Create Hollywood-level VFX from scratch, no complicated software required, whether you're brand new to VFX or a working artist. Build a lasting career with 1-on-1 coaching, portfolio reviews, job opportunities, and a network that includes Academy Award winners.
AI VFX
VFX HAVE CHANGED FOREVER
Complete in 30 days, or at your own pace.
Advanced
Trusted by artists in 172+ countries.
WELCOME TO THE NEW ERA OF VFX.
AI is revolutionizing the entire VFX industry. From simulating explosions and fire to creating photorealistic environments and particle effects, today’s tools allow creators to achieve results that once took months.
That’s where AI VFX from Curious Refuge comes in.
We’ve teamed up with VFX director D. Ryan Reeb—whose credits include Black Panther, Ragnarok, and major campaigns for Nike and Audi—to bring you the first hands-on course built specifically for AI Visual Effects.
This isn’t about learning outdated software or theory-heavy workflows. You’ll get step-by-step guidance on using cutting-edge tools to create practical real-world VFX.
Whether you’re brand new to VFX or a working artist who is curious about the latest tools, you’ll learn how to create cinematic-quality visuals fast—and actually use them in your films.
Hollywood comes to us to stay ahead. Now you can too.
The World’s First Bootcamp for the Latest AI VFX Techniques.
Traditional VFX courses are bloated, expensive, and often teach tools that are quickly becoming obsolete. This course is different. AI VFX from Curious Refuge is the first program built from the ground up to teach you the latest AI techniques being used by real studios and independent creators today.
You’ll learn how to streamline your creative process, unlock new visual possibilities, and stay ahead of a rapidly evolving industry. But this isn’t just about learning tools—we’re here to help you build a portfolio, connect with top creators, and discover real career opportunities in the new era of VFX.
$749 Per Artist
The Gold-Standard for AI Training
5000+ STUDENTS TRAINED
172+ COUNTRIES
EVERY MAJOR STUDIO
By the end of this course you will…
By the end of this course, you will be able to create Hollywood-level Visual FX without having to use complicated software. We’ll show you every step.
Create Stunning Visual FX
Our online community is full of some of the most influential creative people in the world. From Academy Award Winners to directors and producers in Hollywood.
Network with VFX Experts
Be Ready for Real-World Clients
By the time you complete this training, you will have the skills you need to market your services to real-world clients. We’ve had students in our courses land clients in as little as 2 weeks.
In the Course You Will Learn How to Use AI for…
Bring your shots to life by seamlessly blending AI-generated elements with real-world footage. You’ll learn how to composite explosions, characters, environments, and more using cutting-edge AI tools—without the need for traditional VFX software.
Compositing
Discover when to shoot live action, when to use AI-generated content, and how to combine them for cinematic results. You’ll master techniques for integration, lighting consistency, and visual storytelling across mediums.
Live Action + AI Generated Footage
Learn how to design and refine entire worlds using AI. From sci-fi cityscapes to natural landscapes, you’ll use look development techniques to ensure your environments match your film’s style, tone, and lighting—making everything feel cohesive and intentional.
AI Generated Environments
Creating realistic fire, smoke, water, and destruction effects used to take days—sometimes weeks. Now, you’ll learn how to simulate these natural elements using AI tools that dramatically speed up the process while delivering cinematic results.
Simulating Natural Elements
Traditional animation and rigging are time-consuming and technical. In this course, you'll use AI-powered motion capture and rigging tools to bring characters to life—fast. Say goodbye to tedious keyframes and hello to streamlined, high-quality animation.
Motion Capture (MoCap)
Traditional VFX vs AI VFX Pipeline
Understand how AI transforms the traditional VFX pipeline. You’ll learn how to use AI facial capture, lip-sync, and animation tools to give your characters authentic emotion and timing—no more robotic or soulless outputs. This is VFX made smarter.
Learn how to use AI-assisted grading tools to match scenes, create cinematic color palettes, and apply consistent visual tones across your project. You’ll explore workflows that replicate the look of major films—without needing DaVinci Resolve expertise.
AI Look Development
Camera Tracking + Matchmoving
Discover how to use AI tools to track live-action footage and integrate digital elements with realistic motion and perspective. You’ll cover planar tracking, 3D camera matching, and how to stabilize or augment scenes with generated content.
