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

Pro Visual Effects

This technical course introduces students to the pipeline of Visual Effects (VFX) for film and television. Focusing on node-based compositing (e.g., Nuke or Fusion), students will learn to seamlessly integrate CGI elements with live-action footage. The curriculum covers keying, rotoscoping, tracking, and match-moving, preparing students for entry-level roles in VFX studios.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the principles of Node-Based Compositing (vs. Layer-Based)
  2. Execute professional "Keying" (Green/Blue screen removal) and spill suppression
  3. Perform 2D and 3D Planar Tracking and Match-moving
  4. Apply Rotoscoping techniques for complex isolation tasks
  5. Integrate 3D render passes (Diffuse, Specular, Z-Depth) into a final composite
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Introduction to the VFX Pipeline & Formats
  2. 02Node-Based Workflow Fundamentals
  3. 03Color Management for VFX (OCIO/ACES)
  4. 04The Art of Rotoscoping & Masking
  5. 05Keying Theory: Chroma & Luma Keys
  6. 06Advanced Keying: Edge Blending & Despill
  7. 072D Tracking & Stabilization
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 093D Camera Tracking & Match-moving
  10. 103D Compositing: Integrating CGI Objects
  11. 11Multi-Pass Compositing (AOVs)
  12. 12Paint & Cleanup: Removing Wires/Rigs
  13. 13Set Extension & Matte Painting Basics
  14. 14Deep Compositing Concepts
  15. 15Pipeline Efficiency: Scripting & Macros
  16. 16Final Project: The VFX Breakdown Reel

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 VFX Breakdown Reel

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Art and Science of Digital Compositing by Ron Brinkmann
  2. Digital Compositing for Film and Video by Steve Wright
  3. Nuke 101: Professional Compositing and Visual Effects by Ron Ganbar
  4. The VES Handbook of Visual Effects by Jeffrey A. Okun and Susan Zwerman
  5. Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Innovation by Pamela Glintenkamp
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