Course Name (short): Compositing
School: Animation Arts and Design
Program(s): Advanced Television and Film, Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff
Program Coordinator(s): Maureen McKeon, Noel Hooper
Course Leader or Contact: Tba
Originator: Barbara Mathieu
Designate: Barbara Mathieu
Version: 3.0
Status: Approved - Under Rev (AREV)

Calendar Description
Students learn how to manipulate live action and computer generated images and combine material from 2D and 3D sources to create convincing composites.

Typical Instructional Format

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

Detailed Description
Students are introduced to the tools and techniques used in compositing for visual effects. They learn how to manipulate and merge live action and computer generated images to create convincing composites. This includes designing, creating or sourcing elements and integrating them through creating mattes, tracking and matching perspective and colour. Students analyze the acquired footage for their projects and modify their 2D and 3D elements in order to create a seamless visual effects delivery.

Program Context

 Course Critical Performance & Learning Outcomes

Critical Performance

By the end of the program the students will have demonstrated the
ability to composite live action and computer generated elements in 2D
and 3D.

Learning Outcomes
To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated
the ability to:

1. Describe image file formats used in visual effects.
2. Manipulate images while maintaining colour space and dynamic 
   range.	
3. Merge images using the correct operation.
4. Create effective mattes by using rotoscoping techniques.
5. Create effective mattes by using keying techniques.
6. Merge multiple images together in a 2D environment.
7. Assemble images and models in a 3D environment.
8. Match colour and image properties from different sources.
9. Separate and re-combine images using channels and render passes.
10. Create 2D tracks for nodal camera moves.
11. Explain techniques used in creating digital environments.
12. Evaluate the consequences for visual effects of decisions made 
    on-set.

Module 1-Project 1-10%
Module 2-Project 2-30% 
Module 3-Project 3-30%
Module 4-Project 4-30%

Recommended Reading:

Brinkman R. (2008). The Art and Science of Digital Compositing, Second
Edition: Techniques for Visual Effects, Animation and Motion Graphics.
Hermosa Beach, CA : Morgan Kaufmann

Vaz, M.C.,Barron, C. (2002). The Invisible Art. San Francisco, CA:
Chronicle Books

Mattingly, D. B. (2011). The Digital Matte Painting Handbook. San
Francisco, CA: Sybex

Module 1-2D Compositing Fundamentals
Introduction to digital images and how they are managed in visual effects.
Basic terminology and techniques of digital compositing.
Overview of 1 and 2 point tracking methods.

Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,6,8,10

Evaluation Module 1-Project 1-10% of course grade

Module 2-Matte Creation

Introduction to the tools and techniques of creating mattes by
rotoscoping.
Introduction to the tools and techniques of creating mattes by keying.
Introduction to methods of warping and distorting images.
The history, application and techniques of matte painting and digital
environments.

Learning Outcomes: 2,4,5,11

Evaluation Module 2-Project 2-30% of course grade

Module 3-3D Compositing
Introduction to compositing in 3D
Introduction to creating camera projections.
Introduction to camera tracking.
Compositing using render passes and channels.

Learning Outcomes: 2,3,7,8,9

Evaluation Module 3-Project 3-30% of course grade

Module 4-On-set application
Function as a crew member on-set for the ATVF 3X3 production.
Using practical elements in compositing.
Application of all composting concepts in supervised working lab.

Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,12
	
Evaluation Module 4-Project 4-30% of course grade