Postproduction with Visual Effects/Postproduction with Sound Design – (M.A.)

Contents

Term 1
Through lecture courses and labs, this term will provide a theoretical underpinning of the postproduction process, visual effects creation and sound design. Modules include:

1. Editing and the Postproduction Process

This lecture module covers all aspects of the editing process. There are two associated labs in support of this module -- one for Picture Techniques and one for Sound Techniques -- in which students put theory into practice by applying concepts and techniques covered in lectures. All students take both. Assessment is through closed-book tests and portfolio-building individual project work (10 credits).

2. Relationship Between Sound and Image

This lecture course examines the roles of audio and visual effects in film and television from historical, theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will explore the evolution of cinematic language and the use of sound and picture effects, the impact of technology on production and audience expectations and the relationship between director, sound designer and visual effects artists. Assessment via presentation and essay (10 credits).

3. Storytelling in Theatre, Film & Television I

This module is taken by all TFTV MA/MSc students over two terms. exploring the nature of narrative in all three disciplines. Assessment will be by essay (10 credits).

Term 2
This term provides students with greater opportunity to apply and test theory presented in the first term as well as to expand on their understanding of the creative process and critical analysis. It consists of two parts - directed group work and lecture modules:

1. Group Work

Teams of students will each undertake two exercises: the first involves 2D motion graphics and title design with an appropriate musical score; the second involves the integration of 2D and 3D elements with live footage (shot by the students) as well as a synchronized soundtrack with mixed music, effects and dialogue tracks. These exercises will enable students to gain an understanding of the creative process and hone problem-solving skills in an industry-inspired applied setting. Assessment will be through directed group work and reflective critical analysis through essays (20 credits).

2. Audio Effects and Visual Effects Design for Film and Television

This module consists of a series of lectures for all postproduction students that explore theory and associated techniques for audio effects and visual effects design. In addition, specialization-specific laboratory sessions enable in-depth practical and technical exploration of concepts by students in their chosen area (students only attend the laboratories for their chosen specialization). Assessment is through a series of directed practical exercises (10 credits).

3. Storytelling in Theatre, Film & Television II

This module is taken by all TFTV MA/MSc students over two terms. Exploring the nature of narrative in all three disciplines. Assessment will be by essay (10 credits).

4. The Business of Postproduction (option)

This module aims to provide students with a realistic picture of the film and television industry including the development, financing and distribution of projects as well as an understanding of the business aspects of the postproduction and its relation to the film and television industry. Assessment through presentation and essay (10 credits).

5. Spatial Audio and Surround Sound (option)

This module introduces the concept of spatial audio recording, production and surround-sound reproduction with a particular emphasis on the common methods and formats employed in the wider entertainment, broadcast and multimedia industry. Current research directions in the field will also be highlighted and explored. Assessment through practical project work (10 credits).

Term 3
The final term is dedicated to the design and development of individual project work.

1. Dissertation Seminar Series

The series includes a number of workshops on how to approach and plan the extended research project. These workshops will combine further instruction in methodology with opportunities for students to describe their own developing thinking and secure advice from staff and their peers about the best ways forward. Workshops will take place in the first part of Summer term (10 credits).

2. Extended Research Project

Students will propose an individual project and agree this with his or her supervisor. If the nature of the work is production orientated (i.e., a short video, animation, effects sequence, etc.) then it will be considered in support of an MA degree. If the nature of the work is highly technical in nature, informed by current research and seeks to advance knowledge in a specific area of media technology (i.e., development of new software in support of visual effects, acoustic modelling and sound synthesis for audio effects, etc.) then it will be considered in support of an MSc. Work on the project will take place during the remainder of the Summer term and throughout the summer period until final submission in September (90 credits).

In addition to all modules listed above, seminars and master classes given by leading industry practitioners will be held throughout the year.

Industry seminars
Throughout the year there will be regular seminars featuring practitioners from industry discussing how theory relates to practice and sharing first-hand experience. Non-assessed.

Screenings
During terms 1 and 2 there will be screenings of relevant film and television material relating to specific theory, techniques and technologies under discussion.