This module follows on from the Major Individual Project 1 work. The module challenges you to expand your practical and technical skills to produce industry standard work alongside a clear process of practice as research to interrogate the methods you choose.
Your development and processes will integrate a detailed research process to understand the techniques and methods being investigated.
The module will focus on a student led approach where the needs of your individual projects will be supported through workshops and supervisions.
There will be development sessions around problem solving techniques that can be adapted for all projects and you will be supported through a feedback and development process to maintain project progress. You will engage in research, discourse and analysis of the contemporary practice as research strategies within visual effects and beyond.
These processes will help you understand the place your work takes in the wider field of creative work and help you develop your ongoing processes of learning and understanding.

1. Design Document 35% assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. The design document should detail the research, inspiration and processes that have been used to create the portfolio. Detailed notes should be kept and a set of materials focussing on problem solving should be collated for the final submission.
2. Negotiated Portfolio 50% assessing learning outcome 3. The negotiated portfolio can be a broad application of visual effects skills or it can focus on individual areas of specialism. The final form of the output is part of the negotiation but it should comprise a short video demonstrating the finished work.
3. VIVA presentation 15% assessing learning outcomes 2 and 4. The VIVA presentation should take the form of an illustrated verbal presentation, it should focus on the research processes and results carried out to complete the project. It should contextualise your work in the field of VFX you have studied and provide valid arguments to defend your processes.

This module is introduced with a series of mixed mode lectures and workshops to build problem solving skills. This will develop into project development sessions where a student led approach will be adopted and the sessions will ensure the techniques and processes are appropriate and that students are approaching the work with a flexible mindset.
You will debate ideas with peers and academic supervisors and be encouraged to engage with industry professionals in the development of your work. Academics will take on the role of a critical friend in the process to challenge and encourage debate or alternative viewpoints or processes.

1. On completion of this module, you will be able to confront a range of production problems and generate a set of solutions.
Problem Solving

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to define and defend an area of investigation in visual effects production.
Communication

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to employ a range of visual effects techniques in the creation of expansive and complex self designed projects.
Application

4. On completion of this module, you will be able to evaluate the success of chosen methods and defend or propose alternatives.
Reflection

GDD specialist teaching space
Blackboard VLE
Lynda.com
Media stores filmmaking resource
Greenscreen space
Virtual Production Studio
Visual Effects Software
• Maya
• Houdini
• PFTrack
• Reality Capture
• Nuke
• Adobe Suite
• PTGui
• Unreal

Barrett, E., & Bolt, B., 2019. Practice as Research: Approaches to Creative Arts Enquiry. London: I.B. Tauris. Cottrell, S., 2015. Skills For Success: Personal Development and Employability. 3rd Ed. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Hansen, A., & Machin, D., 2013. Media and Communication Research Methods. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Kara, H., 2020. Creative Research Methods: A Practical Guide. 2nd ed. Bristol: Policy Press.
Maylor, D., 2022. Project Management. 5th ed. Harlow: Pearson.
Ridley, D., 2012. The Literature Review: A Step-By-Step Guide For Students. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Ltd.
Robson, C., 2014. How to do a Research Project. 2nd ed, Chichester: John Wiley.
Snyder Dionisio, C., 2022. Hybrid Project Management. Newark: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.

In this module you will have the opportunity to develop and create a visual effects project that will stretch your technical and creative boundaries. You will develop significant problem solving skills as you attempt to create an industry standard piece of work. The theme and form of the work is negotiated to suit your individual goals.