Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MCS3090

 
TITLE Video Manipulation and Animation

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Media and Communications

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit aims to tackle the technical and aesthetic aspects of manipulating the video image:

- A comparison of the analogue and digital forms, and the implications of both on the final production;
- A better understanding of digital equipment and media recording systems, and how to maximize the potential of video recording equipment;
- Explore the possibilities of animation, both intra-image and the image itself, such as shot animation, random effects generation and computer generated titling;
- Provide insight to pixel manipulation and image layering, in order to integrate multiple video layers into a single composite, using techniques such as rotoscoping (masking) and colourkeying;
- Explore colour aesthetics within the frame and how colour can influence the viewer through the use of colour correction.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to:
- Introduce the concept of motion that goes beyond filming the organic;
- Assist in filming for chromakeying for post-filming processes;
- Introduce students to the art and science of colour correction;
- Familiarise students with the industrial software for manipulation and animation;
- Provide hands-on experience in digital moving image processing and post-production.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Approach filming from a technical standpoint, and acknowledge the inherent issues of recording codecs and playback;
- Understand the digital process in comparison to traditional analogue methods;
- Understand the technologies and technical standards in today’s digital media.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Optimize the capture/recording process according to media workflow;
- Assess and tackle recording situations where live action plates are to be inserted into a background plate;
- Incorporate various elements into a single manipulated moving-image sequence;
- Present the sequence both aesthetically and technically colour corrected;
- Colour-correct according to industrial standards, with an eye for the aesthetic element;
- Add basic animated elements coherent with the moving image fabric.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts

- HULLFISH, S. (2012). The Art and Technique of Digital Color Correction. Oxford: Focal Press.
- O'HAILEY, T. (2015). Hybrid Animation: Integrating 2D and 3D Assets. Abingdon: Focal Press.

Supplementary Readings

- BRAHA, Y. & BYRNE, B. (2010). Creative Motion Graphic Titling for Film, Video, and the Web: Dynamic Motion Graphic Title Design. Oxford: Focal Press.
- FOSTER, J. (2014). The Green Screen Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques. London: CRC Press.
- HANKE, J. & YAMAZAKI, M. (2009). Greenscreen Made Easy: Keying and Compositing Techniques for Indie Filmmakers (2nd ed.). Seattle: Michael Wiese Publications.
- VAN HURKMAN, A. (2013). Color Correction Look Book: Creative Grading Techniques for Film and Video. Berkeley: Peachpit Press.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Practical and Fieldwork

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Project SEM2 Yes 50%
Practical Exercises SEM2 No 50%

 
LECTURER/S Daniel Zerafa

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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