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Visual Effects II - TFT00137M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2026-27

Module summary

Building on Visual Effects I, this module enables students to develop greater depth in understandingthe visual effects creation process. This module will develop higher-level creative and technical approaches to visual effects work and provide students with greater awareness and knowledge of professional practices in this area.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2026-27

Module aims

To provide a hands-on environment in which advanced visual effects techniques and technologies can be explored through solving real-world problems.

To enhance and develop a range of creative and technical skills in visual effects creation using industry standard systems.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this modules, students are expected to be able to: -

  • Create and work with 3D computer-generated imagery and integrate this with 2D assets.
  • Interpret motion capture data to apply to virtual characters, objects and cameras.
  • Advanced compositing and colour grading techniques to blend computer-generated assets and traditional film assets to build realistic and compelling story worlds.
  • Systematically understand, and where appropriate, apply new advances in visual effects techniques, such as AI technologies in the design and implementation of visual effects pipelines.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative presentations with live feedback will give students the opportunity to explore real-world visual effects examples to help students formulate strategies for summative work.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Module feedback

Detailed feedback will be given to students on their production in the Summer Semester.

Indicative reading

ESSENTIAL READING:

Ganbar, R. (2014)Nuke 101: Professional Compositing and Visual Effects, 2nd Ed.. Berkeley: Peachpit Press.

Brinkman, R. (2008)The Art and Science of Digital Compositing, 2nd Ed. Morgan Kaufmann.

SUGGESTED READING:

Lanier, L. (2013)Digital Compositing with Nuke. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.

Lanier, L. (2010)Professional Digital Compositing Techniques: Essential Tools and Techniques. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing.

Foster, J. (2010)The Green Screen Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing.

Wright, S. (2010)Digital Compositing for Film and Video, 3rd Ed. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Van Hurkman, A. (2011)Color Correction Handbook. Berkeley: Peachpit Press.

Sawicki, M. (2007)Filming the Fantastic: A Guide to Visual Effects Cinematography. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Brown, B. (2002)Cinematography Theory and Practice. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Dobbert, T. (2005)Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing.

TRADE PUBLICATIONS FOR PRODUCTION AND POST:

Millimeter Magazine:http://digitalcontentproducer.com/

Digital Video Magazine:http://www.dv.com/

TV Technology:http://www.tvtechnology.com/

Televisual (UK, pay only):http://www.televisual.com/

Broadcast Engineering:http://broadcastengineering.com/

Post Magazine:http://www.postmagazine.com/

Computer Graphics World:http://www.cgw.com/

Cinefex (pay only, in library):http://www.cinefex.com/

3D World:http://www.3dworldmag.com/

VFX World:http://www.awn.com/magazines/vfx-world-magazine



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.