Vancouver FX: Learn Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics in Canada’s Film Capital
If you want to learn SFX makeup and prosthetics from someone who actually works on film sets, Vancouver FX is worth your attention. It’s not a school in the traditional sense – it’s a working professional FX studio that also trains artists, run by a LEO Award-nominated effects artist with over 15 years in the industry.
What Is Vancouver FX?
Vancouver FX is a private special effects production studio and training facility based in Vancouver, BC. It’s run by Dallas Harvey, a professional SFX artist, designer, and educator whose work in film, television, and music videos has appeared in Make-Up Artist Magazine. Dallas has also served as curriculum designer at Blanche MacDonald Centre, IMATS museum curator, and published author for Makeup Artist Magazine.
The studio offers a full range of professional FX production services – prosthetics, creature design, props, 3D printing, life casting – alongside hands-on classes and workshops open to students from Canada and internationally.
Address: Suite 407, 1701 Powell St, Vancouver, BC
Phone: 778-968-4776
Why Train at a Working FX Studio?
Most SFX schools teach in dedicated classroom environments. Vancouver FX is different – you learn inside a fully equipped, active production studio. Classes mirror real on-set and shop conditions, so you’re not just practising techniques in isolation. You’re problem-solving, building portfolio-ready work, and learning from an instructor who is still doing this work professionally.
Vancouver is also one of the most active film and TV production hubs in North America, a meaningful advantage if you’re looking to build industry connections while you train.
Classes and Workshops: What’s on Offer
Vancouver FX runs weekly evening classes and Saturday workshops covering a wide range of FX disciplines. Classes are structured to give you maximum hands-on time, with most sessions focused on sculpting, moulding, casting, painting, and fabricating practical effects using industry-standard tools and materials.
Current courses include:
Special Effects Makeup for Beginners – $500
A three-session evening course introducing core SFX makeup application techniques. Runs on Monday evenings.
Silicone Prosthetics – $1,500
An eight-week Tuesday evening course covering silicone prosthetics from design through application.
Foam Latex Prosthetics – $1,500
An eight-week Sunday course working with foam latex – one of the most widely used materials in film and TV prosthetics.
Latex Mask Sculpture, Mold Making and Painting – $1,000
A six-week Wednesday evening course taking you through the full process of creating a latex mask from scratch.
Airbrush FX for Beginners – $500
A one-day Saturday workshop focused on airbrushing techniques for SFX and body art.
Lifecasting FX for Beginners – $500
A one-day workshop covering the fundamentals of life casting – an essential skill for prosthetics work.
Dental Acrylic Teeth and Nail FX – $500
A Saturday workshop focused on custom dental and nail effects for film and theatrical use.
Practical Blood FX for Beginners – $500
A one-day Saturday workshop covering practical blood effects for on-set use.
Summer Intensive 2-Day FX Workshop – $950
A condensed two-day intensive covering a range of FX techniques, ideal for those who want a broader overview in a short time.
Calgary FX Prosthetics 2-Day Workshop – $1,250
A travelling workshop for artists based in Alberta who can’t make it to Vancouver.
All classes are taught by Dallas Harvey. Register directly on the Vancouver FX website.
Who Can Enrol?
Classes are open to students aged 19 and older. Both Canadian and international students are welcome. No previous experience is required for beginner-level courses – Vancouver FX is designed to support artists at all levels, from total beginners to working professionals looking to expand their skills.
FX Production Services
Beyond training, Vancouver FX operates as a full professional SFX studio. If you’re a production company looking for practical effects support, services include:
- Silicone, foam latex, and transfer prosthetics
- Creature, character, and concept design
- Custom props and FX builds
- Mold making, casting, and life casting
- Forensic and anatomical replicas
- 3D digital sculpting, scanning, and printing (large-format and high-detail)
- On-set FX supervision and application across Canada, the USA, and internationally
Links – Vancouver FX
Browse upcoming classes and book your spot at vancouverfx.com/fx-classes-workshops.
Questions? Contact the studio directly:
Phone: 778-968-4776
Email: Contact form
Follow Vancouver FX: Instagram