Sheridan Course Outlines

ANIM56761
Visual Effects Compositing

I: Administrative Information II: Course Details III: Topical Outline(s) Printable Version Public

Section I: Administrative Information

Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Fall 2008
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Course Name (short): Visual Effects Compositing
School: All Sheridan Schools
Program(s): Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: Richard Cohen
Originator: Paulette Geffros
Designate: Paulette Geffros
Version: 2.01
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar Description
Compositing is the glue that binds all the elements of a shot together. Many sophisticated visual effects can be created directly within the compositing environment. In this hands-on course, students learn in depth digital compositing techniques.

Typical Instructional Format

Lecture	42.0
Total hours:	42.0

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Compositing is the glue that binds all the elements of a shot together. Many sophisticated visual effects can be created directly within the compositing environment. In this hands on course, students learn in depth digital compositing techniques. Integration of computer generated imagery with live action is extensively covered. Also, matte painting, digital set extension and blue/green screen techniques are explored. Through in class exercises, mentoring, projects, guest lecturers and field trips students obtain real world expertise.

Program Context

Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff

Program Coordinator: Mark Simon

This is a foundational course in the Computer Animation-Digital Visual Effects Program. Compositing is a major aspect in the creation of complex visual effects work. Anyone thinking of entering into the visual effects field must have a high level of expertise in compositing.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

 Critical Performance
By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the 
ability to apply compositing techniques and principles that are used 
in film and broadcast work.

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated 
the ability to:
            
1. Integrate computer generated imagery with live action plates.
2. Select the appropriate compositing technique based on time and 
   budget.
3. Create scenes using compositing software of reasonable complexity.
4. Incorporate blue/green screen keyed elements in a shot.
5. Incorporate rotoscoped elements in a shot.
6. Create matte painting for use in a shot.
7. Utilize industry organizational techniques for project management 
   and file structure.
8. Work independently and collaboratively to complete a series of 
   shots.
9. Complete a series of shots within a given timeframe.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Pseudo parallax     40%	
Camera mapping      35%	
3D tracking         25%     
Total              100%

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

X	Communication	X	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving		Interpersonal
	Numeracy	X	Information Management		Personal

Notes: N/A

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact: Mark Simon
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous life and work experiences. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Challenge Exam	Portfolio	Interview	Other	Not Eligible for PLAR
	X	X		X

Notes: N/A

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Effective term: Fall 2008
Professor: Richard Cohen
Textbook(s):

The Art and Science of Digital Compositing by Ron Brinkman

Applicable student group(s): Students of Computer Animation - Digital Visual Effects
Course Details:

Module 1:  Introduction (Week 1)

Topics:
Overview
	
Module 2:  Matte painting (Week 2 -5)

Targeted learning outcomes: 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8

Topics:
Matting techniques
Parallax shift simulation
Digital set construction
Creating elements
Integration techniques
Edge control
Color/contrast balance
Gamma correction
Shadows
Reflections
Blend line strategies 
Camera shake 
Simulating camera moves
Interactive effects/lighting
Blendline strategies

Assignment: 
- Pseudo parallax (Week 5)
- In class exercises
- Mentoring

Module 3:  Live action (Week 6 -14)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1 to 9 

Topics:
Blue/green screen
Keying
Tracking
Stabilization
Reflections
Corner pinning
Camera Mapping
Shadows
Morphing
Lens distortion
Generating dropped frames

Assignment: 
- Pseudo parallax (Week 5)
- In class exercises
- Mentoring

Academic Honesty
The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in the Student Handbook.

Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.

Discrimination and Harassment
Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan's policy on Harassment and Discrimination are available in the Student Handbook.

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