6-Month Comprehensive Master’s Program
Compositing for VFX
An intensive course that combines art and technology to train professional compositing artists for cinema, animated films, and TV series.
From understanding the CGI pipeline to mastering Nuke and node-based systems, the master’s program guides students through the creation of the final image, integrating skills in rendering, color grading, lighting, and artificial intelligence applied to VFX.
Course identity
The final image is created in post-production.
The Master’s in Compositing for VFX trains artists to specialize in creating the final image for films, TV series, and cinematic sequences, combining artistic and technical skills within professional VFX pipelines.
The course trains professionals capable of working on visuals with visual sensitivity, technical rigor, and knowledge of the filmmaking pipeline, preparing them to join even the most complex international productions.
Learning Objectives:
VFX Pipeline and CGI Integration: A comprehensive understanding of the production and post-production phases, from multi-pass rendering to layer management and AOVs.
Technical Development and Automation: creation of custom tools and gizmos in Python/TCL to optimize workflows in Nuke, automate repetitive tasks for the team, and improve pipeline efficiency
Compositing in Nuke: Managing node-based workflows for blending and reconstructing the final image.
Camera tracking and matchmove: precise integration of 3D elements into live-action footage using projections and advanced solving techniques.
Professional rotoscoping and keying: cleaning, masking, and complex replacements for film shots.
Lighting, rendering, and color integration: harmonizing light, shadows, and color to achieve realism and visual continuity.
Digital matte painting and set extension: a fusion of 2D and 3D elements to expand environments and locations.
Andrea Geremia
COURSE DIRECTOR
Compositor for major industry leaders such as DNEG, Framestore, MPC, and Trixter. His credits include projects such as “Fast X,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “No Time to Die,” “The Marvels,” and “Dune 2”. His professional career reached its peak while working in New Zealand for WetaFx, the production studio behind some of the greatest masterpieces in world cinema, such as “Avatar.” He has been actively collaborating with Side Academy for more than two years, helping to train students thanks to his industry expertise.
He is currently a Senior Compositor and Instructor at Side Academy.
Mode of participation: in Presence or Hybrid? choose the one that's right for you!
In-person
The traditional format involves daily in-person attendance in the classroom: the instructor is always present, leading theoretical sessions, labs, and real-time practical reviews.
This format fosters direct collaboration with classmates and faculty, provides immediate access to equipment, and offers an immersive experience in professional study environments.
Hybrid
To offer greater flexibility, a Hybrid track is also available that combines online learning with in-person participation: there will be workshops with guest speakers or specific hands-on sessions that can be attended in person.
ALL LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS ARE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS.
Request more information now, or schedule a call with one of our Admission Advisors.
Request more information now: You can schedule a call with one of our Admission Advisors, a school tour, or a one-on-one meeting with a teacher.
Laboratories and technologies
Compositing and VFX suites with multi-monitor setups and node-based configurations for complex shots
AI, artificial intelligence-based tools for automated rotoscoping, cleanup, and camera tracking
Color and Grading for color balancing, layer matching, and HDR finalization
Green Screen Stage for keying exercises, projection, and live-action integration
A pipeline shared with the CGI, FX, Directing, and Animation departments to simulate cross-departmental collaboration in a real production
Students work in environments that faithfully replicate the conditions of a film post-production studio, with dedicated rooms for compositing, color grading, and CGI integration.
Each classroom is equipped with professional workstations and EIZO monitors, which are industry leaders in color calibration and are used worldwide for film and advertising post-production.
Structure of the Master's Program in Compositing for VFX
FORM
STUDY AREA.
OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS
First Period
CGI Fundamentals and Basic Compositing
An introduction to the technical and artistic fundamentals required for the compositing phase. Students learn the principles of the CGI pipeline: modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, and multi-pass rendering. They are introduced to image analysis, color space, layer management, and the importance of visual integration. Students work on their first composition and matchmove exercises, developing a sensitivity to light and realism.
