The Stan Winston School of Character Arts

I'm now a student learning monster making from the masters of FX.

The Stan Winston School of Character Arts (SWSCA) is based in California USA and teaches physical effects for use in film and is absolutely fantastic.

All of the teachers have worked on heaps of films, many have won Academy Awards and the teaching is all hands on. I'm a remote student watching prerecorded demonstrations over the internet and then going away and practicing like mad. I hate exams and academic essays so this is pure joy.

I need to learn new skills, get really good at them and very fast. I taught myself most stuff in the past from books I could find in public libraries in New Zealand. Mainly fine arts type methods because that was all there was available. SWSCA teaches film industry techniques which are a hell of a lot better, faster and more fun.

For example years ago, I learned how to sculpt people using potters clay. SWSCA teach the use of plasticine or oil clay as it is known is some countries.

Its worth enrolling as a student if you want to work on the art side of the film industry. I have just payed an annual fee so I get to watch everything.

From the school website
"For over 40 years, the name Stan Winston has been synonymous with iconic fantasy characters, including the killer cyborgs of The TERMINATOR series, the extraterrestrial monstrosities of ALIENS, the alien hunter from the PREDATOR series, the prehistoric giants from the JURASSIC PARK films, and the iconic suits from IRON MAN. By relentlessly pushing the limits of art, technology & imagination, Stan Winston Studio continually set new standards of excellence and innovation for character creators worldwide. After Stan's untimely passing in 2008, the Winston family founded Stan Winston School of Character Arts to preserve Stan's legacy by inspiring and fostering creativity in a new generation of character creators. Through connecting the world's finest artists and technicians with students worldwide, our mission is to empower aspiring artists and technical wizards to push the boundaries of character creation for years to come."