Visual Effects Program (Postgraduate) (P408)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Visual Effects
  • Code: P408
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    1 year (3 semesters)
  • Centre:
  • School: Media & Performing Arts
  • Location: St. James Campus
  • Starting Months: September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $12,200.00 *
  • International Tuition:
    $30,601.00 **
  • Spring 2023 Delivery:
    Semester 3: On Campus

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Program Overview

In George Brown College's Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television.

Full Description

In this three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, you will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television. Preparing for a career in the post-production industry, visual effects artists combine the skills of a programmer with the creativity of a designer. As members of film and television production teams, visual effects artists turn concepts into visual representation.

Visual effects artists hone their visual storytelling capabilities through the use of elements such as digital lighting, surface attribute design and camera composition. While learning the procedures for planning visual effects for film, you will cover the techniques of procedural modeling and animation used in visual effects films.

Program Requirements

The Visual Effects program requires students to have access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:

  • laptop or desktop
  • CPU: Intel Skylake Core i7 – i9 six cores or equivalent
  • graphics: RTX 2000 series or equivalent
  • RAM: 32GB (the more you can afford the better)
  • screen: 15-inch minimum 
  • storage: 500GB – 1TB SSD
  • additional storage: 4TB Portable HD or more
  • optional but recommended: Wacom tablet

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

  1. Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
  2. Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
  3. Complete the production of live action plates for use in visual effects.
  4. Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
  5. Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
  6. Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
  7. Create photo-real images to match live action footage.
  8. Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
  9. Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer generated imagery and live action elements.
  10. Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
  11. Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

CodeCourse Name
VSFX1001Digital Visual Effects
VSFX1002Digital Compositing
VSFX1003Photorealistic Modeling
VSFX1004Procedural Modeling and Animation
VSFX1005Immersive Environments
VSFX1006Visual Effects Project I
VSFX1007Visual Effects Models and Shaders

SEMESTER 2

CodeCourse Name
VSFX1013Photorealistic Rendering
VSFX1014Particle System Effects
VSFX1015Cinematography For Visual Effects
VSFX1016Visual Effects Project II
VSFX1018Visual Effects Rendering
VSFX1019Matte Painting
VSFX1020Portfolio

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse Name
VSFX2010Entrepreneurship
VSFX2020Experiential Thesis

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Visual effects artists are able to move across multiple platforms including film, television, interaction storytelling, gaming and animation. Potential job titles include:

  • 3D animator
  • texture artist
  • technical artist
  • environment modeller
  • character modeller
  • object modeller
  • stop motion animator
  • visual effects artist

Industry

The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well-established industry. With a long history of providing cutting-edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon not only for companies that film within Canada, but also around the world.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$12,200.00 *

International Tuition

$30,601.00 **

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.

** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of the program starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for program semesters starting at later dates.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor OR diploma/advanced diploma
  • digital portfolio
  • letter of iIntent (in digital format/web link)

*Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see Special Requirements below.

English Proficiency

Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.

Please visit English Proficiency for more details.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Portfolio Requirements

This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least five examples of two or more of the following medium: video design, motion graphics, digital art, traditional art, 3D modelling/texturing/rigging/animation/lighting, illustration, concept art.

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Contact Us

School of Media & Performing Arts

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015

Email: media@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Visit Our Campus

This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, and 341 King St. East., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

On-campus information sessions are available. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an Info Session.

Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour. You can also check out our virtual tour.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Visual Effects Program (Postgraduate) (P408)

2022-20232023-2024

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Program Overview

In George Brown College's Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television.

Full Description

In this three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television. Preparing for a career in the post-production industry, visual effects artists combine the skills of a programmer with the creativity of a designer. As members of film and television production teams, visual effects artists turn concepts into visual representation.

Visual effects artists hone their visual storytelling capabilities through the use of elements such as digital lighting, surface attribute design and camera composition. While learning the procedures for planning visual effects for film, students cover the techniques of procedural modeling and animation used in visual effects films.

