module specification

In this module students are introduced to the aesthetics and conventions of digital moving image making, as well as the processes of pre-production, production and post-production for digital video and VFX work. Students will collaborate in small production teams to make digital videos, they will also work independently on visual effects projects.

This module will introduce the processes, skills and working practices involved in digital moving image production and the techniques of VFX practice. Students will study the use of digital moving images and will learn to work collaboratively to achieve shared aims.

CU4002 Digital Design and Image Making

• The language of moving images.
• Moving image production
• Recording video in teams by taking on roles and responsibilities for: direction, production, art-direction, camera, lighting and sound, within a team context.
• Understanding of the development, production and post-production processes.
• Development of skills required for teamwork and project management.
• Documentation of experimental, creative and technical methodologies and investigations.
• Development of software skills in editing, post-production and VFX techniques, including rendering, compression and export, compositing, motion tracking, matte painting, layering, masking, keying, colour space.

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Teaching and learning will be carried out through weekly seminars (1 hour) and workshops (2 hours).

During seminars students will be introduced to new knowledge and relevant issues of debate. During workshops students will work with industry standard software on practical projects and work in small groups to create professional standard presentations, and discuss subject matter introduced during the seminars. 

In addition to taught classes students are expected to spend a significant number of hours carrying out research connected with the subject, visiting exhibitions and expositions, reading bibliographic and course literature and practising their practical skills.

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE and online tools, will be used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:

• Deliver content;
• Encourage active learning;
• Provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• Enhance student engagement and learning experience.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Communicate knowledge and understanding of the language of film and video [LO1]
• Demonstrate skills in digital video production techniques, including: camerawork, lighting, editing, sound recording [LO2]
• Effectively work as part of a team [LO3]
• Make use of composting and post-production techniques including: creating and using titles, matts and masks, motion tracking, layering, puppeting, lighting, keying effects, colour space, colour correction, compression and export for a variety of end purposes [LO4]

Coursework 100%.

This module will be assessed by three coursework components. These components will provide an opportunity to assess students understanding of the principles of Digital Moving Image, and VFX, their ability to work both individually and in teams to produce high quality practical projects.

Component one will be assessed in week 8
Component two will be assessed in week 15
Component three will be assessed in week 27

Assessment criteria for this module will include:

Component one and two will consist of a digital video project produced by teamwork (LO1, LO2, LO3)

Component three will consist of an individually produced VFX project (LO1, LO2, LO4,)

Feedback will be provided at individual progress meetings.  Students will also have the opportunity to submit drafts of their work for formative feedback, summative feedback to be provided upon final assessment via WebLearn.

Bibliography:

Useful reference manuals;

Visual Quick start guides And Adobe Classroom in a book for Photoshop, Premiere and After Effects

Essential reading:

Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K. (2001) Film Art an introduction. McGraw-Hill.

Lancaster, L. (2011) DSLR Cinema Crafting the Film Look with Video. Amsterdam, Focal Press

Simon, M. (2007) Storyboards: motion in art, Amsterdam, Focal Press

Van Sijll, J. (2005) Cinematic Storytelling California, Michael Wiese