BA (Hons) Animation: Visual Effects
Principles of Visual Effects Project brief,
Identity and environment.
Start date: 28th Sept 2021 Critical review date: 27th Jan 2022
Aims:
- To learn key technical skills in Visual Effects.
- To apply these skills in original and imaginative ways that demonstrate aptitude and a willingness to develop
creatively. - To gain an understanding of the narrative power of short film and Visual Effects and how it can be used to tell
interesting and compelling stories. - To assess and meet challenges with effective problem solving.
Brief:
You are to create a moving image portrait in the form of a short visual effects film. This project will span the entire
unit, and will take the following structure:
• Firstly, you will think about concept generation and development.
• With concept in mind, you will then think about environment and mood and begin to design an environment
that complements your concept.
• You will consider how you want to create your background environment, (2d, 3d, 3d projection or something
else) and how you can utilise these techniques within your project.
• You will think about the subject of your film, and will film either yourself or someone/thing else against a
greenscreen.
• You will learn about camera and object tracking and how you might use this in your film.
• You will think about sound for your film (please consider more than just a soundtrack!)
• Finally, you will composite your character into your environment along with anything else you have chosen
to include.
We will start by brainstorming as a class to generate ideas and help you get started. This will take the form of various activities, discussion and analysis. We will subsequently have regular critiques and evaluations to aid concept development as you progress thorough the unit. These will be group activities and you will be expected to participate not only in your own concept development but by supporting your classmates’ as well.
Once you have an initial idea, you will start to design your environment in an appropriate way. By building your
environment first you will be more able to light your greenscreen effectively to match your background.
Greenscreen shooting will take place over two days, first will be a test shoot and the second will be the actual shoot. We will be shooting in groups, and you will be expected to lead on your own part, acting as both director and VFX supervisor. It is essential to be prepared for the shoot which is why we will do a test shoot beforehand to identify any potential issues.
You will spend time learning specific Visual Effects techniques in the form of pre-recorded tutorials, it is essential to complete these tutorials to lean appropriate Visual Effects techniques. However, you are free to interpret the brief widely and are encouraged to find other tutorials that may assist you in your learning, and should take responsibility
for your own learning. The main aim here is to use visual effects to portray something about your subject and to create a captivating piece of work that demands attention.
You have complete creative freedom in this and will be encouraged to be adventurous in your thinking whilst working within the framework of the brief.
Assessment Criteria
Final film must be between 10 and 60 seconds long and be in full HD format 25 fps. Your final film should come first followed by a breakdown of the stages of work. This should be accompanied by your research and development. More information can be found in the assignment brief and guidance will also be given in class.