VSFX 705 Programming Concepts for Visual EffectsStudents 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 EffectsThis 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 ApplicationIn 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 IThis 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 AnimationStudents 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 ProductionFrom 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 IStudents 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 PortfolioStudents 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 MatchmovingBy 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 RenderingStudents 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 IntegrationExploring 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 ProgrammingThis 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 DevelopmentExploring 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 IIIn 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/CompositingThis 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 PaintingThis 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 RenderingExploring 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 IntegrationIn 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 SolvingThe 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 MethodsThis 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 ModelingAdvanced 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 IIStudents 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 EffectsThis 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. ThesisVisual 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.