<div>All episodes and show notes for the "Ask An Artist" podcast, presented by ActionVFX.</div>

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<div>Stay up to date on the latest VFX industry news and trends.</div>

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<div>This is for industry news or any company news.</div>

News

<h1>AI Workflows for VFX Artists Are Here. Are You Ready for Them?</h1>
<p>Pre-sales for <em>Advanced AI Workflows for VFX Artists</em> open April 7th. Here's why this course exists — and why now matters.</p>
<hr>
<p>In 1993, the VFX industry changed in a way no one fully predicted.</p>
<p>Digital compositing replaced optical. Software replaced darkrooms. Studios had to retrain entire departments, and the artists who moved quickly — who treated the disruption as an opportunity rather than a threat — became the foundation of the modern VFX workforce.
The artists who waited? Many didn't make it through the transition.</p>
<p>We're in a similar moment.</p>
<p>AI tools are no longer experimental. They're inside real productions, being used by working compositors and supervisors at major studios right now. Relighting with AI-generated utility passes. Cleanplating with diffusion models. Face replacement workflows that would have taken a full team weeks, completed in days. The technology isn't coming — it arrived. The question now is whether VFX artists understand how to use it professionally, or whether they're still watching from the sidelines.</p>
<p>That's the gap this course was built to close.
<img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/3840x2160/ce01a78d17/comfyui-for-vfx_actionvfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<hr>
<h2>Introducing: Advanced AI Workflows for VFX Artists</h2>
<p><em>Advanced AI Workflows for VFX Artists</em> is the latest course from ActionVFX Academy — and it's unlike anything we've offered before.</p>
<p>This isn't an introduction to AI tools. It isn't a surface-level overview of what's trending. It's a production-grade course that treats AI as what it actually is: a set of tools that, when understood properly, make skilled artists more capable, not redundant.</p>
<p>The course is built around a single complete cinematic shot — constructed from scratch using a hybrid AI and traditional pipeline. Students won't just watch techniques in isolation. They'll build something real, making the same kinds of technical decisions a compositor would face on an actual production.</p>
<p>By the end, you'll know how to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Relight shots using depth, normals, and lighting passes generated with LLM-assisted tools</li>
<li>Handle cleanplates, matte paintings, and face replacements within a structured comp</li>
<li>Track shots in 3D and integrate elements in Nuke's 3D space</li>
<li>Build custom nodes and automate pass assembly with Python and LLM-assisted tooling</li>
<li>Make confident decisions about when AI helps the shot — and when it doesn't</li>
</ul>
<p>The course also includes optional sidequests covering sky replacement and de-aging workflows for artists who want to go deeper.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Meet Your Instructor</h2>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1393x864/552a1d0ed6/doug-hogan-actionvfx.webp" alt="">
Doug Hogan has spent 20 years at the intersection of VFX and emerging technology. His credits include <em>Space Jam: A New Legacy</em>, <em>G-Force</em>, <em>Scoob!</em>, and <em>Free Birds</em>. He currently serves as Senior Creative Technologist at Groove Jones, consults for ComfyUI on studio-grade features, and is sponsored by both Dell and The Foundry for his work in AI and Nuke.</p>
<p>He also teaches ActionVFX's <em>Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX</em> — the recommended foundation for this course.</p>
<p>Doug isn't teaching AI workflows from a research perspective. He's teaching them from inside the industry, at a studio actively integrating these tools into production. That context matters. The difference between knowing how a tool works and knowing how it fits into a real pipeline is significant — and it's exactly what this course delivers.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Who This Course Is For</h2>
<p><em>Advanced AI Workflows for VFX Artists</em> is designed for working compositors who already know Nuke at an intermediate to advanced level. Some familiarity with ComfyUI is beneficial, as is basic Python knowledge for Nuke tool creation — though neither is a hard requirement to get value from the material.</p>
<p>If you've completed <em>Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX</em>, this is the natural next step.</p>
<p>One important note: most tools used in this course are free or have free tiers. Paid tools like DaVinci Resolve Studio, Beeble, Runway, Kling, and Veo are optional — project output media is provided so you can follow along without purchasing anything additional.</p>
<p>This isn't a course designed to sell you a software stack. It's designed to make you better at your job.
<img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1280x720/2f015fe05a/advanced_ai_workflows-actionvfx_course2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<hr>
<h2>Sign-Up For Discounted Price</h2>
<p>Pre-sales open on <strong>April 7th</strong>, and early-bird pricing is only available for a limited window before the course goes to general sale.</p>
<p>The artists who sign up first are, almost by definition, the ones already thinking about this. They're not waiting to see how things shake out. They're investing in understanding before the understanding becomes mandatory.</p>
<p>That's the same instinct that separated the compositors who thrived in 1993 from those who didn't.</p>
<p>If you've been watching AI change the industry and wondering what your place in it looks like — this is a direct answer to that question.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Secure Your Early-Bird Pricing</h2>
<p>Sign up now to be notified the moment pre-sales go live and lock in discounted pricing before it's available to the public.</p>
<p><strong>→ <a href="https://bit.ly/47x5DOE">Save your spot at early-bird pricing</a></strong></p>
<p><em>Advanced AI Workflows for VFX Artists</em> — Pre-sales begin April 7th.</p>


Learn how to integrate AI workflows into professional VFX production. Relighting, cleanplates, matte painting, and more

