Course Title: Create digital visual effects

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: COSC5382C

Course Title: Create digital visual effects

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5216 - 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

Trewlea Peters
trewlea.peters@rmit.edu.au

Alex Joseski
aleksander.joseski@rmit.edu.au

 

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

This course covers the skills and knowledge required to create digital visual effects to simulate physical or natural phenomenon, such as fire, crowds or weather conditions. Compositors are responsible for creatively combining elements into the final image, ensuring that the established style of the project is respected and continuity is maintained. You will use a range of software applications to create and refine digital visual effects.

This course is taught and assessed with CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turnaround.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFANM402A Create digital visual effects

Element:

1 Clarify work requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1
With reference to production documentation , clarify requirements for digital visual effects
1.2
In consultation with relevant personnel , clarify work flow sequences to ensure that production schedule 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 that they are in the correct output file format
2.2
Choose digital visual effects that best represent the vision of scripts, as required
2.3
Check that components comply with storyboard requirements
2.4
Determine the appropriate methods and techniques to be used for the production of the required digital special effects
 

Element:

3 Assemble previsualisations

Performance Criteria:

3.1
Create previsualisation of the required visual effects sequences using the appropriate assets and compositing techniques
3.2
Experiment with previsualisation to establish the best results and solve problems that arise during the process of creating the visual effects
3.3
Submit previsualisation visual effects sequences to relevant personnel for evaluation and feedback
3.4
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 that 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 visual effects in accordance with enterprise Procedures
5.4
Complete workplace documentation as required
5.5
Review process of creating digital visual effects and note areas for future improvement

 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

You will be able to:

  • create a range of digital visual effects sequences that:
    • meet the requirements of a brief
    • demonstrate attention to detail and an ability to refine visual effects to achieve the required creative effects
  • adopt a collaborative approach to work
  • meet deadlines.
     

 

 


Details of Learning Activities

You learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• demonstration and practical application
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching, observation and questioning
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions
• workshopping of students’ own projects
• analysis/critique of students work

2. Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• online and other research
• independent study


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 of speakers and resources.
 

Week Class content Exercises Elements

1

Overview of post production process. A historical overview and principles still used today.  
CUFPOS401A (1)
CUFANM402A (1)
 
2 Understanding framing and sequences. Visual storytelling. Breaking down a script and digital storyboarding.

 

Editing Formative task

 

 
CUFPOS401A (1)
CUFANM402A (1)
 
3 Introduction to pre-visualisation and visual effects. VFX Formative task CUFPOS401A (2,3)
4 Overview of Digital Editing software – The interface.   CUFPOS401A (2,3)
5 Post production methods and techniques   CUFPOS401A (2,3)
CUFANM402A (2)
 
6 Refining work. Fine tuning an edit, mastering sound levels and colour correction.   CUFPOS401A (2,3)
CUFANM402A (3)
 
7 FOLLOW BRIEF AND SCRIPT TO EDIT THE RAW FOOTAGE INTO A FINAL MASTERED SEQUENCE AND OUTPUT FOR SUBMISSION. Editing Formative task CUFPOS401A (4)
 
8 Individual appointments discussing interview structure and overlay to reinforce story.  Editing Formative task CUFPOS401A (1)
9 Individual appointments discussing interview structure and overlay to reinforce story. Editing Formative task
 
CUFPOS401A (1)
10 Interview Productions – Integrated assessment    
11 Interview Productions – Integrated assessment    
12 Interview Productions – Integrated assessment    
13 Interview Productions – Integrated assessment    
14 Start selecting and editing footage from independent Interview. Edit rough cut of interview.  Editing Summative task  CUFPOS401A (2,3)
15 Edit Interview and receive verbal feedback on rough-cut. Fine tune duplicate of rough cut after receiving feedback.  Editing Summative task  CUFPOS401A (3)
Week16 Deliverables: Master fine-tuned edit and output from edit suite.  Editing Summative task  CUFPOS401A (3,4)
SEM 2

CUFPOS401A (1,2,3,4,)
CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4,5,)

Week Class content Exercises Elements
1 Introduction to Visual Effects - composites and animation. 
 
  CUFANM402A (2,3,4)
2 Masks, mattes and keying   CUFANM402A (2,3,4)
3 Motion Tracking and animated masks.   CUFANM402A (2,3,4)
4 In class assignment  VFX Formative task CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4)
5 Production - shoot VFX material VFX Summative assessment task CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4,5)
6 Post Production - composite VFX material VFX Summative assessment task CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4,5)
  Productions Begin    
7 Pre-Production, Production and post production period  
8 Pre-Production, Production and post production period  

 CUFPOS401A (1,2,3,)
CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4)

9

Pre-Production, Production and post production period.

Rough cut feedback.

 Editing Formative task

CUFPOS401A (1,2,3)
CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4)

10

Pre-Production, Production and post production period.

Rough cut feedback.
 

 Editing Formative task CUFPOS401A (1,2,3,)
CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4)
11

Pre-Production, Production and post production period.

Rough cut feedback.
 

 Editing Formative task

CUFPOS401A (1,2,3,4,)
CUFANM402A (1,2,3,4,5,)

12

Pre-Production, Production and post production period.

Rough cut feedback.
 

 Editing Formative task

CUFPOS401A ,3,4,)
CUFANM402A (3,4,5,)

13 Rough Cut feedback  Editing Formative task

CUFPOS401A ,3,4,)
CUFANM402A (3,4,5,)

14 Rough Cut feedback  Editing Formative task CUFPOS401A ,3,4,)
CUFANM402A (3,4,5,)
15 Rough cut feedback.
 
 Editing Formative task

CUFPOS401A (4,)
CUFANM402A (5,)

16 Submit edited master and documentation.  Editing Summative task

CUFPOS401A (4)
CUFANM402A (5)


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

You will require your own media storage and back up equipment.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN TECHNICAL DETAILS IN CLASS.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and will include both project work and practical exercises that assess skills and knowledge


Assessment Tasks

Please note: This competency is co delivered and assessed with CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turnaround.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Previsualisation

In class assignment demonstrating skills and knowledge aquired in previous lessons

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Shoot and composite a visual effects scene

Assessment tasks in this unit are either ungraded (Formative) or graded (Summative). Ungraded tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for more substantial (graded) assessment tasks.

To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.

For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:
The following grades are applicable to Summative assessment tasks and apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competent achieved graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit


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

Ethics and your work:
In this course you are required to submit work which could be broadcast to a majority audience and would meet a rating of between G and MA (follow the links on The Office of Film and Literature Classification website - oflc.gov.au) to inform yourself of criteria, and also meets RMIT’s
Ethical Conduct requirements (follow the links on the RMIT website- rmit.edu.au) and Australian law with regard to vilification.
It is each student’s responsibility to acquaint him/herself with these regulations before submitting work for assessment.
In line with this requirement the majority content of your film productions must be approved and signed off by your production supervisor (a Screen and media teacher)one month ahead of the first day of photography. 



Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Feedback - You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y

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 go to Academic Integrity
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Work Placement:
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview