module specification

Students learn about, consider and put into practice techniques used in digital post-production. They will also gain experience in the use of industry standard post-production tools.

None

The aim of this module is to teach the fundamentals of digital post-production. The module will facilitate the development of practical as well as theoretical understanding of the skills and knowledge needed at the post-production stages of a project.

? video compression
? digital video formats
? capturing and importing audio, video and still images
? editing
? trimming
? assembling
? transitions
? titles
? 2D and 3D compositing
? compositing and the temporal montage
? compositing and the montage within a shot
? spatial dimensions
? keying
? mattes
? animating clips
? effects
? audio
? exporting movies
? critical evaluation
? storyboarding the post-production phase of a project

Learning and teaching will be covered in weekly workshops (3 hours). Key ideas will be introduced and discussed at the start of each workshop. The theories and concepts involved in post-production will be illustrated during the workshops. Workshops will also provide practical experience and a forum to develop skills in the use of digital post-production tools.

In addition students are expected to spend a significant amount of hours carrying out independent study, viewing films and animations and working on their coursework.

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:

knowledge and understanding of a range of digital and non-digital post-production styles and techniques [A2];
ability to design a concept and post-production storyboard to be used to complete and enhance an unfinished project [A3];
ability to implement this plan using appropriate media and post-production tools and techniques [A3];
ability to appreciate and consider how use of other media and post production work may enhance their future animation work [A3];
ability to document post-production plans and ideas for this and future projects [A3];
ability to critically evaluate their own work and working methods [A1].

Coursework 100%. The module will be assessed by three coursework assignments. Students will produce concept plans and storyboard by week 5, and by week 12 an application and a workbook containing plans, ideas and evaluation of own work and working methods. The concept plans and storyboard in week 5 will provide an opportunity to give students formative feedback. There will also be many opportunities for non–assessed formative feedback during the module.

Assessment criteria include demonstration of:

? knowledge and understanding of a range of digital and non-digital post-production styles and techniques;
? ability to design a concept and post-production storyboard to be used to complete and enhance an unfinished project;
? ability to implement this plan using appropriate media and post-production tools and techniques;
? ability to appreciate and consider how use of other media and post production work may enhance their future animation work.;
? ability to document post-production plans and ideas for this and future projects;
? ability to critically evaluate their own work and working methods.

Brinkman, R. (1999), The Art and Science of Digital Compositing, Elsevier Academic Press, ISBN 0121339602

Freeman, D. (2004), Creating Emotion in Games, New Riders,
ISBN 1592730078

Hashimoto, A. (2004), Visual Design Fundamentals: A Digital Approach, Charles River Media, Graphics Series ISBN 1584502592

Kelly, D. (2002), Digital Compositing in Depth, Paraglyph Press, ISBN 1932111549

Meyer, T. (2004), Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects: Volume 1: The Essentials, CMP Books, ISBN 1578202493

Wells, P. (1998), Understanding Animation, Taylor & Francis Ltd, ISBN 0415115973