Design of Visual Effects and Animation (SOK) – Information of Course Modules

SOK50 Visual effects history

Code of Course Module: SOK50

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: First (1^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description: This particular course module follows a chronological structure and examines the aesthetic, artistic and cultural dimensions of the evolution of visual effects. The purpose of SOK50 is:

• To show the contribution of visual effects and animation in the development of audiovisual works
• To present the technique of visual effects and the moving image in relation to the art of cinema
• To highlight the importance of visual effects and animation in the evolution of animation.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• They know the basic stages of development of visual effects and animation.
• Understand the types of visual effects and animation comparatively in relation to the changes of technological developments
• Understand the importance of visual effects and animation and compare and analyze them according to aesthetic and morphological criteria
• Justify changes in animation visual effects in relation to developments in new technologies

Subjects: 

• General introduction to the art and technique of visual effects
• Historical origins of visual effects
• Most important stations in the evolution of visual effects

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Methods: Remotely using the Tele-learning Platform of HOU and conducting Group Counseling Meetings.

SOK1 L.C.M.  Basic Principles of Motion Pictures

Code of Course Module: SOK1 L.C.M.

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: First (1^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description:

The specific Laboratory module refers to quality features of animation creation, focusing on theoretical training and practical training in specialized topics of 3D animation and quality features of computer animation. The aim is to aquire deep knowledge and practice of specialized technical topics and quality features of 3D motion such as

• Creating and compositing animations on a computer
• Creation of skeleton and point control drivers
• Link skeleton to 3D mesh points
• Skeleton movement with two Kinematics methods (FK and IK)
• Application of basic motion principles to 3D models
• Final performance and output of 3D motion into a 2D animation (rendering)
• Fundamentals of movement (Preparation, plasticity, subsequent movement)

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course module, students will be able to:

• Understand the central points of creative reflection on the fundamental concepts, specialties and qualitative characteristics of 3D motion
• Compare and analyze three-dimensional sequences of movement (3d animation) based on aesthetic criteria and specialized terminology
• Develop general 3D animation creation skills across all creation stages and specialties
• Develop special skills and choose a specific specialty in a group collaborative process of 3D creation.

Subjects

3D character design

Create motion on a computer

Creating a skeleton

Animation direction

Teaching Methods: Distance Learning workshop with student projects monitoring.

Teaching Methods – Evaluation – Delivery: By Project.

Use of Information and Communication Technologies: Extensive use of a personal computer. Ability to use lab workstations, and Use of special software. Communication of students through the course platform and email with the teacher.

Teaching Organization: Workshop, filmography study and analysis. The teaching will be remote and interactive, as the teacher will present parts of the material through the respective software and in this process the students will be able to intervene to resolve their questions. of three through the course platform and email with the teacher.

Workshop Facilities: The workshops will take place online through the infrastructure, laboratory equipment and software of the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design (SET).

ATM2 L.C.M. Introduction to digital design

Code of Course Module: ATM2 L.C.M.

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: First (1^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description:

The Laboratory Course Module “Introduction to digital design” covers the processes of two-dimensional design on a computer by describing the relevant theories for the analysis and synthesis of two-dimensional digital space. Along the way it introduces students to the environment of three-dimensional design. The aim of the Laboratory Thematic Unit is the perception and creation of space and objects within the digital environment. Upon successful completion of the Laboratory module, students will have acquired the necessary knowledge to design and perceive objects and sets in the digital space.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding and perception of real space through theory and comparing it with digital space.
• Practical Application of Design and Processing of two-dimensional objects in the digital space.
• Digital display of objects and sets.
• Knowledge of the basic rules of image processing and practice through learning software.
• Understanding the basic rules of three-dimensional design.

Subjects

Perception in digital design

Introduction to 2D digital design

Edit and modify 2D objects

Analysis and synthesis of the two-dimensional digital space

Introduction to 3D digital design

Fundamentals of digital image processing

Teaching Methods: Distance Learning, remotely use of the HOU Tele-learning Platform and attending Group Advisory Meetings.

Teaching Methods – Evaluation – Delivery: The students will be trained in software that will cover the purpose of the Lab course module, through the study of manuals, viewing tutorials (videos) and solving self-assessment exercises, alongside supporting their efforts and solving the of their questions through the Group advisory meetings

Use of Information and Communication Technologies: Extensive use of a personal computer. Ability to use lab workstations, and Use of special software. Communication of students through the course platform and email with the teacher.

