AFTRS

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore how imagery can be manipulated through visual effects to tell stories. It has been designed to recreate the real-world experience of working in a studio environment on a high-end industry brief.

Students will explore the methodologies required to achieve visual effects effectively, and integrate them seamlessly on screen. This includes extensive Nuke Compositing training, as well as a familiarity with many other common studio tools that develop both the artistic and technical requirements of working in the field of visual effects.

The entire creative and technical process is covered: from storyboards, quoting and previsualisation, to shooting in a high-end greenscreen studio environment. Students will work on-set filming both life-action and miniature components of a project which requires planning, problem solving and an understanding of design, story and movement. This realized project will result in a broadcast-quality portfolio work that showcases the student’s technical and artistic abilities.

 

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

+ Organise and employ materials shot by a second unit for integration into VFX shots.

+ Plan requirements for VFX shots by breaking down a script.

+ Use documentation and presentation skills to clearly present visual effects requirements.

+ Practice a range of previsualisation techniques in order to plan visual effects shots.

+ Demonstrate an understanding of advanced compositing techniques and concepts.

+ Demonstrate an understanding of the broad visual effects pipeline.
 

1. Visual Effects Fundamentals

This subject introduces the fundamental techniques of visual effects generation, planning and post-production, as well as the use of visual effects in creative storytelling. Topics include technical considerations such as formats, standards and VFX pipeline fundamentals.

2. On Set VFX Supervision

This subject provides an opportunity for students to explore on-set visual effects supervision; the planning and execution of live-action shoots in an industry-standard greenscreen studio. The role of the on-set supervisor, and collaboration with key crew members is thoroughly examined. Topics include on-set etiquette, data-gathering, documentation and working with new-generation cinema cameras.

3. Nuke Compositing

This subject provides extensive training in both the technical and artistic elements of the Nuke compositing. Lecturers are current industry compositors, able to provide real-world knowledge and develop student’s software skills to an employable degree.

4. Project

At the core of this course is the development of a visual effects project, from storyboards through to final delivery. This project is designed to be a collaboration with peers in the course. The students follow precise parameters to contribute to the telling of a creative story. The realised project is a broadcast-quality portfolio work that showcases both creative and technical skills valued by the industry.

 

+ Evidence of abilities in using the software in the following areas: animation, visual arts, motion graphics, graphic design, compositing or digital imaging, cinematography.

+ Applicants will need a relevant tertiary qualification and/or appropriate industry experience at an equivalent level.

+ Students will be able to demonstrate skills, knowledge and understandings deemed to equate to AQF Level 7.
 

Please provide five copies of the following and ensure content fits into an A4 envelope:

1. Curriculum Vitae

Supply a full CV, attaching 300 words on the strengths and weaknesses of your creative process and how that is reflected in your creative work.

2. Referee Questionnaire

The referee questionnaire form is to be completed by someone who can attest to your creative processes and history. The referee must not be a relative or family friend.

3. Portfolio

Your creative portfolio should demonstrate your talent and potential and illustrate your interest in this course. Be selective; we just want your best work. We are more interested in ideas and execution than production values. Clearly outline your role on the work submitted in your portfolio.

If submitting DVDs please ensure that: (i) the DVD is separated into chapters that relate to specific projects (ii) in total there is no more than 30 minutes of material (iii) the DVD includes only complete sequences of your work, not cut montages, (iv) it is not region specific, (v) the format is playable from both a laptop and DVD player. If you have questions please contact Student Services for further clarification.

4. Application task

Choose one complex moving image [no more than 30 seconds] from a project featuring both live and computer generated visual effects and breakdown the individual elements of the content describing how the work was achieved. You may articulate this visually and as a written description.

5. Proof of Residency

Submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport as detailed on the How to Apply page on the AFTRS website.

 

• Applicant Declaration  (pdf)
• Application Checklist  (pdf)
• Referee Questionnaire  (pdf)

 

+ Demonstrated creative potential as evident in support material.

+ Evidence of ability to complete complex tasks.

+ Evidence of original creative thinking.