Use generative tools to create realistic crowds, background actors, and scene population—perfect for action shots, stadiums, battle sequences, or urban settings. You’ll learn how to populate a shot believably without a single day of casting.
AI-Driven Crowd Simulation
ALL COURSES INCLUDE
4 MODULES OF VIDEO LESSONS
✓
INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK FROM PROS
✓
PROJECT FILES & DOWNLOADS
✓
PRIVATE GROUP CHAT & EVENT ACCESS
✓
PROMPT, AFTER EFFECTS, & NOTION TEMPLATES
✓
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
✓
WITH MEMBERSHIP, YOU ALSO GET UNPARALLELED ACCESS
ALL COURSES
✓
THE DNA NETWORK OF 1000+ ARTISTS
✓
CHANCE TO PITCH TO PROMISE STUDIOS
✓
WEEKLY LIVE WORKSHOPS
✓
1-ON-1 CAREER COACHING
✓
FULL JOB-READINESS PORTFOLIO REVIEW
✓
FIRST LOOK AT NEW JOB POSTINGS
✓
EXCLUSIVE TOOL DISCOUNTS
✓
Join the Course to Gain Access to:
4 Weeks of Video Modules
12 Months of Content Updates
Private Group Chat Access
Feedback from Pro VFX Artists
A Network of Award-Winning Directors and Artists
Weekly Homework Assignments and Critiques
Downloadable PDFs
VFX Templates
Project Files & Resources
Homework Feedback and Q&A
Community Events and Contests
Bonus Live Q&A Events & Live-Streams
$749 Per Artist
WANT MORE THAN A SINGLE COURSE?
EXPLORE THE ALL ACCESS MEMBERSHIP
This course teaches you AI VFX. The membership builds your career.
For $149/month, get access to every Curious Refuge over $5,000 worth of courses, plus career coaching, live workshops, and a direct path to Hollywood. Your first workshop is within one week of joining. Your first coaching call within your first month.
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![AI FILMMAKING COURSE]()
AI FILMMAKING
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![AI ADVERTISING COURSE]()
AI ADVERTISING
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![ADVANCED AI FILMMAKING COURSE]()
ADVANCED AI FILMMAKING 2.0
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![AI ANIMATION COURSE]()
AI ANIMATION 2.0
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![AI DOCUMENTARY COURSE]()
AI DOCUMENTARY
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![AI VFX COURSE]()
AI VFX
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![AI SCREENWRITING COURSE]()
AI SCREENWRITING
D. RYAN REEB
D. Ryan Reeb is the Head of VFX, AI, and Animation and founder of "Kid In A Sheet". Ryan’s experience spans directing and producing diverse content, from high-end commercials for luxury brands to groundbreaking Web3 and AI projects.
Ryan’s work has been seen by millions through films you are probably familiar with such as Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok, and more. He has also worked with some massive brands like Nike and Audi.
With expertise in virtual production management, live-action film production, and high-end visual effects, Ryan understands the production process at all scales, from feature films to commercials, and even animated features. He is committed to leveraging AI advancements and creative solutions to optimize production pipelines.
Ryan is enthusiastic about leading innovative projects, pushing creative boundaries, and teaching you how to create stunning visual effects utilizing the latest technology.
ADDITIONAL BONUS LESSONS FROM
CALEB WARD
Caleb Ward is the co-founder and CEO of Curious Refuge, the world’s first online home for AI storytellers. Curious Refuge is the most exciting storytelling site on the planet. Wielding the power of fun, Caleb has helped millions on their creative journey.
Caleb’s work has been viewed by over 100+ million people worldwide. You’ve probably read about his work in The New York Times, Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, CNBC, or the USA Today. Together, he has collaborated with some of the biggest creative brands including Netflix, Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Sony, Vimeo, and Shutterstock.
With the emergence of AI tools, Caleb is focused on democratizing the storytelling process. Using insightful lessons that anyone can follow, he’ll show you how to create your own films from scratch.
Caleb is who Hollywood calls to learn about the AI revolution and he’s excited to share his knowledge and expertise with you in this exciting course.
ADDITIONAL BONUS LESSONS FROM
ROB NEDERHORST
Robert Nederhorst is a 26 year veteran of the visual effects industry. Starting at Digital Domain in 1998 he contributed to films such as The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, X-Men, Vanilla Sky, and Day After Tomorrow.
In addition to his feature film and commercial work, he was instrumental in bringing Nuke to the public forum, as well as the integration of VRay into the DD pipeline on the Nine Inch Nails “Only” music video.
He has worked with directors including Joseph Kosinski, Robert Rodriguez, Chad Stahelski, and several others doing commercial work and supervising entire VFX productions for John Wick 3, Spy Kids Armageddon, The Last of Us, Conjuring 3, and The Curse of Bridge Hollow.
During all those years Rob has spent considerable time learning many tools of the trade and now that includes generative art software.
Students are Landing Jobs & Having a Blast!
We are so excited to see all of the amazing success stories from our programs.
Curious Refuge Courses Have Helped Students…
Land AI Jobs
Our students have landed AI jobs after just two weeks of training. We connected tons of students with paid AI opportunities around the world.
Get Featured in Major Publications
Our students’ work can be found in major news publications ranging from the LA Times to Forbes magazine. Their work is seen around the world.
Create Lifelong Friendships
Our community is full of the nicest and most thoughtful people in the world. We’re a big family that loves hosting in-person meetups worldwide.
More Work from your Course Instructor
Curious about who’s teaching you? Watch D. Ryan Reeb’s reel to see why he’s trusted by Marvel, Nike, Audi, and some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From Black Panther to high-end commercials, these are the same techniques he’ll teach you—now powered by AI.
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST AI STORYTELLER NETWORK
As an online school, our online courses serve students in over 172+ countries. We are the world’s standard for AI VFX education. We’ve helped artists from around the world find opportunities with the biggest and best VFX opportunities.
Our network of thousands of AI artists are here and anyone is welcome to join our growing movement.
Now Available in 11 Languages
Español
(Spanish)
English
(Original)
Français
(French)
Deutsch
(German)
日本語
(Japanese)
한국어
(Korean)
Português
(Portuguese)
Italiano
(Italian)
हिन्दी
(Hindi)
中文
(Chinese)
العربية
(Arabic)
PRICING
Training a Team?
We offer exclusive pricing and perks designed specifically for teams, studios, and institutions. Contact our team for discounted pricing and additional perks designed for groups.
FAQs
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100% yes. This course is designed to help new and experienced artists alike learn the latest skills and techniques to create an amazing project.
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100%. We believe AI is empowering non-traditional artists to unlock their inner creativity and create compelling stories. AI will add fuel to your creative fire, empowering you to create stories and concepts that would have been otherwise impossible to create.
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We recommend a copy of the Adobe Creative Cloud, but you have the flexibility to use the editing tools that you are comfortable with.
The rest of the AI tools will be explained on a case-by-case basis. There’s no need to subscribe to them just yet. We’ve created many incredible AI projects with just a $10 tool subscription. No need to over-subscribe.
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No, the training is not live. You do not need to show up anywhere at any specific time. The lesson content will be released week-by-week starting on the first day of the course. It’s very flexible and can work around busy schedules and full-time jobs.
We’ve designed our training to serve students in any location.
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The lessons typically start towards the beginning of the month. Each week’s lesson content will be released every seven days for 4 weeks.
We will share update videos as the course progresses.
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Yes, we offer team discounts for companies enrolling 3 or more artists. Please reach out to hello@curiousrefuge.com for more information.
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We start our sessions towards the beginning of each month. Courses typically go on sale 2-3 weeks before the course starts. Be sure to sign up for our email list to get reminders for enrollment.
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Our program is designed to help you get certified in AI filmmaking pipelines within 30 days of taking the course. However, as the toolset is changing, we allow for content access for 12 months past the start date of the course.
This will give you plenty of time to learn and practice the concepts and explore new concepts as they are released. You will also have the option to continue learning with us and receive updates after the 12 months has passed.
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Yes, our training is used by artists at every major studio around the world. The beauty is, you don’t have to have a background in technology or even the industry to thrive here. We’ll show you how to use AI on world-class projects even if you are new to the creative process.
Your Training Will Positively Impact the Environment.
BEYOND CARBON NEUTRAL
We offset all carbon emissions from the Curious Refuge team and students (like you) as they learn in our training AND partner with organizations dedicated to reforestation, emission reduction, and renewable energy to make a net positive impact on the planet.
Start Creating Hollywood-Level VFX with AI
$749 Per Artist