New Course Advanced AI Workflows For VFX Artists

Use AI In Actual Productions

<p>With the release of Nuke 17, Foundry has delivered one of the most substantial updates to its compositing tool in years. This iteration moves far beyond incremental tweaks; it rearranges how compositors interact with USD, 3D data, machine learning, performance, and core rendering, all in ways that matter in today’s production pipelines.</p>
<p>For artists and studios who depend on Nuke for high-end episodic and feature work, the value isn’t just in new nodes, it’s in workflow clarity, integration fidelity, and performance gains that scale from single shots to full sequences.</p>
<p>Below we break down the most impactful changes you’ll find in Nuke 17, explained for professionals who want to know not just what is new, but why it matters.</p>
<h3>A Modernized 3D System Built for USD</h3>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1998x1124/e6fd45c97c/actionvfx-nuke-17-review.png" alt=""></p>
<p>At the heart of <strong>Nuke 17</strong> is a rebuilt USD-based 3D system that’s no longer experimental — it’s production-ready. This update brings greater control over scene graph data, more intuitive imported workflows, and tighter integration with real-world pipelines.
Selective Import and Scene Graph Control</p>
<p>In previous versions, importing USD scenes could be a heavy, all-or-nothing process. In Nuke 17, the GeoImport workflow now lets you preview and customize what gets loaded:</p>
<ul>
<li>Load or unload payloads</li>
<li>Activate or deactivate individual prims</li>
<li>Filter by primitive type</li>
<li>Set graph depth before import</li>
</ul>
<p>This prevents unnecessary data from slowing down your comp and gives you precision control over what parts of a complex USD scene actually matter for your shot.
Once imported, the new Scene Graph tab in GeoImport allows you to tweak your selection without re-importing. That’s a real time saver when iterating through layout changes or lighting revisions.</p>
<h3>Native Gaussian Splats — Volumetrics in the Viewer</h3>
<p>One of the stand-out additions in Nuke 17 is native support for Gaussian Splatting — a volumetric asset format that has gained traction in virtual production and environment capture workflows.
Gaussian Splats differ from traditional polygon or voxel representations by treating a scene as a dense field of radiance &quot;blobs.&quot; Each splat carries colour, opacity, and shape data and can be manipulated almost like geometry in the 3D system.</p>
<p>In practical terms:</p>
<ul>
<li>Splats can be imported via GeoImport or GeoReference nodes.</li>
<li>A new SplatRender node enables direct rendering with motion blur and depth outputs, which integrates cleanly into a composite.</li>
<li>Manipulating and masking volumetric splats uses new Field nodes — such as FieldShape, FieldCrop, FieldMix, and others — giving you non-destructive control over dense data inside the nodegraph.</li>
</ul>
<p>For environment work, set extensions, or reconstructions from photogrammetry and capture systems, this means you no longer need to round-trip splat assets through external tools. They can now live natively inside Nuke, be transformed, graded, merged, and composited alongside CG and live-action elements.</p>
<h3>USD Cameras, Lights, and Materials — Work Like the Rest of Your Pipeline</h3>
<p>Nuke 17 expands native support for USD workflows across cameras, lights, and materials, aligning compositing more closely with lookdev and lighting stages in other DCCs</p>
<p><strong>Cameras</strong>
The updated 3D system allows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Direct editing of USD cameras via a GeoEditCamera node.</li>
<li>Passthrough of live USD attribute data so camera changes in upstream packages propagate correctly.</li>
<li>Improved visualization and interaction with cameras inside Nuke’s 3D viewer.</li>
</ul>
<p>For VFX artists working with layout or previs data, this means more reliable matches between comp and upstream camera work, with fewer guess-correct cycles.</p>
<p><strong>Lights</strong>
New light workflows provide:</p>
<ul>
<li>Real-world terminology in light parameters</li>
<li>Direct editing of USD light prims inside Nuke</li>
<li>Expanded controls for intensity, falloff, colour temperature, and shadows.</li>
</ul>
<p>These adjustments help compositors simulate lighting conditions that match set photography or CG lighting more faithfully, without needing to fake or approximate values.</p>
<p><strong>MaterialX and the MtlXStandardSurface Node</strong></p>
<p>For the first time in Nuke, a MaterialX Standard Surface shader node lets you preview and render materials with a consistent shader model, visible in the Hydra viewer and rendered through ScanlineRender2.
This confirms a shift toward USD- and MaterialX-aligned lookdev workflows, reducing the friction when moving between lookdev/render packages and Nuke.</p>
<h3>BigCat: Scaling Machine Learning in Production</h3>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1157x692/dab8a3fe46/bigcat25_actionvfx.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Nuke 17 also introduces BigCat, an extension of the existing CopyCat system that scales ML workflows beyond single-shot training.
While CopyCat lets you train models for matte or task generation on a per-shot basis, BigCat is designed to train across tens or hundreds of images, supporting:</p>
<ul>
<li>Data augmentation</li>
<li>Validation workflows</li>
<li>Custom loss functions for better model quality</li>
</ul>
<p>This is a meaningful upgrade for studios looking to create reusable AI tools trained on their own data — for example, training a model on a full film’s rotoscoping plates to automate cleanup across similar sequences.</p>
<h3>Graph Scope Variables: Live Control Throughout the Node Graph</h3>
<p>Graph Scope Variables (GSVs) — the backbone of multishot workflows introduced earlier — get a production-ready update in Nuke 17. They now support 3D nodes and allow Python callbacks and API hooks that can be triggered by variable events.
This unlocks dynamic content changes inside a comp:</p>
<ul>
<li>Swap geometry</li>
<li>Swap textures</li>
<li>Swap cameras</li>
</ul>
<p>…based on variable logic without duplicating scripts or nodes.
For multi-view or multi-variant editorial sequences, GSVs provide a powerful way to manage complex variations efficiently.</p>
<h3>New Annotation System: Streamlined Review and Collaboration</h3>
<p>Collaboration and review workflows see substantive improvements in Nuke Studio:</p>
<ul>
<li>A new Annotations Panel centralises all notes and comments across playback.</li>
<li>Annotation brushes get pressure-sensitive controls and blending modes.</li>
<li>Timeline markers now show contextual frames and allow easy navigation.</li>
</ul>
<p>These refinements help compositors and reviewers communicate intent visually without leaving the timeline or viewer.</p>
<h3>Performance Gains and Core Pipeline Updates</h3>
<p>Beyond bells and whistles, Nuke 17 brings performance improvements that matter on real sequences:</p>
<ul>
<li>Deep compositing renders up to 1.88× faster to both disk and viewer.</li>
<li>GPU upscaling via the TVIScale node can be up to 98× faster than previous builds.</li>
<li>Native ACES 2.0 support out of the box for both Studio and CG colour workflows, aligning with modern HDR/SDR pipelines.</li>
<li>OFX plugins run without artificial resolution limits — performance now depends on hardware.</li>
<li>New codecs and format support like NotchLC and YCbCr MOV handling across platforms.</li>
</ul>
<p>These optimisations are the type of upgrade that speeds up day-to-day work, especially on large multi-shot compositing tasks.</p>
<h3>What This Means for Your Workflow</h3>
<p>Integrating more USD control, native volumetric support, scalable machine learning, and more intuitive 3D workflows means:</p>
<ul>
<li>Less guesswork</li>
<li>Fewer workarounds</li>
<li>Higher fidelity outputs</li>
<li>Stronger alignment with upstream pipeline tools</li>
</ul>
<p>For studios and senior artists, these changes reduce friction between departments and keep more of your work inside a single compositing context, but without compositing at the expense of control. That’s a real shift in how a node-based tool serves modern VFX production.</p>
<h3>See It in Action</h3>
<p>Want a deep dive into how these features behave on real shots?
🎥 Watch our full <a href="https://youtu.be/zPFuUzfxw0I">Nuke 17 overview tutorial </a>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zPFuUzfxw0I" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>In it, we take real-world examples and show these updates where they matter most: in clean integration with practical elements, lighting consistency, and scalable workflows that hold up under review.</p>


Nuke 17 adds Gaussian Splats, deeper USD integration, BigCat ML, and performance upgrades

Nuke 17 Release

(and Why It Matters for VFX Pipelines)

