M.A. in Digital Compositing for VFX

Program Overview

This Master's Degree program in VFX Composition equips students with the skills to specialize in integrating cutting-edge visual effects. Through hands-on projects and industry-oriented modules, participants develop proficiency in digital compositing, cinematography, and technological foundations. The program's collaborative approach and industry connections prepare graduates for successful careers as digital compositors, paint/prep artists, and other VFX professionals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

• The primary objective of the program is to equip students with the skills necessary to specialize in the integration of cutting-edge visual effects (VFX).
• Program participants will delve into digital art, photography and film principles, mathematics, color science, programming, and technology, integrating different visual elements into cohesive, realistic imageries that are indiscernible to the human eye.
They will attain proficiency in technical and artistic disciplines paramount within a studio setting and acquire a holistic understanding of pipelines, photography, color and film science, storytelling and cinematography, as well as the utilization of cutting-edge tools employed in VFX integration and supervision.

Description:

• This Master's Degree program, designed for individuals seeking specialization in digital compositing, synthesizes disciplines ranging from photography and film, to mathematics, colors, computer programming, and technology.
Through theoretical and practical modules combined with industry-oriented projects, participants develop foundational knowledge in the craft and its applications in professional environments. Students engage in hands-on projects and simulations, working alongside seasoned professionals, fostering real-world expertise in contemporary VFX techniques, processes, and software tools to meet industry standard requirements.
• The program's collaborative approach is reflected in group-based studio projects, which mimic actual industry conditions and foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to a successful career in VFX.
This collaborative learning strategy enables participants to refine their proficiency in various VFX components, including, concept art and design, 3D modeling, simulations, animation, lighting, rendering, visual effects, compositing, and post-production, ensuring comprehensive understanding of a project's lifecycle from inception to completion.

Outline:

• Course structure: Classes take place on Thursdays (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM), Fridays (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM), and Saturdays (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Central European Time (CET)).
• Introduction to VFX, Past, Present, and Future
• Pipelines and the VFX Industry
• Demo Reel, CV, Personal Image
• VFX Production
• CINEMATOGRAPHY
• Photography and Color Science
• Narrative and Preview
• Artistic Composition and Effects Supervision
• Cinematography for Composers
• Virtual Production
• DIGITAL COMPOSITING
• Introduction to Digital Compositing
• NUKE I: The Pillars of a Composer
• NUKE II: Keying and Integration of Elements and Sets
• NUKE III: Advanced Production Techniques
• Technical Composition
• TECHNOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS
• 3D Environment and General Maya Management
• Shading and Lookdev
• Lighting and Render
• Matchmove and Rotomation
• Matte Painting
• Other Technologies
• REVIEWS
• WEEKLIES

Teaching:

• Faculty: The program incorporates industry experts as instructors.
Notable professionals include:
• Adrián Pueyo as the Director of the Master in VFX Composition and a Compositing and VFX/VPX Supervisor at Orca Studios.
• Alejandro More Martínez, who teaches Lighting and Rendering, and serves as the Lead Lighting Compositing Artist at Axis Studios.
• Nacho Hoyos García, who teaches Motion Tracking, Roto, Clean Up and Prep Work, and acts as a Digital Compositor for Orca Studios.
• Teaching Approach: Although details for teaching methodology are scarce within the provided context, the program is structured with emphasis on project-based learning and industry connections.
Through collaborative efforts in project development, learners are able to simulate professional environments to gain proficiency in teamwork, problem-solving, and proficiency with production pipelines utilized within the VFX industry.

Careers:

• Program's Relevance:
Graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to high-profile productions and have secured roles at esteemed organizations, such as Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore, and Giant Animation amongst others.
• Career Prospects:
• Digital Compositor
• Paint/Prep Artist
• Roto/Matchmove Artist
• Digital Matte Painting Artist
• Comp Production Coordinator
• Compositing Lead
• 2D Supervisor
• VFX Supervisor