PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
“Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or simply impossible to capture on film”.
Visual effects (commonly shortened to Visual FX or VFX) can be added to live-action, captured through techniques such as matte painting; rear- and frontscreen projection; miniature or forced perspective sets; computer graphic objects, characters, and environments; and compositing of images recorded in any number of ways. A high demand of CGI has made visual effects more accessible and hence its presence is felt all around us.
The VFX award is for applicants looking for a career in the film, post-production or games industries – although some graduates may move onto positions within archi- tectural visualisation, re-touching/ advertising agencies or postgraduate study. VFX is predominantly about ideas and concept generation for film or games, covering characters, vehicles, products, clothing, sets and environments – ultimately taking those ideas through to finished concept artwork or 3D models.
More than ever, the film and games industries need tangible, exciting plots/scenarios with characters, environments and props to match them. Students develop ideas sometimes as 2D artwork concepts, complemented by accurate 3D digital modelling, coupled with green screen/compositing techniques. Design methodology, concept origination, speculative design, visualisation skills, life drawing, physical sketch and facsimile modelling provide traditional design skills.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:
- The knowledge and skills to support the study and development of conceptual artwork, digital assets for both film or games industries and visual effects (VFX) work as a creative and dynamic activity.
- To develop the organisational qualities, communication skills necessary for the effective exchange of ideas, information and teamwork; with particular emphasis on understanding production ‘pipelines’ associated with VFX industries.