Module Descriptors
SCRIPTING CONCEPTS FOR VFX
FVFX50130
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Stephen Griffiths
Email: S.C.Griffiths@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 102
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- Coursework - Four scripting challenges to be submitted weighted at 20%
- Coursework - To plan, document, implement and test a script weighted at 80%
Module Details
Module Resources
Maya
PyMel
PyMel
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Previous study of CE01040-1 Introductory CGI or Applicable
Module Texts
Mark Lutz (Sept 2009) Learning Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming (4th Edition), O'Reilly Media
Kevin Mannens (March 2009) Professional MEL Solutions for Production, Wordware Publishing Inc
Kevin Mannens (March 2009) Professional MEL Solutions for Production, Wordware Publishing Inc
Module Indicative Content
This module is intended to enable students to become familiar with the scripting languages that underpin the 3D applications used in visual effects
Students will learn: -
The data flow model
Nodes
Functions
Attributes
Fundamental programming concepts
Error catching and debugging
Students will learn: -
The data flow model
Nodes
Functions
Attributes
Fundamental programming concepts
Error catching and debugging
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, demonstrations and supervised tutorials in 3 hour periods. The majority of the work will be of a practical nature and students are expected to use their independent study time to consolidate this work.
Assessment Details
Four scripting challenges to be submitted around mid semester to show fundamental understanding of the Python language. (Learning outcome 1) 20% weighting
To plan, document, implement and test a script that automates some functionality within one of the three studied applications this semester (Maya, Nuke or Houdini) (learning outcome 2 and 3) 80% weighting
To plan, document, implement and test a script that automates some functionality within one of the three studied applications this semester (Maya, Nuke or Houdini) (learning outcome 2 and 3) 80% weighting
Web Descriptor
Scripts are small programs that help to automate repetitive tasks. You will learn about the Python programming language which is the scripting language used in the majority of software in VFX.