Hollywood filmmaking
from the comfort of your home

All of these shots are created by artists using the Shoot First Method, with no previous experience

Limited time offer: $1 Free trial

Offer ends 1st September 2025
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Free Masterclass

"VFX is too difficult to learn, it takes too long to do, and it costs too much!"

These aren’t myths. They are true. In this free VFX Masterclass, we’re going to explain WHY, and how you can change all that and learn to do VFX yourself!

Join the 
Filmmaking Revolution

$1 Free trial
$10 per month

  • Direct access to industry professionals
  • Community of creators to grow with
  • Monthly live follow along sessions
  • Access to resources we have build while creating our own content and short films
  • Access to our research on the latest developments in AI integrations
  • Feedback on your assignments and personal projects
  • Free consultation call with an industry professional
  • "Student of the month" award

The
"No Artist Left Behind"
Promise

Financial circumstances shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams.

If the subscription fee is a barrier to your learning journey, reach out to us, and we will give you free access.

Our training is available to EVERY committed artist, regardless of their financial situation.

Not only do we ensure our subscription is as affordable as possible, but we also offer a money-back guarantee within the first 30 days
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The Shoot First Method

Created by the team behind visual effects for: 

For the first time, we’re sharing our complete production-tested methodology.
 The same systematic approach that delivers Hollywood-grade VFX is now available to you.

Traditional VFX training focuses on software.
We focus on results.

Our methodology was developed in high-pressure production environments, refined on major studio projects, and simplified for artists starting from zero. This isn’t theory – it’s the exact approach we use on professional productions.

Why This Method Works

Created and tested on Blockbuster and Indie productions
Developed for training artists under tight deadlines
Proven to work with zero prior experience
Focuses on professional-quality output from day one
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New Content Every Week

Short, sharp tutorials (usually under 15 minutes) and source files — fresh, juicy, delicious, and delivered weekly to keep your learning moving.
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Four Proven Systems That Deliver Results

Learning can be overwhelming. Instead of teaching a billion different techniques, we teach the core concepts that bind them.
We’ve structured our tutorials into four core systems, each solving a key filmmaking challenge.
Built from real-world production experience, these systems give you the skills and efficiency to create professional-level work.

Collision Control System

PROBLEM: Most VFX fails at the point where digital meets real 

SOLUTION: Master the physics of light, motion, and camera behaviour that make VFX believable 

OUTCOME: Create seamless integrations that audiences can’t spot

Story Sculpting System

PROBLEM: The real world is impossible to recreate. Most artists waste time on details audiences never see

SOLUTION: 80/20 principle applied to asset creation and filmmaking

OUTCOME: Maximum impact with minimum wasted effort

Sniper System

PROBLEM: Projects often go over budget and miss deadlines 

SOLUTION: Production-proven efficiency framework 

OUTCOME: Deliver professional work on time, every time

Motion Mastery System

PROBLEM: Film is movement. We need to be comfortable with ALL kinds of motion

SOLUTION: Systematic approach to animation, motion capture, tracking, and effects

OUTCOME: Create dynamic effects that feel natural and integrated 
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Read all of our reviews

SHOOT FIRST IS AN AMAZING CLASSROOM

Shoot First is an amazing classroom experience for budding visual effects artists. Christian Bull gives you concepts you can use in any software package, but teaches you on software you can acquire for free. Homework assignments and feedback totally make the experience worthwhile.
Richard Christopher

THE COURSE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

You will have heard the old adage "teach a man to fish" etc, in this instance Christian not only teaches you how to fish, but the best way to sail the boat out to advantageous waters and then prep the meal afterwards. If you want someone to help you navigate the intricacies of visual effects, he's one of the best around.

Support offered is excellent, and you'll find Christian and the team have buckets of experience in many areas of industry. Take advantage of this knowledge!
Daniel Ward

PEOPLE WHO ARE DEDICATED TO HELP YOU SUCCEED!

Shoot first is dedicated to help people who are committed to learn and improve and who are not afraid to fail then get back up to try again the next day.
Investing your time, trust and patience in Shoot first is going to bring you a massive step closer to your goals!
Yuliana Manova
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Read all of our reviews

SHOOT FIRST IS AN AMAZING CLASSROOM

Shoot First is an amazing classroom experience for budding visual effects artists. Christian Bull gives you concepts you can use in any software package, but teaches you on software you can acquire for free. Homework assignments and feedback totally make the experience worthwhile.
Richard Christopher

THE COURSE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

You will have heard the old adage "teach a man to fish" etc, in this instance Christian not only teaches you how to fish, but the best way to sail the boat out to advantageous waters and then prep the meal afterwards. If you want someone to help you navigate the intricacies of visual effects, he's one of the best around.

Support offered is excellent, and you'll find Christian and the team have buckets of experience in many areas of industry. Take advantage of this knowledge!
Daniel Ward

PEOPLE WHO ARE DEDICATED TO HELP YOU SUCCEED!

Shoot first is dedicated to help people who are committed to learn and improve and who are not afraid to fail then get back up to try again the next day.
Investing your time, trust and patience in Shoot first is going to bring you a massive step closer to your goals!
Yuliana Manova
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First Week

Foundation Building

Master color manipulation in DaVinci Resolve
Test AI video generation workflows
Submit your first work for feedback
Connect with the community
Book your 1-on-1 strategy call

First Month 

Quick Wins

Create your first professional shot
Get your first feedback
Learn how to apply the 80/20 principle to your filmmaking
Gain a solid grasp of node-based compositing 
Join an active community of creators

Month 2 - 3

Early Milestones

Continued guidance and direction
Get to grips with 3D asset creation in Blender
Composite your 3D animations
Learn how to plan your shoot to keep your VFX simple

Ongoing

Career Development

Training in the latest AI workflows
Pre-production and post-production
VFX production
Character and Creature Animation
Feedback on your own projects
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Create alongside us

Constant Parasite
Egg Day
God of Bones - Coming Soon
Get an inside look at how we create stunning visual effects—both in our own film projects and our professional work with ScreenclayFX.

Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology, ensuring that with every project we pass our learning on to you. Join us on this journey as we explore the process from brainstorming initial concepts to final shots, highlighting the tools and techniques that make our work truly extraordinary.
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About The Founder

Christian Bull has worked on films like V for Vendetta and Man of Steel, but left the Hollywood system to build a faster, leaner way of making movies. With nearly 20 years in the industry and a track record of turning first-timers into pros, Chris isn’t just a teacher—he’s the kind of mentor every filmmaker hopes to learn from. He founded Screenclay FX to prove that great storytelling doesn’t need big budgets—just the right tools and mindset. After building a successful studio and working with clients like Netflix, Disney and Amazon, he’s now bringing that experience to the masses with Shoot First—helping filmmakers create bold, professional work on their own terms.
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The Filmmaker's AI Framework™: Artist-Driven Innovation

AI Without Artistry Is Just Noise

In a world rushing to embrace AI, we've developed something different: The Filmmaker's AI Framework

While "prompt engineers" produce generic, algorithm-flavoured noise that screams "artificial," our approach puts the human artist firmly in control.

The Filmmaker's AI Framework integrates with The Shoot First Method to transform AI from a gimmick into a powerful extension of your creative vision.


We continuously develop techniques that treat AI as the assistant, never the artist. The difference is unmistakable – our members create visuals that stand apart precisely because they understand what the algorithms don't: the fundamental language of visual storytelling.

Whether you embrace these new tools or prefer traditional methods, you'll master the artistic principles that become even more valuable as technology evolves.
The future belongs to filmmakers who can direct the machine, not follow it.

Behind-the-Scenes VFX Breakdowns

Get an inside look at how we create stunning visual effects—both in our own film projects and professional work with Screenclay FX. See the process from concept to final shot
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Real Production Resources

Get exclusive access to a library of professionally shot plates from real productions, spanning various complexity levels. Perfect for elevating your visual effects work
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Active Learning Community

We understand that isolation can be a major barrier for filmmakers learning from home.

That’s why we’ve built a supportive community where you can connect, learn, and grow.

You’ll gain access to our professional artists who you can reach out to any time! 
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Personalised VFX Feedback

Practice your skills with guided assignments and get video feedback from industry pros. Working on your own project? Submit it for expert critique to refine your work.
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Live "Follow-Along" workshops

Learn from pro VFX artists in live sessions, covering diverse topics. Follow along, ask questions, and level up your skills in real time.
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Student of the Month

Each month we award a new student with a special prize. Make sure to share your work so we can appreciate you!
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Upcoming Live Session:

Controlling AI Generated Video, Part 1: Monday, September 15 2025 - 9am PDT

Controlling AI Generated Video, Part 2: Monday, October 13 2025 - 9am PDT
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The "No Artist Left Behind" Promise:

Write your awesome label here.

Financial circumstances shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams.

If the subscription fee is a barrier to your learning journey, reach out to us, and we will give you free access.

Our training is available to EVERY committed artist, regardless of their financial situation.

Not only do we ensure our subscription is as affordable as possible, but we also offer a money-back guarantee within the first 30 days
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Claim your free consultation call

Join now and claim your free VFX consultation! For a limited time, our experts are offering personalized sessions to help you plan your VFX journey

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Frequently asked questions

What are the hardware requirements?


You don’t need a top-of-the-line machine to make great work. Our tools and techniques are designed to run smoothly on everyday hardware—no need to break the bank. That said, here’s what we recommend to get the best experience:
Minimum:
16GB RAM
Quad-core processor
GPU with 6GB VRAM
256GB SSD storage
Recommended:
32GB RAM
8-core processor
GPU with 8GB+ VRAM
512GB SSD storage
Stylus tablet
Our techniques focus on optimization – you can create professional work even on modest hardware

What software do you use?


