Curious Refuge – AI VFX Course with D. Ryan Reeb

Curious Refuge’s AI VFX course with VFX director D. Ryan Reeb explores practical ways to create cinematic effects with artificial intelligence. It is designed for filmmakers, content creators and artists working with both generated visuals and live-action footage.

The course centers on AI compositing, procedural generation and animation workflows. Its projects cover effects and assets such as fire, explosions, characters and environments, with step-by-step instruction across four weeks of video modules.

Skills you’ll build in AI VFX

• 1. Understanding the fundamentals of AI in visual effects.
• 2. Exploring various AI tools for VFX creation.
• 3. Mastering techniques for integrating AI with traditional VFX workflows.
• 4. Hands-on projects to apply learned concepts.
• 5. Analyzing case studies of successful AI VFX applications.
• 6. Developing a personal portfolio of AI-enhanced visuals.

A practical AI VFX workflow

The instruction examines how AI tools can be incorporated into a modern VFX pipeline, including guided compositing, procedural simulations and motion capture. These approaches address production tasks such as rendering, rigging and animation while opening up options for creating visual effects.

The course uses practical projects and weekly assignments to help learners apply the techniques and develop portfolio work.

AI VFX modules

The curriculum moves from combining generated assets with footage to creating worlds, simulating effects and animating characters.

• AI compositing: Combine generated explosions, characters and environments with live-action footage using AI-oriented tools.
• Live action and AI integration: Bring shot footage and AI content together, with attention to consistent lighting and visual storytelling.
• AI-generated environments: Develop worlds ranging from science-fiction cityscapes to natural landscapes, then refine their appearance to suit a film’s style and tone.
• Natural-element simulations: Explore AI tools for creating fire, smoke, water and destruction effects.
• AI motion capture: Use AI-powered motion capture and rigging to animate characters while reducing reliance on manual keyframing.
• Modern VFX pipeline: Examine facial capture, lip-sync and animation tools for conveying character emotion.
• AI look development: Use AI-assisted color grading to match scenes, build cinematic palettes and maintain a consistent visual tone.
• Camera tracking and matchmoving: Place digital elements into live-action shots with matching motion and perspective using AI tracking and 3D camera matching.
• AI crowd simulation: Create crowds and background actors for scenes such as action sequences, stadiums and battles.

Course materials and assignments

The course contains four weeks of video modules and downloadable project files. Weekly homework gives learners an opportunity to practice the techniques on VFX work and develop material for a portfolio.

Who the course is for

Beginners can use the step-by-step instruction to explore VFX, while experienced artists can investigate AI tools for their existing workflows. The material also suits filmmakers and directors adding effects to projects, as well as content creators and animators interested in generated environments, characters and simulations for film or social media.

About D. Ryan Reeb

D. Ryan Reeb is a VFX director whose credits include Black Panther and Thor: Ragnarok. His work also includes commercial campaigns for Nike, Audi and Google. He leads the course in collaboration with AI filmmaking educator Curious Refuge.

Frequently asked questions

What does Curious Refuge’s AI VFX course cover?

The course covers AI compositing, environments, simulations, motion capture, look development, camera tracking and crowd generation. It also explores integrating AI-generated elements into live-action footage.

Do I need VFX experience to take the course?

No prior VFX experience is required. The instruction is designed for beginners as well as experienced artists interested in AI workflows.

What course materials are included?

The course includes four weeks of video modules, downloadable project files and weekly assignments.

Does the course teach specific AI software?

The material focuses on AI tools for compositing, simulation, motion capture and related VFX work. No specific software products are named.