Post Production and VFX

The modules main aim is to introduce students to concepts and techniques of 3D and 2D content generation strategies and workflows which will include research and development, project management and professional practice. Preparation of 3D and 2D content for compositing will offer the opportunity for the creative integration of traditional techniques with industry standard 3D and 2D applications. Students will be encouraged to evidence the process through a production portfolio that outlines the development of design concepts, storyboards and an exported high-resolution video file. The syllabus will include a number of key concepts in the production of a visually rich composited sequence that will include animation concepts, 3D modelling, compositing techniques and the development of presentation skills and critical evaluation.

The syllabus will explore classical, current and future workflows for visual effects production in film and television. This will involve a critical and reflective analysis of past and current workflows developing insight into how trends and technologies will shape the future of VFX production. They will consider the following:

• Conceptualisation and design development
• Planning, organisation creative application of technology
• VFX and compositing practices and techniques
• Workflow management
• Integration of new technologies

The syllabus will explore current workflows for post-production and VFX in contemporary film and television. With an emphasis on the diverse components and aspects of contemporary post production and VFX workflows the module will explore the relationship and inter connectivity of these components and how they are utilised to produce and attain specific goals and objectives within the context of story development. The module will analyse a range of production workflows and provide a context for students to develop a story-based project that incorporates such elements as story/plot structure, narrative themes, character development, pre-visualisation and production management. Building on the ideas of creating creative storylines the module will develop and build workflows and development portfolios that are based around collaborative working practices from storyboard development through pre visualisation to first rough cut edit. In addition, the syllabus will explore past, current and future technologies for post-production and VFX and how surrounding technological developments have impacted workflows and collaborations and will continue to influence future workflows.

The module offers and introductory study of the following aspects of creative editing

• Development and enhancement in the use and selection of a non-linear editing system appropriate for short form editing within the context of defined criteria such as studio production and sports events
• Students are introduced to the short-form production as a contributor to contemporary wed based and online productions, considering its form and function and are introduced to the associative practices of editing in relation to fast turn-around and output
• Develop and engage with a range of industry practices that demonstrate the importance of the creative selection of suitable footage, the organisation of shots and their impact on the presentation of the final programme within specified technical guidelines relevant to distribution on online platforms.
• Introduce and develop skills and practices in the organisation, selection and editing of material within the context of a contemporary media workflow relating to the production of short form production
• Students will undertake independent study to support a programme of practical exercises designed to develop their skills and understanding of the conventions and practices of short form editing

This module is intended to provide a historical framework into which students can place their practice particularly in relation to how the camera can influence and have significant influence in post-production and the creation of VFX. Through a series of workshops students will gain valuable hands on experience of the

• Basic Features of the camera – aperture, iris, shutter speed, WB and HD codecs
• Composition & Framing – interpretation, controlling the viewer’s eye
• Use of depth of field and focus, focusing decisions, using the right aperture
• Camera work – principles and practices, designing shots and the application of HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• Exposure control – shutter, aperture, ND, light and the application of the Zone System to influence exposure
• Introduction to lighting on location – colour temperatures, principles key, back and Fill – working with/without lighting.

The module is a follow on from level 4 VFX modules and includes the following:

• Tracking techniques and their relationship to camera & object data
• How to identify and evaluate the difference between a range of tracking and match-move functions
• Application and incorporation of data sets information within a contemporary VFX pipeline
• Work with assets on a group and individual basis to produce a range of shots based on industry practice

• Use and shoot green screen material for a range of VFX agendas including live action, models and sets

The syllabus will explore the relationship and influence of new media technologies within the context of Post Production and VFX workflows. Exploring the impact of technological development upon Post Production and VFX practice, techniques and aesthetics will be a core skill within the syllabus with students researching and evaluating a range of new media technologies. The range of new technologies is constantly changing and student will have the opportunity to engage with a range of potential technologies such as motion capture, HDR (high dynamic range) and VR and to investigate and analyse how and if these technologies would be appropriate for defined productions. Through potential industry workshops, conferences and tradeshows students will have the opportunity to engage with industry practitioners and companies showcasing and promoting new technologies for post production and VFX. Students will undertake extensive evaluation of new media technologies to analyse and identify potential uses within projects and workflows. Working and adopting practical working practices and methodologies, students will adopt a hands on approach to implementing new media technologies within the context of defined goals and agendas. This will be undertaken within a historical perspective, exploring developments through film/cinema, television, online and digital technologies.

