HOLLYWOOD — The Gnomon School of Visual Effects (www.gnomonschool.com), here, is working with the Stan Winston Family to launch the Stan Winston School of Character Arts. The effort aims to continue the legacy of the late visual effects expert and four-time Academy Award winner through specialized education.

Winston was a creature-effects visionary who created many of film’s most memorable monsters and characters. His work was featured in blockbusters that include Predator, Jurassic Park, Terminator , Iron Man and Avatar.  

As part of the Character Arts program, Winston protégés and visual effects artists in their own right — John Rosengrant, Shannon Shea, and Richard Landon — will share their secrets with students via DVD and digital distribution formats.

One of the launch courses is "Hybrid Characters: The Practical/Digital Approach to Creature Creation with John Rosengrant." The course taps the effects pro’s expertise in weaving together time-tested techniques with advancements in digital effects.