The Capstone: VFX Creature Specialist
Dinosaur Animation Course
Mentored by Filippo Dattola — Lead Animator, 12+ years on major feature productions.
Mentorship Phase 10
The final phase in the SquashnStretch mentorship path. This dinosaur animation course is the capstone of the creature animation track — combining everything you have learned into the ultimate creature challenge.
Through direct 1-on-1 mentorship, you will animate dinosaurs with anatomical accuracy, cinematic weight, and the dramatic presence that defines the best VFX creature work in feature films.
What This Mentorship Phase 10 Covers
This phase focuses entirely on dinosaur animation. You will study dinosaur anatomy and biomechanics, translate paleontological reference into believable movement, develop species-specific locomotion and behaviour, and create cinematic dinosaur performance with real dramatic weight. Every shot is built to the standard expected on a major VFX production.
Who This Phase Is For
Designed for animators who have completed the full creature track (Phases 7-9) or have equivalent professional creature experience. If you want to specialize in the dinosaur and large-creature work that drives major VFX franchises, this is the definitive training.
What You Will Achieve
By the end of this phase, you will animate dinosaurs with professional-level anatomical accuracy and cinematic impact. Your demo reel will showcase specialist VFX creature work — the type of portfolio that positions you for the most in-demand creature animation roles at top studios worldwide.
Mentorship Phase 10 Details
LIVE Review
Two 1-on-1 live sessions per week with your mentor. All sessions recorded for you to review anytime.
LECTURES
Live and recorded video tutorials and PDF, covering dinosaur anatomy, biomechanics, and cinematic creature performance.
ASSIGNMENT
1 dinosaur shot with detailed mentor feedback on anatomical accuracy, weight, behaviour, and cinematic presence.
SOFTWARE
Autodesk Maya is the primary software.
Students can also use Blender or other 3D packages
LANGUAGE
All sessions and materials are delivered in English or Italian. Choose your preferred language when you enrol
REQUIREMENTS
Stable internet connection, microphone and webcam. Completion of creature track or equivalent professional experience
DURATION
10 weeks of structured training with progressive complexity. Two sessions per week, live and recorded.
Why Choose This Dinosaur Animation Course
This dinosaur animation course is the most specialized phase in the SquashnStretch.net mentorship path. Under direct mentorship from a Lead Animator with VFX creature production experience, you will develop the niche expertise that studios actively seek for their largest and most prestigious creature projects. This is where your mentorship path reaches its peak.
The feedback you receive is the same standard applied inside real studios — specific, actionable, and focused on developing your ability to animate dinosaurs with anatomical accuracy, cinematic weight, and dramatic presence.
Students who have completed this dinosaur animation course describe it as the culmination of everything they have learned — the phase where anatomy, mechanics, behaviour, and cinematic performance all come together in one definitive creature challenge. If you are serious about positioning yourself as a VFX creature specialist, this is the phase that completes your journey.
Apply for This Phase
Get in touch to apply for this Dinosaur Animation Course or to find out which phase is right for your level.