three-year program
CGI & VFX: Three-Year Program in Verona (On-Campus or Hybrid)
CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is the creation of 3D imagery through modeling, materials, lighting, and rendering. VFX (Visual Effects) encompasses the techniques used to integrate CGI with live-action footage to create a believable shot, including simulations, compositing, and finalization. At Side Academy, these skills are developed through a three-year program based on professional production methods, guided projects, and portfolio development.
Un corso triennale che unisce le discipline della CGI tradizionale alle nuove applicazioni dell’intelligenza artificiale. The goal is to train digital artists and computer graphics technicians, with skills ranging from modeling to 3D animation, from photorealistic rendering to VFX for film and advertising.
Course Description
The three-year CGI & VFX program is Side Academy’s flagship course: for over ten years, it has been training highly sought-after digital artists for the film, television, and advertising industries.
An academic experience that explores every stage of Computer Generated Imagery and Visual Effects, from 3D modeling to compositing, character design to digital environments, and the professional pipelines used by Hollywood studios and leading international productions.
Students learn to create worlds, creatures, characters, objects, simulations, and complex scenes by experiencing the same workflow as major film productions, thanks to faculty from studios such as Walt Disney, Wētā FX, Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks, Framestore, DNEG, and many others.
Main Scope
Modeling and texturing: 3D asset creation, digital sculpting, texturing, PBR materials, and photorealistic surfaces
Lighting and rendering: lighting management and final rendering in offline and realtime engines
Character and creature design: advanced sculpting and modeling
CFX: principles of rigging and physical simulations of characters and creatures
FX and simulations: fluids, particles, destructions, and advanced dynamics
Compositing and color grading: integrating 3D and live action elements with professional techniques
AI for CGI: concept generation, workflow optimization, and process automation
Pipeline and production: work step management, versioning, and team collaboration
Riccardo Meneghello
COURSE DIRECTOR
One’s profession interpreted at its best with the enthusiasm of those who get to work for Top production companies such as WETA FX (the creators of “Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar”). This is the essence of Riccardo who accompanies the students of the Academy, in the most complex paths of CGI achieving incredible results.
He is now an Asset Supervisor at Side Animation Studio and the head of the CGI course at Side Academy.
How to participate: In-person or hybrid? Choose the option that's right for you!
On-Campus
The traditional format involves daily in-person attendance: the instructor is always present, and every lesson takes place in one of the Academy’s classrooms, combining theoretical sessions, workshops, and real-time practical reviews.
This format encourages direct collaboration with fellow students and faculty, provides immediate access to equipment, and offers an immersive experience in a professional studio environment.
Clarify the Daily Classroom Experience
Hybrid
For greater flexibility, a Hybrid option is also available, combining online learning with in-person attendance.
Make the hybrid format clearer: There will be workshops with guest speakers or specialized labs that can be attended in person. This model allows participants to take part in some of the activities remotely while still attending in-person classroom and lab sessions on-site.
ALL LESSONS AND WORKSHOPS ARE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS.
Student Gallery
Learning Objectives
The course trains 3D Artist, VFX Artist and Technical Artist capable of:
– Understanding and using the entire pipeline of modern CGI;
– Working in teams with the same logic as a production studio;
– Making professional 3D characters, objects and environments;
– Develop complex simulations and special effects;
– Create photorealistic compositing;
– Use artificial intelligence tools in the pre-production and creative stages;
– build an world-class portfolio in line with the standards of large studios.
The course is project-driven and immersive: film shots, VFX-driven shorts, sequence breakdowns and animation scenes are made each year.
Laboratories and Technologies
- Motion capture studio for character and creature animation, integrated with the Unreal and Maya pipelines
3D Printing Lab – Prototyping of characters and props.
Traditional sculpture workshops using life models and plasticine models to study anatomy and volume
FX and Simulation Department for Fluids, Cloth, Particles, and Advanced Dynamics
AI Lab for experimentation with visual generation tools and optimization of production workflows
The course takes place in labs that replicate the workflow of a real digital film production.
Students alternate between hands-on and digital activities, exploring every stage of the creative process—from anatomical and sculptural studies to photorealistic CGI reconstructions of characters and creatures, photography and film directing on green/blue screen sets, and final compositing.
Experience and Awards
The Rookies – Film of the Year & Rookie of the Year for 3D Animation/VFX
Side Academy takes part in the Rookie Awards every year, the leading international competition for students in CGI, VFX, and digital animation.
Projects developed throughout the three-year program are submitted in the Film of the Year and Rookie of the Year categories, gaining global visibility and receiving feedback from professionals at leading film production studios.
