Search our site
Search our site

Digital Motion Graphics and Compositing

  • Module code: CI5001
  • Year: 2019/0
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module builds on the foundations of the Level 4 modules, in particular TS4001 and develops knowledge and skills in creating and manipulating motion graphics assets, managing the editing process and compositing multi layered as well as multi nodal visual effects. This includes still images, video, audio, paint, and video based animation and effects.

These skills are further developed to a high level of appreciation, in particular for the flow of work for digital editing and contemporary composting in 2D and 3D spaces. The students will acquire knowledge, develop skills and synthesis media products for self and tutor assessment. Professional level motion graphics, editing and compositing software will be employed. Furthermore studio based green/blue screen filming will be undertaken to create original material for visual effects project work.

Aims

  • To gain awareness of digital post production for TV and Film by developing skills in creating and manipulating moving images, within a post-production environment
  • To gain experience in the techniques of producing a moving image project using professional level software to design and construct a creative moving image sequence incorporating a variety of media for assessment
  • To provide opportunity to develop professional level skills for combining media elements for compositing
  • To provide opportunity to develop specific compositing techniques, such as blue screen filming for production of a title sequence for assessment

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Identify core components of a digital moving image project and workflow through appropriate software tools
  2. Organise moving image components and apply software techniques efficiently to multimedia components
  3. Demonstrate creative narrative design skills in developing concepts and techniques to for a MFX project
  4. Synthesis a moving image project incorporating a variety of still, moving and audio media.
  5. Demonstrate good knowledge of the work flow for digital editing and compositing through appropriate digital technologies
  6. Demonstrate and evaluate effectiveness of specific compositing techniques,

Curriculum content

Part One: Digital Motion Graphics

  • Introduction and review of contemporary digital Motion Graphics software
  • Identifying and use key of elements of the interface eg workspace, panels, menus etc
  • Composition tools for creating mixed media Motion Graphics
  • Explore layering techniques using 2D, 2.5D and 3D spaces
  • Animating a variety of media and techniques eg layers, key-frames, editing, motion path...etc
  • Keying, masking and their use within Motion Graphics
  • Explore Effects and their applications
  • Exporting to various formats and compatibility issues
  • Project planning and workflow

Part Two:Introduction to Compositing

  • Interface to non-linear methods of working ie node based workflow
  • Post production workflow eg. DV capture, rough cut, final cut
  • Introduction to colour management e.g. multiple colour models, colour correction, gamma, blackpoint/whitepoint, log and linear col space, normalization, multiply, add, gamma...etc
  • Keying eg. chroma, luma, difference, channels...etc
  • Introduction to rotoscoping eg splines, transformations, soft/hard edges...etc
  • Introduction to digital matte painting eg to generate background plate
  • Tracking and image stabilisation
  • Introduction to combining CGI multipasses appropriately eg. diffuse, shadow, highlights...etc
  • Integration with other software applications
  • Rendering eg multiple format output

Teaching and learning strategy

The module uses a mix of interactive lectures, workshops, studio based production projects, practical classes, and media lab support to simulate a creative industry environment and develop the students' personal portfolio. Students will work both individually and in groups to complete coursework as is common practice in industry and is associated with the module's learning outcomes. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory due to the nature of the group work and simulated creative studio environment.

Lectures, including interactive and flipped lectures, will be used to provide group exploration fundamental concepts underpinning Digital Media in its many forms to develop deeper understanding of the subject.

Workshop sessions will provide hands-on experience in creating the Digital Media products. Demonstrations, guides and exercises will be used to develop skills and proficiency in applying the theory to practice in creating sophisticated products found in today's professional environment.

Tutorials and seminars will support the concepts explored in other areas relating to industrial practice, legislation and social and economic issues. The personal and group tutorials will support the students' study skills and development towards their chosen field of media.

Studio based practice will provide hands on experience of using professional level software/hardware to develop perceptual and practical skills for the production of students portfolio.

Case studies and exemplars will be used to explore and support different perspectives to reflect diverse use of digital media in different contexts.

Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas) where appropriate will be used to facilitate peer based activities such as peer discussion and peer assessment among other innovative opportunities to learn collaboratively.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars and discussion groups. 100
Guided independent study Independent and directed study, including online learning materials. 200
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Assessment will be through a mixture of coursework and quizzes/class tests. The coursework will assess the student's ability to use professional software applications and credit will be given for competency in the use of the software, attention to detail, and individuality of work. The quizzes/class tests will help develop knowledge and provide formative feedback in developing skills and awareness Motion Graphics, Editing and Compositing concepts, processes and production.

Coursework 1: consists of two parts: the first part in an introduction to developing a MFX project using a variety of media and techniques to become familiar with a digital based approach motion graphics. The second part aims to build higher level skills and demonstration of techniques to develop a more student led narrative assignment, including self-critique of product and process.

Coursework 2: consists of two parts in developing an appreciation of compositing, which includes filming, green screen studio based work and developing technical software based skills. The first part aims to make the student aware many of the job related functions within editing and compositing, while the second aims to develop skills further eg. node based compositing.

Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes: consists of a portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes to facilitate formative and summative assessment and will help assess the students understanding of the digital media concepts, production skills, and basic numeric competence in relation to motion graphics and compositing.

Feedback

Feedback will be given during workshops, tutorials and seminars. Where appropriate formative and summative feedback and marks will be available through the VLE. Furthermore, students may consult their tutor or the Module Leader during seminars or official office hours for one to one feedback.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
Identify core components of a digital moving image project and workflow through appropriate software tools Coursework 1 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes
Organise moving image components and apply software techniques efficiently to multimedia components Coursework 1 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes
Demonstrate creative narrative design skills in developing concepts and techniques to for a MFX project Coursework 1
Synthesis a moving image project incorporating a variety of still, moving and audio media. Coursework 1 and 2
Demonstrate good knowledge of the work flow for digital editing and compositing through appropriate digital technologies Coursework 2 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes
Demonstrate and evaluate effectiveness of specific compositing techniques, such as blue screen filming for production of a title sequence for assessment Coursework 2 Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework 1 Digital Motion Graphics Coursework 40
Coursework 2 Compositing Coursework 40
Portfolio of in-class tests and quizzes Written Exam 20
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

  • Adobe Press Adobe After Effects CSX Classroom in a book (201X)
  • Adobe Premier CSX Classroom in a book, Adobe Press (201X)
  • Ganbar, R Nuke 101: Professional Compositing and Visual Effects (2011)
  • Brinkmann R The art and science of digital compositing (2008)

Find a course

Course finder

Find a course
>