Course Descriptions

VSFX 101 Introduction to Visual Effects
This course introduces students to the history and development of visual effects through lectures, readings and screenings of important works. Students examine the various ways in which artistic and technological tools have been used to create convincing visual effects for film, television and games. Studies focus on the variety of ways in which visual effects techniques have evolved to keep up with increasingly discerning audiences.

VSFX 130 Visual Effects-based Cinematography I
This course explores the foundations of cinematography relating to the visual effects industry. Introductory concepts are explored, including shot definition, framing, technique and technology. Students shoot short subjects with an emphasis on the technical aspects of the art. Prerequisite: CMPA 110.

VSFX 160 Introduction to Visual Effects Programming
In this programming course, students are introduced to workstation text editing, LINUX/UNIX file management, the LINUX/UNIX environment, LINUX/UNIX shell scripting and basic object-oriented programming. Prerequisite: CMPA 110.

VSFX 210 Digital 3-D Visual Effects
This course explores space environments, including the foundations of modeling techniques for the creation of digital sets and effects. Shading techniques and natural and studio digital lighting are introduced. Motion studies specific to camera animation, special effects motion, complex parenting techniques, key frame interpolation techniques and basic expression animation techniques are covered. Prerequisite: VSFX 130.

VSFX 270 Compositing
This course covers methods of composing computer- generated imagery and live images, along with layering, keying and matting, effects creation, motion control and tracking, film and lighting effects, image manipulation, retouching, color correction, painting, stabilization and rotoscoping. Feature film-level composing tools are used to develop skills and presentations with meaningful effects. Prerequisites: VSFX 130, VSFX 160.

VSFX 310 Matte Painting
Digital matte painting explores the techniques of 2-D image creation for use as backgrounds and set extensions. Students are introduced to the digital tool set and techniques for matte painting, as well as the history of the art. Projects and skills complement classes dealing with related fields such as live action, 3-D and compositing. Prerequisite: VSFX 130.

VSFX 312 MEL Scripting
This course explores the use of MEL, Autodesk Maya's embedded scripting language, as a tool for automating repetitive tasks, customizing the user experience, utilizing external data sources and extending the basic toolset with custom features. Prerequisite: ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.

VSFX 319 Programming Models and Shaders I
This course covers intermediate concepts in programming, with an emphasis on understanding the foundations of 3-D modeling, lighting and shading, and the use of C/C++ and Pixar's RenderMan scene description languages. Students also learn Pixar's shading language for rendering special effects. Prerequisite: VSFX 210 or ANIM 250.

VSFX 321 Digital Fine Art
This course exposes students to the process of generating digital imagery for purposes of display in a gallery setting. While the tools and techniques are similar, producing digital fine art is very different from producing images intended for film, games or animation. The role of the artist and their means of self-expression using digital tools is explored along with the specific techniques used to produce gallery-quality work. Prerequisites: ANIM 250 or BCST 401 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.

VSFX 330 Visual Effects-based Cinematography II
This course explores advanced theory of aesthetic and technical aspects of cinematography. A full production component is included, with a focus on the technical requirements for shooting on site and enhancing postproduction results. Prerequisite: VSFX 130.

VSFX 350 Procedural Modeling and Animation
Procedural modeling and animation techniques allow animators to create environments of limitless complexity. Scenes are defined by relationships rather than singularities. Students utilize programming and text editing skills to develop dynamic digital effects. Prerequisites: ANIM 250 or VSFX 210.

VSFX 406 Concept Development for Visual Effects
In this course, students develop methods for cultivating ideas and an understanding of narrative storytelling as it relates to film language, screen design and concept development. Prerequisites: VSFX 160, VSFX 210.

VSFX 408 Visual Effects Studio I
In this course, students are introduced to the preproduction phase including analysis and critique, organization and scheduling. The goal is to create a coherent body of work expressing students' artistic visions through acquired skills. Prerequisite: VSFX 406.

VSFX 419 Programming Models and Shaders II
This course explores programming concepts used to create 3-D lighting scenarios and environments, with a focus on developing a personal aesthetic. Students apply these concepts to create code-based shaders, scripts and other procedures to develop aesthetically strong visuals for long formats. Prerequisite: VSFX 319.

VSFX 424 Digital Visual Effects II
This course examines advanced techniques in the production of 3-D, noncharacter-based models and environments, the course also expands on and extrapolates from additional foundations set in Digital Visual Effects I with an opportunity for individual exploration. Prerequisite: VSFX 210.

