Visual Effects

Visual effects artists are experts in believable illusion who create images that are impossible to shoot in the real world. As members of motion picture, television, animation and emerging technology production teams at studios large and small, visual effects artists enable filmmakers to achieve their most ambitious visions.

At SCAD, students learn the art and craft of visual effects through the integration of the latest technology with creative artistry.

SCAD provides a unique combination of computer programming and technical instruction built upon a traditional fine arts foundation. Students majoring in visual effects may choose a minor in a complementary subject such as film and television, technical direction, architecture, photography or storyboarding.

Students work individually and collaboratively within a framework of cooperative activity that reflects the real-world experience of film and digital entertainment production.

SCAD production facilities offer both undergraduate and graduate students access to high-end, industry-standard digital tools including Adobe CS5 Master Collection, Autodesk Maya, Nuke, Mental Ray, RenderMan and Houdini.

In addition to a high-speed network of Linux, OS X and PC workstations, students use a large file server and powerful render farm and have 24-hour access to computer labs.

SCAD’s cutting-edge computer systems are complemented by two green-screen stages, HD cameras and a Vicon motion capture studio to provide students with a complete digital production facility.