New visual effects academy opening in CBD

A new visual effects (VFX) academy is set to open in the city by February next year, boosting career opportunities for students and locals looking to get into the growing media industry.

On October 1, Victorian Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks visited the award-winning VFX house Framestore and announced the establishment of GameChanger Academy. 

This will be Australia’s first animation, VFX and games tertiary institution run by specialist provider CG Spectrum. 

GameChanger Academy’s actual location will be announced in the coming months. 

“We’re supporting the digital screen workforce to produce some of the most loved films and games, boosting our local jobs and businesses and keeping the industry buzzing for many years to come,” Mr Brooks said. 

The academy is also backed by a $3.6 million investment by the State Government and will be delivered in partnership with VicScreen.

It will provide world-leading training at a new studio space in the CBD as well as mentoring by local and international experts. Bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate courses will also be available.

“The GameChanger Academy will create a steady stream of job-ready graduates equipped to join this exciting creative and technical workforce, while also sharpening the skill sets of mid-career and senior talent that will advance Victoria as a global centre for screen production,” VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said. 

Ten full bachelor’s degree scholarships will be on offer at CG Spectrum funded by the Victorian Government. Study options include animation, game design, VFX or digital art.

Examples of courses on offer include the 12-week Good to Great immersive post-graduate certificate for those with industry experience, and the Elevate program, which will upskill those already working in the industry to grow their careers and leadership capabilities.

Student enrolments for the GameChanger Academy opened on October 14, 2024, with the first courses to start in February 2025. Further key dates will be announced later this year.

CG Spectrum co-founder Jeff Pepper said the academy is a “significant investment in the next generation of industry leaders, upskilling current screen professionals and training a new cohort of job ready graduates”. 

“We believe the GameChanger Academy has the potential to become a global lighthouse for learning and development within the VFX, animation and games industries,” he said. •