EXPERTS behind some of the year's biggest films and games will be in Bournemouth next month as the BFX Festival returns.

The festival, now in its fifth year, celebrates the best in visual effects, animation and computer gaming.

Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend this year's event, which will see workshops and talks from production companies including Double Negative, Framestore and MPC.

Representatives from the companies will discuss their work on films including Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and Alien: Covenant.

Sofronis Efstathiou, BFX Festival director, said: “Every year, some of the brightest minds from across the visual effects, animation, computer games and visualisation industries descend on Bournemouth to share tips and techniques.

"You can come and hear from experts in the field on how some of the best movies and games are made, and how the creative industries are being used to transform our society, from medicine to education. This year’s BFX Festival will explore it all.

“Come and be inspired by hearing from experts during the week, come and watch the evening screenings, or get involved and have a go at creating your own animations at the family weekend. This year’s BFX Festival has something for everyone and is not to be missed!”

Students studying at the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) will be receiving tickets as a part of their course, allowing them to learn hints and tips from visual effects professionals across the world.

In previous years the festival has featured talks on movies such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Moana, the Lego Movie and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Last year, Bournemouth University graduate Mark Ardington returned to Bournemouth complete with his Oscar to talk about his Academy Award-winning visual effects work on the film Ex Machina.

The BFX Festival takes place at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) from today, October 2, until this Sunday, October 8.

The family weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can create their own animations, learn about green screen technology and battle with drones.

There will also be a Disney art exhibition, workshops, a stand presentation zone and more.

Professionals, students and members of the public are all welcome to attend to see behind-the-scenes content for how movies and games are made.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit bfxfestival.com