A world-renowned movie monster maker gave a four-day masterclass to University of Bolton students.

US-based Don Lanning flew in from Los Angeles to teach the exclusive private class to 12 students in the university’s SFX studio.

Don is one of the most in-demand sculptors working in film today. His work has been featured in more than 70 movies, including Star Trek Beyond, Batman vs. Superman, Oblivion, Star Trek: Into Darkness, The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides, H2: Halloween 2, Alien vs. Predator and Hellboy.

The hands-on ‘Sculpting Creatures and Characters Half Mask’ course focused on taking a life-size clay half mask sculpture from start to completion.

Don gave step-by-step demonstrations and students created their own character sculpture with his coaching.

The Centre for Film Fx at The University of Bolton was recommended to him by his friend Neill Gorton, an Honorary Doctor of the University of Bolton and Visiting Professor.

Neill is an SFX maestro who has worked on shows including Doctor Who, Little Britain and Silent Witness and movies such as Saving Private Ryan, From Hell and Children of Men.

Don said: “Neill recommended that I visit and teach with his friends at the University of Bolton and while I was there I understood why Neill was proud of Bolton and its programmes and faculty.

“The facilities are state-of-the-art and the teachers are professionals, in love with the craft of dream-making.

“I witnessed behind the scenes, teachers in collaborative working and building the best lessons possible to give each student knowledge and a foundation with which to go and enjoy art as a career.”

Richard McEvoy-Crompton, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader Special Effects for Film and TV at the University of Bolton, said: “We are privileged that Don came to teach our students.

“The students learned a tremendous amount first-hand from a top industry expert.

“Don is an industry giant and his passion for teaching sculpture is palpable in any classroom he inhabits.“He loves giving back to the young artists, wants them to succeed in this industry and is an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Lizzy Mosely, a third year SFX student, said: “Don is really inspirational to work with.

“The course gave me so many new techniques and I would love to have the opportunity to work with him again.”