We aim to use free and accessible software wherever possible, so that cost is never a barrier to learning. That said, the creative skills you’ll build in our classes are designed to be transferrable to any professional tool. We focus on using the right tool for the right job — whether it’s established industry software or emerging platforms. We're also always exploring new technologies, including exciting developments in areas like AI, to keep our classes future-focused and relevant.

DaVinci Resolve/Fusion (Free Version Supported)

Node-based compositing
Professional color grading
Motion graphics and effects
Built-in tracking tools
Comprehensive finishing tools

Blender (Free)

Full 3D asset creation
Character animation
Particle systems
Hair and Fur
Camera and object tracking

Do you offer a trial?

Yes! 7 days for $1 with complete access to everything on the platform.

We guide you through each day with a special onboarding sequence designed to get you creating professional-level work quickly. By the end of your first week, you'll have made multiple shots, received expert feedback, and have a clear path forward.

Cancel anytime during the trial.

What skill level is Shoot First for?

Everyone. Whether you've just figured out how to turn your computer on or you're already comfortable with filmmaking and looking to level up.
The Shoot First methods are designed to take you from zero experience all the way to becoming an accomplished filmmaker capable of planning and delivering your own professional work.

Complete beginner? Perfect. We start with the fundamentals and build systematically.

Already know some filmmaking? Even better. You'll fill knowledge gaps, learn professional workflows, and discover techniques that would take years to figure out on your own.

The only requirement: You need to be committed to actually creating, not just consuming. We're here for makers, not just watchers.

Bottom line: If you want to get better at filmmaking and you're willing to put in the work, Shoot First will meet you wherever you are and take you where you want to go.

Can’t I just learn all this on YouTube?


Sure. Maybe. Possibly. YouTube is amazing! We use it all the time and even create content for it ourselves.

But here's the problem: Filmmaking is so complex that YouTube can send you down endless rabbit holes. One minute you're watching rotoscoping, the next you're learning how to animate a horse. Before you know it, you've spent hours watching without actually making progress.

Shoot First is different: We give you a proven path through the entire filmmaking landscape. Instead of random tutorials, you get a systematic journey that builds real skills step by step.

Shoot First is for you if:

You want a clear, proven path instead of wandering YouTube aimlessly
You don't have time to hunt for the "right" tutorial among thousands
You want instruction from people actively working on major films and shows
You want professional feedback on your actual work,, catered for your personal journey
You prefer making actual progress over just consuming content

Shoot First might not be for you if:

You enjoy browsing content without needing to create anything
You have unlimited time to sort through random tutorials
You're happy learning in circles instead of moving forward

The bottom line: Use YouTube as a supplement, just like we do. But if you want structured progress with professional guidance, that's what we're here for.

How much does it cost?


7-day trial for $1, then $10/month with no contracts - cancel anytime.

What's included:

All our systems + weekly new content
Professional feedback on your work
A 1-on-1 strategy call
Live workshops
Discord community access
All source files and project assets

Put it in perspective: A single consultation with a professional normally costs more than half a year of Shoot First. You're getting systematic training, weekly content, and direct access to working professionals for less than you spend on coffee.

What do I get with a subscription?


Each month, you’ll get a new block of content focusing on teaching you another area of filmmaking. It will come with a practical exercise, which you should complete if you want to internalise the lessons from that month. If you have any questions or issues, you can reach out to the Shoot First team at any point, and we’ll help you out.

In addition to the monthly content, you’ll have access to our regularly updated content, which includes bonus videos breaking down VFX shots in the latest films, invitations to live question and answer sessions with me and other Shoot First team members, a weekly newsletter that I write myself, with lessons I’ve learned from close to 20 years of VFX experience.

What films have the instructors worked on?


Our team are active VFX professionals working on everything from indie passion projects to Hollywood blockbusters - including Guardians of the Galaxy, Man of Steel, Captain America, and V for Vendetta.

Recent projects include Dr Who (BBC/Disney+), Half Bad: The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself (Netflix), and Mammals (Amazon).

Here's the key difference: We don't just work on other people's projects - we create our own content specifically so we can share the real techniques, workflows, and source files with Shoot First students. You're not just learning from working professionals - you're working alongside us with direct video feedback and active support in our Discord community..

How long will it take me to learn?

Honest answer: It takes years to master the complexities of filmmaking and VFX. Even our team is constantly learning and growing (and we share that knowledge with the community).

But here's the thing: You'll be creating actual shots and getting real results on your first day.
Our approach: Instead of drowning you in theory for months, we get you making professional-looking work immediately, then gradually build your understanding of why it works and how to push it further.

Think of it like this: You can drive a car effectively after a few lessons, but becoming a racing driver takes years. We get you "driving" quickly, then help you become the racing driver over time.
The journey never really ends - that's what makes filmmaking exciting. But with Shoot First, you'll see meaningful progress within days, not months.
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Claim your $1 free trial now

Offer ends: 1st September 2025
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