Animated film, visual effects, and production remain among the most sought-after careers in today’s entertainment industry. Roles in Character Design, Rigging and Character FX, 3D Animation, Graphic Compositing and Animation for Visual Effects, and VFX and Production for video games are consistently in high demand within the interactive media sector.
For those who feel drawn to this vibrant field, a series of Master Classes hosted by the University Center for Art and Digital Technology, U-tad, is on the horizon. The program begins on April 19 and is fully online and free, offering a practical, career-focused look at the many paths available in this field. Participants can join from anywhere and take notes as they go, gaining actionable insights for pursuing a future in these disciplines.
One session will explore the duties of an animation producer, including the best practices for successful production. Julián Larrauri, a specialist in Animation, VFX, and Video Game Production with over fifteen years of leadership experience on international series and films for major studios such as Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, TVE, Skydance Media, and Paramount Pictures, will share his knowledge on April 19 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This master class promises practical guidance on production workflows, team coordination, budgeting, and scheduling that can benefit aspiring producers and coordinators alike.
For those who see themselves focused on 3D animation, another session on April 20 from 18:30 to 19:30 will illuminate the realities and career trajectories in this highly valued field. Jorge Vigara, a veteran with more than 17 years in 3D animation and credits on notable projects such as Hotel Transylvania and Despicable Me, will discuss the opportunities and potential challenges that come with an in-demand skill set, offering a candid look at the industry and advice for skill development.
In the broader context, digital compositing and visual effects tie closely to the work of 3D animation and production. Professionals blend various elements—characters, environments, and effects—using advanced digital techniques to craft cohesive scenes. Álex Rivas will lead a master class on April 21, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, detailing the creative process behind some of the most impactful productions in recent years. The session will also touch on how large-scale projects are managed across studios, with Game of Thrones cited as an illustrative example of complex, collaborative workflows.
The week of April 25 enters with Borja Montoro, a designer whose career spans more than twenty-five years in the industry. He has spent seven years as an animator at Disney and contributed to bringing characters such as Tarzan to life, with involvement in popular films like Klaus, Despicable Me 3, Wreck-It Ralph 2, Mary Poppins Returns, and Space Jam 2. Montoro will demonstrate his character creation process using real-world examples during a master class on April 25 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. He will also share the daily methodology taught in U-tad’s Specialist in Character Design program and offer guidance on building a compelling portfolio tailored to industry expectations and hiring managers.
Closing the cycle, on April 26 the program will compare body rigs and face rigs, discuss various rig types, and feature a final master class led by Antonio Francisco Méndez. The session runs from 18:30 to 19:30 and will provide practical demonstrations of rigging principles and their impact on animation pipelines. As with all previous sessions, registration is simple and online, allowing participants to join the sessions that align with their interests and career goals.