Module Descriptors
PRODUCTION SKILLS FOR VISUAL EFFECTS
FVFX40301
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Stephen Griffiths
Email: S.C.Griffiths@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- Portfolio (Semester 1) weighted at 50%
- Portfolio (Semester 2) weighted at 50%
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module will introduce students to a range of skills related to the pre-production, production and post-production of a digital video sequence.
• Operation of video cameras, shutter, focal length, depth of field
• Introduce the fundamentals of film production
• Different types of filmmaking, shot and grip equipment
• On set vfx considerations
• Matchmoving (tracking, calibration, 3D layout)
• Export formats
• Basic continuity editing theory
• Pre-visualisation and animatics
• Basic 3D animation techniques
• Operation of video cameras, shutter, focal length, depth of field
• Introduce the fundamentals of film production
• Different types of filmmaking, shot and grip equipment
• On set vfx considerations
• Matchmoving (tracking, calibration, 3D layout)
• Export formats
• Basic continuity editing theory
• Pre-visualisation and animatics
• Basic 3D animation techniques
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Coursework is equally spilt 50/50 per semester and worth 100% overall.
The coursework for the module takes the form of portfolio based assignments on a number of short projects for each semester.
Practical Project Portfolio of Matchmoved shots assessing learning outcomes 2
Practical Project of 3D object integration into a matchmoved sequence assessing learning outcome 4
Pre-visualisation piece to assess learning outcome 3
Presentations and written work to assess learning outcomes 1, 2, and 5.
The coursework for the module takes the form of portfolio based assignments on a number of short projects for each semester.
Practical Project Portfolio of Matchmoved shots assessing learning outcomes 2
Practical Project of 3D object integration into a matchmoved sequence assessing learning outcome 4
Pre-visualisation piece to assess learning outcome 3
Presentations and written work to assess learning outcomes 1, 2, and 5.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
1x3 Hour Laboratory per week
TEXTS
Alias WaveFront, (2009) Autodesk Maya 2010: The Modelling and Animation Handbook, John Wiley & Sons
Brinkmann, R. (2008) The Art and Science of Digital Compositing: Techniques for Visual Effects, Animation and Motion Graphics, Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics: ISBN-10: 0123706386
Dobbert, T (2005) Matchmoving - The invisible Art of Camera Tracking, Sybex
Hooks (2003), Acting for Animators: A Complete Guide to Performance Animation, 2nd Edition, Greenwood Press
Mascelli, J (1998)
The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques: Motion Pictures Filming Techniques, Silman-James Press
Sawicki, M (2007), Filming the Fantastic: A Guide to Visual Effects Cinematography Mark, Focal Press
Williams, R. 2009. Animator's Survival Kit. Faber and Faber. ISBN-10: 0-57120-228-4
Brinkmann, R. (2008) The Art and Science of Digital Compositing: Techniques for Visual Effects, Animation and Motion Graphics, Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics: ISBN-10: 0123706386
Dobbert, T (2005) Matchmoving - The invisible Art of Camera Tracking, Sybex
Hooks (2003), Acting for Animators: A Complete Guide to Performance Animation, 2nd Edition, Greenwood Press
Mascelli, J (1998)
The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques: Motion Pictures Filming Techniques, Silman-James Press
Sawicki, M (2007), Filming the Fantastic: A Guide to Visual Effects Cinematography Mark, Focal Press
Williams, R. 2009. Animator's Survival Kit. Faber and Faber. ISBN-10: 0-57120-228-4
RESOURCES
Panasonic HVX200
Digital SLR camera
Autodesk Maya
PFTrack
Adobe After Effects
Digital Academy Forum
Digital SLR camera
Autodesk Maya
PFTrack
Adobe After Effects
Digital Academy Forum
Web Descriptor
This module introduces basic film making techniques such as story boarding, pre-visualisation camera, lighting and green screen training, on set data wrangling, match moving and editing. Through the bringing together of the elements required for the production of a Visual Effects based short sequence; the module affords you the hands-on opportunity to explore and bring those elements to life.