<p>Modern VFX demands more from artists than ever before.</p>
<p>Smaller teams. Tighter schedules. More technical expectations.
And increasingly, studios need artists who can remove friction from their own workflow instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem.</p>
<p>That’s why we’re officially announcing that Python &amp; AI Integration for Nuke is now in production.
This course is the next step in the evolution of ActionVFX.</p>
<p>After the success of <a href="https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx">Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX</a>, it became clear that artists aren’t just curious about AI. They're want structured, production-ready education. Practical skills you can apply immediately.</p>
<p>We listened.</p>
<p>Now we’re building the next course designed to give Nuke artists more control, more adaptability, and more long-term career security.</p>
<h3>Lock-In Early Access</h3>
<p>Enrollment is not open yet.
But you can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lock in early bird pricing</li>
<li>Receive production updates</li>
<li>Get notified the moment enrollment opens</li>
</ul>
<p>Early sign-ups will secure preferred pricing and ensure you don’t miss the release.
👉 <a href="https://bit.ly/3ORaa88">Sign Up for Early Bird Access</a></p>
<p><strong>Save $150 (30% off) when you secure your spot early.</strong>
This also gives you course release updates and behind-the-scenes development insights.</p>
<h3>What Studios Actually Need</h3>
<p><strong>Python &amp; AI Integration for Nuke</strong> is a practical introduction to modern Python programming and AI integration inside Nuke.
Every concept is introduced through real production scenarios.</p>
<ul>
<li>You’ll write scripts.</li>
<li>Build custom tools.</li>
<li>Automate node operations.</li>
<li>Customize Nuke’s interface.</li>
<li>Structure code the way professional pipeline TDs do.</li>
</ul>
<p>By the end, you won’t just understand Python fundamentals.
You’ll have built your own working toolkit inside Nuke</p>
<p>And that’s the shift.
From tool user → to tool builder.</p>
<h3>What You’ll Actually Build</h3>
<p>This course is designed around tangible outcomes.</p>
<p><strong>Students will:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Write clean, production-ready Python scripts</li>
<li>Automate repetitive node operations</li>
<li>Build custom menus, callbacks, and graphical user interfaces</li>
<li>Structure tools using modern mono repo architecture</li>
<li>Integrate AI directly into Nuke using API workflows</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>You’ll build:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A reusable mini mono repository that auto-loads into Nuke</li>
<li>A chatbot embedded directly inside Nuke</li>
<li>A custom GenAI AIEdit gizmo that edits images using a text prompt and mask</li>
</ul>
<p>Understand how professional pipeline engineers structure tools and how to build systems you can extend long after the course ends.</p>
<h3>AI, Grounded in Fundamentals</h3>
<p>AI is not treated as a trend in this course. It’s treated as an extension of solid fundamentals.</p>
<p><strong>You’ll learn:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>How to connect Nuke to OpenAI via API</li>
<li>How to embed an intelligent assistant directly inside your compositing workflow</li>
<li>How to build a generative AI image-editing gizmo inside Nuke</li>
<li>How to evaluate and debug LLM-generated code</li>
<li>How to swap AI models in the future as tools evolve</li>
</ul>
<h2>You’ll understand how AI fits into production pipelines — not as a replacement for craft, but as a force multiplier.</h2>
<h3>Built for Working Artists</h3>
<p>This course is structured for real production life.</p>
<p>Lessons are focused and digestible.
Designed for lunch breaks.
Designed for the gaps between tasks.</p>
<p>The full course is planned at <strong>~10 hours total</strong>
Individual lessons fall between <strong>6–20 minutes</strong>.</p>
<p>No prior Python knowledge required.
Only familiarity with Nuke.</p>
<p>We are not teaching “all of Python.”
We are teaching Python specifically for Nuke production work.</p>
<h3>Meet the Instructor: Simon Jokuschies</h3>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1280x720/a58fbd4490/simon-jokuschies-_-actionvfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This course is led by Simon Jokuschies, a Senior Pipeline Engineer at INDG/GRIP.
Simon brings over 14 years of industry experience spanning both digital artistry and pipeline engineering.</p>
<p>He has contributed to major pipeline overhauls at:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pixomondo</li>
<li>Scanline VFX</li>
</ul>
<p>His project credits include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Andor</li>
<li>Star Trek: Discovery</li>
<li>The Mandalorian</li>
<li>Wonder Woman</li>
<li>The Fate of the Furious</li>
</ul>
<p>Python has been his professional focus since 2017.
He builds and ships production-grade Nuke tools through <a href="cragl.com">cragl.com</a>.
This is professional pipeline development knowledge taught clearly and accessibly.</p>
<p>In early sessions, Simon’s energy was immediate.
He cares deeply about clarity, architecture, and helping artists truly understand what they’re building.
And that shows in the structure of this course.</p>
<h3>Why We’re Expanding the Academy</h3>
<p>ActionVFX has always focused on empowering artists.
Through production-ready assets, education and practical tools.</p>
<p>This course aligns directly with our mission:
Not to solve problems for artists.
But to teach them how to solve problems themselves.</p>
<p>The industry is shifting.
Learning Python is the natural next step for any Nuke artist who wants to stop waiting on someone else to fix the problem.</p>
<h3>Download the Syllabus</h3>
<p>If you want to see exactly how this course progresses, from fundamentals to AI integration, we’ve made the full syllabus available.
It outlines:</p>
<ul>
<li>Each module</li>
<li>Every project</li>
<li>The AI integration roadmap</li>
<li>The downloadable resources included</li>
</ul>
<p>👉 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p34khKt9WxS1WWpXjUDoiSlqKJMG41zP/view?usp=sharing">Download the Full Syllabus</a></p>
<p>Be sure to sign-up and secure early-bird pricing.
👉 <a href="https://bit.ly/3ORaa88">Sign Up for Early Bird Access</a>
<strong>Save $150 (30% off) when you secure your spot early.</strong></p>


Integrate AI inside Nuke. Lock in early access to Python & AI Integration for Nuke.

Python and AI Integration For Nuke

Make Nuke Work For You

<h3>How This Senior Compositor Reframes What It Means to Learn Nuke</h3>
<p>There’s a world of difference between following a tutorial and learning how real decisions are made in a professional VFX pipeline.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what Aitor Echeveste, a <strong>Senior Compositor at Framestore</strong>, offers in his latest Nuke course, built around a full cinematic sequence: Jurassic Clash.</p>
<h3>Making Decisions</h3>
<p>Set in a rain-drenched jungle and featuring two CG dinosaurs, the sequence serves as a production-grade case study. But this isn’t just a “how to composite dinosaurs” video.</p>
<p>Instead, Aitor breaks down how to think like a compositor: when to push detail, when to hold back, and how to match the ever-moving puzzle of light, depth, and texture across shots.</p>
<p>From subtle glow interactions to the seamless layering of atmospherics, the course prioritizes realism over spectacle, equipping artists with the same decision-making mindset used on high-end features.</p>
<h3>The Role of Real Assets</h3>
<p>To ground the sequence in a believable world, Aitor turned to ActionVFX’s rain and atmospheric elements assets designed not just to look good, but to integrate cleanly into challenging shots.</p>
<p>These aren’t placeholders, they’re the same tools used by professionals across the industry.</p>
<p>Explore the exact assets used: <a href="https://bit.ly/4rxtvJO">Jurassic Clash Asset Breakdown
</a></p>
<h3>What This Course Teaches You</h3>
<p>Beyond software skills, this course builds something far more valuable: creative confidence.</p>
<p>It’s one thing to know how to use Nuke. It’s another to trust your instincts when compositing under pressure, balancing multiple passes, or tackling an incomplete render with grace instead of guesswork.</p>
<p>And that’s what makes this course different—it doesn’t just teach technique. It models the kind of judgment, discipline, and workflow clarity that defines senior-level compositing.</p>
<h3>For Artists Who Want More Than Just Tutorials</h3>
<p>If you’re someone looking to grow into more complex shots…
If you want to understand how to make your composites feel like they belong in a final grade…
If you're ready to build workflows used by professionals…</p>
<p>This course belongs on your radar.
<a href="https://bit.ly/4atZx3q">View the course</a></p>


Learn how Senior Compositor Aitor Echeveste built a cinematic Nuke sequence from scratch.

Nuke Compositing: Jurassic Clash Course

A Professional Nuke Workflow You Can Learn From

The top AI tools for VFX pipelines Artists and Studios should use in 2026.

