Competition FAQ's

When is the BFX Competition?

The residential part of the competition takes place from July 13 to August 28 2020 in Bournemouth.


What if I need to leave the competition before the end date?

If a competitor leaves the competition early for any reason, BU reserves the right to claim back the stipend on a pro-rata basis and make a reasonable charge for accommodation.


Where will I stay?

All participants will be provided with free accommodation provided by Bournemouth University.  Accommodation will also include a kitchen so you can prepare your own food. Accommodation does NOT include bedding and kitchen utensils.


Who can apply to BFX Competition?

To be eligible to apply to enter the Competition, you must be over 18 years old and:

  • Currently undertaking graduate or postgraduate studies at a UK University, Arts Institute or College of Further Education or be graduating in 2020 or
  • Have graduated from a UK University, Arts Institute or College of Further Education within the last two years; and
  • Have had no more than 8 months full-time relevant work experience within the last three years and not be currently employed in the VFX, animation or games/interactive entertainment industries. Internships or placements undertaken during study will not be construed as “relevant work experience”.

How do I apply?

Applications open on January 13 2020.


What is the deadline for applications?

Applications close on Monday 23 March 2020 12pm (noon).  You can submit your files earlier of you wish.

If I am a 3rd year student now, and will no longer be studying at a University when the competition starts, am I considered a graduate?

If you are currently studying (UG or PG) at the time of the application (23 March 2020) then you are considered a current student. In other words, if you graduate between 22 May and 10 July 2020, this will not affect your eligibility to enter the competition as a student.


What exposure can I expect?

The competition entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts, with the awards ceremony forming the centrepiece of the BFX Festival in October 2020.  All participants will benefit from taking part in a prestigious competition, with their work being seen by leading industry figures, as well as featured on the charities media channels.  Some films have also been screened on Television and been part of conferences such as Siggraph and FMX.


What contact will I have with industry?

All participants will have access to regular critiques, mentoring and training from our industry partners.  In 2018/2019 teams were mentored and judged by experts from Framestore, D-Neg, MPC, Animal Logic, Hibbert Ralph Animation, ILM, ToonBoom, Chaos Group, Outpost VFX, Blue Zoo, Jellyfish Animation and Aardman.


(New software list)

OS

Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit

3D

  • Houdini 16.5
  • Maya 2018
  • Realflow 2018
  • MotionBuilder 2018
  • zBrush 2018
  • Mudbox 2018
  • Mari 4.2
  • Substance Painter

2D

  • Nuke X
  • ToonBoom (Licenses will need to be requested)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite 2018 (Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere etc.)
  • MatchMover
  • PF Track
  • Renderers
  • Renderman
  • Maxwell 4.0
  • Mantra
  • V-ray 3.6
  • Arnold
  • Qube Renderfarm

Programming/Scripting

  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2010

Plugins

  • PF Track
  • Shapes
  • GoZ (Maya and Softimage)
  • Advanced Skeleton

Misc

  • Large selection of digital cameras and lenses
  • Studio location / lights
  • Green screen studio plus relevant equipment
  • Sound studio
  • Wacom tablets
  • Shotgun
  • Stop motion Studio