VSFX 425 Photorealistic Rendering
This course explores concepts in 3-D digital materials, lighting, and rendering and developing techniques to create the illusion of a ???real??? world utilizing three dimensional computer graphics. Students gain understanding and skills of lighting tools including 3-D and 2-D applications, as well as a variety of rendering techniques. Prerequisite: VSFX 424.

VSFX 428 Particles and Procedural Effects
This course investigates the manufacture of atmospheric and surface independent effects, cultivating innovation in the study of procedural graphics and their application to scene creation and content delivery. Prerequisite: VSFX 350.

VSFX 430 High Dynamic Range Imaging
High Dynamic Range imaging emphasizes the integration of computer-generated objects or characters into real world video or film footage. HDR imaging seeks to develop and integrate photography, lighting, and rendering into various 3-D and 2-D software applications by utilizing digital images containing light information more accurately than traditional digital imaging means. Prerequisite: VSFX 210.

VSFX 448 Visual Effects Studio II
Students collaborate to produce a visual effects product from start to finish that includes analysis and critique, organization and scheduling. The goal is to create a coherent body of work expressing students' personal artistic visions through their acquired skills. Prerequisite: VSFX 408.

VSFX 490 Visual Effects Portfolio
This course aims to prepare students for employment in the field of visual effects. Students investigate career opportunities and the requirements of the position of interest. Development of a portfolio and demo reel is enhanced by the continued study of motion graphics, compositing and sound. Prerequisite: VSFX 408.

VSFX 495 Special Topics in Visual Effects
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various problems in the field of visual effects and allows advanced students to pursue individual or collaborative projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

VSFX 705 Programming Concepts for Visual Effects
Students gain introductory knowledge of the LINUX/UNIX environment and how it relates to text editing and file management. In addition, the foundations of programming languages are covered utilizing LINUX/UNIX shell scripting, PERL, MEL, C++ or similar programming.

VSFX 708 Modeling for Visual Effects
This course covers many of the essential aspects of 3-D modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation for use in the Visual Effects industry. Professional workflows, techniques, and presentation skills are stressed and encouraged throughout the class.

VSFX 709 Visual Effects Theory and Application
In this course, theoretical and practical study methods are used to inform and develop students' practices. By integrating historical studies, theory and practice, students address issues central to the visual effects industry and develop conceptual ideologies.

VSFX 715 Digital Compositing I
This course introduces high-end digital multilayering. Techniques and aesthetic issues are explored to produce time-based imagery. Students acquire and integrate aesthetically driven live-action imagery into broadcast or visual effects projects utilizing a wide range of media formats. Prerequisite: ANIM 709.

VSFX 721 Procedural Modeling and Animation
Students learn about the techniques of procedural modeling and animation used in visual effects films. Students use procedural modeling techniques and camera techniques and prepare documentation required in visual effects productions. The end result is a visual effects portfolio of professional quality work. Prerequisites: ANIM 709, VSFX 705.

VSFX 730 Visual Effects Production
From pre-production, production and post-production, students employ methods of contemporary visual effects production management techniques and utilize state-of-the art visual effects simulation techniques as a short visual effects sequence is created in a simulated professional production environment. Prerequisite: VSFX 721.

VSFX 735 Visual Effects Studio I
Students define a personal vision creating visual effects for film. Concentrating on the design of visual effects sequences, specific attention is directed toward the development of scripts, storyboards, shot breakdowns, animatics, technical direction documents, estimates and schedules in the planning process. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible with a strong emphasis on critique. Prerequisite: VSFX 709.

VSFX 749 Visual Effects Portfolio
Students focus on the integration of imagery, Web sites, video and various elements into a visual effects portfolio. Students are expected to learn and apply effective tools for self-promotion, including a reel, CD, compilation, Web site, cover letter and r??sum??. Proper and effective marketing techniques, interviewing techniques, job search strategies and business practices are covered to provide an understanding of operations in the effects industry. M.A. students enroll in this course during their final quarter of the visual effects program. Prerequisite: VSFX 735.

VSFX 751 Matchmoving
By exploring concepts in 3-D camera matchmove of live action scenes, as well as rigid object tracking, students experience tracking 3-D shots by hand and by applying the use of camera tracking software. Students analyze data and create seamless camera connections between live action shots and 3-D computer generated objects. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or VSFX 709.

