VFX Industry Defines Core Skills For Graduates

The Core Skills of VFX Handbook have been launched at an event at Cinesite in London. Collated by Saint John Walker and funded by UK Screen Alliance and BFI Metro London Skills Cluster, the Handbook serves as both a blueprint for course curricula in higher education and a practical guide for students aspiring to join the VFX sector.

After a challenging few years, the VFX industry is set to resume a pattern of sustainable growth with the UK Screen Alliance reporting increasing interest in the UK as a destination for VFX work from international productions, since the introduction of specific tax incentives for VFX earlier this year.

The original Core Skills of VFX Handbook from 2011, has long been regarded with high esteem within the industry and academia, often described as a benchmark for curriculum development in higher education, shaping the training standards for countless aspiring artists and professionals. However, since its last update by Creative Skillset (now ScreenSkills) in 2017, the landscape of VFX has undergone profound transformation. Remote working; the integration of real-time games engines into pipelines; virtual production; and, of course AI, all underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive update.

Neil Hatton, CEO of UK Screen Alliance said: "It will be essential that new entrants are equipped to engage with current and future practices in a sector characterized by rapid technological innovation and expanding creative possibilities. This comprehensive blueprint for curricula will serve as a vital resource for industry, academia, and above all, the graduates aspiring to thrive in our pioneering sector."

The updated Handbook has been shaped by industry focus groups and contributions from over 100 artists and educators. It reflects the contemporary landscape of VFX practice by updating the original text, and it includes three new chapters on virtual production, VFX production management, and the professional skills needed to get ahead in VFX. It firmly positions people as central to the success of VFX.

Saint John Walker, author of Core Skills of VFX Handbook said: "People ask me about the difference between this edition and 2017, and I think since Covid the industry has been more aware that it is people not technology that drives the industry forward. This is indicated by the inclusion of pictures of events and social highlights, and a chapter on People. Like the industry, the Handbook has grown and specialised – from 70 to 112 pages. Also, it’s free thanks to sponsorship from UK Screen Alliance and BFI Metro London Skills Cluster funds. I think it's the positive shot in the arm the industry and education needs right now to ensure a stream of new, inspired talent."