One of the technical wizards behind the amazing effects in Harry Potter's final screen adventure will be sharing secrets from behind the scenes with would-be film-makers of the future.

Samy Fecih, who was a Computer Generated Imagery animator on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2, will be speaking at a workshop organised by Rochester's University for the Creative Arts.

Fecih, who works for Oscar-winning visual effects company Double Negative, said: "My talk will be about my job animating the dragon on the latest Harry Potter movie. I will go into depth about my research, which took me to bats, camels and komodo dragons, and how we gave life to her.

"I want people to understand that being a good animator is not about knowing the best programs or being technically brilliant but more about focusing on the character: giving life to it and understanding how it moves, talks and breathes."

Fecih's talk later today is part of the animation film festival Canterbury Anifest.

UCA Rochester's Arts and Animation course will be holding an interactive workshop to reveal how your imagination is just as important as your sketching and computer skills. It will run from 1.30pm to 3pm, at the UCA campus in Canterbury, and will also feature additional input from Sammy Fecih.

Phil Gomm, senior lecturer at UCA Rochester, said: "Our masterclass will offer participants a unique insight into the essential role of concept art and 2D sketching skills that go into the design and execution of CGI.

"They'll get to meet members of the course team and get a taster of what it might be like to study a subject they love with us at UCA Rochester.

"The introduction of higher tuition fees nationally means that it's never been more important for degree courses to demonstrate the ways in which they connect with their associated industries and enrich their local communities."

• For information about Anifest 2011, visit www.canterburyanifest.com