Program Requirements

The Visual Effects program requires students to have access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:

  • Laptop or Desktop
  • CPU: Intel Skylake Core i7 – i9 six cores or equivalent 
  • Graphics: RTX 2000 series or equivalent 
  • RAM: 32GB (the more you can afford the better) 
  • Screen: 15-inch minimum  
  • Storage: 500GB – 1TB SSD 
  • Additional Storage: 4TB Portable HD or more 
  • Optional but recommended: Wacom tablet 

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
  2. Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
  3. Complete the production of live action plates for use in visual effects.
  4. Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
  5. Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
  6. Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
  7. Create photo-real images to match live action footage.
  8. Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
  9. Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer generated imagery and live action elements.
  10. Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
  11. Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

CodeCourse Name
VSFX1001Digital Visual Effects
VSFX1002Digital Compositing
VSFX1003Photorealistic Modeling
VSFX1004Procedural Modeling and Animation
VSFX1005Immersive Environments
VSFX1006Visual Effects Project I
VSFX1007Visual Effects Models and Shaders

SEMESTER 2

CodeCourse Name
VSFX1013Photorealistic Rendering
VSFX1014Particle System Effects
VSFX1015Cinematography For Visual Effects
VSFX1016Visual Effects Project II
VSFX1018Visual Effects Rendering
VSFX1019Matte Painting
VSFX1020Portfolio

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse Name
VSFX2010Entrepreneurship
VSFX2020Experiential Thesis

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Visual effects artists are able to move across multiple platforms including film, television, interaction storytelling, gaming and animation. Potential job titles include:

  • 3D Animator
  • Texture Artist
  • Technical Artist
  • Environment Modeler
  • Character Modeler
  • Object Modeler
  • Stop Motion Animator
  • Visual Effects Artist

Industry

The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well established industry. With a long history of providing cutting edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon not only for companies that film within Canada but also around the world.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$12,193.00*

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts OR Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Game, Graphics or Arts field
  • Digital portfolio
  • Letter of Intent (in digital format/web link)

*Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see Special Requirements below.

English Proficiency

Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the College level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.

Please visit English Proficiency for more details.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Portfolio Requirements

This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least 5 examples of 2 or more of the following medium: Video Design, Motion Graphics, Digital art, Traditional art, 3D modeling / texturing / rigging / animation / lighting, Illustration, Concept art

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Contact Us

School of Media & Performing Arts

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015

Email: media@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Visit Our Campus

This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, and 341 King St. East., Toronto, ON, Canada.

On-campus information sessions are available. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.

Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Visual Effects Program (Postgraduate) (P408)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Visual Effects
  • Code: P408
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    1 year (3 semesters)
  • Centre:
  • School: Media & Performing Arts
  • Location: St. James Campus
  • Starting Months: September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $12,133.00*
  • Fall 2020 Delivery Method:
    Online (on-campus activities will resume as soon as it is safe to do so)

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Program Overview

In George Brown College's Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics, or audio/video editing for film and television.

Full Description

In this three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics, or audio/video editing for film and television. Preparing for a career in the postproduction industry, visual effects artists combine the skills of a programmer with the creativity of a designer. As members of film and television production teams, visual effects artists turn concepts into visual representation.

Visual effects artists hone their visual storytelling capabilities through the use of elements such as digital lighting, surface attribute design and camera composition. While learning the procedures for planning visual effects for film, students cover the techniques of procedural modeling and animation used in visual effects films.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
  2. Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
  3. Complete the production of live action plates for use in visual effects.
  4. Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
  5. Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
  6. Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
  7. Create photo-real images to match live action footage.
  8. Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
  9. Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer generated imagery and live action elements.
  10. Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
  11. Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
VSFX1001Digital Visual Effects
VSFX1002Digital Compositing
VSFX1003Photorealistic Modeling
VSFX1004Procedural Modeling and Animation
VSFX1005Immersive Environments
VSFX1006Visual Effects Project I
VSFX1007Visual Effects Models and Shaders

SEMESTER 2

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
VSFX1013Photorealistic Rendering
VSFX1014Particle System Effects
VSFX1015Cinematography For Visual Effects
VSFX1016Visual Effects Project II
VSFX1018Visual Effects Rendering
VSFX1019Matte Painting
VSFX1020Portfolio

