Special Effects

What are Special Effects?

Special effects are illusions used to trick the eyes into seeing an event and are used throughout the entertainment industry to offer viewers realistic events.  The events take place on screen through the use of props, the right camera work, interactive technologies, and special computer graphics tools, that make it possible to bring a scene or a character to life on screen.  Television, film and the video game industry use Special effects (FX, SFX, SPFX) to simulate events such as earthquakes, explosions, asteroids crashing into earth or making it appear as though dinosaurs are roaming the earth amongst civilization. 

What skills and interests should I have?

Becoming a Special Effects animator requires creativity and artistic skills.  Strong communication skills are also required to be able to communicate a concept into a visual message. The ability to distinguish colors and a keen interest in the latest special effects software such as Adobe, Inferno (create 3D images), Combustion (by Autodesk), to name a few.

How to become a Special Effects Animator

Many colleges and career colleges offer diploma programs in media arts such as Computer Animation, 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics design, Multimedia and Special Effects. Universities and art institutes offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Arts and Fine Arts, which allow students to specialize in Visual Arts and Animation.

Featured Schools offering Special Effects

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  triOS College

  Programs

  • See Programs Here
  

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  Eastern College

  Programs

  • Video Game Development
  

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  LaSalle College Vancouver

  Programs

  • 3D Modeling for Animation & Games
  • Animation Art & Design
  • VFX for Film & Television
  

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  VanArts

  Programs

  • See Programs Here
  

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  CDI College

  Programs

  • 3D Modelling Animation Art and Design
  

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  Centre for Arts and Technology

  Programs

  • 3D Animation For Game, Film and Visual Effects
  

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  Toronto Film School

  Programs

  • Video Game Design and Animation
  

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  Herzing College

  Programs

  • 3D Animation
  

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  Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design

  Programs

  • Concept Art
  • Illustration and Sequential Arts