Think Tank Training Centre

Established in 2005, Think Tank Training Centre is a specialized vocational institution in North Vancouver, British Columbia, focused on preparing students for the visual effects (VFX) and interactive media industries. The school utilizes a studio-simulation model, prioritizing practical skill acquisition and industry-aligned portfolio development over traditional academic degrees.

Pedagogical Approach

Instruction at TTTC is centered on a mentorship-driven framework. Students advance from foundational technical training into a final term characterized by one-on-one guidance from working industry professionals. This phase emphasizes the creation of graduation showreels through iterative feedback loops, mirroring the "dailies" critique sessions found in professional studio environments.

Delivery Models

The institution offers three distinct learning pathways:

• Online: Programs range from 16 to 64 weeks, featuring asynchronous tutorials and synchronous virtual mentorship. Class sizes are capped at 8 students.
• Hybrid: A 48 or 64-week track that combines remote coursework with an intensive, 16-week in-person portfolio production term at the North Vancouver campus.
• Campus: An immersive, on-premise experience with class sizes limited to 12 students, providing access to a simulated studio environment.

Learning Technology

Students utilize "PORTL," the school's proprietary learning management system launched in 2017. This platform serves as a hub for instruction, peer critique, and supervisor communication, allowing students to focus live-instruction time on complex problem-solving and aesthetic development rather than basic software keystrokes.

Facilities and Specialization

The North Vancouver facility is designed to reflect a professional film set, featuring industrial aesthetics intended to foster creative immersion. TTTC remains responsive to industry talent gaps, notably through its specialized, long-form programs focused on procedural generation using SideFX Houdini. These tracks are designed to prepare artists for roles as technical directors (TDs) and FX specialists in high-end production pipelines.