The module is a follow on from level 4 editing modules and includes the following

• Development and enhancement in the use and selection of a non-linear editing systems appropriate for the use of long form editing for drama and documentary production
• Students are introduced to the long form production as a contributor to contemporary media productions and to consider its form, function and conventions and its contribution to screen grammar for documentary and drama production
• Develop and engage with a range of industry practices that demonstrate the importance of the creative selection of suitable footage, the organisation of shots to order, and their impact on the presentation of the final programme.
• Enhance and expand skills and practices in the organisation, selection and editing of material within the context of a contemporary media workflow relating to the production of long form production
• Students will undertake independent study to support a programme of practical exercises designed to develop their skills in this area and develop discussion and debate designed to extend their critical appreciation of long form editing in relation to the genres of documentary and drama.
• Enhanced and more detailed study of the application of colour and grading to achieve specific ‘looks’

During the course of this module students will look at the idea of the influence of editing and VFX in relation to film form and how it contributes to the meaning and creative style of a film. They will consider the following:

• Editing and VFX production and the change from analogue to digital production
• The shot and the development of the ’look’
• Key technical and aesthetical editing influences such as montage, time manipulation and parallel narrative
• Pioneers of the development, use and influence of VFX production in defined decades
• Key technical and aesthetic VFX influences such as compositing, matte painting and 
• Pioneers of the development of editing techniques and practices in defined decades

Students will study the skills, practices and techniques required for the fast turnaround environments of live events and online content

• Development and enhancement in the use and selection of a non-linear editing system appropriate for short form editing within the context of defined criteria such as studio production and sports events
• Students are introduced to the short-form production as a contributor to contemporary wed based and online productions, considering its form and function and are introduced to the associative practices of editing in relation to fast turn-around and output
• Develop and engage with a range of industry practices that demonstrate the importance of the creative selection of suitable footage, the organisation of shots and their impact on the presentation of the final programme within specified technical guidelines relevant to distribution on online platforms.
• Introduce and develop skills and practices in the organisation, selection and editing of material within the context of a contemporary media workflow relating to the production of short form production
• Students will undertake independent study to support a programme of practical exercises designed to develop their skills and understanding of the conventions and practices of short form editing

The module offers students opportunities to work in teams to develop techniques and creative practices that expand and broaden their skills within the context of building and designing media workflows within the context of an industry brief. Students will have opportunities to work collaboratively with other courses, modules and professional media services to expand and consolidate their practice and theoretical knowledge within the context of an industry related brief. These opportunities may include working with students from other course such as the BA Animation, Film Production, Film Production and Television and Radio which has the potential for students to gain skills within a wider range of media disciplines. This has the opportunity for students to enhance and compliment their skills in subject areas such as storyboard design, character development, production management and advanced camera practices.

Students work to develop ideas and proposals for projects/briefs that will include background research, proposal and treatment. Work and assessment will continue in the form of development of the project through written work, scripts, storyboards and include also production planning. Through a process of planning and workflow design, students will develop ideas with consideration for the target audiences, client needs and the appropriate deliverables for the project and the client. In addition, this module provides an opportunity for students to develop an awareness of professional working practices, including a basic understanding of the various forms of intellectual property rights (copyright, patent, and trademark) within the fields of Post production and VFX.

The syllabus will explore classical, current and future workflows for VFX in film and television. This will involve a critical and reflective analysis of past to current workflows and provoke insight into how development trends both technologically, economically and aesthetically will shape the future of VFX and its related post production workflows. Students will gain the necessary experience and skills to develop and create content from initial concept design to finished visual sequences. It will develop the creative and technical skills necessary to work within modern VFX and postproduction environments across a range of media industries. Students will be given the context to evaluate, reflect upon and analyse the multiple strands and practices current within Post Production workflows and pipelines. The module will aim to provide students with opportunities to work on simulated industry-relevant live briefs, including, where appropriate, within input from industry professionals.

The syllabus will explore classical, current and future workflows for video Post Production in film and television with particular emphasis and reference to the influential role of the editor within film and television editing.

This will involve a critical and reflective analysis of past to current workflows and provoke insight into how development trends both technologically, economically and aesthetically have shaped and influenced contemporary post production workflows. 

On this module you will develop advanced creative and technical skills including colouring and grading, conforming, mastering and media management for archive, that are necessary to work within modern post production environments across a range of media industries. 

You will be given the context to evaluate, reflect upon and analyse the multiple strands and practices current within media production. The module will aim to provide you with opportunities to work on simulated industry-relevant live briefs, including, where appropriate, within input from industry professionals.

The syllabus will be determined by the student-led independent research and analysis underlying a self-directed project within the context of Post Production and/or VFX. The research and practice will be supported by regular feedback and critique sessions from supervisors with specialist knowledge in the relevant domains of practice and research that the students have chosen.

• The syllabus of the programme will be delivered in the following stages
• Delivery of either initial research aims and objectives (i.e. rough draft) or high quality prototype;
• Presentation of a project idea and a workflow appropriate for the project.
• Self-directed negotiated programme of studies
• Synthesis of design ideas and production process
• Production of a creative artefact with a managed and agreed timeframe
• Presentation of additional, appropriate supporting documentation

The syllabus will be directed by the nature of the projects in conjunction with the supervisor but will cover all stage of production, including:

• Research, information gathering and critical evaluation of the production project
• Self-directed negotiated programme of production
• Planning and organisation of production portfolio including time management
• Production of an appropriate body of work to a high technical and industry standard
• A supporting portfolio of work and critical reflection of the project from initial conception to final output