module specification

CU5008 - Moving Image and VFX (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Moving Image and VFX
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 300
 
81 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
219 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Group Coursework 10%   Moving Image Project Development (group work)
Group Coursework 40%   Moving Image Project Production (group work)
Coursework 50%   VFX Project Development and Production (individual work)
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Thursday Morning

Module summary

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.

Prior learning requirements

CU4002 Digital Design and Image Making

Syllabus

• 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

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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.

Learning outcomes

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]

Bibliography

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