For students entering the field now, that shift is creating a genuine opportunity to get ahead. At SAE University College, students like Dale Lee are already building those future-focused skills. Currently in his first year of VFX and Virtual Production, Dale is learning how to create digital worlds in real time, not just in post-production.
So, what do these industry changes mean for those who are keen to get into the exciting world of VFX? There’s never been a better time to get your foot in the door! Here are five reasons to study VFX and virtual production, right now, at SAE.
1. Master the Technology That’s Changing Film and TV
VFX is no longer just about what happens after filming wraps. These days, virtual production is bringing digital environments into the shoot itself, completely transforming how content is created.
“Traditionally, you replace the backdrop in post-production,” Dale explains. “But virtual production moves that work to pre-production. You get interactive lighting in-camera on the day, so it’s picture-locked while you’re still on set.”
At SAE, you’ll work with real-time engines like Unreal Engine to build and control these environments. That means graduating with hands-on experience in workflows already being adopted across film, television, and streaming, and learning not just how the industry works, but where it’s headed.
2. Build Skills That Transfer Across Industries
One of the biggest strengths of studying VFX today is the versatility of the skill set you’ll develop. Through learning real-time engines, 3D asset creation and environment design, SAE students develop skills that apply across film, games and immersive media.
“A lot of the stuff we’re learning today is kind of parallel to game development,” Dale explains. “It makes me think: maybe I want to make my own game. That seems like a viable career path as well!”
This broad skill set allows graduates to explore different opportunities and stay competitive in an evolving creative and technology landscape.
3. Develop Your Expertise in a Supportive Environment
Creative technology is something you can only master by digging in and giving it a go. At SAE, you’re encouraged to experiment, collaborate and refine your work in a hands-on environment.
“It’s my first time studying outside of high school,” Dale says. “I find the content really engaging. It helps that it’s my passion and interest – that goes a long way.”
Our practical course content is supported by lecturers who are not only working practitioners in their field, but also actively involved in and passionate about student development.
“The lecturers foster a really great environment for collaboration and feedback,” Dale explains. This balance of independence and support helps students build both the technical skills and creative confidence that graduates need to thrive in VFX and beyond.
4. Harness AI in Your Creative Practice
There’s no denying that AI is quickly becoming part of creative workflows across every sector. But its value depends on how and why it’s used.
At SAE, students develop the skills to work alongside emerging technologies, using tools like AI to streamline workflows while maintaining creative control.
“Once your project gets to a certain phase, AI can streamline those manual labour jobs, like rotoscoping or keying. For us, it’s there to improve workflows, rather than create the content itself.”
For Dale, the distinction is clear: “When a human does something, it’s done with intention. I don’t believe it should ever be used as a replacement for human creativity.” The ability to combine the technical efficiency of AI with critical and creative thinking is what will define the next generation of VFX artists.
5. Get Ahead in an Emerging Field
Australia’s screen industries are growing rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of creatives. Employment across the screen and games sectors increased by 37 per cent between census periods (2015-16 and 2021-22)*.
As the industry continues to expand, virtual production is emerging as one of its most exciting areas of growth.
“Virtual production is sort of the way the industry’s heading,” Dale says. “And there won’t be a lot of people that are experts in that field yet.”
For students entering the industry today, that creates a unique opportunity to develop specialised skills in an area that is still evolving.
“We can get a whole new generation of people that started in virtual production.”
Combined with SAE’s industry connections, including partnerships with studios like FIN VFX, students gain exposure to internships and entry-level opportunities that can help launch their careers.
Why Study VFX at SAE: Our Final Thoughts
Choosing where to study your VFX degree is about more than course content; it’s also about where that experience can take you.
To sum it up, studying VFX and virtual production at SAE means:
- Learning the real-time tools and workflows shaping the future of film and television
- Building versatile skills that transfer across film, games and emerging media
- Developing your craft in a hands-on, collaborative learning environment
- Understanding how to work with emerging technologies like AI while maintaining creative control
- Getting ahead by specialising in an evolving area of the industry with growing demand.
Ready to start your career in VFX?
The next wave of screen production is already here, and studios are looking for emerging creatives, just like you, who can step into it and make their mark.
At SAE, you’ll graduate with more than technical knowledge: you’ll build a body of work, gain clear creative direction, and develop the confidence to take your first step into the industry.
Explore the Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production and start building the skills you need to step into the industry with confidence.
Have questions about our VFX and virtual production courses? Book a chat with our dedicated Course Advisors – they’ve got your back!
