Introduction to Compositing plus Work Placement

The National Talent Academy VFX, in collaboration with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Amazon, VFX Ireland and Skillnet Ireland’s Skills Connect programme, are excited to offer 15 applicants a place on this FREE six-week Introduction to Compositing training course, followed by a two-week paid work placement.  Our aim and intention is to facilitate the work placements directly after completion of the training programme where possible.

The course, coordinated by CMAI, runs for six weeks and combines lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and self-directed learning with assignments. The lectures cover core topics such as the fundamentals of rotoscoping and effective use of Nuke. There will be many opportunities for trainees to ask questions throughout the programme

Trainees will complete assignments designed to reinforce what they learn in class. They will work with a variety of footage, such as a moving car, people dancing, and actors filmed against blue or green screens. Each assignment will include a recommended time allocation. 

Throughout the course, trainees will submit their scripts and shots to a supervisor via ShotGrid. The submissions will be reviewed regularly, and trainees will receive individual feedback to support their progress. 

Weekly Structure: 

Week 1 – Introduction to Nuke. Fundamentals of the software 

Week 2 – Rotoscoping 1 

Week 3 – Rotoscoping 2 & Paint 

Week 4 – Tracking 1 

Week 5 – Tracking 2 & Basic Comp 1 

Week 6 – Compositing 

Lectures: 

• Lecture 01 – Introduction to Nuke interface & Nodal approaches to Compositing 

• Lecture 02 – The VFX pipeline 

• Lecture 03 – Basics of rotoscoping 

• Lecture 04 – Intermediate rotoscoping 

• Lecture 05 – Advanced Rotoscoping 

• Lecture 06 – Clean-up & Paint 

• Lecture 07 – Basic tracking 

• Lecture 08 – Intermediate Tracking 

• Lecture 09 – Advanced Tracking 

• Lecture 10 – Basics of compositing 1 

• Lecture 11 – Basics of compositing 2
• Lecture 12 – Compositing – keying and layering

Participant profile

Recent graduates from creative courses/Animation and VFX. Also, anyone interested in getting into the VFX industry and looking for an entry-level position. There is no need to have a showreel or portfolio, but an interest in the VFX industry is important.  

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview before final selection.

Class size limited to 15 participants. 

Please note that this programme is full-time and in person. You will be based in a studio in Dublin for the full duration of the programme. 

Apply via Creative Skillnet here

Deadline for application is noon 3rd June 2026

For any queries, please contact barbara.henkes@nationaltalentacademies.ie or  frankeaveney@furthr.ie