Finland's First VFX Specialisation Education: Graduates Ready to Enhance the AV Field

A New Chapter in AV: In 2022, the Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) embarked on an unprecedented journey by initiating Finland's first-ever English-language VFX specialisation program. Fast forward to 2023, the first batch of VFX specialists have officially graduated!

A Glimpse of the Future: The concluding session of the VFX specialisation program was hosted at Mediapolis, where students showcased their showreel videos. These reels, often used for job applications, provide a window into the students' learning journey.

An Endeavor of Success: Timo Kivikangas from TAMK couldn't be prouder of the outcome. The rise in students' competencies and the quality of their showreels were evident. Thanks to collaboration with top professionals in the field, the curriculum was tailored to meet the industry's needs, and the results were indeed rewarding.

Students' Voices: Graduates like Ville Mäkilä and Olli Pöykiö vouched for the program's effectiveness. While Mäkilä delved deep into the realms of finishing and post-production, Pöykiö enjoyed honing his skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The program's practical approach, such as simulating a real VFX process for the Poromafia series, was invaluable, even if it didn't make it to the final cut.

Community Building: One of the undeniable benefits was the camaraderie developed amongst the students. Given the VFX industry's niche nature in Finland, the program provided a unique platform for like-minded individuals to connect.

Inspiring Pedagogy: Lecturers from TAMK and industry stalwarts like Samuli Torssonen and Juuso Kaari led the teaching brigade. They were both pleasantly surprised by the students' quick grasp of concepts and their advanced inquiries. The diverse backgrounds of the students enriched classroom discussions, making the learning experience truly collaborative.

The Road Ahead: While the current students like Mäkilä and Pöykiö intend to leverage their new skills in their ongoing professions, TAMK is gearing up for the future. Although the Ministry of Education and Culture's funding was a one-off, the success of this pilot program has paved the way for VFX teaching to be incorporated into TAMK's Media and Arts curriculum.

Further announcements about extended programs are eagerly anticipated.

VFX Unveiled: For those new to the world of VFX, it encapsulates the computer-generated visual effects added during post-production in films or series. It ranges from dramatic explosions to subtle nuances like erasing an actor's tattoo.

The success of TAMK's VFX specialisation program underscores the potential of specialized education. As the AV field continues to burgeon, professionals like these will be at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.