The Night of the Golden Dragons
An exclusive event held during the Venice International Film Festival, celebrating the best final projects and productions created by students.
An evening dedicated to creativity and technical excellence, featuring screenings, awards, and opportunities to connect with guests from the VFX industry.
Lucca Comics & Games
Every year, students in the three-year program have the opportunity to present their projects, illustrated pages, concepts, and self-published works at Lucca Comics & Games, Europe’s leading event dedicated to comics and visual culture. Participation provides a concrete opportunity to engage with professionals, publishers, and international artists, allowing students to showcase their portfolios, build professional connections, and gain hands-on experience with publishing in a real-world setting.
JUDGES OF THE ROOKIES
Each year, the projects developed by Side Academy students are evaluated by an international jury from 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.
Do you have any questions about which program is best for you?
Request more information and schedule a call with one of our Admission Advisors, a campus tour, or a one-on-one meeting with a faculty member.
Course Structure
YEAR
FIELD OF STUDY
OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS
First Year
Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
Introduction to the principles of CGI and the fundamentals of digital production. Students acquire the basics of modeling, texturing, lighting and compositing, exploring the major software in the field. Elements of drawing, anatomy and traditional sculpture are also covered throughout the year to understand form, volume and visual realism.
Second year
Production and Specialization
Technical and artistic insight into the main areas of the pipeline: character and environment modeling, rigging, 3D animation, FX simulations, and photorealistic rendering. The use of artificial intelligence in concept, look development and scene optimization workflows is introduced. Students work in teams on short productions and cinematic sequences.
Third year
Final Project and Portfolio
Implementation of a complete project in CGI or VFX, from pre-production to final compositing. Each team independently manages the production stages, adopting professional pipelines and industrial-grade software. In parallel, personal portfolio and professional presentation is developed in preparation for entry into the industry or nomination for the Rookie Awards in the Film of the Year category.
THESIS PROJECTS
The final thesis project represents the culmination of the educational journey and the students’ first real experience with a complete production.
Students develop an original project that integrates all the skills acquired throughout the program, from modeling and simulation to rendering and compositing, working with roles and methodologies similar to those used in the industry.
Divided into groups, each person takes on specific artistic and technical roles.
The final project serves as a concrete demonstration of artistic autonomy and professional maturity.
Software & Tools
-
Autodesk Maya – modeling, rigging, animation and lighting
-
ZBrush – Digital Sculpting and 3D Concept Art
-
Substance 3D Painter / Designer – Texturing and PBR Materials
-
Houdini – Procedural FX, Simulations, and Environment Generation
-
RenderMan / Arnold / Unreal Engine – photorealistic rendering and look development
-
Mari – procedural texturing, micro-detailing for character and creatures
-
Nuke – Compositing and Integration of 3D and Live-Action Elements
-
DaVinci Resolve – color grading, editing and finishing
-
RealityCapture – Photogrammetry and 3D Capture
-
MetaHuman Creator – Digital Humans and Facial Animation
-
AI Tools – visual generation and workflow optimization
Disney Pixar's rendering engine
Side Academy is one of the few schools in the world authorized to use and teach RenderMan, the rendering engine developed by Pixar Animation Studios.
RenderMan is an industry standard in filmmaking, used in Academy Award-winning productions for its ability to combine visual fidelity with high performance.
Through dedicated exercises and pipelines integrated with Maya and Houdini, students learn advanced techniques in shading, lighting, and physically accurate rendering, exploring the same methodologies used by leading international animation and VFX studios.
Career Opportunities
The three-year CGI + VFX program prepares professionals to work within the artistic and technical departments of animation, VFX, and post-production studios, across both the film and advertising industries.
The multidisciplinary training enables students to develop a well-rounded professional profile, with the skills and knowledge to work effectively across every stage of the digital production pipeline.
3D Generalist
Character Artist / Creature Artist
Lighting Artist
Lookdev / Texturing Artist
3D Animator
FX Artist / Houdini Artist
Compositing Artist (Nuke)
Rendering TD / Shading Artist
Layout and Previs Artist
Digital Sculptor / Modeler
AI Technical Artist
TD Pipeline / Production Assistant
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. A webcam is optional.
CGI is the creation of 3D content (assets, characters, and environments). VFX involves the integration and finalization of a shot (FX + compositing) to achieve a believable result.
Ruoli tipici: 3D artist, lighting/lookdev, FX artist, compositor (in base alla specializzazione e al portfolio).
Il portfolio: qualità degli shot, metodo e presentazione. Per questo il triennale è orientato a progetti.