Visual Effects

Module Identifier: FM30920
Module Title: Visual Effects
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 2
Co-ordinator: Mr James Caddick
Reading List: View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite: FM22820 or FM22920
Other Staff: Mr Patrick Watremez

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Portfolio: 10 Minutes	60%
Semester Assessment	Reflective Essay: 1500 Words	40%
Supplementary Assessment	Reflective Essay: 1500 Words	40%
Supplementary Assessment	Portfolio: 10 Minutes	60%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the VFX process and workflows
Demonstrate an understanding of how choices in shooting affect the ease of execution and overall effectiveness of post-production effects
Demonstrate a working knowledge of visual effects techniques in post-production and their appropriate application
Demonstrate a degree of creativity and resourcefulness in visual effects conception and execution
Demonstrate a good level of aesthetic judgment in visual effect creation and colour grading

Brief description

This module allows students to expand on the skills first encountered in the second year Film Craft module. Students will be introduced to Adobe After Effects VFX software and will have the opportunity to explore and develop their VFX and colour correction skills before creating a showreel of visual effects compositions and graded footage. The module will look at all the processes involved through exercises, workshops and case studies.

Content

An Overview of Visual Effects Concepts
- Visual Effects workflows and practices
- On Set Supervision
- Introduction to Adobe After Effects
- Animation
- Compositing
- Digital Matte Painting using Photoshop

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Communication	Written communication as well as the process of communicating a concept through a particular medium is directly assessed. Oral communication skills are developed through exercises, seminars and feedback on creative concepts for effects.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module which will help students to improve their own learning and performance.
Information Technology	As part of the module Students will required to use industry standard software involved in Visual Effects Work .
Personal Development and Career planning	The skills gained from this module will enhance the employability of film students.
Problem solving	Visual Effects is, by its nature a a proccess of creative problem solving. This may be as a result of issues on set, sequences that can not be practically filmed or visuals that are required for aesthetic reasons to create the world of the film. Students will be tasked with finding solutions to create the VFX work they set out to create.
Research skills	Students will be expected to research the variety of effects technologies used to resolve issues that arise in real life situations and will be assessed on their ability to evaluate and effectively use their knowledge to apply these skills to the issues that arise.
Subject Specific Skills	Visual Effects skills will be developed throughout the module.
Team work	Interaction of the various visual effects components of the module will require students to work effectively as a team to deliver media content by specific deadlines.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6