3D Animation & Visual Effects Program

How to Apply

Gain experience with traditional arts, computer animation, and cinematic storytelling skills in a professional, student environment.

Creative Economy

VFS’s signature programs and facilities are at the heart of a creative economy worth $3.4 billion in B.C. alone. From film production and 3D animation to game, digital, and VR/AR design, VFS is helping shape the entertainment and media industries’ transformation. In 2020, VFS alumni were credited on 5 of the top 10 highest grossing animated films worldwide, in a global industry set to generate US$2.1 trillion in revenues in 2021.

Alumni Success

Vancouver Film School grads are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in the entire Animation and VFX industries. You will find our alumni working all over the globe, pushing boundaries, discovering new frontiers, winning all kinds of awards and honours, and leading today’s creative economy.

Poster highlighting credits by Vancouver Film School students.
Image featuring industry projects worked on by VFS program graduates. Image highlighting film & TV credits from VFS program alumni. Image showcasing film, TV, & game projects worked on by VFS program graduates. Image showcasing credits by Vancouver Film School students.

Testimonials

If you want the best chances of making it deep in the animation industry immediately after graduation, then going to Vancouver Film School could be the best decision of your life.

 

Animation Career Review

 

At VFS, you live and breathe a production environment. Now that I'm working... I can see how every step I followed in the production of my student reel was very similar to the process of making a feature film in a studio.

Ernesto Bottger

3D Animation & Visual Effects Graduate

The Ant Bully, Open Season 2, Free Birds

When you think of the fact that both the director as well as the VFX executive producer of District 9 are both VFS 3D grads... It made me realize that I probably attended the right school.

Jelmer Boskma

3D Animation & Visual Effects Graduate

District 9, Thor, Game of Thrones, Noah

I have worked a few places, and to be honest, there is a work ethic that the VFS students have that I just don't see in many other artists I've worked with.

Josh Herrig

3D Animation & Visual Effects Graduate

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Iron Man 3, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

A 3D Animation & Visual Effects VFS Education

In 12 months you will graduate with:

  • A diploma in 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Modelling
  • A master demo reel of your final project
  • Access to the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board
  • Attain industry connections that will help guide your career

 

3D Animation & Visual Effects
Program Overview

 

Term 01

Learn the basics of a 3D pipeline to gain insight into the different areas of production.

Term 02

Apply your 3D skills to storytelling in our Pre-visualization class as you further advance your knowledge of the craft.

Term 03

Narrow your focus by choosing one of three streams: animation, modeling or VFX while you plan your final reel in the pre-production classes.

Term 04

Enter into the studio component of the program and start production on your demo reel alongside industry mentors who will guide you to the finish line.

Term 05

Work with faculty and engage in the production process as you iterate and refine your shots. One on one feedback and regular group reviews make for a true studio experience.

Term 06

Light, render and composite as you put the final tweaks on your project for industry night - your debut to local industry and beyond.

See Full Course Description View Faculty

Specializations

To reflect the nature of the 3D industry, students have the opportunity, during their year at VFS, to focus on one of the following areas of specialization.

3D Animation

Modelling

Visual Effects

Admissions Info

To make sure you have accurate admissions information please select your region based on country of citizenship.

Tuition

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Start Dates

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Requirements

You will be asked to submit one of the following along with your application. Your advisor can help with selecting the best option.

Send samples of your work that include life (preferred), still, or character drawings, and 3D computer work (maximum 12 pieces total). When you apply to the 3D Animation & Visual Effects program, we expect that you have some 3D experience. If you don’t have sufficient 3D experience you may be given conditional acceptance based on the strength of a combination of your other computer artwork (e.g. Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and your drawing skills. You'll find information on how to send your portfolio in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.

When you talk to your Advisor, let them know that you've completed the Foundation program and they will put a copy of your diploma in your file for you.

For more about language requirements and other information for international students, visit the International Students page.

Student Work

While training at VFS, students are immersed in the Animation and Visual Effects industry, and spend a lot of hands-on time creating professional-quality work. And, nothing is a greater testament to the incomparable industry resources and career preparation that define VFS’s education model, than the top quality work our students produce. Here, a portfolio of outstanding work is just the beginning. Just take a look.

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Empathy

 

Created by Mateus Kurzhals

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From Here To

 

Created by Darynn Bednarczyk

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Reaching for the Moon

 

Created by Laura Buccinna

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Book a 1-on-1 Portfolio Review

Have you ever wondered about your true creative potential? Book a review to get valuable insight into your creative work and find out if you’ve got what it takes to go to VFS.

Find Out More

Industry Partners

VFS doesn’t just teach you about the industry, it IS the industry. With veteran instructors, mentors and an education Advisory Board recruited straight from the professional world, we are able to constantly update our award-winning curriculum to keep up with an ever-evolving industry. Plus, students also have lots of opportunities to connect and network with industry leaders during special workshop sessions, training presentations, and industry social events hosted by VFS.

VFS Industry Showcase: 3D Animation & Visual Effects

Check out VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects Industry mixer night, where students present versions of their final project reels to industry professionals.

Campus Life

We're designed our new campus to mirror the professional studios that surround us in Gastown, among the coffee shops, restaurants, and beautiful brick buildings.  You'll create with our custom built character rig (built by Long Winter Studios), and render through the Qubel render farm, as you collaborate with artists from other disciplines, such as filmmakers and sound designers.

3D Animation & Visual Effects Program FAQs

We're here to help you submit an application that best reflects your abilities, and gives you the best chance of being accepted. We've helped thousands of people complete a single year at VFS by answering questions like these:

Application Tips

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Expenses

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  • How much will I need for living expenses in Vancouver?

Logistics

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