Studio-Grade Pipeline
Animation & CGIThe Professional Pipeline
Learn the exact workflows used at Pixar, ILM, and Weta Digital — from traditional 2D principles to photorealistic real-time rendering in Unreal Engine 5.
⏱️50–70 Hours📦4 Modules🎬Film Pipeline🏆4 Projects
BlenderMayaToon BoomHoudiniUE5After Effects
🎯 Prerequisites & Software
You'll Need
- A computer capable of running Blender 3.6+ (free) or Maya
- Basic understanding of art fundamentals (we review key concepts)
- Willingness to practice — animation is a craft
- No prior 3D experience required — we build from the ground up
Software Stack (All Free Options Available)
Blender 3.6+ (Free & Open Source) Toon Boom Harmony (2D Animation) Autodesk Maya (Industry Standard 3D) SideFX Houdini (VFX & Simulations) Unreal Engine 5 (Real-Time Rendering) Adobe After Effects (Compositing) DaVinci Resolve (Color Grading — Free) Substance 3D Painter (PBR Texturing)
Course Modules
🎬Module 1
Beginner12–16 hours
Advanced 2D Animation— Traditional Principles Meet Digital Pipeline
- ✓Master the 12 Principles of Animation — the foundation used at every major studio.
- ✓Understand frame timing, spacing, and the difference between animating on 1s, 2s, and 3s.
12 PrinciplesWalk CycleTiming & SpacingToon Boom
Start Module →🦴Module 2
Intermediate14–20 hours
3D Character Rigging & Cinematic Lighting— Topology, Rigging & Visual Storytelling
- ✓Understand 3D mesh topology — why "good topology" is the difference between smooth deformation and broken joints.
- ✓Master IK/FK rigging systems — build a fully animatable character skeleton from scratch.
TopologyRiggingIK/FKWeight Painting
Start Module →💥Module 3
Intermediate14–18 hours
CGI & Visual Effects— Particles, Simulations & Houdini
- ✓Understand the VFX pipeline used in blockbuster films — from plate photography to final composite.
- ✓Master particle systems — create fire, smoke, debris, and magic effects.
HoudiniParticlesFluid SimDestruction
Start Module →🎮Module 4
Advanced12–18 hours
Real-Time Rendering— Unreal Engine 5 & Cinematic Storytelling
- ✓Master Unreal Engine 5's core rendering technologies: Nanite, Lumen, Virtual Shadow Maps.
- ✓Create photorealistic environments using Megascans and Quixel Bridge.
Unreal Engine 5NaniteLumenSequencer
Start Module →