Introduction to Visual Effects Creation

Gain an understanding of the creation of visual effects (VFX). Students will break down the core disciplines involved in creating VFX, examining both traditional methods and emerging AI and ML (machine-learning) methods. Topics will include general compositing (matting, chroma keying, rotoscoping, cleanplating), basic 3D rendering, physics-based simulations, matchmoving/tracking, as well as AI/ML-assisted techniques for these as well as AI-assisted motion capture and asset generation. Other modern topics include VFX supervision and the studio pipeline, virtual production, and cutting edge integration of augmented AI/ML tools within the workflow. Requirements for both film and TV are examined though lectures, exercises, and industry guests who discuss their work on specific effects-driven projects that leverage emerging tech. Students will also complete a short VFX sequence using Adobe After Effects and/or Nuke, along with integrating at least one AI-based tool to demonstrate capability of a modern VFX workflow.