three-year course
CGI & VFX
A three-year course that combines traditional CGI disciplines with new applications of artificial intelligence.
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 identity
The three-year course in CGI & VFX is the hallmark of Side Academy: the path that, for more than a decade, has been training the most in-demand digital artists in film, advertising and video games.
An academic experience that explores every phase of Computer Generated Imagery and Visual Effects, from 3D modeling to compositing, from character design to digital environments, to the professional pipelines used by Hollywood studios and major 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
Book a 1:1 Call with an Admissions Advisor
Book a 1:1 Call with an Admissions Advisor
Book a 1:1 call with an Admissions Advisor to discuss your goals, your current level, and the best program for you.
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the next steps.
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 Asset Supervisor in Side Animation Studio and course leader in CGI at Side Academy.
Mode of participation: in Presence or Hybrid? choose the one that's right for you!
On-campus
The traditional format involves daily in-class attendance: the instructor is always present, and each 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 peers and faculty, immediate access to equipment, and an immersive experience in a professional studio-like environment.
Hybrid
To offer greater flexibility, a Hybrid pathway is also available, combining online learning with on-campus participation.: there will be guest workshops or specific labs that can be attended in-person. This model allows part of the activities to be followed remotely while still maintaining classroom and laboratory moments onsite.
ALL LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS ARE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS.
Student Gallery
Training 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 room for character and creature animation, integrated with Unreal and Maya pipelines
3D Printing Lab – Prototyping of characters and props.
Traditional sculpture workshops with life models and plasticine maquettes for the study of anatomy and volume
FX department and simulations for fluid, cloth, particle, 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, experiencing each stage of the creative process, such as from anatomical and sculptural studies to CGI photorealistic reconstruction of characters and creatures, photography and directing studies on sets with green/blue screen to final compositing.
Experience and recognition
The Rookies - Film of the Year & Rookie of the Year for 3D Animation/VFX
Side Academy participates annually in the Rookie Awards, the largest international competition for students of CGI, VFX and digital animation.
Projects developed during the three-year period are nominated in the Film of the Year and Rookie of the Year categories , gaining global visibility and feedback from professionals at major film studios.
The Night of the Golden Dragons
An exclusive event organized on the occasion of the Venice Film Festival, celebrating the best end-of-course projects and productions created by students.
An evening dedicated to creativity and technical excellence, with screenings, awards ceremonies and discussion moments with guests from the VFX industry.
Lucca Comics & Games
Every year, three-year students have the opportunity to present their projects, illustrated boards, concepts and self-productions during Lucca Comics & Games, Europe’s leading event dedicated to comics and visual culture. Participation provides a concrete opportunity to engage with international professionals, publishers and artists, allowing students to display their portfolios, build professional relationships and experience publishing production in a real-world setting.
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 bring their experience to bear in evaluating entries in the 3D Animation, VFX, and Film of the Year categories.
This direct confrontation with industry standards allows students to measure themselves against real professional criteria and gain international exposure.
Course Structure
YEAR
STUDY AREA.
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 thesis at the end of the course represents the synthesis of the training and the first real confrontation with a complete production.
Students develop an original project that integrates all the skills acquired from modeling to simulation, from rendering to compositing working with roles and methodologies similar to those in industry.
Divided into groups, each takes on specific artistic and technical roles.
The final work becomes a concrete demonstration of artistic autonomy and professional maturity.
Software & tools
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Autodesk Maya – modeling, rigging, animation and lighting
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ZBrush – digital sculpture and 3D concepts
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Substance 3D Painter / Designer – texturing and materials PBR
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Houdini – Procedural FX, simulations and environment generation.
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RenderMan / Arnold / Unreal Engine – photorealistic rendering and look development
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Mari – procedural texturing, micro-detailing for character and creatures
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Nuke – compositing and integration of 3D and live action elements
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DaVinci Resolve – color grading, editing and finishing
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RealityCapture – photogrammetry and 3D capture
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MetaHuman Creator – digital human and facial animation
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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 a film industry standard, employed in Oscar-winning productions for its ability to combine visual fidelity and high performance.
Through dedicated tutorials and pipelines integrated with Maya and Houdini, students learn advanced techniques in shading, lighting and physically accurate rendering, exploring the same methodologies used in world-class animation and VFX studios.
Professional outlets
The three-year course in CGI + AI prepares professionals capable of entering the artistic and technical departments of animation, VFX and post-production studios, both in film and advertising.
Multidisciplinary training allows students to develop a comprehensive profile, capable of dialoguing with all stages of digital production.
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
Pipeline TD / 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 computer at home that can support professional software, so the student can continue projects from home. Those taking the course online also need: an Internet connection, a graphics tablet, micophone for communicating with lecturers and headphones. Optional, however, is a webcam.