Nick Calder

My name is Nick Calder, originally from New York, and I am a Film Director. I graduated in 2009 from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, and I have been living in Korea for three years. During that time, I completed my first film, Fear Eats the Seoul.

When I first saw the completed portfolios of SF Film School graduates, I was deeply impressed. The students here approach their projects with passion, handling every part of the work themselves. I believe this way of working is an essential quality for a VFX artist. That is why I think SF Film School provides the foundation for students to create strong, solid portfolios.

In the future, as students aim to work in Hollywood or the Korean film industry, I believe the instructors at SF Film School place strong emphasis on teaching the VFX techniques necessary for those careers. The training is highly practical and industry-oriented, allowing every student to learn deeply in their chosen field.

If you ask me whether I would recommend SF Film School to others, my answer is absolutely YES. Looking at the school’s regular program, you’ll see it’s about one year long, and compared to the U.S., it offers a highly intensive and focused education. On top of that, the tuition is much more affordable than similar VFX schools in the U.S. or Canada. I strongly recommend SF Film School for anyone who wants to gain extensive technical knowledge at a much lower cost than in America.

If I were to give advice to current students or those preparing their portfolios, I would say this: even if others see your portfolio as strange or different, if it’s something you love and want to do, believe in yourself. Commit wholeheartedly to creating what you truly want. Don’t worry about outside opinions—focus instead on putting 110% of your effort into your work. Don’t let yourself get distracted; dedicate everything you have to completing your portfolio.