The AI Shift for VFX in high-end TV

This training programme is to support 100 VFX freelance professionals looking to understand the legal and moral use of AI.

Suitable candidates will receive:

• 1-day live online training and demonstration in current popular AI Engines
• course recording and handouts to lead you through the legal side of current AI practices.
• Flawless AI license + 3 Draft tokens and 1 Standard token.
• training material for you to keep.

This funding will also assist with childcare/ caring costs for the duration of the course to ensure each awardee receives the best training possible. Please note, assistance funding is limited, and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund made up of contributions from high-end TV productions made in the UK. This programme is being delivered by Soho Editors.

Who it's for

The aim of this training programme is to support 100 freelance professionals working in VFX across the UK. Therefore, you must be in one of the below positions:

• be working currently in VFX within the UK HETV industry at early, experienced or expert career stage
• be working currently in VFX within the broadcast sector at least at an early career stage and actively be looking to move in to HETV.

In addition, eligible candidates must:

• have at least one broadcast credit.
• be currently residing within the UK
• have the right to work within the UK
• have an established connection to the UK industry
• be of 18+ years of age

You can find more information on Career Stages as defined by ScreenSkills here.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to meet them. You can contact Soho Editors via email at training@sohoeditors.com.

This is a nationwide scheme so we welcome applications from across the UK. 

Work in Post? Head over to the AI Shift course for those working in Post.

What it covers

In this 1-day live online course, we will explore how AI is transforming visual effects, from generative imagery to video augmentation, and examine the ethical considerations shaping the future of VFX pipelines. Below is the course outline:

Module 1 – Foundations of AI for VFX

• what AI is and how it integrates into VFX workflows
• key AI terminology (ML, diffusion models, GANs, transformers, etc.)
• AI vs traditional VFX software: complementary tools and differences
• overview of AI across text, image, video, and 3D applications
• tools & demonstrations:
  • overview of conversational Chatbot AI
  • a run through of several contemporary Generative AI tools
  • a look at emerging tools in video localization and editing

Module 2 –  Creative & Technical Applications

• survey of AI tools relevant to concepting, previs, and VFX creation
• enhancing creative workflows: image generation, shot augmentation, and background creation
• AI for simulation, clean-up, and quick iterations
• case studies: AI in advertising, HETV pipelines, and short-form VFX
• tools & demonstrations:
  • text-to-image generation
  • text-to-video and image-to-video generation
  • text-to-audio and text-to-speech tools

Module 3: Ethics, Ownership & Pipeline Standards

• legal responsibilities when using AI-generated content
• AI in VFX pipelines: ownership, licensing, and delivery considerations
• ethical challenges: originality, labour impacts, and industry trust
• Broadcaster and studio policies around AI-assisted content
• protecting yourself and your client: contracts, IP rights, liability
• tools & resources:
  • UK & EU AI regulations overview
  • industry guidelines for AI use in VFX

Module 4: Hands-On Practice & Future Outlook

• hands-on exercises with AI tools for VFX workflows
  • generate scripts with a conversational chatbot
  • create visuals with text-to-image platform
  • use Flawless AI for localisation workflows
• group project: design a short VFX sequence using AI responsibly
• the future of AI in VFX: opportunities & challenges
• wrap-up: best practices, recommended resources, open Q&A

At the end of your course, you will receive:

• access to the lesson recording for you to follow along at your own pace.
• Flawless AI License + 3 Draft Tokens and 1 Standard Token. As this funding is supported by ScreenSkills, all successful applicants details will be shared with them, and you may be asked to supply further information throughout and after your training by them directly

How to apply

There are 100 places available on this programme, across six live online sessions on the following dates:

• 31 October 2025 - 10:00 - 17:00
• 12 November 2025 - 10:00 - 17:00
• 28 November 2025 - 10:00 - 17:00
• 9 December 2025 - 10:00 - 17:00
• 18 December 2025 - 10:00 - 17:00
• 16 January 2026 - 10:00 - 17:00

Choose your preferred dates and apply using the 'apply now' button

Closing date is 14 January or when all the places have been filled. Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis subject to eligibility.

To ensure you are eligible for the training, you will need to complete a candidate application form. If you meet the relevant criteria, you will be asked to complete a background questionnaire with details about your latest credit.

Contact information

Name: Amanda Caldeira
Email: training@sohoeditors.com