Course Title: Create digital visual effects

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: VART6431C

Course Title: Create digital visual effects

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5350 - Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Trewlea Peters

Email: trewlea.peters@rmit.edu.au

Phone: 9925 58011

 

 

 

 

 

Nominal Hours: 70

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to use a range of industry software applications and material from various sources to create and refine digital visual effects sequences for projects in film, television or digital media productions.

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAANM402 Create digital visual effects

Element:

1. Clarify work requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Clarify requirements for digital visual effects with reference to production documentation

1.2 Clarify workflow sequences in consultation with relevant personnel to ensure production deadlines are met

1.3 Select software that best suits the type of production and delivery platform for which visual effects sequences are being created

1.4 Gather and analyse reference material to help with visualisation of final sequences

Element:

2. Prepare components

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Gather all assets for integration and check they are in the correct output file format and do not infringe copyright laws

2.2 Choose digital visual effects that best represent the vision of scripts to create optimum visual impact

2.3 Check components comply with storyboard requirements

2.4 Determine appropriate methods and techniques to create required digital visual effects

Element:

3. Assemble previsualisations

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Create previsualisation of required visual effects sequences using appropriate assets and compositing techniques

3.2 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for extended periods of time

3.3 Experiment with previsualisation to establish the best results and solve problems that arise during the process of creating the visual effects

3.4 Submit previsualisation visual effects sequences to relevant personnel for evaluation and feedback

3.5 Match elements as required, such as colour, lighting and camera

Element:

4. Produce visual effects

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Create final visual effects

4.2 Generate additional required effects to final stage

4.3 Render visual effects to desired format

4.4 Submit visual effects sequences to relevant personnel for evaluation and feedback by agreed deadlines

Element:

5. Finalise visual effects

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Respond to feedback by making adjustments to visual effects so they comply with design and production specifications

5.2 Save files to specified storage system accessible to production team

5.3 Make back-up copies of files, and save and store visual effects using appropriate output file formats and standard naming conventions

5.4 Review personal performance and the process of creating digital visual effects for improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this competency, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to use software applications to create and refine digital visual effects sequences for projects in film, television or digital media productions.

 

 


Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

  • demonstrations and practical application
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussions
  • screenings
  • online research
  • independent project based work
  • teacher directed group activities/projects

Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:

  • reading set texts
  • research
  • screenings
  • production work
  • independent and group project based work 


Teaching Schedule

 Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability resources.

Week

Class Content

Assessment

1

History of VFX. From Special FX to Digital VFX.

Introduction to After Effects

Assessment Task 1- hand out

2

Masks, keyframes and compositions.

Basic keying – Colour, Matte and Spill Suppressor.

 

3

Keylight – matching lighting, colour temperature and camera framing.

 

Assessment 1 due next week

4

Animated Masks, keying, blend modes and effects.

 

Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Essential knowledge quiz

 

5

Pre-production for Assessment Task 2.  Receive brief, script and storyboard for Assessment Task 2. Brainstorming session.

Assessment Task 2 - hand out

6

Shoot Assessment Task 2 (scheduled in Studio, MUST ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE APPOINTMENT)

 

7

Shoot Assessment Task 2 (scheduled in Studio, MUST ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE APPOINTMENT)

Assessment 2 due next week

8

Gather assets, refer to previsualisation, composite, render movie and submit Assessment Task 2.

 

 

Assessment Task 2 (graded): Interpret VFX Brief, assets and requirements

 

Assessment Task 3 - hand out

 

9

Pre-production/Previsualisation for Assessment 3.  Brainstorming session.

Assessment Task 3 PART 1

10

VFX Production Assessment Task 3 – see VFX shooting schedule

Assessment Task 3 PART 2

11

VFX Production Assessment Task 3 – see VFX shooting schedule

Assessment Task 3 PART 2

12

VFX Production Assessment Task 3 – see VFX shooting schedule

Assessment Task 3 PART 2

13

VFX Production Assessment Task 3 – see VFX shooting schedule

Assessment Task 3 PART 2

14

VFX POST Production Assessment Task 3

 

15

VFX POST Production Assessment Task 3

Assessment Task 3 PART 3

16

Present, submit and review VFX process for Assessment Task 3

Assessment Task 3 PART 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and practical team based projects.


Assessment Tasks

For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard.

You will receive feedback on all assessments and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.

Assessment Task (ungraded):

Assessment Task 1 - Essential knowledge quiz (ungraded). This is a short answer quiz. Due Date: week 4

Assessment Tasks (graded):

Assessment Task 2 - Clarify requirements, interpret brief and visualize effects from assets. (graded). Gather assets and analyse reference material to help with visualisation of final sequences. Shoot to match lighting, colour temperature and camera framing between assigned assets and produced footage. Render movie and submit by agreed deadline. Due Date: week 8 

Assessment Task 3 - Design and develop Group VFX scene (graded). 

Develop, design and assemble previsualisation. Shoot and composite to meet requirements and match lighting, colour temperature and camera framing between location and studio assets. Render movie and submit by agreed deadline. Due Dates: weeks 9 to 16

 

Assessment tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16.

Grading criteria for graded assessment can be found on the course canvas site. You will be assessed using the following grades:

CHD      Competent with High Distinction
CDI        Competent with Distinction
CC         Competent with Credit
CAG      Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC      Not Yet Competent
DNS      Did Not Submit for Assessment

 

 

 

 

 

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters:

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview