Core Skills of VFX Handbook 2025

The updated Core Skills of VFX Handbook 2025 was recently launched at an event at Cinesite in London. 

Collated by Saint John Walker and funded by UK Screen Alliance and BFI Metro London Skills Cluster, the VFX Handbook serves as both a blueprint for course curricula in higher education and a practical guide for students learning VFX.  You can download it here. 

Core Skills of VFX Handbook 2011

Escape Studios' VFX Tutor Klaudija Cermak (left) on the panel

The original Core Skills of VFX Handbook from 2011 has long been a benchmark for curriculum development in higher education, shaping the training standards for aspiring artists and VFX professionals. 

However, since its last update by Creative Skillset (now ScreenSkills) in 2017, the landscape of VFX has undergone profound transformation. Remote working; the integration of real-time games engines into pipelines; virtual production; and, of course AI, all underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive update.

Core Skills of VFX Handbook 2025

St John Walker with the 2025 VFX Handbook

The updated Core Skills of VFX Handbook has been shaped by industry focus groups and contributions from over 100 artists and educators. 

It reflects the contemporary landscape of VFX practice by updating the original text, and it includes three new chapters on virtual production, VFX production management, and the professional skills needed to get ahead in VFX.

It firmly positions people as central to the success of VFX. The intent is to regularly update the Handbook so that it remains current. 

AI and The Future of VFX

While AI is referred to in many places in the text, on the industry’s recommendation, it was felt that there is too much uncertainty and volatile change for it to have its own chapter yet, but this will be kept under close review.

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