Dive into the world of VFX with this creative contest using After Effects, Maya, and Nuke to incorporate CG creatures into live-action footage; 1st prize is an Insta360 X3 Camera; free to enter, the submission deadline is August 31, 2023.
Global Visual Effects School Stage 03 has launched its “VFX Challenge: Creatures Edition,” a chance to enhance your skills and dive into the world of visual effects. The creative journey calls for participants to integrate CG creatures into live-action footage and create their own VFX monster shot – make it scary, funny, or wild – imagination is your only limit. Submissions are now open and entering is free.
Participants explore both After Effects and Nuke – especially good for those eager to transition from After Effects to Nuke. As part of the challenge, artists get access to 55 free tutorials to guide them through the intricacies of these powerful software tools and one and half months to submit for prize consideration.
Everything needed for the challenge is available for download from the Challenge Library, including live-action footage – or artists can shoot their own. The video tutorials walk through every step of the process. Contest submission is optional – accessing and working through the tutorial library is encouraged on its own. All submissions will be judged by the Stage 03 VFX team in terms of fun and originality.
The challenge uses After Effects, Maya, and Nuke – all free to download for a trial period.
You can also sign up for a Stage 03 VFX class to get all industry standard VFX software for free for enrollment duration and in some instances, the following year. Check out the full catalogue of classes here.
“The best way to learn about VFX and become the artist you want to be is to simply stop hesitating and jump in the deep end!” shared Stage 03 VFX Head Professor Dante J Rinaldi. “You can't break the software, so twist all those knobs and dials and get your skills off the ground! Prepare to surprise yourself and your friends with what you never knew you could come up with!"
What are the prizes?
The Grand Prize:
- Insta360 X3 Camera - the X3 captures vivid 5.7K 360° video.
Second Place:
- $150 (USD)
Third Place:
- $100 (USD)
All the winners will have their work displayed on the Stage03VFX website.
How long is the Challenge?
Participants get access to 55 video tutorials (they can keep) and a month and a half to create their “Creatures” animation.
Important dates to remember:
- Challenge submissions begin July 15, 2023, at 11:59 pm (GMT)
- Entries must be received by August 31, 2023, at 11:59 pm (GMT)
- Winners will be announced on September 15, 2023, at 11:59 pm (GMT)
The Official Rules:
Entrants must submit at least 120 frames of rendered VFX animation (1280×600 minimum resolution). The render should incorporate real shot footage, and any CG character(s) of your choice (using our sample files or create one of your own!).
Additional information, complete rules, and how to sign-up for the Challenge are available here.
Source: Stage 03 VFX
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
