Training: Adding Blender to your CG toolbox for VFX

Course Details

Powerful, flexible and free. In the age of the boutique indie studio, Blender is becoming an essential CG tool in animation and VFX studios.

This bespoke two week training course will give you a unique insight into using Blender for CG in a VFX studio, from modelling and texturing through to basics of animation. A week long introduction and deep dive into familiarising you with Blender, followed by a week on a live project. In the first week, you will work in the Gorilla Academy studio, learning the essentials of working with confidence in Blender.   In one intensive week we’ll quickly get you to a place where working with Blender becomes fun and second nature.

In the second week, you will be supported by our experienced trainer to apply and practice using the techniques that have been learned in week one. You will leave the course feeling comfortable and confident in the Blender workspace.  And another key skill to add to your CV.

Who is the trainer?

Chris McFall is a highly experienced Director, Technical Director, and CG Generalist, boasting a diverse creative skillset developed over two decades. His proficiency in Blender is evidenced by extensive training and consultancy provided to industry leaders, including CG Cookie, 3D Artist Magazine, and Bluezoo Studios, as well as being a dedicated STEM ambassador and co-founder of the UK’s first animation apprenticeship. Chris has also contributed significantly to animated productions, ranging from creature and character creation for Merlin attractions to VFX-heavy short films and web series, showcasing his ability to lead diverse creative teams and manage complex projects. Currently, he is focused on developing original animated IP through his studio, Hollowpixel, while continuing to mentor and train emerging talent in the animation and VFX industries.

So come and join us for this unique training opportunity and discover what using Blender software – with training taking place in a production environment – means in practice, at one of the top VFX studios in Wales.

Delivery Details

A.   How this Works

This programme is fully funded by Media Cymru and is delivered in partnership with Gorilla Academy.

This 10-day course is open to any Welsh or Wales-based professionals working – or seeking to work – in the screen sector (games, animation, VFX, post-production and film & TV).

All participants will receive a training bursary of £100 per day to cover their time out of work to train. Travel expenses can also be claimed to support attendance.

There will be a maximum of 8 training places for this course.

B.   Who can apply?

This course is open to any Welsh or Wales-based screen sector professionals working – or seeking to work – in the media sector.

This course is for people who have some CG experience in a VFX environment who want to enhance their software-specific skills. You will be asked to provide some evidence of your experience in the application, including a showreel.

C.    When and where?

• Application deadline 17:00 on Friday 6^th June 2025.
• Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 20^th June 2025.

We ask that you ensure, you can commit to all the following training dates:

• Monday 21^st to Friday 25^th July 2025
• Monday 28^th July to Friday 1^st August 2025, on site at Gorilla Academy, 101 Golate House, St. Mary’s Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DX

D.   Access and Accessibility

If you have any specific requirements that would make this application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language), please email media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk

E.    Any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact:  media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk