VFX HAVE CHANGED FOREVER.

Only 150 seats available. Join the waitlist to reserve your spot before it fills up.

A S S E E N I N

Pre-Sale for the Beta Session Opens on June 25th at 11AM Pacific!

JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR THE AI VFX AUGUST SESSION

Fill out the form below to be first to know when the Pre-Sale goes live!
Pre-Sale Opens on June 25th. Training starts on July 30th.

AI VFX - Sandy Downtown

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This isn’t about learning outdated software or theory-heavy workflows.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.


AI VFX - Tornado

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.

$699 Per Artist (Exclusive Pre-Sale Price)

Pre-Sale Opens on June 25th at 11AM PST
Training starts on July 30th.

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 Discord channel 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

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.

Be Ready for Real-World Clients


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)

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.

Traditional VFX vs AI VFX Pipeline

AI VFVX - AI LookDev

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

AI VFX - Camera tracking and match moving

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.

Camera Tracking + Matchmoving

AI VFX - Crowd Simulation

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

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)

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST AI STORYTELLER NETWORK

Our courses feature artists from over 149+ countries around the world. Curious Refuge is home to the world’s biggest community for AI storytellers and we’d love for you to join our growing movement.

We connect folks worldwide with creative opportunities and exclusive job connections.

Pre-Sale Opens on June 25th at 11AM PST
Training starts on July 30th.

Our Students Work With the Biggest Brands


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

$699 Per Artist

(Exclusive Pre-Sale Price)

Pre-Sale Opens on June 25th at 11AM PST
Training starts on July 30th.


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.


AI VFX - Rob Nederhorst

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.

AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course
AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course
AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course
AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course
AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course
AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course
AI Animation | AI Animation Online Course

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.

Save Up to $450

AI COURSE BUNDLES: PICK MULTIPLE COUSES

With course bundles you can save big and enroll in multiple courses. This is the route to take if you are serious about your AI education journey.


FAQs

  • 100% yes. This course is designed to help new and experienced artists alike learn the latest skills and techniques to create an amazing project.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, we offer team discounts for companies enrolling 3 or more artists. Please reach out to hello@curiousrefuge.com for more information.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

$699 Per Artist (Exclusive Pre-Sale Price)

Pre-Sale Opens on June 25th at 11AM PST
Training starts on July 30th.