VFX and Puppetry for Feature Film and TV 2027

Overview  

Step into the evolving intersection of performance, creature work, and visual effects in this intensive, advanced training program for emerging to mid-career actors, performers, puppeteers, and VFX artists. 

Led by Derek Arnold, Animatronic and Performance Choreographer for Lucasfilm UK (credits include Project Hail Mary, Digger, Andor, Rogue One), this intensive training program immerses participants in the creative and technical workflows that connect performance, creature work, and visual effects. Joined by a senior industry visual effects professional with extensive experience across feature film and television productions, participants will work in Banff Centre's 2,500-square-foot green screen studio to explore practical puppetry, CGI character integration, pre-visualization, ADR, and contemporary production-to-post pipelines while creating original screen content in a professional studio environment.

Description

Throughout this program participants will:

• Apply professional puppeteering techniques using rod, wire, practical, and reference puppets for feature film and television production.
• Perform effectively alongside practical and digital characters while understanding the unique requirements of VFX-driven productions.
• Integrate puppetry performance with CGI character workflows, visual effects pipelines, studio environments and location-based filming.
• Develop and execute pre-visualization strategies to support performance, camera planning, and visual storytelling.
• Plan and execute green screen production workflows from pre-production through principal photography and post-production.
• Create original screen content that demonstrates the integration of practical performance, puppetry, and visual effects techniques.

Requirements

This program is intended for early and mid-career actors, performers, puppeteers, and VFX artists who already possess foundational experience in their respective disciplines and are seeking advanced, intensive training. The program is not intended as introductory training and is designed for artists ready to take a significant next step in their professional practice.

Participants should be prepared to work collaboratively in a production environment and engage with industry-level workflows that bridge practical performance and digital production techniques.

Requirements for all participants include:

• Demonstrated experience in film, television, animation, games, immersive media, live performance, or related creative industries.
• Interest in the intersection of practical performance, puppetry, creature work, and visual effects.
• Ability to work in intensive, team-based production environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to participate in both performance-based and technical exercises.
• Basic understanding of film set etiquette and production workflows.
• Capacity to engage in a fast-paced, project-based learning environment.

Participants must be available to attend the program and elements for its entire duration; variable participation dates will not be considered.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Visa Eligibility Information: 

• Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
• If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.