Visual Effects
| VFX 100 | Visual Effects Foundation I | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will be introduced to the basic processes and procedures involved in the production of visual effects for the film industry. This course will emphasize the application of motion picture production methods and techniques and their relationship to visual effects. An understanding of the fundamental roles and equipment involved in motion picture production will be covered. | ||
| VFX 101 | Visual Effects Foundation II | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 VFX credits | ||
| In this course, students will focus on professional production procedures used in the visual effects industry. Students will continue to develop the technical understanding of motion picture production methods and techniques and their relationship to visual effects. Students will learn about working on a film set, the roles of various crew members on set, work flow on set, and appropriate professional etiquette and behaviour. Motion picture language and vocabulary will be introduced. Students will learn about the use of technical equipment on set related to visual effects, including cameras, lenses and lighting. | ||
| VFX 110 | Digital Compositing I | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will learn and practise the concepts necessary to successfully combine film and computer graphics elements. Students will be introduced to the concepts of blue and green screen removal and keying, travelling mattes and colour correction. The course will also cover the technical aspects of multi layer digital image creation and composition. An analysis of the production pipeline used in professional motion picture platforms will be implemented in student projects. | ||
| VFX 111 | Digital Compositing II | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 VFX credits | ||
| In this course, students will learn advanced digital compositing techniques including the importance of shot breakdowns for effective compositing, how and when to use mattes, incorporating 2D and 3D visual elements, colour space and grading, motion tracking and rotoscoping techniques. | ||
| VFX 120 | Visual Effects Modelling and Texturing I | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will learn to create production ready hard surface and organic 3D assets for use in visual effects productions. An introduction to 3D image creation, including modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering, will allow students to create production quality assets. An emphasis on research, design and project planning will help students understand the role of an artist in creating assets in a timely and professional manner. | ||
| VFX 121 | Visual Effects Modelling and Texturing II | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 VFX credits | ||
| In this course, students will further develop their skills for creating 3D models and assets for visual effects. The creation of props and set extensions which match live action plates will be studied. Students will practice advanced modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering techniques in order to match live action plates. | ||
| VFX 130 | Visual Effects Animation I | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will be introduced to the process of animating objects and effects in 3D space. This course will cover animation techniques used in the creation of visual effects shots in film projects. This course will focus on the use of realistic animated effects in film projects and their creation using advanced 3D animation software. | ||
| VFX 131 | Visual Effects Animation II | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 VFX credits | ||
| In this course, students will continue to develop skills in animating particles, fluids and dynamics simulations. Using advanced 3D software, students will create natural phenomena such as fire, explosions, lightning, dust, rain, snow and water effects. Students will also learn to use dynamic simulations such as cloth, hair and object destruction. | ||
| VFX 140 | Digital Matte Printing | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will be introduced to the art and science of digital matte painting. An overview of traditional versus digital matte painting techniques will be covered. Students will use digital tools to create matte paintings which match the atmosphere and lighting of film footage. This course will emphasize the use of digital painting and photo montage techniques to create matte paintings suitable for use as background plates in a film production. | ||
| VFX 200 | Visual Effects Lighting and Rendering | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will learn advanced techniques for creating 3D elements for a visual effect shot; how to create complex materials, match on set lighting and how to utilize advanced rendering technology effectively in the creation of visual effects shots. | ||
| VFX 201 | Motion Graphics | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will be introduced to the art of creating motion graphics for bumpers and titles. The role of a motion graphics artist will be covered. Using both 2D and 3D effects software, students will design and animate a visually appealing title sequence for use in a motion picture project. | ||
| VFX 202 | Scripting for Visual Effects | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will gain a foundation in basic programming skills, while learning industry relevant scripting software and its use in visual effects programs. This course is intended to help students understand the role of software scripting in the production process, and how it can be used to automate complex tasks. | ||
| VFX 203 | Directing for Visual Effects | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will be introduced to the complexities of directing a professional quality visual effects shoot. Planning a visual effects shoot from pre-production to post production will be covered in detail to aid in the students understanding of the role of visual effects artists in motion picture production. The visual elements of story, including colour, design, staging, composition and camera angles will be covered in detail both in class and in group projects. | ||
| VFX 204 | Visual Effects Production | |
| 6.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| In this course, students will learn to develop a professional portfolio suitable for the visual effects industry. Students will be mentored by industry professionals who can provide guidance as the students create their final term project and portfolio. Monthly industry mentorship meetings will provide the necessary insight and guidance to create successful demo reel projects, and to keep projects focused and on time with major milestone deliverables. | ||
| VFX 210 | Digital Compositing III | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course emphasizes developing matchmoving and rotoscoping skills in the compositing pipeline. Students will practise advanced compositing techniques using plates from actual film projects. Students will also learn to solve compositing problems and challenges from poor quality film/video footage. | ||
| VFX 220 | Visual Effects Portfolio Presentation | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course will help students prepare a professional presentation of their final portfolio of work. Students will learn to critique their own work, while learning about professional presentation practices. A final portfolio presentation to industry will provide the opportunity for a professional critique of each student’s portfolio before graduation. | ||
| VFX 230 | Visual Effects Practicum or Project | |
| 3.00 credits | (0,0,4) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course will prepare students to work in a professional industry environment. Students will complete a project for a client, or complete a work practicum in a local studio (based on studio availability). Students will be instructed in professional standards, ethics and practices. Students will be evaluated by their clients in the areas of work ethic, project realization and completion, professionalism and communication. | ||