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Digital Compositing Foundations

Become a Film Compositor: Professional Nuke Training with VFX Artists

Overview

Build digital compositing foundations taught by industry artists

CG Spectrum’s compositing course with Nuke software training will prepare you creatively and technically for a career as a VFX compositor for film and games. Master rotoscoping, digital painting, keying, scripting, and lighting techniques used in the industry.

Why study Nuke compositing with us:

  • Build relevant industry skills, including how to use Foundry's Nuke
  • Learn from artists with real-world experience
  • Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)
  • Our compositing graduates have a 90% job success rate

The VFX industry is rapidly growing and so too is the need for highly-skilled, talented compositors. There’s never been a better time to learn Nuke, the most popular visual effects digital compositing package, directly from artists working in visual effects.

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Our Difference

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our career-focused effects courses help you build practical job skills that are required in the industry.

badge_mentor_bronze Industry Mentors Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.  
badge_mastery_bronze Outcomes Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.  
badge_community_bronze Community Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.  
Course Information

Everything You Need To Know

Quick Overview
Course Structure
What You'll Learn
Tuition & Payment
certificate-bronze-03 Qualification Industry certificate  
trimesters-bronze-02 Study Load

20hrs/week

 
calendar-bronze Program Length

12 months

 
online-bronze-01 Delivery Mode Online live classes
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
 
tuition-bronze-01 Skill Level

Beginner - Intermediate
No entry requirements

 
start-date-bronze-02 Start Dates
January 6, 2025 February 3, 2025 March 3, 2025
 

Your pathway to the industry

This course has been designed to prepare you for a career in the industry. You'll start with the essentials before moving on to more complex projects. Graduate with a polished portfolio you can proudly show prospective employers.

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Term 1: 12 weeks

Foundations 1: Essentials of Digital Compositing

Learn Nuke compositing essentials and get the hang of using professional workflows and tools. Master Nuke’s user interface and start experimenting with complex rotoscoping techniques (a fundamental aspect of VFX compositing). Next, you’ll jump into green screen keying and find out how to integrate different elements into live-action footage. Put your new knowledge into practice by building several VFX shot's from scratch for your portfolio.

What You'll Learn
  • Compositing basics
  • How to use the Nuke interface
  • Rotoscoping and color keying
  • Adding VFX elements to a live-action shot
  • Seamlessly integrating digital backgrounds
Weekly Breakdown
  1. Introduction to VFX Compositing and Breaking Down a Shot
  2. Common Nuke Tools
  3. Introduction to Rotoscoping & Tracking
  4. Intro to Live Action & CG Compositing
  5. Rotoscoping Explained
  6. Squib Hits & Muzzle Flashes
  7. Color Keying 101
  8. Color & Light: Otherworld Planet Project 01
  9. Color & Light: Otherworld Planet Project 02
  10. Greenscreen Driving Comp
  11. Alien Invasion 01
  12. Alien Invasion 02
Term 2: 12 weeks

Foundations 2: Core Digital Compositing Principles

Put your Essentials skills to the test with more challenging projects! Begin learning Boris FX Mocha Pro to expand your compositing software skillset and move on to learning Nuke's powerful 3D compositing toolset. Common tasks such as split-screen, screen inserts, and production removal will become second nature to you. By the end of this term, you will have learned many necessary skills including compositing CG and live-action effects elements into live-action plates.

What You'll Learn
  • How to speed up your professional workflow
  • Clean up shots with digital painting
  • Build amazing digital set extensions
  • Add dust, smoke and texture to add realism
Weekly Breakdown
  1. Intermediate Nuke Tools
  2. Introduction to Mocha Tracking & Rotoscoping
  3. Plate Stabilization & Split-Screen Shots
  4. Effects & CG Scene: Part 01
  5. Effects & CG Scene: Part 02
  6. Screen Insert Shots
  7. Background Paint Shots
  8. Intro to Nuke 3D: Part 01
  9. Intro to Nuke 3D: Part 02
  10. Production Removal
  11. Practical Effects & Live Action Compositing: Part 01
  12. Practical Effects & Live Action Compositing: Part 02
Term 3: 12 weeks

Foundations 3: Professional Digital Compositing

Expand your compositing artist toolkit by learning set replacement and advanced live-action green screen compositing techniques. Discover how to set up simple expressions and gizmos. Commonly found, yet advanced tasks and techniques such as prop replacement, vector tools, and distortions will become commonplace for you. Advanced, multi-part shots requiring all aspects of a visual effects pipeline, including live-action, CG effects, and animated CG characters, will provide the skills necessary to become a well-rounded junior compositor. By the end of this term, you will have learned many cutting-edge skills while also gaining the confidence necessary to independently problem-solve within studio-level shot assignments.

