Big news is making waves in the Canadian creative education space. Gil Nam Choi joins VCAD as the new Head of Media Programs, and with him comes more than twenty years of experience in shaping the biggest blockbusters and AAA video games of our time. From Avengers: Age of Ultron to Aquaman to Call of Duty: Vanguard, his work has inspired millions of moviegoers and gamers around the world.
For students at the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD), this is more than an exciting announcement. It is an opportunity to learn directly from a visionary who has mastered both Hollywood-scale visual effects and innovative game development. Under his leadership, two of VCAD’s most popular programs, 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design and Game Development and Design, are entering a new era of growth, innovation, and inspiration.
Meet Gil Nam Choi: The Master Behind the Blockbusters
Gil Nam Choi’s career is a highlight reel of modern entertainment. His film credits include The Suicide Squad, Pacific Rim, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Beyond film, he has also made a mark in gaming with cinematic contributions to Call of Duty: Vanguard and Back 4 Blood.
His journey has taken him through some of the most respected studios in the world, including Weta Digital, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Digital Domain, and DNEG. These are the creative powerhouses behind the kinds of visuals that define how we remember movies and games. Colossal battles, epic destruction sequences, and breath-taking cinematic effects have all carried his imprint.
What sets him apart, though, is not just his ability to deliver jaw-dropping effects. Gil has also been an educator for nearly two decades, teaching in Canada, the UK, Korea, and Singapore. His teaching philosophy is simple but powerful: do not just learn the “how”, learn the “why”. By breaking down concepts instead of just showing steps, he helps students understand the principles that drive visual effects and digital art. That insight is what transforms students into professionals who can adapt to an industry that is constantly evolving.
Gil Nam Choi Joins VCAD as Head of Media Programs
The announcement that Gil Nam Choi joins VCAD as Head of Media Programs signals a bold step forward. He will oversee two flagship diploma programs that are shaping the next generation of digital artists and game developers:
This 72-week diploma program, offered in Vancouver, Calgary, and fully online, is designed for students eager to master CGI, animation, and design. It combines technical training with creative exploration, allowing students to bring characters, environments, and stories to life.
What makes the program stand out is its focus on hands-on learning. Students work with the same industry-standard tools used by professionals, including Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Adobe Photoshop, Substance Painter, and more. By the time they graduate, students leave with a professional portfolio that displays their creative abilities and technical skills.
The program is a perfect fit for anyone fascinated by the world of digital art, passionate about storytelling, or ready to combine creativity with technology.
Equally dynamic is the Game Development and Design diploma program, which also runs for 72 weeks and is available in Vancouver and online. Students dive into the world of game theory, storytelling, character design, level design, and gameplay mechanics. The program is a blend of creativity and technical expertise, preparing graduates to thrive in an industry that is constantly pushing boundaries.
Just like the animation program, this diploma emphasizes building a professional portfolio. Students graduate with projects that demonstrate their skills in creating immersive environments, engaging gameplay, and compelling storylines. This program also uses industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine, Maya, Python, and Adobe Creative Suite to ensure graduates are job-ready.
Both programs benefit directly from Choi’s leadership, blending his Hollywood and gaming experience with VCAD’s innovative approach to education.
Why Gil’s Leadership Matters for VCAD Students
When Gil Nam Choi joins VCAD, it is not just about adding another instructor. It is about bringing in someone who has walked the path students dream of. His leadership matters for several reasons:
- First-hand industry knowledge: Students gain insights into how blockbuster movies and games are made, not from a textbook but from someone who has been in the production rooms.
- Blending film and games: Choi’s experience in both industries shows students how skills can transfer across mediums, opening more career opportunities.
- Teaching philosophy: His emphasis on understanding the “why” helps students become adaptable, critical thinkers rather than just software operators.
- Networking opportunities: With connections across major studios, his presence at VCAD opens doors for collaborations, mentorships, and future job opportunities.
For students, the fact that Gil Nam Choi joins VCAD means they are learning in an environment that is directly connected to the industries they want to enter. Instead of abstract lessons, they are getting practical knowledge rooted in real-world production. It also means their portfolios will carry more weight. Under Choi’s guidance, students will not just complete assignments, they will create work that meets the standards of Hollywood and AAA gaming studios. That kind of preparation is what employers notice.
Your Future, Guided by Gil Nam Choi
The announcement that Gil Nam Choi joins VCAD as Head of Media Programs marks a turning point for the college and its students. It reflects VCAD’s commitment to preparing graduates for careers in the creative industries with education that is current, practical, and deeply connected to the real world.
Whether you want to animate a dragon, design a futuristic game world, or master CGI destruction sequences, studying under Gil Nam Choi’s leadership means you will be learning from someone who has already done it at the highest level. His combination of professional excellence and teaching passion is rare, and it is now available to VCAD students in Vancouver, Calgary, and online.
Your journey into 3D animation, visual effects, or game design starts here. With the right tools, the right mentorship, and the right creative environment, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
