If you haven't been able to tell from some of my movie write-ups, I'm a major digital FX nut. I've always been interested in how filmmakers achieve certain FX in films, but only recently have I decided to actually learn how to do them. So, it should come as no surprise that I've spent plenty of time working my way through tutorials in the last two years.

Although I've heard of Gnomon's series of tutorial videos, Production FX Workflows - Dragon Age: Origins is my first time viewing one. Hosted by Brandon Young, Production FX Workflows covers the workflow involved in creating a short shot from the opening cinematic of Dragon Age: Origins. The entire process is laid out and explained in detail, beginning with a shot breakdown, leading up to the final shot.

I viewed Production FX Workflows from two perspectives - as someone interested in learning the software as well as someone who teaches digital FX in a college digital post program. From both perspectives, the video was incredibly helpful and one of the best I've encountered.

For anyone interested in learning the software, Young does a fantastic job explaining aspects of the software. It took a few passes to really understand what I was doing (at least, to the point that I could do it without guidance). The onboard video player is great. I was able to start and stop the video instantly, which is a big help if you need to take a break or rewind to a certain part of the video. The chapter breakdown, as well as the player, also helps if you need to jump back to specific chapters quickly.

Coming from the educational side, I loved the emphasis on the workflow over just learning to use the software. Speaking from personal experience, projects live and die based on workflow. Young takes just as much time explaining why you're taking certain steps as he does explaining how to do them. This is something that's usually missing from other tutorials.

The DVD ships with the necessary software, including Blur Studio FX, Particle Flow/ Fume FX and Fusion Compositing. I did notice the site referenced in the "Setup" chapter isn't available. This is a oversight that will, hopefully, be addressed soon. I was also disappointed with the lack of a Mac version.

Website issue aside, I was impressed with Production FX Workflows - Dragon Age: Origins and can't recommend it enough to anyone interested in digital post and FX.