Top 10 AI Tools Transforming VFX Workflows in 2026

Upgrade your VFX Production with these AI VFX Tools

<p>The Nuke you know is evolving  and Nuke 17 is shaping up to be one of the biggest updates for 3D compositors in years. The Foundry has rethought how artists work inside the 3D environment, introducing a new level of control, speed, and integration. From USD import tools to motion blur tailoring and real-time material projection, this version isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a serious workflow shift.
And yes, we’ve already been testing it.</p>
<h3>A New Era for 3D in Nuke</h3>
<p>One of the most exciting aspects of Nuke 17 is how it reshapes 3D scene management. The GeoNode ecosystem, now out of beta, gives artists powerful tools to work with USD and Alembic files natively in Nuke. From import to refinement, the process is smoother, more visual, and customizable.
Need to isolate a mesh, apply a change, then reapply global tweaks? Use the new GeoMask and GeoClearMask nodes to surgically apply modifications without turning your script into spaghetti. Plus, thanks to the scene graph filtering, you can quickly select, isolate, or re-import elements based on your evolving needs — perfect for large, multi-pass workflows.
This directly supports artists who work with complex model-based assets, like those in our Humvee Collection, which was used in this walkthrough to demonstrate the update’s flexibility.</p>
<h3>Lighting and Cameras That Actually Behave</h3>
<p>Nuke 17 introduces streamlined support for camera and light data, both of which can now be pulled directly from your USD scene with a few clicks. This is made possible by the GeoImport system, which automatically populates camera and light values into Nuke, cutting down setup time significantly.
Better still, the lights now show up visually in the 3D viewer with color-coded interfaces, making it easy to tweak, identify, and balance them without diving through metadata. Reflection and visibility issues can be corrected with basic shader overrides, a big win for realism, especially when compositing real-world fire, explosion, or surface interaction footage.</p>
<h3>ACES 2.0 &amp; TBI Upscaler: Faster, Smarter, Sharper</h3>
<p>Color management gets a lift with <strong>ACES 2.0 now supported natively</strong>, giving studios working in HDR and wide color gamut a stronger baseline. The updated TBI scaler also unlocks faster image upscaling, boasting 98x GPU and 26x CPU performance improvements. These aren’t just impressive benchmarks, they translate to real-time playback and faster client approvals.</p>
<h3>Hello Ray Depth.</h3>
<p>Need to parent a digital card to a moving 3D object (like attaching smoke to a vehicle exhaust)? The new <strong>GeoTransform</strong> and <strong>GeoConstrain</strong> nodes let you snap to mesh vertices and bake or preserve animation. Whether you're tracking ActionVFX assets into your scene or anchoring digital dust trails to a destruction sim, these tools give you options. You can now iterate without redoing setups every time an animation changes.</p>
<h3>MaterialX Support &amp; Future-Proofing</h3>
<p>While still in beta, the early MaterialX integration gives Nuke a clearer future in modern DCC pipelines. You can now bring in Autodesk standard shaders directly into Nuke, which is a strong move for teams working between Maya and Nuke, especially for previews, look-dev, or quick material testing.</p>
<h3>Tailored Motion Blur</h3>
<p>Scanline Render also got an upgrade. You can now apply selective motion blur, adjusting which objects receive blur, how much, and how it’s calculated. This is huge for precision in fast-cut sequences or stylized shots where control matters more than realism.</p>
<h3>Watch Our Hands-On Nuke 17 Review</h3>
<p>Want to see these features in action?
We walked through the Nuke 17 beta using real assets from our <strong>Humvee</strong> collection to show exactly how the new tools work in a production-style comp. From scene graph filtering to practical lighting integration, it’s all in there.
Watch the full review here and see how Nuke 17 performs where it matters most: inside a real shot.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vFT6DBGP7FY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3>Ready to Try It?</h3>
<p>The public beta for Nuke 17 is out now. Download it, experiment, and see how it changes your workflow.
And if you’re looking for assets that let you make the most of these new tools, you’ll find everything from fully 3D vehicles to multi-light practical fire, damage overlays, and AI-ready source clips in the ActionVFX library.
Build your scene faster with studio-grade assets → <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_Products">Explore the Library</a></p>


Get a first look at Nuke 17’s biggest features

Nuke 17 review

Nuke 17 Beta Is Here! 

<p>It’s that time of year again, but this time, we’ve come with more.
More collections. More bundles. More ways to save.
And for the first time ever, <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_ComfyUI">courses</a> are part of the deal.
The ActionVFX Black Friday 2025 Sale runs from <strong>Monday, November 24th at 12AM ET through Friday, November 28th at 11:59PM ET</strong>. And this year, the discounts hit harder than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know.</p>
<h3>The Deals</h3>
<p>Whether you’re a solo artist or managing a full VFX pipeline, there’s something here for you.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>40% off</strong> all <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_Products">Collections</a></li>
<li><strong>40% off</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_Courses">Annual Subscriptions</a></li>
<li><strong>40% off</strong> all <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_Pricing">Credit Packs</a> (5 or more credits)</li>
<li><strong>80% off</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_Bundles">Bundles</a>: our biggest, best-value offer</li>
<li><strong>20% off</strong> our VFX Course: <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_ComfyUI">Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX</a>
If you’ve been eyeing a specific library, building a wishlist, or just want to stock up, now’s the time to lock it all in.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What’s New This Year</h3>
<p>For Black Friday 2025, we’re opening the vault, which means brand-new products, first-time bundle deals, and a growing educational library now available at a discount.
This is the first year our <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_ComfyUI">ActionVFX Academy course</a>  is included in the sale — giving you access to real training, real tools, and smart, AI-assisted workflows that you can apply to your projects immediately.
Plus, with a massive expansion of our catalog, a-la-carte flexibility and new bundles make it easier to pick up just what you need, or everything at once.</p>
<h3>The Dollar Deal</h3>
<p>New this year. We’re putting 30 individual VFX assets on sale for just $1 each.
That’s not a typo. <strong>One dollar!</strong></p>
<p>These handpicked clips are scattered throughout the ActionVFX catalog like digital Easter eggs. You won’t find them listed together because this is a scavenger hunt.</p>
<p>Throughout the week, we’ll be dropping clues, hints, and mini-promos to help you find them. Follow us on social or keep an eye on your inbox. If you’re on a tight budget, this is your chance to grab powerful assets without breaking the bank.</p>
<p>Stay sharp. Stay tuned. And happy hunting.
<img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x1080/a91da211bc/windy-fires-actionvfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<h3>Plan Ahead — Or Jump In Now</h3>
<p>The sale closes at <strong>11:59PM ET on Friday, November 28th</strong>. No extensions, no late checkouts.
Want to get the most out of the sale? Start making a wishlist of your favourite collections now, and check back often on our socials and Discord for Dollar Deal hints.</p>
<h3>The Sale</h3>
<p>Explore the full <a href="https://bit.ly/BF_Products">Black Friday</a> event
Whether you’re freelancing, running a team, or prototyping a new IP, this is your week to stock up, save big, and get ready for 2026.</p>
<p>Avoid Missing Out.
<a href="https://bit.ly/4rkfrUK">Sign Up For Notifications</a></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/960x540/f313d69845/actionvfx-black-friday-2025.jpg" alt="ActionVFX Black Friday 2025"></p>


Save up to 80% on VFX assets, bundles, and courses—plus find $1 asset deals hidden across the site in our Dollar Deal scavenger hunt.

ActionVFX Black Friday 2025

Collections. Subscriptions. Bundles. Courses!

<p>Starting today, you can once again purchase ActionVFX assets individually — no subscription required.</p>
<p>We’ve been hearing from you for months.</p>
<p>From freelancers working solo on fast-turnaround gigs...
From studio teams balancing multiple deliverables...
From artists deep in the comp, just trying to make the shot land...</p>
<p><em>“I don’t need a full library. I need one fire burst. One crack. One clean plate.”</em></p>
<p>So we brought back individual asset purchases to meet you where you are — in the middle of production, with a deadline approaching and no time to overthink.</p>
<h2>Built for Real Workflows</h2>
<p>We know not every project justifies a full subscription. Not every timeline gives you the freedom to explore a library. Sometimes, you just need one solution — fast.</p>
<p>With this change, you can now:</p>
<p>🎯 Download any of our 12,000+ VFX assets on-demand
🎯 Pay only for what you use
🎯 Grab the one shot that solves the problem and move on</p>
<p>This is for the moments between the big deliveries. The quick wins that still need to look rock solid. The &quot;just one more&quot; that saves the day in comp.</p>
<h2>For Studios &amp; Artists That Move Fast</h2>
<p>Have a client who keeps changing the brief?
Need to fix a shot for review without breaking the budget?
Want to prototype a concept before pitching a full sequence?</p>
<p>Now you can drop in a single asset — like a dust wave, muzzle flash, or ember burst — without reworking your pipeline or committing to a plan.</p>
<p>It’s a better fit for teams that need to stay nimble. And a smarter option for artists who know exactly what they’re looking for.</p>
<h2>You Still Get the Same Quality</h2>
<p>Every element in our library — whether you subscribe or buy individually — is:</p>
<p>✔ Shot practically
✔ Pre-keyed or designed for comp
✔ Color-matched across collections
✔ Available in 2K, 4K, or higher
✔ Used in productions by Netflix, HBO, and major game studios</p>
<p>We’ve built our reputation on realism, and that doesn’t change — no matter how you access the files.</p>
<h2>We Listened. You Changed Our Roadmap.</h2>
<p>The return of individual purchases wasn’t in the plan — but you made it clear that it needed to be.
This is for the teams running tight pipelines. For the artists patching holes at the eleventh hour. For the producers juggling fixed budgets and moving deadlines.</p>
<p>You're the reason this change happened.
Any Asset. Any Time.</p>
<p>Whether you’re delivering final shots today or pitching the next big thing tomorrow, we’ve got your back.</p>
<p>👉 Explore the full ActionVFX library
https://bit.ly/al-a-carte
Download just what you need — and get back to making great work.</p>


Now available: purchase ActionVFX assets individually with no subscription. Get only what you need, when you need it—built for flexible, fast-moving VFX workflows.

