2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LISS1023 Introduction to Special Effects in Filmmaking
10 creditsClass Size: 20
Module manager: John Edmonds
Email: icsjme@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
GPA of 2.5 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a universityThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will give you an insight into how special effects are created and produced in films on a practical level. You will learn how to set up a digital camera, as well as frame and compose shots. You will then learn how to record video shots against a green screen in a Television studio. With your recorded material you will then be taught how to use professional special effects software to create some animated sequences using your photographs and video shots. As you progress through the module you will produce a series of animations to produce your own show reel of work. We will cover special effects used in films and TV shows for example Star Wars, Harry Potter and Dr Who to name a few. The module will include a field trip to a relevant location to investigate the special effects industry and future technologies.Objectives
To provide a basic grounding in the language, conventions, techniques and practices of special effects production.To provide students with an understanding of basic special effects production, using practical and computer based skills.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate understanding of:
1. Basic grammar of shooting including shooting and lighting for green screen sequences.
2. The key stages of a project workflow including concept, development, planning and execution.
3. Basic requirements of filming including health & safety, copyright and permissions.
4. Basic animation techniques leading to intermediate 2D, 2.5D and 3D projects.
Syllabus
• Introduction to the module and digital camera setup and techniques
• TV Studio – Introduction to the Green Screen and various techniques
• Introduction to professional special effects software – Adobe After Effects
• Basic Animation techniques
• Intermediate Animation techniques + workshop
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| On-line Learning | 1 | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| Visit | 1 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Seminar | 8 | 3.00 | 24.00 |
| Private study hours | 43.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 57.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
15 hours preparatory work before the module starts: Undertake the basic training tutorials at www.videocopilot.net/basic43 hours private study during module: For example, this will include specified academic literature, videos, case studies, discussion questions
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Daily individual and group based formative feedback during practical sessions via the practical portfolio.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical | 1 - 2 min Final Animation Project | 60.00 |
| Portfolio | 3 x Basic animation tasks and 1 x Intermediate animation task | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 26/01/2024 09:22:26
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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