Principles of Visual Effects module (DJ31015)

Introduces the visual effects production pipeline. Develop practical skills in camera tracking, digital compositing and CGI lighting through two collaborative project briefs

Credits

Module code

DJ31015

Level

School

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Discipline

Communication Design

The visual effects industry employs graduates with strong animation and digital production skills. This module introduces you to the principles and practice of VFX production, from pre-production planning through to final compositing and output.

Teaching combines studio and lab-based sessions covering the language and techniques of cinematography, camera tracking, CGI lighting and digital compositing. You also learn about colour correction, keying and collaborative project scheduling. Input from industry advisers is incorporated where possible.

You work on two industry-focused project briefs, taking on roles within a team and managing your own contribution to the production pipeline. For each brief, you produce a video that describes your experience, the problems you encountered and how you solved them.

The module develops both your technical VFX skills and your ability to work professionally within a team.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

Understand how VFX methods can be applied to your own creative practice
Develop skills in camera tracking, digital compositing and CGI lighting
Gain experience of industry working practice in visual effects production
Work collaboratively in a team, taking responsibility for your own contribution

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a clear understanding of how VFX methods apply to creative practice
Apply skills in camera tracking, digital compositing and CGI lighting to a project brief
Show understanding of industry working practice in visual effects production
Reflect on your own and your team's experience of working collaboratively

Assignments / assessments

Two Project Brief Videos and One Personal Statement Video (100%)

A video for each of the two module briefs, documenting your process and outcomes
Assessment video for each brief explaining the problems you encountered and how you solved them
A video that describes the problems you experienced in the VFX briefs and how you solved them. How you might use VFX in your personal work.
Peer and staff review of your project portfolio

This module does not have a final exam.