What is Stage 03 VFX?
Amarillo College partnered with the VFX industry leaders at Semkhor to create Stage 03 VFX - a state-of-the-art online accredited visual effects program at a very competitive price point. Stage 03 VFX students can earn an Associates of Applied Science Degree or an Academic Certificate. Alternatively, those who simply want to increase their skills without enrolling in an academic program can earn non-academic continuing education (CE) credits for individual classes.
Will I learn to create visual effects?
Of course! We offer in-depth courses that progress on all avenues of visual effects, from modeling and shading, matte painting, tracking and roto, rigging, animation and motion-capture, rendering and compositing. Your graduation reel, along with your class explorations and thesis work, will reflect your proficiency in visual effects that you can use in job applications to studios.
How do we differ from other schools, programs or video tutorials?
Stage 03 VFX offers many distinct advantages to other schools and online video services. Stage 03 VFX offers actual, accredited college degrees and certificates, not unofficial graduation PDFs. We have unparalleled industry connections and social gatherings. The faculty offer decades of experience and mentorship on how to improve and become the best artist you can be. The Stage 03 VFX advantage does not stop at graduation either. Your status as alumni offers lifetime career counseling services, cover letter assistance, demo reel feedback and much more.
Will I receive individual feedback on my work?
Absolutely. Every student in Stage 03 VFX classes will follow along with the video instruction files and complete the required homework assignments and projects. VFX industry veterans grade your work and give you individual, custom feedback and guide you on the career path of your choice.
Can I take all my courses remotely?
Yes. All Stage 03 VFX courses can be completed online, allowing students to reside anywhere there is a stable and reliable internet connection.
Can I speak to my instructor in real-time?
Of course! Our class instructors hold regular office hours that you can join via video conference. Many avenues of communication are available to students enrolled in the courses.
What experience do the instructors have?
Program instructors are veteran industry professionals with years of film and commercial work experience. This experience advantage is invaluable to deliver expert and up-to-date feedback and guidance to students.
Do I need prior experience to begin the program?
You do not. All classes and curriculum will provide ample opportunity to build foundational skills. However, those with some experience in the field who wish to enhance existing skills will also benefit.
Are there guest artists, actors and filmmakers and creators?
Hollywood actors, directors and producers enjoy a strong partnership with Stage 03 VFX, and these close relationships offer a unique advantage and experience for students. You can expect guest artists, actors and filmmakers to hold screenings, Q&A sessions, industry presentations and more for Stage 03 VFX students.
Will I have a demo reel to show upon completion of the program?
Yes, depending on the concentration of work, you may have a student film to distribute, visual effects shots to compile together, or a mixture of the two in order to distribute to potential clients, studios and job opportunities. The faculty and staff at Amarillo College will help each student build and tailor their reel for the target audience before graduation.
What are my job prospects after completion of the program?
Successful graduates from the program are fast-tracked to a variety of career choices from studio leads to VFX digital artists, computer graphics supervisors, and VFX supervisors.
What is the difference between VFX, Motion Design and Animation?
Although the three industries share a great deal in respect to skill-sets and software, there are some distinct differences. With visual effects, the focus is on photo-realism and the integration of live-action photography. Examples of this would be science fiction and fantasy movies. Animation normally has no live-action photography and is normally not concerned with photo-realism. Examples of this would be Disney and Pixar movies. Motion Design incorporates film, visual effects, and animation coupled with the aspect of graphic design. Examples of this would be broadcast sport animation and television commercials.