What You'll Learn
  • How to insert shots into monitors and TV screens
  • De-age an actor
  • Build a scene extension
  • Create a Sci-Fi holographic display
Weekly Breakdown
  1. Set Replacement & Independent Problem Solving: Part 01
  2. Set Replacement & Independent Problem Solving: Part 02
  3. Green Screens & Show Templates
  4. Prop Replacement
  5. Simple Expressions & Custom Tool Creation and Utilization
  6. CG Character & CG Scene: Part 01
  7. CG Character & CG Scene: Part 02
  8. In-studio Experience: Background Replacement
  9. Advanced Vector Techniques
  10. Distortions & Clean-Plating
  11. In-studio Experience - Live-Action & CG Compositing Project: Part 01
  12. In-studio Experience - Live-Action & CG Compositing Project: Part 02
Term 4: 12 weeks

Mentored Studio: Digital Compositing

Develop your compositing portfolio by creating exciting, one-of-a-kind shots. Utilizing a constantly-growing library of provided background plates and industry-quality feedback at every step, you will integrate all prior-learned skills within compositing while polishing your portfolio. All custom shots are created for the sole purpose of building an exciting demo reel to get noticed by potential employers. This is your opportunity to show the world what you are capable of!

What You'll Learn
  • How to polish your portfolio to impress employers
  • Interviewing and negotiation strategies
  • Effective networking and self-promotion
  • Accessing the hidden job market 

Students receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager. Read more about our career services.

Weekly Breakdown
  1. Career Pathways
  2. Industry Overview
  3. Portfolio Upgrade
  4. Networking and Online Presence
  5. Resume and Cover Letter
  6. Job Hunting
  7. Freelance Work
  8. Interviews and Pitching
  9. Personal Projects and Challenges
  10. Working in a Studio
  11. Contracts and Negotiations
  12. Personal Roadblocks

Download the Course Guide

Your creative journey begins here! Download our comprehensive course guide and discover the exciting educational opportunities that await you.
Monthly
Upfront
SAVE 10%

Group Class

$1,222 USD/mo
$3,333 USD
CG Spectrum’s small group classes provide an ideal learning environment for aspiring artists to grow their skills and connect with peers. With a maximum of 4 students per class, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention from experienced industry mentors.

  4 students max class size

  Students are assigned mentor

  Group interaction & collaboration

Private 1:1

$1,711 USD/mo
$4,667 USD
Learning 1-on-1 with CG Spectrum provides personalized guidance from industry experts, tailored feedback, and flexible scheduling. This focused approach helps students master skills, build competitive portfolios, and prepare for careers in games, film, and animation.

  Private dedicated mentor

  Students choose their mentor


  More dedicated time per week

Don't Put Your Future On Hold

Financing shouldn't stand in the way of pursuing your dream career. No matter where you are in your creative learning journey, our financing options have been designed with you in mind.
Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

ant-man-wasp

"My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!

I found the experience to be very beneficial. My mentor helped me accelerate my learning with our weekly meetings. Once I completed the course, I was left with great portfolio pieces for my showreel and given free ongoing help from a Career Development Manager, who helped me polish my resume and LinkedIn profile to help kickstart my career. "

 

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Reed Y  |  Visual Effects

 
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"The flexibility and online approach really worked for me.

Having a mentor who works in the industry facilitated both guidance and support in the weekly submissions. Their critiques guided my skill set and put me in front of the competition by helping me learn to troubleshoot from my mistakes. "

 

vince-bufalino 
Vince B  |  Visual Effects

 
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"I went from knowing nothing about FX, to receiving job offers within 6 months of study with CG Spectrum!

I was blown away by the level of personal interaction the 1-on-1 mentorship provides. Having a direct line to an industry veteran as my mentor has been an invaluable resource and has taken my rate of learning to the next level.

 

kristian-kebbe 
Kristian K  |  Visual Effects

 
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"CG Spectrum is my ideal way of learning.

With mentors active in the industry keeping you on track with industry-proven skills and workflows, you know you're not wasting your time. You get what you put into this course and there isn't such thing as being too keen. I couldn't be happier with the progress and skills I've gained since starting."

 

ben-nicoloff 
Ben N |  Visual Effects

 
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"Hands down the best decision I've made for my career.

The learning material and staff were great, and having an industry mentor was an invaluable asset that really helped me get my break in the VFX industry."

 

Alan-Robinson-headshot-BW 
Alan R  |  Visual Effects

 
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"I’m not only learning the essentials of VFX but also key networking tips from my mentor.

I started CG Spectrum with no experience in visual effects. In my opinion, the education with CG Spectrum is the closest to giving me actual industry experience since I’m working alongside an industry vet while being taught the fundamentals of my trade. I can comfortably say I have more of a "peer to peer" relationship rather than "teacher to student", making it really easy to share my work and expect solid criticism."

 

subhan-asif 
Subhan A  |  Visual Effects

 
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"The CG Spectrum training solidified my skills using Unreal Engine.

Having used it briefly before, and feeling overwhelmed by how big the range is of what you can do using the engine, the training taught me the areas I would need for virtual production very well. I now feel confident with the skills I have gained."

