BSc (Hons) Digital Film Technologies

Digital Design: Graphics and Motion Graphics

This module provides a foundation for you to develop a range of professional, technical and procedural skills in the field of digital design and motion graphics.

You will discover a range of production practice and processes typically involved in the manufacture of audio-visual motion graphic artefact.

In addition, you will develop your practical skills and conceptual understanding of digital design and motion graphic construction and manipulation.

Introduction to 3D Art

This module serves as a foundation for developing a range of technical knowledge and procedural skills in the core concepts of 3D computer graphics using the appropriate industry-standard software.

Green Screen and Compositing

In this module you will investigate the role chrome keying plays in the field of multimedia and digital film production.

You will engage with chroma keying concepts as an essential part of the practice of creative digital media, and explore core module concepts and their practical applications through exercises and briefs.

Assessments

You will be assessed through a portfolio of work.

Sound and Vision

This module engages you in fundamental practice and principles of camera and microphone operation.

You will learn about:

• Camera setup and preparation
• Camera audio setup
• Connectivity and microphone preparation
• Eyepiece function and the graticule
• Tripod and safe practice
• Safe camera handling
• White balancing and exposure
• Basic picture composition and shot types
• Audio metering
• Monitoring and level adjustment
• Microphone placement
• Method and discipline of camera craft
• In-camera shot sequencing
• Basic coverage.

Assessments

You will be assessed through a short documentary film shot in a small team.

Post-Production 01

This module aims to introduce you to, and provide a foundation for, the specialised skills involved in all aspects of post-production.

Theoretical learning is combined with practical and technical exercises through a series of workshops. You will study the basic application of all post-production specialisms.

This module will develop your understanding and deepen your theoretical, technical and practical knowledge of post-production workflows.

Pro Tools 101

This module introduces you to the de facto industry standard audio recording software found in professional recording studios and post-production facilities throughout the world.

Motion Capture and Motion Tracking Technology

On this module you will develop your professional, technical and procedural knowledge of the core concepts of motion capture and motion tracking technologies. You will explore a range of practices and processes involved in the manufacture of a motion capture and motion-tracking artefact. You will be assessed through a portfolio of work.

Digital Cinematography 1

This module aims to expand upon the work produced in previous modules by exploring the key concepts and practices of digital cinematography.

The role and responsibilities of the cinematographer within the production team are defined and you will investigate relationships between cinematic content and visual forms.

Motion Capture Suit Technologies

In this module you will explore a typical film and multimedia motion capture pipeline. You will cover topics from setting up cameras and capturing data through to editing and transferring data to industry standard animation packages. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of professional technical and procedural knowledge. This module also introduces you to the processes involved in the manufacture of body motion capture. You will be assessed through a portfolio.

SFX Pyrotechniques: Practical and Digital

This module develops your understanding of the practical application of special visual effects (SFX) as used in the film and high-end TV industries. You will be guided through the planning, practical acquisition and digital enhancement of SFX as applied by industry, with a concentration on risk assessment, safety, workflows and conceptual awareness.

Drama Craft

This module builds on the “Script to Screen” module and explores the drama techniques that apply primarily to drama production.

You will investigate topics including teamwork, cinematography, art direction and set construction, directing and sound design.

This module will develop your awareness in audio-visual technology and production health and safety.

Field and Location Recording

This practical module focuses on the acquisition of skills and specialist techniques required for recording sources in the field and on location for film and TV productions.

Sound Design, ADR and Foley

In this module, you will explore the creative processes and core techniques that underpin and define the work of sound designers, ADR recorders and Foley artists.

As part of this, you will examine:

• when and why these professionals would be needed
• how they design “sound worlds” and “characters” to match movements and interactions
• the creation of sounds for productions set in the future, imaginary remote planets or featuring fictional creatures.

Short Drama

This module builds on your knowledge from the ‘Drama Craft’ module and explores recent technical developments in the fast-changing landscape of the media and creative industries.

In addition, you will be introduced to advanced filmmaking techniques as you adapt work written by students on the ‘Writing the Short Film’ module, giving you vital experience of working on real scripts.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a journal and a 15-minute group presentation.

Post-Production 02

This module builds upon Post Production 01 and aims to develop your creative input to the post-production process, and develop more specialised skills involving all aspects of post-production. Theoretical learning is combined with practical and technical exercises through a series of workshops.

You will develop your understanding and application of all post-production specialisms in a creative context by producing a portfolio of work which fall within the appropriate technical constraints and deepen their theoretical, creative, technical and practical knowledge of post-production workflows.

Final Major Project: Film

The aim of the Final Major Project is to produce a substantial body of work sustained over two semesters.

It aims to develop transferable skills in creating, analysing and evaluating large scale production projects.

You will work professionally with an industry focus to produce a short drama film with high production values, or an individual project complete with critical reflection.

Motion Capture Face/Feature Tracking Technology

In this module you will develop a range of professional, technical and procedural knowledge and an understanding of the core concepts of optical motion capture in the context of the film, TV and gaming industry. You will explore software and hardware solutions as well as rig setup, image capture and 2D/3D data processing. You will be assessed through a portfolio.

Industry, Engagement and Film Festivals

This module offers you the opportunity to learn about the dynamic and rapidly changing ways in which films are consumed in the public arena.

Festivals are a key element of the filmmaking market place, where films are sold by independent producers and bought by distributors. But they also offer audiences the opportunity to experience a rich variety of cinema, such as animation, shorts and documentaries.

This module will encourage you to engage with the world of the film festival, the networking opportunities they offer and apply analysis to both audio-visual content and festival management.

Online Editing Grading and Deliverables

This module will introduce you to the range of skills you need in the online environment of the post production industry. You will gain some experience of the essential role the online editor and colourist.

You will receive a grounding in the competencies required to work within the industry as an industry professional and be assessed through a portfolio.

Creative Portfolio

You will be expected to enhance their career prospects by producing creative artefacts that align your skills with their commercial and professional objectives.

The module aims to develop transferable skills in balancing creative and strategic career objectives.

Advanced Cinematography

This module aims to support those who require a deeper knowledge of digital cinematography.

The module will cover key concepts of camera and lighting by the exploration of both theory and practice with an emphasis on applied techniques.

Documentary Project

During this module, you will be given the opportunity to create a short documentary from concept to completion.

Guidance on pre-production will include advice on narrative structure, ethical consideration, risk assessment, research techniques and scheduling.

This will be followed by training in practical production and camera skills for documenting reality and the experiences of real people.

Post-production will navigate editing disciplines including modifying and refining narrative structure in the light of coverage acquired in the production phase and awareness of technical processes and standards.

Resilience and the Freelancer

This module serves as an introduction to the wide range of skills required for survival in the modern creative and media industries. Self-employment is increasingly considered the norm and this module will prepare the student for a freelance career.