Second Period
Advanced Compositing and Film Post-Production
An advanced course focused on the professional use of Nuke, the integration of node-based AI tools, and the simulation of real post-production pipelines. Students tackle camera tracking, rotoscoping, keying, cleanup, color grading, and CGI-live-action integration. During this phase, they work on interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with the Film Directing, CGI, and Video Game courses, contributing to the completion of short films, cinematic sequences, and FX productions. The master’s program concludes with a thesis project supervised by the faculty of Side Academy and Side Animation Studio, which is eligible for submission to the Rookie Awards in the VFX/Compositing of the Year category.
ANNUAL EVENTS
The Rookies for 3D Animation & VFX
Every year, Side Academy participates in the Rookie Awards, the most important international competition for creative media.
Projects developed gain global visibility and feedback from professionals at leading film production studios.
The Night of the Golden Dragons
An exclusive event organized in conjunction with the Venice Film Festival, celebrating the best graduation projects and student-produced films.
An evening dedicated to creativity, featuring screenings, awards ceremonies, and opportunities to interact with guests from the VFX industry.
A Trip to London to Visit the Production Studios
Every year, students can take part in a study trip to London, which includes guided tours of some of the most important international production studios, such as ILM, Framestore, and One of Us.
JUDGES by THE ROOKIES
Each year, projects developed by Side Academy students are evaluated by an international jury of The Rookies, composed of high-profile professionals from leading animation, VFX and Motion Graphics studios
The judges include supervisors, lead artists, and senior artists from companies such as Weta FX, Framestore, Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks, and DNEG, who draw on their expertise to evaluate entries in the 3D Animation, VFX, and Film of the Year categories.
This direct exposure to industry standards allows students to measure themselves against real professional criteria and gain international visibility.
Software & tools
Monitors EIZO Professional Monitors: color calibration for maximum color accuracy
Foundry Nuke Studio: the industry standard for node-based compositing
PFTrack: for camera tracking
DaVinci Resolve: color correction, grading, and final conform
Autodesk Maya: modeling, rigging, animation, and lighting
Houdini: Basic Skills for Rendering and Lighting in Solaris and Karma
RenderMan / Arnold / Unreal Engine: Basic Skills for Exporting Render Passes
THESIS PROJECTS
The final thesis project serves as a culmination of the academic program and students’ first real experience with a complete production.
Academy students develop various original projects, working in roles and using methodologies similar to those in the film and TV series industries.
Divided into groups, each takes on specific artistic and technical roles. The final work becomes a concrete demonstration of artistic autonomy and professional maturity.
Compositors will play a key role at the end of the post-production phase. They will work closely with students in the CGI & VFX and Cinematography & Directing programs. Check out some of the short films created as thesis projects below.
Professional outlets
The Master’s in Compositing + AI trains well-rounded artists capable of managing the final stage of film, television, and video game production.
Through a technical-artistic approach and the integration of node-based tools and AI, students acquire the skills necessary to work in high-level post-production, VFX, and color correction departments.
Key professional roles:
Compositing Artist / Digital Compositor – integration of live-action, CGI, and visual effects for films and TV series
Roto / Paint Artist – rotoscoping, cleanup, and removal of elements from footage
Matchmove / Camera Tracking Artist – Analysis and Reconstruction of Camera Movement for 3D Shots
Lighting & Render Pass TD – merging CGI, AOV, and multipass layers for the final look
Color & Finishing Artist – look development, shot-to-shot matching, and color integration
AI Technical Compositor – Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Tools in the Post-Production Pipeline
FAQ:
Absolutely, all courses start from the basics, so no artistic or programming skills are required. We want to train new artists regardless of their educational background.
With the HYBRID mode, we allow those who need it to take the course ON-LINE, but to have the opportunity to attend certain labs, workshops or in-person events.
We recommend having a PC or Mac at home that can run professional software, so that students can continue working on their projects from home. For those taking the online course, you’ll also need: an internet connection, a graphics tablet, a microphone to communicate with instructors, and headphones. The webcam, on the other hand, is optional.