Course Descriptions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this course, students will plan and create visual effects shots in collaboration with an outside film production. This course will introduce students to the role of the visual effects artist in a film production, from analyzing and breaking down scripts to creating completed visual effects shot(s). Students will identify the keys to quality control in from onset production to integrated digital elements. The effects shots created during the course will serve as a basis for creating an effective visual effects demo reel.

This course emphasizes developing advanced compositing skills with a focus on various pipeline workflows and shot finishing. Students will practice advanced compositing techniques using plates from actual film projects. Students will also learn stereo compositing techniques and workflows.

In this co-taught course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of scripting in a production environment while continuing to iterate and advance their compositing, effects, and 3D modeling, shading and lighting techniques. Self-reliance, problem solving, critical analysis and finding answers in available resources will be emphasized.

This course will help students prepare a professional portfolio and demo reel. 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. Students will plan and organize a grad show to showcase their talents to prospective industry recruiters and executives.

This course will prepare students to work in a professional industry environment. Students will complete a project for a client, or complete work experience 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.

In this course, students will continue to develop and refine the process of simulating particles, fluids, dynamic objects and cloth in 3D space. This course will focus on the use of realistic simulated effects in film projects and their creation using advanced 3D software.

In this course, students will continue to develop and refine their digital matte painting and masking skills using digital tools. An emphasis on creating hand painted assets supported by photo texturing in the creation of convincing mattes suitable for use as film plates.