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.
This programme is unique in that it allows students the choice of focusing on production-orientated work (for an MA degree) or on formal research into the technologies behind postproduction systems (for an MSc degree). As a result, graduates of the programme will be more technically informed practitioners or researchers with a better understanding of the creative process.
The Department has strong industry connections and the Guest Sessions from industry practitioners are a regular part of the Master in Postproduction course. See our industry connections.
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).
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).
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.
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.
During terms 1 and 2 there will be screenings of relevant film and television material relating to specific theory, techniques and technologies under discussion.
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.
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