Individual Purchasing Is Back At Actionvfx

You Asked. We Listened.

<p>Halloween may be make-believe, but realism is kind of our thing.</p>
<p>And after learning that our blood and gore assets are “too real for YouTube,” we’re taking that as the highest possible compliment.</p>
<p>Welcome to Goremania 2025. This October join the celebration of brutal realism, over-the-top mayhem, and practical VFX you can feel in your gut.</p>
<p>This year, we’re going big. New assets. Big prizes. More mess.</p>
<h3>💀 What’s Up for Grabs</h3>
<p>You can win:
Blood Pools Vol. 1 – the tried-and-true fan favorite
Blood Pools Vol. 2 – our brand-new collection dropping Oct 16
$100 in ActionVFX Store Credit – to get whatever else you’re missing</p>
<p>Each winner gets all three. And yep, we’re doing this twice!</p>
<p><strong>Giveaway #1:</strong> Ends October 16 (winners announced that day)
<strong>Giveaway #2:</strong> Starts October 16 (featuring the ENTIRE Blood &amp; Gore Category)</p>
<p>That's right. From October 16th you could win the Blood &amp; Gore Category.
899 Assets. Perfect for your Horror Films.</p>
<h3>🧛 How to Enter</h3>
<p>Visit the [Goremania Giveaway Page]https://bit.ly/goremania_part2)
and complete any of the listed actions.
Each one earns you more entries, so the more you do, the better your odds.</p>
<p>✔️ Follow us on social
✔️ Share with friends
✔️ Explore gore collections
✔️ Drop your name in the blood-soaked hat</p>
<p>Quick. Easy. Zero jump scares.
Share Your Creations Using The Hashtag <strong>#Goremania</strong></p>
<h3>🩸 20% Off All Gore Assets — All Month</h3>
<p>From arterial sprays to oozing wounds and wall textures, all blood and gore collections are 20% off for the entire month of October.
No codes. No tricks. Just realistic, pre-keyed carnage built to save you time and gross out your colorist (in a good way).</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/600x338/f5ef659ecc/medium_dripping_blood_vol-1_thumbnail_v05-1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Every collection is exported or shot practically with cinematic lighting, available in high resolutions, and designed to drop right into your comp with no mess (outside of frame, anyway).</p>
<h3>👇 Don’t Miss This</h3>
<p>🧟‍♂️ Giveaway closes Oct 31st — enter now to win.
🩸 <strong>Gore assets are 20% off all month</strong>.
🎯 <a href="https://bit.ly/goremania_part2">Enter the Giveaway</a></p>
<p>🎯 Browse the <a href="actionvfx.com/collections/blood-gore/category">Gore Collection</a></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1600x900/4cafda2ccf/goremania_giveaway_avfx.jpg" alt=""></p>


Win blood VFX assets + $100 credit during Goremania. 20% off all gore collections all October.

ActionVFX Goremania Giveaway

Win New Assets, Store Credit, and Unleash the Blood

<p>There’s a shift happening in the industry and no, it’s not about replacing artists with AI.
It’s about supporting artists with tools that make their work faster, cleaner, and more creative.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what the <a href="https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx">Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX</a> course was built to do.</p>
<h3>Launched as the first official course from ActionVFX Academy</h3>
<p>It’s already helped hundreds of artists and studios streamline their compositing workflows using ComfyUI — a free, powerful, node-based interface for Stable Diffusion.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/3840x2160/702f35b208/rotoscoping-comfyui-vfx.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Whether you’re dealing with digital cleanup, relighting, roto, or just want a better way to prototype complex looks, this course gives you a system to integrate AI into your existing VFX pipeline — without losing control or quality.</p>
<h3>What Is ComfyUI, and Why Should VFX Artists Care?</h3>
<p>ComfyUI is a node-based interface for AI image generation using Stable Diffusion. But while most people use it for concept art and image-to-image stylization, this course shows how to use it for production-level tasks, like:</p>
<p>You’ll learn how to generate clean plates without frame-by-frame painting, create smart mattes with ControlNet, relight subjects using depth maps, build image-based set extensions through inpainting, and export layered EXRs ready for compositing in Nuke, After Effects, or Resolve.</p>
<p>If you’ve ever found yourself spending hours patching backgrounds, painting out crew, or building masks by hand, this course gives you real alternatives that scale.</p>
<h3>Built for Working Artists</h3>
<p>Plenty of tutorials explain how to generate “cool-looking” AI images. But Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX is designed to help working professionals solve real problems — like delivering clean comps under pressure.
You’ll learn how to:</p>
<p>In this course, you'll build a ComfyUI workflow designed for VFX—not just AI art—using LoRAs, IP Adapters, and ControlNet to handle real production tasks, automate tedious cleanup without losing precision, export clean EXRs for your comp app, and use AI as a creative assistant, not a replacement.</p>
<p>The course is structured across 15 modules, each building toward a system you can use across clients, short films, game cinematics, and professional VFX shots.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/3840x2160/706f8ae2d6/comfyui-for-vfx-nuke.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>What Students Are Saying</p>
<p>The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — not just in reviews, but in how artists are already applying what they’ve learned.</p>
<p><em>“Taking Intro to ComfyUI for VFX was a great experience. Starting with no prior knowledge, the course gave me a solid foundation and showed the real potential of ComfyUI to simplify heavy tasks and free up more time for the creative side of compositing.”</em>
— Alejandro Laviada, Digital Compositor</p>
<p><em>“I came to this course knowing nothing at all about Comfy. I’ve found it to be a great introduction to the possible workflows, and it was all explained in a very understandable way.”</em>
— Leo Weston, VFX Supervisor</p>
<p>These aren’t one-off comments. They reflect what so many artists have said: this is practical AI for VFX.</p>
<h3>Why Learn ComfyUI Now?</h3>
<p>Studios are already integrating AI tools into their pipelines — not to replace artists, but to reduce the manual burden of repetitive work.
And whether you're in commercials, feature films, or game cinematics, being able to create AI-assisted mattes, background replacements, and set extensions is becoming a valuable skill.</p>
<p>This course gives you a future-proof advantage by showing how to use AI tools the way a professional compositor would, with control, quality, and accountability.</p>
<h3>Less Guesswork, More Creative Time</h3>
<p>The future of VFX won’t be defined by who knows the most buttons — but by who uses their time best.</p>
<p>That’s what this course is about: giving you your time back. Less brute-force masking. Less frame-by-frame cleanup. More creative direction. More actual compositing.</p>
<p>Whether you’re freelancing, managing a pipeline, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve — Introduction to ComfyUI for VFX will change how you work.</p>
<p>👉 Enroll now and start learning the AI workflow VFX artists actually use:
<a href="https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx">https://courses.actionvfx.com/comfyui-for-vfx</a></p>


Learn how VFX artists are using ComfyUI to speed up cleanup, roto, and relighting. A practical, production-ready AI course built for real workflows.

