Degree in Design and Creation of Interactive Products La Salle Campus Barcelona

Bachelor in Design and Creation of Interactive Products - Minor in Video Games

VFX project: shooting

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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
Optativa
Semester
First
Credits
6.00

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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