FX Technical Directors (FX TDs) mainly create physics-based effects such as fire, smoke, water and various kinds of destruction. Sometimes an FX TD will be called upon to create non-physically realistic effects such as magical spells or physically impossible objects.
Whatever the FX TD is creating, the basis will almost always reference a real-world simulation or object. Because of this, a good FX TD must have a great eye for motion, as well as an analytical mind and, because simulations often take a long time, perseverance and patience. The best FX TDs combine artistic and technical skills.
Create fire, smoke, destruction, and more.
Campus VFX’s FX TD programs (5.5 or 12 months) deliver focused, studio-level training in Houdini. You’ll build advanced FX skills while developing production-ready problem solving, time management, and creative collaboration, which are essentials for lasting success in VFX.
Develop production-ready FX skills through focused, hands-on Houdini training in an immersive environment where you learn alongside other artists, commit full-time to your craft, and grow through shared problem-solving, creative momentum, and intensive skill-building over the course of a year.
Train in Procedural Geometry, Particles, Pyro, Vellum, RBD, Flip + Group Project.
Build strong foundational FX skills with focused, hands-on Houdini training. This program is designed to help you develop core effects knowledge while staying connected with peers, sharing problem-solving, and receiving guidance from industry instructors.
When you're ready, you can take your training further with our 5.5-month advanced FX program.
Train in Procedural Geometry, Particles, RBD, Vellum
Take your FX skills to the next level with advanced Houdini training available online or on campus. This program is built for artists who already have a foundation in FX, whether through previous experience or by completing our beginner course, and are ready to tackle complex simulations, refine their technique, and grow through creative problem-solving and industry-level projects.
Train in Pyro, Fluids & a Group Project - which simulates a studio expereience.
These are the core concepts that will be covered in our Effects Technical Director program using the industry standard software from SideFX called Houdini. Our curriculum evolves and adapts to fit Industry needs.
The 5.5-Month Beginner–Intermediate Program covers Procedural Geometry, Particles, RBD, and Vellum.
The 5.5-Month Advanced Program focuses on Pyro, Fluids, and includes a group project simulating a studio experience.
The 12-Month Complete Program includes all Beginner–Intermediate and Advanced topics.
You’ll learn from experienced industry professionals who provide personalized guidance and are available to support you every day, not just during lectures.
Over a decade of experience as an FX artist, lead, and supervisor at top VFX studios like DNEG and Sony Imageworks, combined with teaching experience.
CREDITS: Avengers, Blade Runner, Mockingjay |
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Our graduates go on to create the effects behind blockbuster films, streaming hits, and cinematic worlds of every kind. Trained to thrive in studio environments, they continue to shape the industry with their skills, creativity, and collaboration.
NEXT ACADEMIC START DATE IS SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
The following criteria provides a general idea of what we look for in the personal letter and portfolio that you must submit in the application process. It is important to note that the quality of these items are considered together with the general requirements needed to apply to Campus VFX.
In your personal letter, we want to know about you as a person and your feelings towards visual effects, movies, film-making, art, design, or technology. Be sure to share with us why you have chosen this program and what research you have done.
Also, illustrate to us your ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Remember, this is your time to really tell us all about you so feel free to go all out!
Your portfolio should be 6–8 pieces of your best work in any medium that demonstrates your artistic proficiency. It can include photography, drawing, comic or graphic design, painting, sculpture, website design, and/or digital imagery.
Prior 3D experience is certainly beneficial for the admission process as the FX TD program requires 3D skills, but not necessary. Above all else we are looking for an artistic eye, attention to detail, a good understanding of motion and composition.
Our FX TD students are often prompted to gather real-world references from nature. It’s just one example of how we go beyond the classroom to offer hands-on, memorable experiences that build both skill and community.
There’s more to your training than just software. We design every part of the experience to support your growth as an artist.
If you’re considering a path as an FX TD, our instructor Louis offers a quick, accessible overview of essential math concepts that will help you better understand and work more confidently in Houdini, the industry-standard FX software.
Let us know any question you might have from our programs to your application.
Get in touch today.
