Working in visual effects and animation

<strong>Modelling</strong>

This is the stage where 3D objects or characters are created, enabling the components of a shot to be given form and volume. Modelling requires mastery of 3D creation and design tools along with artistic and technical expertise.

Creating environments

Creating 2D and 3D environments enables the development of digital landscapes designed to serve as highly artistic and visually realistic or stylized settings and backgrounds.

Textures, surfaces and lighting

Design of textures, surfaces, and lighting on 3D object models makes use of rendering techniques to create 3D objects with unusual surfaces (for example, shine, transparency, relief, and so on) appear realistic under specific lighting conditions.

Rigging

Rigging of a 3D model allows its constituent parts or organs to be articulated for animation purposes. This step comes after the modelling of a character or object so as to create a 3D skeleton with a view to establishing a control system (known as a rig) to animate it.

2D animation

2D animation involves drawing images one by one to create movement, as in cartoons. Today, it is often done on a computer using specialized software. Stop motion is a 2D animation technique in which figurines or real objects are moved and photographed frame by frame to create a smooth animation when these images are displayed sequentially. As an example, Le Village enchanté (1955) is Canada’s first 2D animated feature film. It took five to six years to paint the 60,000 images for this 62-minute film.

3D animation

3D animation creates digital models to bring characters, objects, and settings to life in three dimensions. It can be done using Keyframe technology (frame by frame), giving the animation a highly artistic feel or through motion capture (Mocap). Motion capture is one of the techniques used in 3D animation. It involves recording the movements of an actor equipped with sensors and transferring them to a 3D model, resulting in more realistic animation. As an example, Montréal studios such as Game On and Beyond Capture Studios provide high-quality motion-capture services for international projects.

Compositing

Compositing is one of the final stages in creating a film. It is used to put together the various components designed to make up a shot and calibrate the colours and the various 3D components and those filmed on a green screen. These are only the main steps among many that are necessary to produce a 3D or VFX film. View the career directory to find out more.

Visual effects and simulation

This involves the creation of visual effects (digital special effects) such as explosions, smoke, water, and organic environmental effects (for example, fur, hair, lava, and more). As an example, The film Dune won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 2022 and 2025, showcasing Québec’s expertise in creating various spectacular effects, including the giant sandworm.