STUDY

The narrative composition of a piece of writing will alter dependent on audience, genre and method of delivery and this module will allow investigation of the forms and context to deliver workable scripts to an industry format. You will develop a production document for a 3 min film based on your written script.  This document will give you an introduction to the planning phase of a production within a contextualised setting.

Editors work with directors to creatively determine the way that films unfold and stories develop. This module develops your awareness of and competences in a range of editing skills across a variety of genres. You will be encouraged to adopt an orderly approach to organising the edit environment, and to explore the creative options open to an editor. The module will also introduce students to end product colour grading, asset management and content delivery.

This module aims to develop the skills of camera operators in single-camera acquisition for visual production. You will be introduced to the operating functions and technical requirements of camera operation and recording sound from camera mics in order to shoot and assemble shots effectively. You will also be introduced to the conventions surrounding shots, sequences and framing and develop skills associated with camera work in a range of environments. You will explore lighting techniques using appropriate studio or location lighting equipment. As part of this exploration you will investigate the use of camera scripts and storyboards as tools of storytelling.

3D computer animation is the cornerstone of modern visual media production and is an essential requirement for working in film visual effects and gaming. This module aims to develop your 3D animation and production skills, introducing you to core computer animation techniques, such as modelling, texturing, dynamics and animation. You will be expected to plan and produce 3D computer animations suitable for use in visual effects and games production pipelines.

Within this module you will build an online profile that connects to the industry through social media channels, video presentation platforms and networking platforms. Your online portfolio of work will offer future clients or employers the opportunity to see your skills, creative direction and your personality. Throughout this module you will develop your study skills through self-reflection and skills assessment, you will also be developing your academic writing and researching skills which are required through the creation of your personal development plan.

This module encourages you to investigate the range of 2D and 2.5D animation processes employed by the contemporary visual media industry. Skills acquired in this module will contribute to 2d and 3d Compositing’ in year two. Sessions presented by specialists in the field will enable you to experiment with different techniques within VFX and motion design.

The process of research within this degree supports your academic and ability for independent research within your chosen specialist field of study. The module develops your abilities in this essential area of academic development and facilitates access to progression routes following successful completion of the Foundation Degree. You will be encouraged to focus attention on selecting a research activity which will impact on, and be aligned with, your chosen career pathway. You will further develop your organisational skills and self-management through the processes of academic research within the visual media industry.

This module encourages you to investigate the role of the compositor and to develop the technical knowledge and skills of this demanding role.  Compositors work at the end of the production process and receive material from various sources which could include 3D animation, special effects, graphics, 2D animation, live action, etc. Their job is to creatively combine all the elements into the final image, ensuring that the established style of the project is respected and continuity is maintained. This essential component of the programme offers you an opportunity rarely offered through other programmes of study. The module gives you the skills to produce work of a significantly high standard using industry standard equipment and through industry professional workshops.

This module will investigate contemporary cinematography techniques using both High Definition (HD) and 4k UHD formats. The intention is for you to gain a clear understanding of camera and lenses within a Studio, Location and Green screen context.  You will understand exterior and interior advanced lighting, HDR luminance space, ICVFX concepts and techniques, use of tracking markers within a green screen set-up and explore visual narratives through the use of light, shade and composition. This module will look at the practical challenges that face today’s DOP and you will have the opportunity to film and edit a series of visually led cinematic narratives. Theoretical issues around current good working practice will also be explored, together with the technical theory surrounding the use of lenses, lighting, colour and depth of field.

3D environment artists create 3D environments for architectural walk-throughs, TV programmes, films, websites and games. The scenery created by these artists includes landscapes, buildings, vegetation and furniture, produced by computers running 3D application software. 3D environment artists are responsible for applying textures to objects and environment items such as the surfaces of walls and floors of buildings. This is a highly skilled area of work which requires considerable knowledge and understanding of lighting, perspective, materials, colour theory and visual effects. Specialist software packages are used to create the environments and work must be done in an efficient and effective way which makes best use of the technology.

This module deals with character animation and motion capture theory and practice, especially in the context of applying motion capture data to character animation for narratives and VFX processes. Theoretical, technical and aesthetic aspects of character animation for arts/entertainment environments are explored, and the module enables the development of a practical understanding of the latest technologies and best practice for 3D character design, rigging and animation together with the use of visual effects.

The Major Project module will provide the opportunity to bring together and apply the skills in technical and creative practice, self-management, information and communication, reflection and evaluation acquired during the Foundation degree study period. It is the intention that you create a substantial piece of work which encompasses the previous modules and highlights your own creative pathway.