Digital Fiction Production

This module offers you a practical foundation in filmmaking, which is designed to provide you with a working knowledge of film grammar and established industry practices.

You will cover the basic disciplines necessary for production, pre-production, team-building, digital cinematography, lighting, sound, Final Cut Pro and non-linear editing techniques.
 

The Principles of Photorealism

In this module you will be introduced to both 3D software for visual effects and 2D software for digital compositing. By combining the fundamentals of 3D lighting and rendering in Maya with Nuke compositing software, you will learn industry standard techniques for creating photorealistic animations.

In addition to learning how to model 3D objects using Maya, you will also learn the fundamentals of how to simulate real world motion.

Camera, Sound & Editing

This module is an introduction to the art and technique of camera, sound and editing. You will study a full-range of areas, from camera equipment to editing software, and gain skills in each discipline, helping you understand the range of techniques used in production.

You will also develop skills in Final Cut Pro and learn how to use camera, light and sound in a co-ordinated and confident way.

Digital Set Extension

This module covers the fundamental processes involved in visual effects production using live action footage. Students will shoot their own HD footage and learn to track the motion of the camera using industry standard software such as Nuke.

Once tracked you will edit the original footage, digitally removing unwanted elements in a process called ‘rig removal’. Then working as a team, you will learn the production processes involved in creating 3D elements that will be rendered and composited together with the original footage, resulting in a digitally extended set.

Principles of 3D Animation

You will start this module with a 2 week introduction to the traditional principles of 2D animation applied to the world of 3D animation.

You will spend the remainder of the module applying these principles of animation to short character animation projects using Maya.

Camera Department Boot Camp

This module provides you with the necessary training and experience to function in the camera, lighting and grip departments within the film and television industries. You will be trained in the professional practice of key roles such as; AC, Clapper Loader, Grip, Operator, Gaffer and Focus Puller. The course will also cover the new and evolving roll of digital film cameras with training on DIT (Digital Intermediate Technicians) techniques and the advanced technical skills required to support common digital cinema and video camera systems.

Introduction to Character Animation

 
In this module you will expand upon their character creation and animation skills. During the first weeks you will cover industry standard modelling and character setup workflows in order to produce a 2-legged character of their own design using both Maya and Mudbox.

Then, for the remainder of this module students will work together in order to produce a completed 5-10 second animation as part of an integrated production team.

Performance Capture & Virtual Cinematography

This module integrates the use of motion capture technology with the emerging technology of virtual cinematography.  The collaborative nature of this module allows you to work with your peers in film and cinematography, with the goal of producing a short animated project.  During this module you will be introduced to the ‘Avatar filmmaking’ pipeline which combines the use of motion capture technology with an interactive virtual camera.  

You will work with acting coaches to explore body language as it relates to the delivery of a successful motion capture performance.   You will also develop the project under the supervision of technical experts, in order to develop a hands-on understanding of  the production and technical processes involved. This module builds upon the experience you have gained in previous study areas and allows you to see the digital production pipeline where visual effects meets animation and live action in film production. 

Professional Industry Practice

This module is designed to give you an insight into the professional working practices of the industry. By understanding the basic organisational structures and the political and economic influences that affect production you will be better prepared to function in the industry when you embark on full-time work.

Live Action Integration

In this module you will delve further into visual effects creation by matching live action with CG. In the first two weeks of this module, you will organise and participate in an HD green screen shoot.

For the remainder of the term you will learn the processes involved in order to successfully assemble a series set of shots consisting of keyed foreground plates with CG and live action background plates.