Battleready Academy Logo
Battleready Academy Logo

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW! Use code "BLACKFRIDAY" for 35% off!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW! Use code "BLACKFRIDAY" for 35% off!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW! Use code "BLACKFRIDAY" for 35% off!

Create FX Like The Pros
Create FX Like The Pros

Learn the in-demand skills you need to master the craft of digital effects and create a successful career as an FX Artist & Technical Director.

Learn from real-world experience at studios such as:

Learn from real-world experience at studios such as:

  • Industrial Light & Magic Logo - ILM
  • Sony Imagworks Logo
  • Animal Logic logo
  • Method Studios logo
  • Framestore logo
  • Electronic Arts logo

Learn the right skills, the right way

Working in FX is an exciting and rewarding place to be, but it can also be a battle! Mixing design, motion, colour and light with physics, code and complex mathematics - it's the ultimate alchemy of arts and science pit against tight budgets, demanding schedules and high expectations. Without the right foundation, artists often lack the vital skills they need to pursue their dream job and meet the high-pressure demands of a modern visual effects studio. We tackle this head-on with production focused workshops using Houdini and Nuke to help you build the skills you need for success in this competitive landscape.

Battleready FX Skills Gain the skills studios are looking for
Battleready FX Skills Gain the skills studios are looking for
Battleready FX Skills Gain the skills studios are looking for

Gain the skills

studios are looking for

Stay current with production-oriented training designed by an experienced FX Supervisor. With a strong emphasis on craft and workflow, we teach the latest tools, techniques and in-demand skills that studios are looking for.

Learn what you want

when you want

Life is busy, we get it. Our flexible, on-demand workshops allow you to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. With direct access to your teacher through a private discord!

Learn what you want when you want - computer and desk in cozy office using SideFX Houdini and Battleready Academy
Learn what you want when you want - computer and desk in cozy office using SideFX Houdini and Battleready Academy
Master the art of designing setups - houdini network view of nodes
Master the art of designing setups - houdini network view of nodes

Master the art of

designing setups

If you really want to progress as an FX Technical Director you need to master the art of creating setups. We show you how to create Houdini setups that are scalable, procedural, easy to use and easy to share.

Stack your skills and

stand out from the crowd

The more you know, the more problems you can solve. Our workshops are designed to show you how to take your shot from start to finish, stacking up skills along the way.

Stack your skills and stand out from the crowd - coding, rendering, compositing, lighting, simulation, animation, setups
Stack your skills and stand out from the crowd - coding, rendering, compositing, lighting, simulation, animation, setups

Meet your
new Teacher

Alex Halstead is an FX Supervisor with 17+ years experience working at award-winning studios such as Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Imageworks, Animal Logic and Method Studios. After years of honing his craft as a Senior FX Technical Director, Alex transitioned into creative supervision in 2016. Overseeing teams in various roles as an FX Lead, FX Supervisor and Head of FX. His credits include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Lego Movie, Terminator: Dark Fate, Game of Thrones, Aquaman and Star Wars projects such as Ahsoka and Skeleton Crew.

Alex is currently an FX Supervisor at ILM.

Alex Halstead Portrait

Meet your
new Teacher

Alex Halstead is an FX Supervisor with 17+ years experience working at award-winning studios such as Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Imageworks, Animal Logic and Method Studios. After years of honing his craft as a Senior FX Technical Director, Alex transitioned into creative supervision in 2016. Overseeing teams in various roles as an FX Lead, FX Supervisor and Head of FX. His credits include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Lego Movie, Terminator: Dark Fate, Game of Thrones, Aquaman and Star Wars projects such as Ahsoka and Skeleton Crew.

Alex is currently an FX Supervisor at ILM.

Alex Halstead Portrait
Become Battleready

We believe in more than just delivering content; we're committed to providing essential insights into mastering the craft of digital effects through problem solving, creative direction and time-saving tips that can take years to learn in production. Each workshop is meticulously crafted to be concise, industry relevant and easy to follow. Whether you're just starting out or you've been around a while, our goal is to arm you with the tools you need to thrive at any stage of your VFX career.

Our goal is to make you Battleready.

Reviews
Reviews

I'm an FX TD with 10 years experience and always eager to improve my skills and learn new tricks from other talented artists. I'm really enjoying the content, very well explained and straight to the point, without getting lost in overcomplicated setups, I love your teaching style. The lookdev/comp part is great and makes the course a well rounded product.

German De Benito

FX Supervisor at Squeeze Animation Studios

One can tell from the first video that Alex is a great teacher, has a very structured mindset and an insane amount of experience. I like that he keeps things simple the most - with native Houdini tools you can do a lot. I would recommend it to any FX TD whether junior, mid or even senior. There are hidden gems for everyone. Highly recommended!

Mohamad Shammaa

FX TD at Unexpected GmbH

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FAQ

What is an FX Artist / FX Technical Director?

What is Battleready?

What makes Battleready unique?

Can I use the completed course material in my reel?

Can I ask questions during the workshop?

Do the courses have subtitles?

What computer specs do you recommend?

What software do I need to follow along?

What is the refund policy?

What is an FX Artist / FX Technical Director?

What is Battleready?

What makes Battleready unique?

Can I use the completed course material in my reel?

Can I ask questions during the workshop?

Do the courses have subtitles?

What computer specs do you recommend?

What software do I need to follow along?

What is the refund policy?

What is an FX Artist / FX Technical Director?

What is Battleready?

What makes Battleready unique?

Can I use the completed course material in my reel?

Can I ask questions during the workshop?

Do the courses have subtitles?

What computer specs do you recommend?

What software do I need to follow along?

What is the refund policy?

What is an FX Artist / FX Technical Director?

What is Battleready?

What makes Battleready unique?

Can I use the completed course material in my reel?

Can I ask questions during the workshop?

Do the courses have subtitles?

What computer specs do you recommend?

What software do I need to follow along?

What is the refund policy?