ComfyUI For VFX

A Smarter Way to Composite: Why VFX Artists Are Turning to ComfyUI

<p>AI isn’t coming for the VFX. It’s already here.
And for artists who want to stay relevant, competitive, and creatively in control, it’s time to stop watching from the sidelines and start integrating it into your workflow.
That’s exactly what our new ActionVFX Academy course is built to help you do.</p>
<p><strong>Intro to ComfyUI for VFX</strong>
<a href="https://bit.ly/3IR8kBm">Sign-up Now for Early Bird Discount of 30% Off! </a>
Exclusively on ActionVFX Academy.</p>
<h3>This Isn’t Just Another AI Tutorial</h3>
<p>We’ve seen the YouTube thumbnails and the “prompt-to-magic” hype.
**That’s not what this is. **
This course is for compositors, technical artists, and VFX pros who care about real production quality, and want to understand how AI can support that work without replacing the fundamentals.
Taught by <strong>Doug Hogan</strong>, this is a structured, 15-module deep dive into ComfyUI — one of the most powerful AI tools in the VFX space right now. Whether you’re using it for lookdev, matte creation, clean plates, set extensions, or asset generation, this course gives you a repeatable, practical workflow that’s ready to plug into real-world shots.</p>
<h3>What You’ll Actually Be Able To Do After This Course</h3>
<p>By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Install and configure ComfyUI for your local or cloud environment</li>
<li>Build and troubleshoot image generation workflows from scratch</li>
<li>Use ControlNets, LoRAs, IPAdapters, and inpainting techniques effectively</li>
<li>Generate usable mattes, clean plates, and utility passes</li>
<li>Extend sets, create stylized variants, and design objects for 3D workflows</li>
<li>Export EXRs properly and upscale images for final output</li>
</ul>
<p>Everything is structured to build a modular, production-ready AI workflow that you can plug into your own projects, no matter the budget.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>AI can’t feel like a slot machine. If we’re covering AI-based workflows, we explain what it’s doing, why it matters, and how to recreate it with confidence.
<em>Doug Hogan, Course Instructor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Designed for Artists Who Refuse to Fall Behind</h3>
<p>This course is built for those who need clarity, control, and creative freedom in a rapidly evolving landscape:</p>
<p><strong>VFX Artists &amp; Compositors with Node-Based Experience</strong>
Especially valuable for Nuke users, this course digs into how AI integrates into established workflows—so you’re not left wondering if these tools are gimmicks or game-changers. You’ll learn how to implement them without breaking the visual continuity or pipeline conventions you already rely on.</p>
<p><strong>Students Preparing for a Changing Industry</strong>
Whether you're finishing a VFX degree or pivoting into the field, this course gives you a practical, grounded understanding of AI’s real role in production. You’ll gain insights that go beyond theory, skills studios are already starting to expect.</p>
<p><strong>Supervisors &amp; Leads Looking to Stay Strategic</strong>
If you're exploring where AI fits in your pipeline, this course presents concrete use cases and red flags. Learn how to evaluate tools not just for their novelty, but for how they can support efficiency, quality, and ethical production standards.</p>
<p><strong>Independent Creators &amp; Freelancers Navigating New Terrain</strong>
For those working solo or in small teams, AI can either be a shortcut or a stumbling block. We’ll show you how to use it responsibly and practically: saving time without compromising your voice or values.
If you’ve ever felt like AI tools are a black box of buzzwords and instability, this course pulls the curtain back. We’re teaching exactly how it works, how to use it, and how to know when to use something else.</p>
<h3>Made by Artists.</h3>
<p>We’re a studio-backed team of artists who believe that the more you understand your tools, the better your work becomes. This course is about helping our community stay sharp, confident, and ahead of the curve.
AI isn’t a threat to VFX, misunderstanding it might be. We’re here to bridge that gap, responsibly, clearly, and with full transparency. The more you understand how to use AI, the more you can use it your way.
This is essential core knowledge for artists looking to retool in a rapidly changing industry and unlock some exciting creative possibilities along the way.</p>
<h3>Sign-Up Now</h3>
<p>The full course drops September 2nd, but you can secure your access today.
Whether you’re looking to experiment, retool, or lead your team into the next chapter of VFX workflows, <strong>Intro to ComfyUI for VFX</strong>, is your starting point.</p>
<p><a href="https://bit.ly/3IR8kBm">Sign-up now and get 30% Off</a></p>
<p>Built for artists. Structured for production. Backed by ActionVFX.</p>


Announcing ActionVFX's First Course | Introduction To ComfyUI For VFX

ActionVFX's First Ever Course!

Introduction to ComfyUI For VFX By Doug Hogan

<p>We're spotlighting <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/c/vfx-magic">VFXMagic</a>, a passionate creator who’s turned their fascination with destruction into a high-impact, hyper-usable new collection: <a href="https://bit.ly/44Ga7So">Concrete Wall Cracks</a>.</p>
<h2>The Need For Wall Cracks</h2>
<blockquote>
<p>“I've always been passionate about VFX and love exploring high-quality real-life footage. ActionVFX has been my go-to source for top-tier elements across all kinds of effects. Since it has played such a big role in my creative workflow, I’m excited for the chance to give back and contribute to the platform that’s inspired and supported so much of my RnD work.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That mindset, driven by curiosity and creative momentum, is exactly what makes this collection stand out. Inspired by a recurring problem in many destruction scenes, <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/c/vfx-magic">VFXMagic</a> set out to fill a real gap in the market… by quite literally creating cracks in the wall.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“As an Artist, I often found the need for clean, realistic wall crack elements that could integrate easily into destruction scenes. This inspired me to create a wall crack simulation in Houdini that captures the kind of detail and realism often missing from standard stock footage.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Made In Houdini</h2>
<p>This isn’t your typical crack decal or basic fracture pass. The attention to detail and usability shows from the very first frame.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I created this in Houdini, starting by hand-drawing the cracks. I then fractured the geometry based on the crack areas and paid special attention to debris breakup, edge details, and surface realism. Once the simulation was finalized, I rendered the footage with a clean background to ensure it’s easy to composite into any pipeline.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even better? The collection includes options built specifically to support different workflows.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“The selection pass to isolate the inside crack or falling debris is what I find most useful, it makes it easy to interact and blend with any footage.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The end result is a set of assets that are easy to drop in, adaptable to a wide range of environments, and crafted with realism from the start.
<img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1152x648/411c89e04d/wallcrack.gif" alt=""></p>
<h2>Built for Filmmakers, Compositors, and Storytellers</h2>
<p>VFXMagic didn’t just make these assets for themselves, they made them for anyone telling stories with damage, destruction, or atmospheric decay.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“This product is ideal for VFX artists, filmmakers, and content creators who need quick-to-use, realistic wall damage or destruction layers. I imagine it being used in action scenes, architectural breakdowns, or to enhance sets with environmental storytelling.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Whether you’re crafting a Hollywood-level collapse or subtly aging a background wall in a short film, this collection has the range and flexibility to do both. It’s cinematic, clean, and surprisingly efficient to use.</p>
<h2>What Makes ActionVFX Different?</h2>
<p>Many platforms offer a place to upload assets. But very few make contributing feel like a true creative collaboration.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Its focus on high-quality, production-ready assets that are curated specifically for VFX artists. As someone who works on complex simulations, I appreciate the consistency, realism, and variety that make integrating their elements into professional workflows seamless.”</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>“I must say, they are very open to ideas, and it’s a pleasure working with them. The program helped me turn my creative experiments into valuable resources for other artists, while also motivating me to maintain high production standards in my personal work.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is what we’re proud of. Our contributor platform is giving artists a reason to keep creating. A place to turn technical play into polished product. And a global audience that sees the value in every frame.</p>
<h2>The Value of Sharing Your Work</h2>
<p>At ActionVFX, we often hear from contributors that just knowing their work might be used in something larger is a massive creative motivator. For VFXMagic, that impact is deeply personal:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“It’s an incredible feeling to know that my work could become part of films, games, or commercials seen around the world. As an artist, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your efforts contribute to storytelling on a global scale.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And while the <a href="https://bit.ly/44Ga7So">Concrete Wall Cracks</a> collection hasn’t hit the big screen just yet, they’re watching closely.</p>
<p>“Not yet, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how other artists use it. That’s the most exciting part, watching your work become a small piece in someone else's big creative vision.”</p>
<h2>Filling the Gaps</h2>
<p>At its core, the ActionVFX library exists to fill production gaps — and this collection nails that goal.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“There aren’t many clean, high-quality wall crack simulations that are easy to composite and come with flexibility like selection passes. This kind of asset saves time for artists who want destruction details without building everything from scratch.”
When we say <em>&quot;crafted by artists, for artists,&quot;</em> this is what we mean.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>What’s Next from VFXMagic?</h2>
<p>The creative momentum isn’t slowing down. VFXMagic already has plans to expand their contributions with more types of destruction and realism-rich elements.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“If given the chance, I’d love to create a collection featuring glass cracks, metal tearing, cloth tearing, and large-scale earthquake-style destruction. These elements add a lot of impact and realism to action scenes and are always in demand across different types of projects.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Become a ActionVFX Contributor</h2>
<p>So if you’re a VFX artist who’s passionate about sharing your tools with the community — just like VFXMagic, we’d love to hear from you. Until then, take a look at what they’ve built.
👉 Download the <a href="https://bit.ly/44Ga7So">Concrete Wall Cracks Collection</a> and see what happens when detail, usability, and creative intent come together.
High-quality VFX elements, crafted by artists for artists</p>


