Nowadays, you only have to watch a film or a series to appreciate special effects.
Behind every shot is a team of artists and technicians.
The ARTFX school is known by all the major VFX studios across the world for the quality of its teaching and the excellence of its students.
Studying at ARTFX gives you every opportunity to train for a highly sought-after profession and to forge an exciting career path.
Master (MA) in 3D & VFX
The only job
The only job
for which invisibility
is required.
5-years Master (MA)
The Master (MA) in 3D & Digital Special Effects prepares high-level artists and professionals to acquire all the skills required to join the most prestigious studios in France and internationally. Through practice and teamwork, each student acquires the expertise required to produce 3D & VFX in feature films, such as creating sets and atmospheres and placing 3D inserts. Creating a capstone film allows students to choose their preferred specialization, from conception to post-production, to shooting and 3D production, to guide their future career.
ARTFX has been awarded the BlackMagic Design label.
Post high school level admissions
- Apply directly with the school
- Tests + portfolio + interview
Montpellier
Lille or Paris
Lille or Paris
1 class of 25 students is created yearly on each site
A professional State-accredited title
Awards the title of “digital producer” (lev.7, equivalent 5 year degree), registered in the Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles (national directory of professional certifications) on 14 September 2020
The academic year runs from October to June
The Master’s in 3D & Digital Special Effects is a 5-year program designed to train professionals with a solid understanding of visual effects and an excellent technical level. Students can effectively work as soon as they leave school, and are able to anticipate and adapt to future technological developments and eventually supervise a team. During their studies, students complete at least one six-week internship and enjoy masterclasses from partner studios. In the 5th year, they create a short film with special effects which is screened to a jury including industry experts.
Year 1 The basics
Like all courses, the 1st year consolidates the basics and confirms the choice of orientation. Building on English skills.
Basic art skills
Observation drawing, figure drawing & anatomy, perspective, sculpture, colour & light
Cultural development
Creativity, storytelling, image grammar, photography, screenplay, film and video game culture
Workshops to explore professions
Directing, 3D modelling, matte painting, programming, storyboard, 2D animation, charadesign, video games
Collaborative and individual projects
Year 2 Orientation
One year to choose your area of activity.
Visual development
Concept art, character design, anatomy, figure drawing, sculpture
Directing and storytelling
Screenplay, storyboard, storytelling, image grammar, photography, film culture
Professional workshops
Production, 3D computer generated images, 3D animation, green screen filming, compositing, real time, visual effects, image and sound editing
Making a short film
Year 3 Specialisation
A year to refine your choice of specialisation. Teaching in English.
Visual development
Concept art, character design
Mise en scène et storytelling
Screenplay, storyboard, layout, shooting
Professional workshops
FX Houdini, 3D environment, compositing, tracking, 3D Procedural, character modeling, rigging, texturing, lighting, effects, programming, management
Making a short film with special effects in a team
Year 4 Professional program
A foot in the world of work.Teaching in English.
Production of a demo professional reel
Specialised workshops
Lighting, Look Dev, compositing, tracking, FX Houdini, 3D environment, calibration
Management of projects and of teams
Masterclasses with partner studios
Internship six weeks minimum in studio
Year 5 Production
Carrying out your professional project.
End-of-studies project
Creating and making an end-of-studies short film with special effects
Coaching in English
Presentation to a professional panel
Professional meetings
Job Dating
Learning objective
Requirements
- Any high school degree OR art foundation year
- Parallel admissions are possible in 2nd and 3rd years
- Your level will be evaluated during the admission session to assess your orientation.
Tuition fees
Years 1 to 5 :
FeesSoftware used
- Zbrush
- Maya
- Arnold
- Clarisse
- Houdini
- Substance Designer
- Substance Painter
- Da Vinci Resolve
- SynthEyes
- Affinity Photo
- Mari
- Nuke
Careers and occupations covered
•Special Effects Supervisor
•FX Artist
•Compositing Artist
•Rigging Artist, Matte Painter
•Environment Artist
•Lighting-rendering Artist
•Concept Artist, etc.
Talent display
ARTFX has taught me how to work in a team, how to tackle projects, and how to communicate and receive constructive feedback.
I was lucky enough to be hired before I’d even finished my degree.
Within a year, I joined the One of Us studios in London to work on the ‘Matrix 4’ film. And now I’m at Industrial Light & Magic!