SEMESTER 3

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
VSFX2010Entrepreneurship
VSFX2020Experiential Thesis

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Visual effects artists are able to move across multiple platforms including film, television, interaction storytelling, gaming and animation. Potential job titles include:

  • 3D Animator
  • Texture Artist
  • Technical Artist
  • Environment Modeler
  • Character Modeler
  • Object Modeler
  • Stop Motion Animator
  • Visual Effects Artist

Industry

The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well established industry. With a long history of providing cutting edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon not only for companies that film within Canada but also around the world.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$12,133.00*

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2019. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2020 and at later dates.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts OR Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Game, Graphics or Arts field
  • Digital portfolio
  • Letter of Intent (in digital format/web link)

*Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see Special Requirements below.

English Proficiency

Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the College level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.

Please visit georgebrown.ca/englishproficiency for more details.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Portfolio Requirements

This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least 5 examples of 2 or more of the following medium: Video Design, Motion Graphics, Digital art, Traditional art, 3D modeling / texturing / rigging / animation / lighting, Illustration, Concept art

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Contact Us

School of Media & Performing Arts

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015

Email: media@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Visit Our Campus

This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, and 341 King St. East., Toronto, ON, Canada.

On-campus information sessions are available. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.

Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Visual Effects Program (Postgraduate) (G408)

2022-20232023-2024

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Program Overview

In George Brown College's Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics, or audio/video editing for film and television.

Full Description

In this three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics, or audio/video editing for film and television. Preparing for a career in the postproduction industry, visual effects artists combine the skills of a programmer with the creativity of a designer. As members of film and television production teams, visual effects artists turn concepts into visual representation.

Visual effects artists hone their visual storytelling capabilities through the use of elements such Houdini certification badgeas digital lighting, surface attribute design and camera composition. While learning the procedures for planning visual effects for film, students cover the techniques of procedural modeling and animation used in visual effects films.

The George Brown College School of Media & Performing Arts is certified by SideFX to teach Houdini on an academic level. 

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
  2. Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
  3. Complete the production of live action plates for use in visual effects.
  4. Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
  5. Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
  6. Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
  7. Create photo-real images to match live action footage.
  8. Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
  9. Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer generated imagery and live action elements.
  10. Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
  11. Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
VSFX1001Digital Visual Effects
VSFX1002Digital Compositing
VSFX1003Photorealistic Modeling
VSFX1004Procedural Modeling and Animation
VSFX1005Immersive Environments
VSFX1006Visual Effects Project I
VSFX1007Visual Effects Models and Shaders

SEMESTER 2

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
VSFX1013Photorealistic Rendering
VSFX1014Particle System Effects
VSFX1015Cinematography For Visual Effects
VSFX1016Visual Effects Project II
VSFX1018Visual Effects Rendering
VSFX1019Matte Painting
VSFX1020Portfolio

SEMESTER 3

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
VSFX2010Entrepreneurship
VSFX2020Experiential Thesis

Detailed course outlines

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Visual effects artists are able to move across multiple platforms including film, television, interaction storytelling, gaming and animation. Potential job titles include:

  • 3D Animator
  • Texture Artist
  • Technical Artist
  • Environment Modeler
  • Character Modeler
  • Object Modeler
  • Stop Motion Animator
  • Visual Effects Artist

Industry

The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well established industry. With a long history of providing cutting edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon not only for companies that film within Canada but also around the world.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$13,224.00*

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts OR Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Game, Graphics or Arts field
  • Portfolio* (digital portfolio accepted)
  • Applicant Questionnaire
  • Resume
  • Interview**

*Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see Special Requirements below.

** An opportunity to interview will be offered to select applicants only, upon review of the portfolio.

English Proficiency

Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the College level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.

Please visit georgebrown.ca/englishproficiency for more details.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

Special Requirements

Portfolio Requirements

This program requires a portfolio of at least 15 pieces, built on visual techniques within the modeling and animation areas.

Health Policy



How to Apply

Apply To

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Contact Us

School of Media & Performing Arts

Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015

Email: media@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

Visit Our Campus

This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, and 341 King St. East., Toronto, ON, Canada.

 

On-campus information sessions are available. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.

 

Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.