VFXMagic’s Concrete Wall Cracks collection shows what’s possible when artists create with production in mind. Learn how it was made.

Creating Concrete Wall Cracks 

A personal project into a go-to damage asset for filmmakers—plus why it’s easier than you think to do the same with ActionVFX

<p>When the ActionVFX team kicked off our recent asset production, we were focused on solving a real production gap. Artists were having to warp flat wounds, animating stills, or leaning on time-consuming paint overs just to sell a burn. We knew we could offer something smarter: realistic, animated practical burn wounds that react and disturb. That’s how we came to create the <a href="https://bit.ly/4nJ0BoR">Burning Flesh collection</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&quot;We knew we could do something that would be animated and grotesque and would just get something really fresh and new that would fit well with like a body on fire or burn wounds&quot;.
<em>Zac VanHoy, ActionVFX’s Asset Development Supervisor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Our goal was to create an asset that integrates into real workflows across horror, action, sci-fi — and sells the pain.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1920x1080/7ff69b64ae/burningflesh.gif" alt=""></p>
<h2>These Wounds Move</h2>
<p>Burn wounds in VFX are more than surface damage. They ripple, crackle, bubble. They respond to trauma, heat, movement. We built the <a href="https://bit.ly/4nJ0BoR">Burning Flesh collection</a> to do the same.
They’re fully animated practical elements, shot with blistering realism in high-resolution and designed to live inside your composite. Some assets pulse. Others shred or peel. All of them are deeply textured and deeply uncomfortable.
This makes them perfect for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Body-on-fire shots</li>
<li>Explosive aftermaths</li>
<li>Horror reveals</li>
<li>Sci-fi weapon burns</li>
<li>or supernatural attacks</li>
</ul>
<p>Because the elements are already reacting to heat and light, they comp in naturally. You spend less time selling the effect and more time building the story.</p>
<h2>Filming Practical Burning Flesh FX</h2>
<p>Making this collection meant committing to the kind of practical shoot you don’t fake.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“We also used some mixtures that you might would find in like a school project volcano… to get some fizzing and bubbling as well.”
<em>Zac VanHoy, ActionVFX’s Asset Development Supervisor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2000x1333/453ec359fe/fx-pros.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Collaborating with FX pros to build layered prosthetics and heat-reactive materials that would behave like burning flesh.</p>
<p>This shoot required full precision: prosthetics were timed to deform under heat; lighting rigs were calibrated to expose the wound textures at multiple burn stages. With controlled fire sources, blistering compounds, and high-speed capture, we were able to simulate how skin bubbles, splits, and chars in intense scenarios.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“It definitely gives you something that you're not going to be able to easily simulate in CG.”
<em>Zac VanHoy, ActionVFX’s Asset Development Supervisor.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Realistic Burn FX</h2>
<p>Burning Flesh is built for the kinds of moments that leave an audience stunned.
We made this because we saw too many burn effects fall flat. Zac VanHoy, our Asset Development Supervisor, led this project from early tests through to post-production. What came out of it is a toolset that bridges creativity and technical control.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&quot;It’s something that is shot for real which always is a leg up… real fire, real explosions that we film… there’s still little nuances that you are going to get, imperfections that you're going to see when using and filming real objects and assets.&quot;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It hits that rare sweet spot: gross enough for horror, controlled enough for feature work, flexible enough for game cinematics, shorts, or commercial VFX.</p>
<p><strong>Ready to Use</strong>
The Burning Flesh collection is live now. Every clip is built with artists in mind, designed to work across After Effects, Nuke, Resolve, Fusion, Unreal, or whatever your pipeline calls for.
<em>Explore the collection:</em> 👉 <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/burning-flesh-stock-footage?position=1&amp;query_id=73d3235494df8cd40fcb756b62dc08f1">Burning Flesh Stock Footage Collection</a></p>
<p>Tag us <em>#MadeWithActionVFX</em> with your results, we love seeing how you use the assets.</p>
<p>If your next shot calls for trauma, tension, or something that makes people flinch — ActionVFX has the assets you need.</p>


Realistic burning flesh VFX assets—filmed practical effects to save time, boost realism, and outperform CG in fire and burn scenes.

BTS: How We Created the Burning Flesh Collection for VFX Artists

Whether you’re comping a post-explosion trauma shot or a body-on-fire horror sequence, nothing kills the realism faster than a wound that just sits there, unreactive to heat, motion, or lighting. The market is filled with flat textures, static decals, or digital paintovers that fall apart once you try to bring them to life.  So we built something new.

