AIF102: AI Machine Learning Foundations for VFX Artists

AI is reshaping the world of visual effects. Not in theory, but in studios right now! From roto to relighting, scene reconstruction to synthetic voices, AI and machine learning are transforming how we work as artists. But this tech also isn't new and has been used for years quietly.

In this project-based course, Doug Hogan demystifies AI and ML through the lens of VFX. You’ll learn how these technologies are being used in real productions today, what tools are worth your time, and how to adapt your compositing workflows to include (or sometimes avoid) machine learning. From Nuke’s CopyCat to Gaussian Splatting, AI Motion Capture, ComfyUI, and more! This course walks through the real-world utility, strengths, and limitations of emerging tools across roto, tracking, scene generation, facial animation, and 3D layout.

Doug Hogan is a Creative Technologist at Groove Jones, a former VFX supervisor, and educator with 20 years of industry experience in film, theme parks, and commercial work. He currently teaches advanced Nuke and compositing for fxphd, and his passion is helping artists make sense of new tech without losing their creative voice.

Whether you’re a Nuke compositor or CG generalist, this course will give you a practical foundation in how AI and machine learning are reshaping VFX, and how to stay ahead of the curve!