VSFX 752 3-D Color, Lighting and Rendering
Students develop believable lighting and rendering solutions for environments in both live-action integration and computer-generated scenes. Students learn to use various lighting tools and rendering techniques to create believable lighting situations. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or VSFX 709.

VSFX 753 Motion Capture and Integration
Exploring concepts in motion capture technology, students establish the skills required to create precise data based on a live action actor. They refine their data editing skills for applying this skeletal motion data to previously rigged characters, which results in a 3-D representation of realistic motion in a visual effects context. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or VSFX 709.

VSFX 755 Procedural 3-D and Shader Programming
This course is an in-depth study of programming techniques used to develop the artistic vision of a 3-D environment. Students use industry standard shader language to create rendering effects for the production of still images and animations utilizing the most prevalent software in the industry. Prerequisite: VSFX 705.

VSFX 757 Visual Effects Creature Look Development
Exploring the challenges of integrating photo-real creatures into live action films, students establish the look and style of 3-D creatures through the definition of surface attributes. Students refine their pre-visualization skills and abilities to create a final rendered look for a digital creature. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or VSFX 709.

VSFX 758 Digital Compositing II
In this course, students learn advanced multi-layering techniques and combine CGI, live action and graphics to resolve complex problems in motion design and visual effects technologies. Prerequisite: VSFX 715.

VSFX 760 CGI/Live Lighting/Compositing
This course focuses on creating 3-D elements for compositing with live action art. Students are responsible for the modeling and animation of 3-D elements, with particular emphasis on accurate lighting and camera placement to achieve seamless integration of their photo-realistic imagery. Prerequisites: VSFX 715, VSFX 721.

VSFX 762 Matte Painting
This course addresses the role of digital matte painting in augmenting the visual environment; students apply this technique to the re-creation of both realistic and fantasy scenes. The course addresses issues such as color, space, depth and perspective as painting techniques. The elements students create in the course may be used with 3-D elements and composited for other projects. Prerequisite: ANIM 709.

VSFX 763 3-D Environment Rendering
Exploring concepts in digital environments, students establish the look and style of a completely 3-D environment. Students define surface attributes and shading networks for a variety of environment surfaces to refine their pre-visualization skills. They develop styles of 3-D environments to enhance the storytelling process. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or VSFX 709.

VSFX 764 Digital Set Extension and Integration
In this course, students gain experience in developing digital set extensions for feature films and commercials. The course combines the technical execution of aesthetic matte creation with a review of cinematography techniques and physical set design and constraints. Students apply problem-solving skills to arrive at solutions for matching digital set construction of 3-D elements to cinematography using camera matching and other digital techniques. Prerequisite: VSFX 762.

VSFX 765 Visual Effects Problem Solving
The creation of innovative visual effects depends on the analytical problem solving skills of visual effects artists. In this course students explore and learn visual effects problem solving techniques including traditional or digital visual effects, and also demonstrate, discuss and act upon contemporary visual effects problem solving issues. Prerequisite: VSFX 735.

VSFX 766 Technical Director Methods
This course focuses on the global fundamentals of workstation scripting and programming specifically for visual effects, including workstation editing tools, UNIX shell scripting, PERL, MEL and Hscript scripting, and the creation of geometry via PERL programming. The course covers the development of a technical director utility bin, including renaming files and object parsing. Students are introduced to large-scale file management and Render-farm management. Prerequisite: VSFX 705.

VSFX 768 Photorealistic Modeling
Advanced 3-D Modeling Techniques focuses on techniques such as subdivision surfaces, and image-based and Brush-based modeling. Although generating efficient, high-quality 3-D models are the primary emphasis, a secondary emphasis is placed on accurate and efficient texturing. Various 3-D modeling and 2D painting applications are covered. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or VSFX 709.

VSFX 775 Visual Effects Studio II
Students analyze the possibilities and constraints of visual effects design as they refine an entire visual effects vision for visual effects sequences. The course is flexible with a strong emphasis on thought processes, aesthetics and research. Prerequisite: VSFX 735.

VSFX 780 Special Topics in Visual Effects
This elective course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field or to study advanced techniques and processes. Faculty, course content and prerequisites vary each time the course is offered. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the nature of the topic.

VSFX 790 Visual Effects M.F.A. Thesis
Visual effects M.F.A. students develop an innovative and theoretically informed body of work that is exhibited in a manner and context that supports its creative content. A written component that addresses the theoretical premise of the work is also required. Prerequisite: VSFX 735.