MA in Digital Effects

Overview

Digital FX is everywhere – from low budget independent movies and online digital content to commercials, television programmes, games and Hollywood blockbusters.

During this extremely practical modular course, you will spend a lot of time learning techniques “on set”, in addition to learning in front of a computer. You will work closely with students from all the other NFTS MA disciplines, creating 2D/3D VFX, CG 3D FX or Colour Grading and Onlining the entire production, on a diverse range of NFTS film and television projects – many of which go on to become international award-winners.

OPEN DAY

Wednesday 16 May: 10.30am - 1.30pm Sign up here

• Extensive, practical training on set, in a VFX and animation studio and in cutting-edge digital post suites.

• Work with the latest software applications and digital camera technology.

• Tutored by artists, technicians, and supervisors currently working in the Industry.

• Shared modules during Year 1 across essential 2D and 3D vfx/sfx techniques.

• Specialise in Year 2 in either Compositing - Design and produce digital vfx for multiple projects or Colour - Online and color grade multiple projects or CG 3D - Design and create 3D cg vfx for multiple projects.

• A unique bridge to the post-production and vfx industries.

• A Creative Skillset-supported course.

• Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto the course starting in 2018 and 2019 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £10,609 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Postgraduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 21 NOV 2019

Entry Requirements

The course covers such a diverse range of subjects that there is no typical candidate. Your background may be in the arts or other media or you may be a recent graduate or Industry professional looking to fast-track or switch your career.

Although not strictly necessary, you are likely to have some Industry experience or training in your chosen field and you must already understand the basic technical and operational use of computers.

An ideal candidate should have a mixture of creative and technical skills. Communication, people, and management skills are also desirable.

Your application should be supported by a brief outline of your particular interests in the Compositing, Colour Grading or CG 3D fields including any relevant experience, either academic or practical.

You must indicate in your application which specialism you wish to study during the second year:

either Compositing or CG 3D or Colour.

Apply With

• Acritical analysis of the use of visual effects or color grading in a film or television programme of your choice, no more than two sides A4 typed.

• A brief outline of your particular interests in the Compositing, Colour Grading or CG 3D fields including any relevant experience, either academic or practical. One side A4 maximum.

• A digital portfolio containing samples of your work. This need not demonstrate experience in effects. For applicants not from a film or television background, this item is optional.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply directly to us at the NFTS by clicking on the link below:

• APPLY FOR DIGITAL EFFECTS COURSE

• You can apply online, or download a word document of the application form to submit via email

When selecting your course, please ensure that you have read the entry requirements and details of the supporting materials that should accompany your application.

TIMING YOUR APPLICATION

We are happy to receive applications 24/7 and 365 days a year up until the deadline.

History

The National Film School (as it was first named) opened in 1971, the culmination of a major effort by the Industry and government to create an institution to educate and train talent for the British Film Industry.

In 1970, Colin Young, a Scot then chairing the University of California's Department of Theater Arts, co-founded the NFTS and was appointed as the School's first director. With a loan from Rank, the NFS bought the old Beaconsfield Film Studios in Buckinghamshire - which had been home to organisations as diverse as British Lion Film Corporation, The Crown Film Unit and the North Thames Gas Board - and set about refitting it to professional industry standards. Young established four permanent departments - production, camera, editing and sound - and in 1971 the first intake of 25 students passed through the studio gates. Directors Mike Radford (The Merchant of Venice, Il Postino), Bill Forsyth (Local Hero) and Ben Lewin (Ally McBeal), pioneering documentarist Nick Broomfield (Aileen: Portrait of a Serial Killer), and visual effects specialist Dennis Lowe (Cold Mountain, The English Patient) were among their number.

Production Facilities

The NFTS is the only UK film school with its own industry standard film studio, 4k Television and rehearsal studios. With a recent £20 million investment in the School, we offer cutting-edge dedicated workspaces for all courses, making our student experience unparalleled at any other UK creative institution.

NFTS students are given 24/7 access, 364 days a year to the largest production facilities at any UK film school. Not only do these include our studios, but also our sound and dubbing theatres, over 50 top of the range cameras, the latest editing software in dedicated suites, our Dolby Digital Surround Cinemas, and more. These unique facilities enable our students to create BAFTA, Royal Television Society, CILECT award winning and Oscar-nominated productions.

Curriculum

There is no other film school in the world that offers so many individual specialist practical filmmaking courses. 18 Masters, 14 Diplomas, 4 Certificates and a wide range of short courses.

NFTS Courses are based on learning and applying the crafts and skills of the medium. Students are encouraged to develop a solid understanding of how their specialist role fits into the overall process of project development, production and programme-making. All practical learning is carefully integrated with seminars and other activities that place film, television and games in a historical, cultural and business context.

Alumni Network

Just because you've graduated, doesn't mean it's over!

The NFTS has a very active Alumni Network, with many graduates staying in touch and working together long after they have left the School. There are also an increasing number of recent graduates working on projects with graduates from many years back.

As part of the Alumni Network, you will receive regular emails containing information about jobs, Bridges to Industry projects and news from the school. We also have our Annual NFTS Alumni Party that takes place in Central London every January – be sure to keep an eye out for your invitation!

Don’t forget to keep us up to date with contact details and let us know about any credits or festivals you are involved with!

To contact our NFTS Alumni team, please email alumni@nfts.co.uk

To help you stay connected, reunite with old classmates or meet graduates from other years why not join us online on Facebook and Linked In.

Partners

The NFTS is indebted to the many organisations, companies and individuals who support our work, many of whom have supported the School for the majority of its existence.

PLATINUM PARTNER SPONSOR

KEY PARTNER FUNDERS

KEY PARTNER SPONSORS

KEY PARTNER ACCREDITATIONS

Bridges to Industry

The NFTS works with a range of partners in the Industry to provide opportunities for NFTS students and graduates.

The NFTS Bridge to Industry Schemes are designed to help NFTS students and graduates into the Industry - providing opportunities to create shorts, films and promos with our Industry Partner sponsors, whilst continuing to be supported by the NFTS.