<p>If you want to build a career in high-end VFX compositing, learning The Foundry's Nuke is essential.</p>
<p>It’s the software used in major films, TV shows, and commercials because it’s built for high-end compositing. Unlike After Effects, where layers can get messy fast, Nuke’s node-based system gives you total control over every element of your shot.</p>
<p>To help you get started, we just launched a <strong>free Intro to Nuke course</strong>, led by <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/doughogan/">Doug Hogan</a></strong>—a senior compositor with 18+ years of experience in the feature film industry. He’s worked on projects ranging from indie films to major productions, and in this 6-part course, he’ll guide you through the fundamentals of Nuke, breaking down complex concepts into clear, practical lessons.</p>
<p><em>&quot;One of the best Nuke comp tutorials on YouTube! Even more valuable than paid courses.&quot;</em> — Student, Introduction to Nuke Compositing by ActionVFX</p>
<p><strong>What this 6-part course covers:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Understanding Nuke’s interface and workflow</li>
<li>The four essential nodes that power every composite</li>
<li>Green screen keying, masking, and advanced compositing techniques</li>
<li>3D compositing and integrating VFX elements</li>
<li>Industry best practices for structuring node graphs</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you're transitioning from After Effects or brand new to compositing, this course will teach you the right way to approach Nuke.</p>
<h2>Chapter 1: Understanding Nuke’s Workflow</h2>
<p>When you first open Nuke, it might feel overwhelming. The interface and workflow are vastly different from layer-based software like After Effects.</p>
<p><strong>In Chapter 1, Doug walks you through:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Nuke interface and how to navigate it</li>
<li>How to set up your first project</li>
<li>Loading and converting image sequences</li>
<li>Why node-based compositing offers more control than layers</li>
</ul>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 1:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zRTDfuz8G80" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 2: The Four Essential Nodes for Every Composite</h2>
<p>You don’t need to memorize hundreds of nodes to work in Nuke—most of your work will rely on just a few.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Read</strong> – Brings assets into Nuke</li>
<li><strong>Merge</strong> – Controls how layers interact</li>
<li><strong>Transform</strong> – Moves, scales, and rotates elements</li>
<li><strong>Grade</strong> – Adjusts color and exposure for seamless blending</li>
</ul>
<p>Master these, and you’re well on your way to building professional composites. <strong>In Chapter 2, Doug breaks down how each works, giving you the practical skills to start efficiently structuring your Nuke node graphs.</strong></p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 2:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EgkScZEWoSk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 3: Rotoscoping and Masking Essentials</h2>
<p>Rotoscoping and masking are foundational skills for every compositor, giving you the control needed to isolate elements and integrate them seamlessly into a shot.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Roto &amp; RotoPaint</strong> – Create and refine custom masks</li>
<li><strong>Animated Masks</strong> – Add movement for dynamic compositing</li>
<li><strong>Workflow Best Practices</strong> – Stay organized and efficient</li>
<li><strong>Machine Learning Tools</strong> – Speed up rotoscoping with machine learning tools</li>
</ul>
<p>Master these techniques, and you’ll be ready to tackle complex compositing challenges with precision. In Chapter 3, Doug walks you through these essential tools, ensuring you have the skills for roto and masking in Nuke.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 3:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFZZMB3x8hY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 4: Gridwarp &amp; Depth Maps for Realistic Compositing</h2>
<p>In chapter 4, Doug teaches the tools that help you match elements to your scene with greater precision. You'll learn how to use Gridwarp and depth maps to control placement, add perspective, and build more realistic composites.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Element Integration</strong> – Add ActionVFX assets that feel like part of the shot</li>
<li><strong>Gridwarp Tool</strong> – Bend, distort, and animate elements with control</li>
<li><strong>Depth Maps</strong> – Use machine learning to generate accurate depth</li>
<li><strong>Atmospheric Effects</strong> – Add fog and haze that responds to your scene’s depth</li>
</ul>
<p>Doug breaks down how and when to use these tools so your shots feel cohesive and intentional. After this chapter, you’ll be ready to handle more complex composites with confidence.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 4:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CO6dGaBiX84" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 5: Color Matching for Seamless Composites</h2>
<p>In Chapter 5, Doug breaks down the color correction tools that make your elements blend naturally. You’ll learn how to match colors across your scene and make final adjustments that bring everything together visually.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Color Correction Tools</strong> – Use Grade, ColorCorrect, and HueShift nodes</li>
<li><strong>Element Matching</strong> – Balance colors across different layers for realism</li>
<li><strong>Final Adjustments</strong> – Refine contrast, saturation, and black points</li>
<li><strong>Organic Touches</strong> – Add subtle camera shake for a natural finish</li>
</ul>
<p>By the end of this chapter, your composites will look cleaner, more cohesive, and ready for final delivery.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 5:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rE_0JINOWYY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>CHAPTER 6: Final Polish, Rendering, &amp; Professional Delivery</h2>
<p>In Chapter 6, Doug shows you how to bring everything together into a fully polished shot. You’ll finalize your composite, fix visual issues, and add the last details that make your work feel studio-ready.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Final Touches</strong> – Clean up your composite and fix any errors</li>
<li><strong>Color &amp; Effects</strong> – Apply subtle tweaks for consistency</li>
<li><strong>Rendering</strong> – Export a finished sequence for review or delivery</li>
<li><strong>Sound Design</strong> – Use machine learning tools to add immersive sound</li>
</ul>
<p>This chapter ties it all together so your composite is ready for the big screen.</p>
<p>📺 Watch Chapter 6:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rlp2TcBMNLU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Each chapter builds on the last, taking you step by step into the world of professional compositing. Be sure to <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">subscribe to our channel</a></strong> so you don't miss upcoming tutorials!</p>
<h2>Start Learning Nuke for Free</h2>
<p>If you’re serious about VFX, this is your chance to learn from an industry expert at no cost.</p>
<p><strong>Have any questions?</strong> Drop a comment in the videos and one of our artists will get back to you!</p>
<p><strong>ActionVFX socials:</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ActionVFXofficial">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actionvfx/">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/actionvfxofficial/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/actionvfx?lang=en">X</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@actionvfxofficial?lang=en">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionvfx">Linkedin</a></p>


Learn Nuke in this free 6-part course by Doug Hogan, starting with the fundamentals and building up to professional techniques.

Master Nuke Compositing: Free Introduction Course to Nuke

<p><em>Last Updated: Jan 27, 2025</em></p>
<p>We’re excited to announce that we just launched the first wave of improvements to the <a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">ActionVFX subscription</a>! Here’s what’s new:</p>
<h2>Custom Credit Packs</h2>
<p>Credit packs are available for subscribers to scale their plan by purchasing additional credits as they need them. Previously, users were restricted to preset credit packs of 5, 10, and 20. However, this resulted in subscribers needing to purchase unnecessary credits and artists having difficulty passing costs down to clients.</p>
<p><strong>Subscribers are now able to purchase the exact number of credits they need to download assets, without restrictions.</strong> Additionally, subscribers still get bulk discounts on larger credit purchases.</p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2048x1270/e199bb9558/actionvfx-custom-credit-packs.jpeg" alt=""></p>
<h2>Essentials Plan Now Available</h2>
<p>After launching the ActionVFX subscription, we quickly realized that not every user benefits from month-over-month credit accumulation. Some users, especially hobbyists or freelancers, don't do enough compositing to justify this cost, or only require assets from the <a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">Essentials Catalog</a>. We're excited to launch a new plan that caters to the best interest of these artists.</p>
<p><strong>We just introduced the Essentials Plan, a new low-cost plan designed with freelancers in mind. Here’s what subscribers get with the Essentials Plan:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>20 daily downloads from the Essentials Catalog - a selection of 3,000 premium assets from over 90 collections.</li>
<li>The ability to purchase custom credit packs of any amount at any time.</li>
<li>Download in 4K and 6K from the Practice Footage Library.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you typically need less than 2-3 paid collections (or less than 30-50 individual assets) per year, this plan is a great option for you!</p>
<p>For individuals, the Essentials Plan costs just <strong>$29/month</strong> (billed annually) or $39/month (billed monthly). For small teams and studios, the plan costs <strong>$99/month</strong> billed annually or $139/month billed monthly.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Purchase the Essentials Plan</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/1687x1091/e04bd90622/actionvfx-essentials-plan.jpeg" alt=""></p>
<h2>The Essentials Catalog Just Became Substantial</h2>
<p>If the new Essentials Plan piqued your interest or if you’re currently subscribed to one of our Plus plans, you’ll be happy to know that <strong>we doubled the size of the Essentials Catalog to include 3,000 premium assets from 91 collections.</strong> These assets are available to all subscribers on a paid plan.</p>
<p>Some of the top collections now in the Essentials:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/dust-waves-vol-2-stock-footage">Dust Waves Vol. 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/exploding-debris-stock-footage">Exploding Debris Vol. 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/ground-fire-stock-footage">Ground Fire Vol. 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/fire-sparks-close-stock-footage">Fire Sparks - Close</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/3d/ah-64-apache-helicopter-3d-model">AH-64 Apache Helicopter 3D Model</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/products/essentials-catalog">Explore the Essentials Catalog</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002378/2048x1152/29aa470feb/essentials-catalog-assets-actionvfx.jpeg" alt=""></p>
<h2>Monthly Additions to the Essentials Catalog</h2>
<p>We're excited to announce that <strong>we'll be adding new collections to the Essentials Catalog on the first of each month.</strong> These collections, which normally cost credits, will be available to download without credits from the Essentials Catalog all month.</p>
<p><strong>The first monthly Essentials Catalog collection will be added on February 1st!</strong></p>
<h2>Other ActionVFX Updates:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Licenses are now available as PDFs for easier proof-of-licensing for your clients.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/free-vfx/category">Free assets</a> are now available on your “My Downloads” page after downloading.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have more feedback on how we can improve the ActionVFX subscription, please reach out to our team at support@actionvfx.com. We are in the process of developing our next wave of improvements, so we are eager to consider your ideas!</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f9ntpwS6zUo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/pricing">Explore our pricing plans</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://actionvfx.com/products">browse the library.</a></strong></p>


Here's what's new to the ActionVFX subscription, including custom credit packs, Essentials Catalog expansions, and more!