degree in animation and vfx la salle campus barcelona

Bachelor in Animation and VFX

Become a professional in 3D computer generated imagery, including special effects and 3D artwork. The Degree in Animation at La Salle Campus Barcelona is the first official undergraduate degree program in Catalonia.

VFX project: shooting

Back to Syllabus

Description: 

  • Subject name: Filming for VFX
  • ECTS credits: 3
  • Time period: Semester 1
  • Program/s: Animation Degree
  • Subject code/s: AN013
  • Full identifier: AN013 Filming for VFX 2025-2026 Academic year
  • Subject Coordinator: Sergi Vizcaino (sergio.vizcaino@salle.url.edu)
  • Teachers: Jesús Diez (jesus.diez@ext.salle.url.edu)

Type Subject
Tercer - Obligatoria
Semester
First
Course
3
Credits
3.00

Titular Professors

Sergio Vizcaino Calero

Professors

Jesús Díez Pérez
Previous Knowledge: 

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Objectives: 

  • Understand the basic processes of a shoot.
  • Learn the necessary roles on a shoot.
  • Know the methodologies for planning a shoot.
  • Learn the basic knowledge of lighting in live-action filming.
  • Learn how to track sets and characters for the subsequent integration of digital elements.
  • Acquire basic notions of cinematographic planning and directing actors.
  • Learn basic notions of production.
  • Real shooting practice with actors.
  • Understand the methodology of preparation and filming for the subsequent integration of VFX and digital elements.
  • Obtain an audiovisual piece ready for subsequent post-production work and the inclusion of digital elements such as 3D characters, VFX, etc.
  • Know the internal workings of a VFX company, as well as its departments and hierarchies.
  • Know the work and responsibilities of the VFX supervisor in that structure, especially during filming.
  • Know how to design a filming strategy so that image capture is optimal for its subsequent post-production.
  • Chroma screens (greenscreens). Use, operation, and practical application on set.
  • Tracking marks. Use, operation, and practical application on set.
  • Know all the filming elements that work in favor of and against the correct subsequent post-production of the material within the VFX studio.

Contents: 

  • VFX roles in shoot.
  • Filming equipment.
  • Pre-production of a shoot.
  • VFX types.
  • Digital cinema cameras.
  • Film photography.
  • Types and uses of lenses.
  • Use of the camera in narrative.
  • HDRI.
  • Lighting.
  • ACES.
  • File formats.
  • Camera match (FSPY).
  • Chroma Key.
  • Tracking/matchmoving.
  • Cinematographic narrative with camera.
  • Preproduction for VFX.
  • Development of effective and feasible ideas.
  • Breakdown.
  • Use of "sintheyes" software.

Methodology: 

  • Frequency and typology: 1 weekly session, which can be theoretical or practical.
  • Theoretical sessions: They are taught in the classroom.
  • Practical sessions: They are held in various spaces on campus using filming equipment and obtaining references for the integration of VFX.
  • Practical reinforcement: All theoretical knowledge taught in the classroom is applied and reinforced in a practical class tutored by the teacher.
  • Autonomous work: Students develop their own work where they apply the technique learned and the cinematographic narrative.
  • Artistic-technical approach: The artistic aspect is joined with the narrative to encourage higher quality results and motivate the learning of the technique.

Evaluation: 

  • Group practice (Camera shooting): 33.00%. (Elements to evaluate: Statement, resolution, and presentation) .
  • Individual work (Preparation for filming, attendance, participation, class work): 67.00%. (Elements to evaluate: Statement, resolution and presentation, and acquired knowledge) .

Criteria and Requirements

  • Passing grade: The overall calculation of the grade must be higher than 5.
  • Attendance: To pass, an attendance of more than 70% of the classes is mandatory.
  • Individual work details: It assesses the knowledge acquired to understand the operation of a shoot from start to finish based on a free proposal by each student.
  • Recovery policy: It consists of individual work with personalized instructions by the teaching staff and minimum objectives previously explained to the student.
  • Copying regulations: Assessment activities are categorized as moderately significant.

Evaluation Criteria: 

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Basic Bibliography: 

  • The VES Handbook of Visual Effects (Jeffrey A. Okun, Susan Zwerman): Industry reference guide for on-set roles and filming procedures for visual effects.
  • Filming the Fantastic: A Guide to Visual Effects Cinematography (Mark Sawicki): Practical focus on how to light and shoot base plates, chromas, and capture data on set.
  • Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking (Tim Dobbert): Specific book for understanding tracking and matchmoving techniques (ideal for accompanying the use of software such as SynthEyes).
  • Cinematography: Theory and Practice (Blain Brown): Fundamentals of the camera, lens types, and cinematographic narrative.
  • Digital Color Management: Encoding Solutions (Edward J. Giorgianni, Thomas E. Madden): Technical reference for understanding color management and standards such as ACES.

Additional Material: 

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