Curious Refuge – AI VFX

Welcome to Curious Refuge – AI VFX

AI is transforming the visual effects industry, making it possible to create stunning, photorealistic environments and effects in a fraction of the time it once took. With the right tools and guidance, you can achieve cinematic-quality visuals that elevate your films to new heights.

Introducing AI VFX from Curious Refuge

Curious Refuge has partnered with VFX director D. Ryan Reeb, known for his work on Black Panther, Ragnarok, and major campaigns for Nike and Audi, to bring you a groundbreaking course. This isn’t just another theory-heavy program. It’s a hands-on, practical guide to using cutting-edge AI tools for real-world visual effects.

Why Choose This Course?

Whether you’re new to VFX or a seasoned artist looking to stay ahead of the curve, this course will teach you how to create cinematic-quality visuals quickly and effectively. You’ll learn from industry experts and gain access to a wealth of resources designed to help you succeed.

What You’ll Get

• 4 Weeks of Video Modules: Dive deep into AI VFX with comprehensive video lessons.
• 12 Months of Content Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques.
• Private Group Chat Access: Connect with fellow students and industry professionals.
• Feedback from Pro VFX Artists: Get personalized feedback on your work.
• A Network of Award-Winning Directors and Artists: Build connections with some of the best in the industry.
• Weekly Homework Assignments and Critiques: Apply what you’ve learned and get constructive feedback.
• Downloadable PDFs, VFX Templates, and Project Files & Resources: Access a wealth of materials to support your learning.
• Homework Feedback and Q&A: Get your questions answered and receive feedback on your assignments.
• Community Events and Contests: Participate in events and contests to showcase your skills.
• Bonus Live Q&A Events & Live-Streams: Learn from live sessions with industry experts.

In the Course You Will Learn How to Use AI for…

Compositing

Bring your shots to life by seamlessly blending AI-generated elements with real-world footage. You’ll learn how to composite explosions, characters, environments, and more using cutting-edge AI tools—without the need for traditional VFX software.

Live Action + AI Generated Footage

Discover when to shoot live action, when to use AI-generated content, and how to combine them for cinematic results. You’ll master techniques for integration, lighting consistency, and visual storytelling across mediums.

AI Generated Environments

Learn how to design and refine entire worlds using AI. From sci-fi cityscapes to natural landscapes, you’ll use look development techniques to ensure your environments match your film’s style, tone, and lighting—making everything feel cohesive and intentional.

Simulating Natural Elements

Creating realistic fire, smoke, water, and destruction effects used to take days—sometimes weeks. Now, you’ll learn how to simulate these natural elements using AI tools that dramatically speed up the process while delivering cinematic results.

Motion Capture (MoCap)

Traditional animation and rigging are time-consuming and technical. In this course, you’ll use AI-powered motion capture and rigging tools to bring characters to life—fast. Say goodbye to tedious keyframes and hello to streamlined, high-quality animation.

Traditional VFX vs AI VFX Pipeline

Understand how AI transforms the traditional VFX pipeline. You’ll learn how to use AI facial capture, lip-sync, and animation tools to give your characters authentic emotion and timing—no more robotic or soulless outputs. This is VFX made smarter.

AI Look Development

Learn how to use AI-assisted grading tools to match scenes, create cinematic color palettes, and apply consistent visual tones across your project. You’ll explore workflows that replicate the look of major films—without needing DaVinci Resolve expertise.

Camera Tracking + Matchmoving

Discover how to use AI tools to track live-action footage and integrate digital elements with realistic motion and perspective. You’ll cover planar tracking, 3D camera matching, and how to stabilize or augment scenes with generated content.

Downloadable Course Content

• 4 Weeks of Video Modules
• 12 Months of Content Updates
• Private Group Chat Access
• Feedback from Pro VFX Artists
• A Network of Award-Winning Directors and Artists
• Weekly Homework Assignments and Critiques
• Downloadable PDFs
• VFX Templates
• Project Files & Resources
• Homework Feedback and Q&A
• Community Events and Contests
• Bonus Live Q&A Events & Live-Streams