 

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Simran M  |  Real-Time 3D & Virtual Production

 
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"CG Spectrum seemed too good to be true. Looking back, it was the best decision.

Every mentor and staff member has been so hands-on and directly involved in my learning. Co-Directors of top box office movies and supervisors of major Netflix TV shows are giving me feedback on my projects. Students also have access to a strong community, and an awesome career class to prepare you for your dream job."

 

Stephanie-Soong-500x500 
Stephanie S |  3D Modeling

 
Mentors

Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors

To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All digital compositing classes are taught by professional  VFX artists with years of experience.

Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

spider-man-across-the-universe

"One of the best decisions I've ever made for my career.

I've learned and grown so much throughout this program and I loved the resources in the CG Spectrum community, such as finding new job opportunities and meeting other students and mentors. I took advantage of everything CG Spectrum had to offer and as a result, I landed my dream job at my dream company (Dreamworks). Thank you CG Spectrum!"

 

tiffany-l-headshot 
Tiffany L  |  3D Animation

 
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"The career program was invaluable!

I knew changing careers would have included things such as resumes, applications, networking, etc. The biggest thing I needed to understand was the nuances of the animation industry, etiquette for approaching recruiters, and what type of roles there were. These sessions really helped guide me, and explained how to approach my showreel and the subsequent application processes."

 

JamesBoyle-headshot 
James B  |  3D Animation

 
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"I’d take the course again if I could!

I can’t praise CG Spectrum enough for the quality of teaching and dedication to their students. Mark was by far the best mentor I’ve ever had. He really took the time to help design the course around what it is that I wanted to get out of it. I’ve studied other animation courses in the past, but none even come close to the depth and speed of development as CG Spectrum."

 

ned-curwood-hyde 
Ned C  |  3D Animation

 
sonic-2-poster

"To better understand the industry, I enrolled at CG Spectrum.

There I was able to create a demo reel and build connections with professionals that ultimately led me to my first opportunity as an animator at Sony Imageworks. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to CG Spectrum’s Career Development Manager. She was the person who guided me through the entire application process. I honestly believe I would not have gotten this opportunity without her help."

 

JasmeetSidhu-animation-square 
Jasmeet S  |  3D Animation

 
monarch-legacy-of-monsters

"CG Spectrum has been an instrumental part of my growth.

CG Spectrum has helped me sharpen my skills, acquire new ones and strengthen my character animation abilities. This is an invaluable experience for anyone looking to take their skills to the next level."

 

phil-minter 
Phil M |  3D Animation

 
ant-man-wasp

"It's been extremely helpful for my portfolio and my confidence as an artist!

I've learned so much about not only animation, but the thought process an artist goes through when creating a piece."

 

shravani-kulkarni 
Shravani K |  3D Animation

 
apex-legends-poster

"Getting access to industry mentors is huge.

There's a world of information out there, but nothing compared to talking to someone in the know. CG Spectrum was one of those places. I really liked the 1-on-1 format. It was the first time I had an experienced animator open my scene file. It was what I needed to get over some technical hurdles."

 

Kyle Dahl 
Kyle D  |  3D Animation

 
the-walking-dead-poster

"I learned more in 9 months than other students do in 2 years.

The level of education I have received is unlike any other school I've come across. What separates CG Spectrum from other schools is that the mentors are not only talented professionals in their own right, but they also care about your success as an artist both in school and after you graduate. CG Spectrum is incredible, I cannot recommend it enough."

 

David-Jon-Nelson 
David N |  3D Animation

 
Request Information

Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios

Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career.  Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.

FAQ's

Questions? We Have Answers

What are the prerequisites for this Nuke Compositing course?

Age Minimum
The minimum age to be able to enrol in our career track courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

What are the compositing software and hardware requirements?

Software:

You will be required to download Nuke and Mocha. Both software companies offer a free student license.

Instructions for how to obtain an educational license for this software will be provided upon enrollment.

You will also gain access to a library of free VFX assets from ProductionCrate to use in your shots throughout the course.

Hardware:

You will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Nuke and Mocha.

What compositing careers can I explore post-graduation?

Digital Compositing Foundations is designed to get you ready to hit the ground running at your next job. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation to get you industry-ready.

Some of the junior VFX compositing jobs you could pursue after graduation include:

Discover more VFX jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:

I already have some compositing experience, can I skip any part of the course?

If you believe that you are able to begin further along in the course, you will need to provide a portfolio submission demonstrating professional experience as a compositor with an accompanying portfolio reel/resume.

If documentable professional experience is not available, then the following needs to be demonstrated:

  • General understanding of Nuke and its layout
  • Basic tracking and rotoscoping skills using Nuke’s toolset
  • Basic color keying (greenscreen/bluescreen) skills using Nuke’s toolset
  • Basic live-action and computer-generated object compositing
  • Basic effects-based compositing (using computer-generated and live-action FX elements)

If you are unsure if your skills are sufficient, send us your portfolio when you apply, and we'll arrange for the department head to review it and, depending on the circumstances, a student interview.

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