Course Name (short): Pre-Production
School: Animation Arts and Design
Program(s): Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff
Program Coordinator(s): Noel Hooper
Course Leader or Contact: Tba
Originator: Lesley Brown-Paterson
Designate: Lesley Brown-Paterson
Version: 1.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar Description
Students work through each stage of the pre-production process of filmmaking for visual effects. They produce the concept, storyboard and pre-visualization for their Capstone project.

Typical Instructional Format

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

Detailed Description
Students learn about and practice each of the steps required to get a visual effects project from concept to production ready. They develop a clear understanding of how each step fits into a film pre-production pipeline in a creative, collaborative environment. Students learn the fundamental skills involved in film directing, editing and production and how to present these concepts through different media. They learn these skills by conceptualizing, storyboarding and pre-visualizing a Capstone short film and then planning for its production.

Program Context

 Critical Performance

By the end of the course the student will have demonstrated the
ability to develop a concept for a visual effects based short film and
prepare it for production.

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

1. Manage production and assets using industry standard tools.
2. Develop a pipeline for visual effects production.
3. Collect the information and data required on-set for visual 
   effects.
4. Produce an effective storyboard that shows a basic understanding
   of film directing.
5. Pitch creative ideas, storyboards and pre-visualization.
6. Critique and collaborate with others to develop creative concepts.
7. Assume various roles on-set for film production.
8. Produce an effective pre-visualization that shows basic 
   understanding of visual effects, film directing and editing.
9. Plan film production that demonstrates an understanding of the 
   roles involved.
10. Communicate using correct terminology for the film industry.
11. Apply basic concepts of directing characters and cameras.

Module 1-Capstone Concept              30%
Module 2-Capstone Storyboard           30%
Module 3-Capstone Pre-visualization    40%

Recommended Reading:

Katz, S (1991). Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept
to Screen. New York, NY: Focal Press.

Okun, J.A. ,Zwerman,S (2010). The VES Handbook of Visual Effects:
Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures. New York, NY : Focal
Press.

Module 1-Concept
Introduction to the procedures, pipeline and expectations of the course. 
Introduction to tools and techniques used on set for visual effects. 
Capstone concept pitch for creative feedback and discussion.

Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,5,6,7,10

Evaluation Module 1-Capstone Concept-30% of course grade

Module 2-Storyboard
Introduction to the traditional techniques of film directing.
Introduction to storyboarding for film.
Introduction to film editing techniques.
Capstone storyboard presentation for creative feedback and discussion.

Learning Outcomes: 4,5,6,7,10,11

Evaluation Module 2-Capstone Storyboards-40% of course grade

Module 3-Pre-visualization
Introduction to the tools and techniques of pre-visualization.
Trip the SIRT facility to explore virtual production techniques.
Capstone pre-visualization presentation for creative feedback and
discussion.
Introduction to production management.
Function as a crew member on-set for the ATVF 3X3 production.
Capstone pre-visualization presentation for creative feedback and
discussion.
Capstone production planning.

Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10

Evaluation Module 3-Capstone Pre-visualization-40% of course grade