. The Academy offers fully accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 40 areas of study.

“As a student, you are given the opportunity to work on real-world collaborative projects and get unique shots on your reel before you graduate. I found this extremely beneficial and important to my career.”

— William Sokoloski, FX Artist, and Graphics Lead, StudioX