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Animation & VFX · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Compositing Plus

Building on foundational VFX skills, this master-class level course focuses on the complex problem-solving and technical artistry required for high-end feature film compositing. Students will delve into deep compositing, 3D projection mapping, and Python scripting for automation. The curriculum emphasizes “invisible effects”—integration so seamless that the audience never questions the reality of the image.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master "Deep Compositing" workflows to manage volumetric data and occlusion
  2. Utilize Python scripting to automate repetitive tasks and build custom tools (Gizmos)
  3. Execute advanced 3D Camera Projection (2.5D) for set extensions
  4. Integrate complex simulation passes (fire, smoke, fluids) from FX departments
  5. Refine "invisible" skills: beauty work, wig fixes, and seamless object removal
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Advanced Nuke Workflows & Pipeline Integration
  2. 02Deep Compositing: Theory & Data
  3. 03Deep Compositing: Color Correction & Merging
  4. 04Python for Compositors: Basic Scripting
  5. 05Creating Custom Gizmos & Tools
  6. 06Advanced Grain Management & Degraining
  7. 07Smart Vectors & Warp Tools
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Advanced 3D Projection Mapping
  10. 10Integrating FX Elements: Fire & Smoke
  11. 11Relighting 2D Footage using Normals
  12. 12Beauty Work & Digital Makeup
  13. 13Planar Tracking for Difficult Surfaces
  14. 14Stereo Compositing (Anaglyph/VR basics)
  15. 15QC (Quality Control) & Tech Checks
  16. 16Final Project: The Complex Shot Integration

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Complex Shot Integration

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Digital Compositing for Film and Video by Steve Wright
  2. Nuke 101: Professional Compositing and Visual Effects by Ron Ganbar
  3. Python for Nuke (Online Documentation & Community Guides)
  4. The VES Handbook of Visual Effects (Advanced Chapters)
  5. Masters of FX by Ian Failes
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