Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation (Postgraduate Diploma, L9, 60 ECTS)

Status: Register Your Interest (SEPT 2023)

Level

Duration

1 Year

Department

Art & Design

Start Date

TBC

Course Type

Flexible & Professional, Postgraduate Taught courses

Location

Clonmel

Are you interested in learning how to create the latest Visual Effects you see in Film, TV and Animation? The Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation is designed to develop your artistic and technical abilities to produce world-class 3D content. You will gain the knowledge and skills required to work in the Visual Effects and 3D animation industry as artists, content creators and designers for the film, television, and animation sectors both nationally and internationally.

This is an industry-focused course developed by ex-industry professionals who have worked for internationally renowned studios like Double Negative (Inception, The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049) Brown Bag Films and Screen Scene. If you want to learn industry leading content creations tools, techniques and workflows for film and television this is the course for you.

What are the entry requirements?

(a) A primary honours degree Level 8 or equivalent.
AND
(b) Sample DIGITAL Portfolio of previous work (eligible applicants must submit by the deadline of June 7th - 6pm), may include the following:
• Digital 2D and 3D characters and models
• Digital generated imagery
• Sample 2D/3D animation
• Concept art, matte painting
• Branding, Graphics, Illustration
• Examples of implemented code, Games/Websites/Software
• Examples of implemented code, for animation tool development, or pipeline, systems or networking.
• Storyboards
• Examples of shot video/film, highlight reels of work, please note which elements you worked on.
• Photographs and videos of traditional art media such as sculptures, paintings and prints
• Examples of professional work from the wider media industry

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) / Special Case Registrations: Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, should notify the Flexible Learning Office and request consideration under RPL. Please submit your application online and then email all your supporting documents to Springboard@lit.ie

This is a Level 9, Postgraduate Diploma, which can lead on towards a Masters Degree,it is expected that candidates would be comfortable with technology. Ideal candidates would be those with previous design experience that may require enhanced technical qualifications to further their career. Prior experience with technology would be an advantage. This understanding is usually demonstrated with a Portfolio of Previous Work or RPL.

Who can I contact?

Springboard+ TUS Team
+353 61 293055
Springboard@lit.ie

What modules will I study?

Semester 1

3D Content Creation:

Designing and Modelling 3D props, environments and characters
Texturing and Look development
Pipeline and Workflow considerations
Design goal and methodologies, developing an eye for form and volume

Compositing:

A practical understanding of the building blocks of 2D Compositing
Design analysis, understanding what makes a shot look right and visually coherent
Manipulating colour and light

Business of Entertainment and Media

Defining client and project goals
Production pipelines from script to shoot to post to distribution
Understanding job roles and expectations on digital projects
Case studies of Animation Visual Effects and digital media industries

Semester 2:

Fx for Film

FX Fundamentals
Pyro simulations, RBDs, Explosions
FX to Lighting

Previsualisation

Cameras and the language of cinema
Layout, shot composition and set dressing
Previs output and final approval

Advanced Compositing

A grounding in 2D pixel math operations, allowing under the bonnet manipulation of images
Developing a cinematographer’s eye
CG Compositing

Acquisition for Visual Effects

Onset acquisition fundamentals, cameras, lights etc.
On set production shoot for VFX
Matchmoving, motion capture and photogrammetry

Are there opportunities for further study?

This course can lead onto a separate Masters award which includes
- Portfolio and Professional Development
- Master’s project

This masters will run subject to demand and will cost approx €2,500 (TBC).

What are the career prospects?

3D Modeler, Texture Artist, Character Designer, Lighter, Compositor, Matchmove artist, Animator, Rigger, Matte Painting, Concept Artist, CG Supervisor, VFX Supervisor.

More Information

Delivery

This programme will commence in October and run for a duration of 9 months in TUS Clonmel campus.

Timetable Details

Number of Weeks: 30

Number of Days/Evenings per week: 3/4 on campus days

Delivery Day/Evening: Day

Number of Hours per day/evening: 6

Times: 11-5

Location Campus: TUS Clonmel

What will the time commitment be?

Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.