Module: FTV5003-20 Visual Effects I

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Sam Wilkins

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.wilkins@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This is a practice led module where you learn the process of creating digital effects and animation.

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to digital effects and animation processes and techniques, to ensure you are well equipped to begin to contribute to a professional film, television and digital production environment. You will work on a number of practical projects producing artefacts (e.g. a sting (animated logo), a digital film composite, a green screen shoot and motion graphics) that will engage both individual and collaborative working practices. You will be equipped with the fundamentals to research and develop an idea for creative practical solutions within this environment.

You will develop the knowledge and skills to explore the animation and digital effects ‘pipeline’ so that you can successfully plan, administrate and deliver digital effects and animation artefacts for yourself and in collaboration. You will learn about the broader contexts and histories of visual effects and animation.

2.Outline syllabus

• Introduction to elements of animated motion (animation principles, locomotion, character animation) and ‘types’ of animation

• Introduction to motion graphics (motion design, 2.5D and 3D, particles)

• Introduction to digital visual effects (combine real footage and digital effects)

• Responding to brief

• Visual research and development

• Critical evaluation of artefacts both technically and aesthetically

• Planning and shooting footage for visual effects

• Planning and Collaboration in animation/digital effects

3.Teaching and learning activities

Contact time comprises group sessions that are dominated by practical ‘making’ sessions to develop the core skills required. The seminar component covers broader contexts and requires you to discuss the development of digital effects, animation and broader art and design historical contexts as well as animation and visual effects histories. Students will work with both pre-existing content and also generate content from scratch. Lab sessions offer primers in software packages where necessary, and examine numerous production strategies through creative practice and vfx ‘pipelines’. These sessions challenge individuals and small collaborative groups to create digital artefacts that respond meaningfully to seminar topics and real world briefs.

Animation is hard and takes time and commitment and you will be required to use your self-study time in an organized manner to support your studies. This module is time intensive in terms of developing your skills and you will need to use your time efficiently. Your individual study time is used to advance in-class work beyond the basics and to embed new technical skills into your digital toolkit. You will be provided with online training courses to help further your studies.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Final Artefact (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Digital Production Portfolio and Blog (3000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%