Overview

Overview

Run in parallel with the MA/MSc in Postproduction with Sound Design this course links together detailed theoretical, methodological, and technical study of the latest developments in the use of visual effects in contemporary media. The modules unite a powerful scientific/technical training with industry-inspired hands-on examination of issues surrounding creativity, program creation and artistic decision-making. The aim is to provide students with a fully rounded knowledge and a broad skill set whilst also imparting the intellectual flexibility to respond to a swiftly changing technological environment.

Aims

Aims

• To provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical bases, underlying technologies, and practical skills central to the professional postproduction and visual effects creation process for film and television
• To establish a collaborative study environment - via a unique interdisciplinary course structure - whereby students with interests in visual effects and those with interests in sound design can jointly expand their understanding of the postproduction process through the exploration of the intricate relationships between image and sound
• To enhance student understanding of professional production values and aesthetics through technical analysis, critical evaluation and reflective learning
• To expand students' organizational skills with an emphasis on the importance of creative and technical collaboration for the effective management of the creative process in terms of use of time, working with others and fulfilling commercial objectives as well as self-discipline and independent work practices where appropriate
• To further develop students' problem-solving skills with a solid grounding in formal investigative methods of research
• To develop high-quality visual effects practitioners and researchers

Teaching and assessment

Course structure

Term 1

Through lecture courses and labs, this term will provide a theoretical underpinning of the postproduction process, visual effects creation and sound design. Modules include:

1. Editing and the Postproduction Process
This lecture module covers all aspects of the editing process. There are two associated labs in support of this module -- one for Picture Techniques and one for Sound Techniques -- in which students put theory into practice by applying concepts and techniques covered in lectures. All students take both. Assessment is through closed-book tests and portfolio-building individual project work (10 credits).

2. Relationship Between Sound and Image
This lecture course examines the roles of audio and visual effects in film and television from historical, theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will explore the evolution of cinematic language and the use of sound and picture effects, the impact of technology on production and audience expectations and the relationship between director, sound designer and visual effects artists. Assessment via presentation and essay (10 credits).

3. Storytelling in Theatre, Film & Television I
This module is taken by all TFTV MA/MSc students over two terms. exploring the nature of narrative in all three disciplines. Assessment will be by essay (10 credits).

Term 2

This term provides students with greater opportunity to apply and test theory presented in the first term as well as to expand on their understanding of the creative process and critical analysis. It consists of two parts - directed group work and lecture modules:

1. Group Work
Teams of students will each undertake two exercises: the first involves 2D motion graphics and title design with an appropriate musical score; the second involves the integration of 2D and 3D elements with live footage (shot by the students) as well as a synchronized soundtrack with mixed music, effects and dialogue tracks. These exercises will enable students to gain an understanding of the creative process and hone problem-solving skills in an industry-inspired applied setting. Assessment will be through directed group work and reflective critical analysis through essays (20 credits).

2. Au dio Effects and Visual Effects Design for Film and Television
This module consists of a series of lectures for all postproduction students that explore theory and associated techniques for audio effects and visual effects design. In addition, specialization-specific laboratory sessions enable in-depth practical and technical exploration of concepts by students in their chosen area (students only attend the laboratories for their chosen specialization). Assessment is through a series of directed practical exercises (10 credits).

3. Storytelling in Theatre, Film & Television II
This module is taken by all TFTV MA/MSc students over two terms. Exploring the nature of narrative in all three disciplines. Assessment will be by essay (10 credits).

4. The Business of Postproduction (option)
This module aims to provide students with a realistic picture of the film and television industry including the development, financing and distribution of projects as well as an understanding of the business aspects of the postproduction and its relation to the film and television industry. Assessment through presentation and essay (10 credits).

5. Spatial Audio and Surround Sound (option)
This module introduces the concept of spatial audio recording, production and surround-sound reproduction with a particular emphasis on the common methods and formats employed in the wider entertainment, broadcast and multimedia industry. Current research directions in the field will also be highlighted and explored. Assessment through practical project work (10 credits).

Term 3

The final term is dedicated to the design and development of individual project work.

1. Dissertation Seminar Series
The series includes a number of workshops on how to approach and plan the extended research project. These workshops will combine further instruction in methodology with opportunities for students to describe their own developing thinking and secure advice from staff and their peers about the best ways forward. Workshops will take place in the first part of Summer term (10 credits).

2. Extended Research Project
Students will propose an individual project and agree this with his or her supervisor. If the nature of the work is production orientated (i.e., a short video, animation, effects sequence, etc.) then it will be considered in support of an MA degree. If the nature of the work is highly technical in nature, informed by current research and seeks to advance knowledge in a specific area of media technology (i.e., development of new software in support of visual effects, acoustic modelling and sound synthesis for audio effects, etc.) then it will be considered in support of an MSc. Work on the project will take place during the remainder of the Summer term and throughout the summer period until final submission in September (90 credits).

In addition to all modules listed above, seminars and master classes given by leading industry practitioners will be held throughout the year.

Industry seminars

Throughout the year there will be regular seminars featuring practitioners from industry discussing how theory relates to practice and sharing first-hand experience. Non-assessed.

Screenings

During terms 1 and 2 there will be screenings of relevant film and television material relating to specific theory, techniques and technologies under discussion.

Careers

Employment prospects

Although the film and television industry is highly competitive, there is a constant demand for visual effects and sound design artists who not only have a solid knowledge of software and general postproduction techniques but also possess a firm grasp of story and how technology can be adapted and applied to enhance the viewing experience.

Likewise there is an increasing demand in both industry and academia for researchers with a firm understanding of how postproduction tools are applied to facilitate creation of the next generation of postproduction technologies.

Graduates of forerunners to this course from have gone on to work as visual effects supervisors on feature films, sound designers in the computer games industry, independent film directors, multimedia specialists, acoustic consultants, and audio recording engineers as well as at research institutions such as BBC R&D, equipment manufacturers such as Dolby Labs and Mackie, and staff researchers at corporate and research institutions throughout the world.

Related links

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