1. Create simulation driven animations to produce a range of visual effects
Application

2. Determine an efficient and controllable workflow for producing dynamically driven effects
Problem Solving

3. Understand the purpose and function of solvers and how they can interact with one another Knowledge and Understanding

4. Consider the aesthetics of simulation driven animation and its suitability for a given brief.
Reflection

Coursework 1 consisting of:
• Completing a dynamically driven simulation (LO 1 & 2)
• Writing up the process of creating and testing the simulation (LO 3)

Coursework 2 consisting of:
• Completing a simulation driven animation to music (LO 1 & 2)
• Writing up the planning, creation and reflection of the animation (LO 4)

Students will cover the following topics:

- Particles
- Rigid Body Dynamics
- Fluid Simulation
- Cloth simulation
- Crowd Simulation
- Abstract procedural effects
- Abstract simulation effects
- Motion design concepts
- Animation for motion design
- Style frame creation

In VFX, simulation refers to the process of creating animations where the exact end result is not completely under the user’s control and must be calculated each frame from a set of initial conditions to produce a final result. The type of work is crucial to the huge scale destruction sequences seen in blockbuster films but also to producing unique abstract effects as are often seen in commercials. In industry artists specialising in this area are usually referred to as FX TDs.

The module will take students through a number of the most commonly encountered types of simulation effects. Beginning with how to control particles, through to reproducing natural phenomena like fire, we move through over the course of the year to applying our knowledge of realistic effects into abstract contexts along with discussing Motion Design and how it relates to animation and simulation.

1 Hour Lecture/demonstration per week for 8 weeks per semester
2 Hour Lab session/tutorial per week for 8 weeks per semester
3 hour Lab based assignment surgery for 4 weeks per semester

Benlliure, Alejandro, 2019, The Motion Designer Guide, self published

Stone, Wahlin, 2018, The Theory and Practice of Motion Design: Critical Perspectives and Professional Practice, Routledge

Shaw, 2019, Design for Motion: Fundamentals and Techniques of Motion Design, Routledge

Software:
• Houdini
• Maya
• After Effects
• Nuke