Visual effects
Role of Visual Effects in Media
- Understand the significance of visual effects (VFX) in shaping narratives, creating imaginative scenarios and enhancing storytelling.
- Recognise that VFX are used to create situations or elements that cannot be filmed in real-world environments.
- Be aware that VFX can be either practical effects, implemented on set, or digital effects, created in post-production.
Methods of Creating Visual Effects
- Master the art of compositing, combining separate visual elements to make a single, seamless whole.
- Familiarise with Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), used to create both realistic and fantastic virtual elements.
- Learn about matte painting, a technique used to create vast landscapes or fantastical settings.
- Be acquainted with motion capture technology, used to record human movements and translate them into digital models.
Practical Skills
- Learn how to use professional VFX software packages such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender.
- Understand the creation and manipulation of 3D models in virtual environments.
- Gain proficiency in motion tracking, allowing digital elements to move convincingly within a real or digital scene.
- Learn to create and control virtual cameras to achieve cinematic shots impossible in reality.
- Understand the importance of lighting and colour in blending real and virtual elements.
Post-production VFX Workflow
- Begin with pre-visualization or designing the visual effects to be used, and how they will integrate with the filmed content.
- Initiate the asset creation, involving building the virtual elements or creating elements to be filmed for use in composites.
- Enter the animation stage, bringing virtual elements to life with believable motion.
- In the compositing stage, integrate the visual effects with the live-action footage.
- Carry out final tweaks, such as colour grading, to ensure all elements of the scene look like they belong together.
- Realise the importance of gathering feedback and making necessary changes for the best end-result.
- Backup all files and the entire project on a regular basis to prevent loss of work.
- Gain knowledge of video output formats and understand different video specifications of various distribution platforms.