Lost Boys | School of Visual Effects
VFX •• LIGHTING/RENDERING •• MODELING • LOOK DEV •
CHARACTER FX • ENVIRONMENT • ANIMATION & RIGGING ☼
•• Multiple Houdini Courses | • Single Houdini Course | ☼ Houdini available for Project/Studio Use
Our accredited Effects Technical Director (FX TD) Diploma is an intensive 12 month program, preparing you to work within Effects (FX) departments on high end feature film & episodic visual effects (VFX) productions. This program is the first of its kind, unparalleled in the depth of its highly specialized knowledge. The curriculum also compliments core craft skills by training students in advanced Houdini workflows while developing problem solving, time management, and career soft skills setting a foundation for long term career success.
Effects Technical Director (FXTD) Program
Our accredited Effects Technical Director (FX TD) Diploma is an intensive 12-month in-person program taught in Vancouver, designed to prepare you for roles within FX departments on high-end feature film and episodic visual effects (VFX) productions. Through highly specialized training in advanced Houdini workflows, the program also develops problem-solving, time management, and essential career soft skills, laying a foundation for long-term career success. If your future career aspirations include creative and unique combinations of art and science, then this program is your opportunity.
Curriculum Outline
Focusing on mastering Houdini FX, our goal for FX TD students is to build a strong portfolio that enables them to step into the industry upon program completion, while also developing a variety of soft skills necessary for a successful career. The program combines weekly lectures and lab sessions to enhance both technical and artistic development, supplemented with industry reviews, talks, and demonstrations. Simulating a studio workflow, students complete assigned projects both individually and in groups. In the final term, FX students will work on industry-caliber FX shots, finalize their demo reels, and receive personalized career consultations.
Our curriculum encompasses the following projects:
- PROCEDURAL GEOMETRY PROJECT
- VELLUM - SOFT BODY AND CLOTH PROJECT
- PARTICLES FX AND ANIMATION PROJECT
- DESTRUCTION (RIGID BODY DYNAMICS)
- PYRO PROJECT
- GROUP PROJECT (VFX INDUSTRY SIMULATION)
- FLIP FLUIDS PROJECT
Each project delves into specific techniques and concepts, enabling students to master Houdini FX and its diverse tools and applications. Feel free to contact us for more detailed information about the program and our instructors.
Vancouver Division | Kyle Yoneda
Effects Technical Director (FXTD) Program Lead
Kyle Yoneda is the full-time head instructor and curriculum designer for our Effects Technical Director (FX TD) program. After being Head of FX at Mr. X for over 15 years, Kyle brings his knowledge into Lost Boys by evolving the FX TD program to match current industry standards. In addition to mentoring and teaching students, Kyle maintains a close tie to industry professionals allowing his students to gain feedback directly from studios about their work.
Production Experience
With over 15 years of experience in VFX and 75 credits on films and television shows, Kyle brings firsthand knowledge of working in FX at a very high level. Kyle has been part of Mr. X for over 15 years as Head of FX. Part of an award-winning visual effects company from the very beginning, Kyle has accumulated years of experience teaching all levels of FX and CFX through Houdini. Kyle has the leadership and skills to teach aspiring artists at one of the best schools for visual effects.
Throughout my experience so far I’ve had the amazing opportunity to mentor and teach all levels of FX and CFX artists. It’s been the highlight of my career to be part of an artist’s development in their own growth in the VFX industry. At Lost Boys I am excited to be able to solely focus on artist development, at the same time reignite my passion for Houdini. After doing a lifetime of movies and large TV episodic work I look forward to preparing artists for what I know is an incredible journey.
by Kyle Yoneda , FXTD Program Lead - VancouverOur Growing List of Amazing Studios Employing Lost Boys
Alumni Testimonial - Edmond Boulet-Gilly | FX TD at Sony Pictures Imageworks
Lost Boys provided me with the best environment to learn VFX. Even with my strong background in computer graphics that I had learnt from my previous education, I learned fresh content non-stop from the first day to the very last with very little pause. With a staff that would debug all issues with pinpoint accuracy and the high-end hardware support I received, I was able to produce my best reel and immediately join the top of the VFX industry after graduation. Ultimately what you become after Lost Boys depends only on how much work you put into your reel. Picking the best setting and surrounding myself with professionals ensured that nothing would stand between me and becoming FX TD.
by Edmond Boulet-Gilly | FX TD at Sony Pictures ImageworksA Word from the Lost Boys Founders
"We are very proud of how our Effects Technical Director Program has become the world's leading educational pathway for feature film Effects Artists. This Program is a one of a kind opportunity for our students to fast track their career development, giving them the skills and connections to stand years ahead of their competition. We couldn't be more pleased to have this Program represent the craft focused training that Lost Boys | School of Visual Effects has brought to our industry"
Mark & Ria Bénard | Founder/Owners
Lost Boys | School of Visual Effects