Studying Visual Effects and Animation is a fantastic gateway into an exciting industry with SAE Lecturer Eduardo Rodrigues among the experts sharing his knowledge on how to get-ahead in the sector as part of our course.
With years of experience in the creative industries, Eduardo is based at our London campus and has plenty of experiences to draw on when speaking with our students.
Read our interview with Eduardo below – and if you’re interested in joining an SAE course, contact our team.
Can you tell us about the VFX course and what makes it special?
The VFX course at SAE is a condensed two-year degree programme.
It integrates pre-production, production, and post-production pipelines, preparing students for industry demands quickly. Students develop their skills faster and are ready for the job market upon graduation.
The programme includes creating CG assets, integrating live action, and mastering advanced VFX techniques like simulations and colour grading.
What is the course structure like?
The course is divided into Levels 4, 5, and 6:
● Level 4: Introduction to 2D and 3D fundamentals, including photo
bashing, parallax creation, and foundational 3D modeling and
texturing. Students learn to integrate CG into live action.
● Level 5: Advanced techniques like 3D animation, Houdini
simulations, and business skills for freelancing or starting a
company. Students also work on projects with movable cameras and
advanced VFX tracking.
● Level 6: Students undertake an Advanced Specialized Project (ASP)
to focus on specific skills like compositing or colour grading. They
also prepare a final major project to showcase their expertise.
What career paths and opportunities are available for VFX graduates?
Graduates can pursue careers in VFX, games, advertising, and more. Roles range from compositors, animators, and texture artists to freelancers collaborating with filmmakers. Many work with major companies like ILM or develop independent businesses. The skills taught are transferable across industries, including game design, film production, and even graphic design.
How do students collaborate with peers from other courses?
There are opportunities for cross-collaboration, such as VFX students
working with film or game students. While not mandatory, these
collaborations help students create larger, interdisciplinary projects,
enhancing their learning experience.
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching at SAE?
Seeing students progress from knowing nothing about VFX to producing work of industry quality within 12 weeks is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to witness their growth and natural talent develop so quickly.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in VFX?
Treat the course like a full-time job. Put in the time to research, practice, and refine your skills beyond just attending lessons. The more effort you invest, the faster you’ll progress and excel in the industry.
Are there any industry connections that contribute to the course?
Yes, industry veterans occasionally visit to give lectures and workshops, offering students valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Study VFX and Animation at SAE
If you’re looking to get to grips with the latest technological innovations as well as traditional approaches to AI, then our VFX and Animation Course could be for you.
Our expert tutors and world-class facilities can help you unleash the full power of your imagination within this exciting, ever-evolving world.
