This course will focus on the production of 3D animated content for digital art and visual effects using industry-standard software. Students will be introduced to those processes and techniques fundamental to the creation of digital special effects in film and broadcast. Modeling, texturing, lighting, dynamics and camera tracking will be explored with particular emphasis placed on their application in commercial production. Managing render output for compositing will also be addressed. 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 be offered a solid grounding in industry standard digital animation processes relevant to the production of digital visual effects; development of skills in particle creation for visual effects production; the development of skills in photorealistic lighting and rendering; to be able to realise a concept from beginning to end; to refine project development and management skills.

1. Demonstrate creative control and a critical understanding of techniques, technologies and equipment used in the discipline
2. Demonstrate the creative analysis and critical understanding of the materials and processes currently employed in digital media
3. Show a critical awareness and developed understanding of historical and theoretical contexts relevant to the course
4. Exploit the characteristics of materials and processes in an individual and conceptually developed way
5. Demonstrate the possession of a critical, analytical and self-reflective practice
6. Apply concepts and techniques to the development of resolved works of art
7. Identify and develop personal topics for individual research
8. Demonstrate adherence to OH & S requirements and procedures

Portfolio of studio work (80%)

Studio Theory report/Journal/Studio Documentation equivalent to a 1000 word essay (20%)

All sessions will take place in a computer laboratory

3 hours of seminar / studio practice each week

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

None

Knowledge of digital environment

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Maya Visual Effects: The Innovator’s Guide, Eric Keller (2007), Sybex.

Maya Studio Projects: Dynamics, Todd Palamar ((2010), Sybex.

Maya Professional Tips and Techniques, Lee Lanier (2007), Sybex.

Digital Lighting and Rendering, Jeremy Birn (2006), New Riders.

Animation Art - from Pencil to Pixel, the World of Cartoon, Anime and CGI, Jerry Beck (Ed.), (2004), Glame Tree Pub.

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

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