3D Animation & Visual Effects
Online Certificate Course
Build an advanced compositing skill set for the evolving 3D animation & VFX industry.
Vancouver Film School has created a new, advanced online course designed for recent graduates from an Animation & VFX school or junior professionals.Through three, distinct modules, experienced animators can upskill in a highly sought-after sector of animation & VFX, acquiring an enhanced skill set – and demo reel – that studios are looking for.
Compositing has become a critical growth area within animation and VFX, as studios rely on skilled compositors to seamlessly integrate increasingly complex CG, virtual production, and effects-heavy pipelines. With tighter timelines and higher visual expectations, compositors are essential creative problem-solvers shaping the final look and quality of modern content.
Course Details:
MODULE 1
Advanced Keying | Set Extensions & Environment Integration | De-Aging in Nuke
Dates: April 7 – 23, 2026
Duration: 3-week course, two online classes per week
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. PDT
Cost: $950
MODULE 2
Camera Tracking/Match Move Integration in Nuke | Nuke Particle Systems & Simulation Integration | FX Compositing
Dates: April 28 – May 14, 2026
Duration: 3-week course, two online classes per week
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. PDT
Cost: $950
MODULE 3
AOVs | Deep Compositing | Advanced Full-3D Shot Compositing
Dates: May 19 – June 4, 2026
Duration: 3-week course, two online classes per week
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. PDT
Cost: $950
Advanced Compositing (online)
Advanced Compositing offers three distinct modules – delivered exclusively online through LIVE instruction. Each module features 12 hours of training over 3 weeks; students do not need to take all three modules, nor do they need to take them in any particular order. Upon completion of each module, students leave with a specialized, professional-level compositing demo reel.
While Module 1 covers advanced keying techniques, camera tracking, set extensions and advanced screen replacements, Module 2 focuses on Nuke particle systems, de-aging, 2D and live action FX integration. Finally, Module 3 moves into deep compositing, working with AOVs, and 3D shot compositing.
- Advanced Keying
- Keylight, Primatte, IBK (Stacker, Multi-Grade workflows)
- Set Extensions & Environment Integration
- De-Aging Techniques in Nuke
- Camera Tracking / Match move Integration in Nuke
- Nuke Particle Systems & Simulation Integration
- FX Compositing
- Live-action elements, rendered FX, VDB workflows
- Working with AOVs
- Deep Compositing
- Depth Data layers
- Advanced Full-3D Shot Compositing
- Recent graduate of an established animation or VFX school, OR
- Professional experience in animation and VFX, OR
- A short, 1-minute demo reel that demonstrates your skills with 3D animation & VFX
Dan Rubin
Instructor
Dan is an award-winning, Vancouver-based Compositing Supervisor bringing over 25 years of experience across feature films, animated features, and episodic projects. Over his career, he has brought hands-on artistry with leadership and a wide range of VFX roles. Dan was recently Senior Compositor on Avatar: Fire and Ash; other career highlights include Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Superman, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Mummy, Ghostbusters, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Edge of Tomorrow, Transformers 3, and District 9.