This course aims to develop in students the requisite skills to enter into the visual effects industry as a digital visual effects artist specialising in the production of 3D computer animated elements for digital visual effects.

This course will focus on the production of 3D animated content for visual effects using industry-standard software. Students will explore in more depth those processes and techniques required for the creation of digital special effects in film and broadcast. Particle creation, rendering and shading will be explored with particular emphasis placed on their use in creating weather effects and other visual phenomena. The course includes further examination of lighting assets and management of animation assets for compositing. A theoretical component examines the historical context of the discipline. This course includes a production schedule for the completion of a major project.

Students will develop skills in the fundamental processes of animation for visual effects production; be able to realise a concept from beginning to end; develop project development and management skills; develop an awareness of contemporary trends and future directions for 3D animation in the new  media arts.

All sessions take place in a computer laboratory:

3 hours of seminar / studio practice per week

Students are expected to do at least an extra 6 hours of independent studio practice each week

Keller, E. Maya Visual Effects: The Innovator's Guide, Sybex: Chicago 2007

Kundert-Gibbs, J. Mastering Maya 8.5, Sybex: Chicago 2007