Teaching Organization: The teaching will be remote and interactive, as the teacher will present parts of the material through the respective software and in this process the students will be able to intervene to resolve their questions.

Workshop Facilities: The workshops will take place online through the infrastructure, laboratory equipment and software of the multimedia and lighting design workshops of the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design (SET).

SOK60 Production development for funding

Code of Course Module: SOK60

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: second (2^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description:

This module will focus on Developing an Audiovisual Project for Pitching and in particular the method of integrating visual effects and animation into a project’s production envelope. The course deals with the business plan of producing packages of audio-visual projects for financing (slate funding) with a focus on visual effects moving image. Topics such as marketing and entrepreneurship/management are presented. Ways of finding financial resources, promotion and distribution of audio-visual projects, as well as the commercial exploitation of elements through the film (merchandising) are studied. The course focuses on the financial viability and independence of an audiovisual project from the perspective of the integration of visual effects and animation into it. All stages of the production of an audio-visual project are studied in terms of the creative and the technical field. Particular attention is paid to methods and techniques of organizing and implementing a production incorporating visual effects.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Organize, compose and present a production file for financing with international standards (pitching)
• Write a complete proposal/design text based on visual effects moving image to submit it to funding programs of international and national agencies for the development of their audiovisual work
• Commercialize the possibility of producing secondary products (merchandising)
• Use the appropriate technique of a successful business model to promote their audiovisual project (franchising)
• Use their marketing knowledge to achieve their artistic and business/commercial goals
• follow revenue strategies for their project
• Acquire critical thinking to apply more appropriate production management method
• understand the cost of making a decision in terms of time, money, and quality of a project

Subjects

• Marketing of Creative Arts
• Design, organization and presentation of a Book/package for financing an audiovisual project
• Production design of secondary products
• Franchise practices for audiovisual products
• Revenue strategies of an audiovisual project
• Production models from the business sector and types of production

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Methods: Distance Learning, remotely use of the HOU Tele-learning Platform and attending Group Advisory Meetings.

ATM3 L.C.M. Advanced Modeling and Photorealism

Code of Course Module: ATM3 L.C.M.

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: second (2^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description: The course module “Advanced Modeling and Photorealism” covers the processes of three-dimensional design on a computer by describing the relevant theories for the three-dimensional digital space, the creation of objects and their photorealistic display. The aim of the Laboratory course module is to understand the way in which we observe and work in the virtual three-dimensional space. With the successful completion of the module, the students will have acquired the necessary knowledge for the design of three-dimensional objects and their photorealistic visualization.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding of practices for processing and transforming 3D objects.
• Familiarity with the characteristics of the virtual camera and its placement methods in relation to space and light.
• Knowledge of the algorithms used for the virtual representation of lighting.
• Application of the basic properties of digital materials and their mapping to objects.
• Knowledge of the main parameters that determine the performance of three-dimensional objects in the digital space.

Subjects

Advanced computer modeling

Digital camera

Lighting in the virtual environment

Digital materials

Virtual representation and shading algorithms

Teaching Methods: Distance Learning, remotely use of the HOU Tele-learning Platform and attending Group Advisory Meetings.

Teaching Methods – Evaluation – Delivery: The students will be trained in software that will cover the purpose of the Lab course module, through the study of manuals, viewing tutorials (videos) and solving self-assessment exercises, alongside supporting their efforts and solving the of their questions through the Group advisory meetings

Use of Information and Communication Technologies: Extensive use of a personal computer. Ability to use lab workstations, and Use of special software. Communication of students through the course platform and email with the teacher.

Teaching Organization: The teaching will be remote and interactive, as the teacher will present parts of the material through the respective software and in this process the students will be able to intervene to resolve their questions.

Workshop Facilities: The workshops will take place online through the infrastructure, laboratory equipment and software of the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design (SET).

SOK2 L.C.M. Advanced animation

Code of Course Module: SOK2 L.C.M

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: second (2^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description:

In the laboratory course module, students will familiarize themselves with the technical practices and methods of creating movement using innovative technologies. More specifically, Motion Capture techniques will be used to create a motion library as well as motion tracking techniques for integrating and synchronizing the motion of a virtual moving image environment with live action. In addition, there will be an introduction to animation editing methodologies and tools such as Color correction, Green screen, etc.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Module, students will be able to:

• create motion capture with different techniques
• Use motion capture libraries
• Sync animation to live action movies
• Understand and determine the cinematographic perspective
• Understand the skills and technique required in the composition of moving images

Subjects

• Motion Capture
• Tracking Animation
• Compositing

Teaching Methods: Distance Learning, remotely use of the HOU Tele-learning Platform and attending Group Advisory Meetings.

Teaching Methods – Evaluation – Delivery: The students will be trained in software that will cover the purpose of the Lab course module, through the study of manuals, viewing tutorials (videos) and solving self-assessment exercises, alongside supporting their efforts and solving the of their questions through the Group advisory meetings

Use of Information and Communication Technologies: Extensive use of a personal computer. Ability to use lab workstations, and Use of special software. Communication of students through the course platform and email with the teacher.

Teaching Organization: The teaching will be remote and interactive, as the teacher will present parts of the material through the respective software and in this process the students will be able to intervene to resolve their questions.

Workshop Facilities: The workshops will take place online through the infrastructure, laboratory equipment and software of the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design (SET). Attendance is compulsory.

ATM4 L.C.M. Photogrammetry

Code of Course Module: ATM4 L.C.M.

ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsory

Semester: Third (3^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description: The Laboratory course module “Photogrammetry” explains the concept of photogrammetry as a basic imaging method for the restoration and documentation of monuments and archaeological sites. It introduces the basic steps of the photogrammetric process, photogrammetric orientations, photo processing, special photogrammetric equipment and photogrammetric products. The Laser scanner and the methods of producing three-dimensional models, the Digital Terrain Model and the Digital Orthophotomap are presented. The aim of the module is to understand the method of photogrammetry as a basic method of digitization and modeling of archaeological finds, monuments and places. Students can monitor the fieldwork with special photogrammetric equipment and process the digital photos to produce the 3D model.

Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge of the photogrammetry method.
• Application of the photogrammetric process from the acquisition of the photos as data to the final result which is the three-dimensional model and the digital orthophoto.
• Practical practice in the techniques used in image processing in photogrammetry.
• Knowledge of the process of field mapping with special photogrammetric equipment.
• Knowledge of methodology for obtaining three-dimensional metric information.

Subjects

Photogrammetric methods and technologies

Photogrammetric orientations

Digital image processing and 3D model production

Teaching Methods: Distance Learning, remotely use of the HOU Tele-learning Platform and attending live, a field course.

Teaching Methods – Evaluation – Delivery: Interactive lectures that combine theoretical knowledge with examples. At the same time, practical exercises with application in the field are carried out. Students conduct a continuous dialogue with the teacher. Delivery method is via PC.

Use of Information and Communication Technologies:

Use of special photogrammetric equipment of the School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design (SET). Computer use. Use of Photogrammetry software. Communication of students through the course platform and email with the teacher.

Teaching Organization: Lectures consist of theory and exercises. They are followed by laboratory exercises that enrich the lectures by strengthening the process of understanding and assimilating knowledge. In addition, field training is carried out, which contributes to the development of skills. Writing assignment are finally conducted.

Workshop Facilities: The presence of students in the field activities is mandatory. The School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design (SET) has the necessary mobile equipment through the lighting design laboratory to carry out the field exercises

SOKDE Master Diploma Thesis

Code of Course Module: SOKDE

ECTS: 20

Type: Compulsory

Semester: Third (3^ο)

Teaching Language: Greek

Module Outline

Aim – description: The Master’s Thesis will be a field of application of the knowledge acquired in the CMs and LCMs. of PSP and will aim at an overall design project that will be applying principles, techniques and theoretical knowledge in the area of Design for Animation and Visual effects. The Master’s Thesis is subject to the general regulation of the Master’s Thesis of the HOU with CMs of six-month duration.

The General Regulations for Postgraduate Diploma Theses in a Master’s degree with semester-long thesis are available at: General Regulations for the Preparation of Postgraduate Dissertations in a Master’s Degree Programme with semester-long Thematic Unit

For more information regarding the Specifications – Useful Material for writing Master’s Theses and uploading a Thesis at the H.O.U. Repository, you can go to the Digital Training Area http://courses.eap.gr and especially to the Program of Studies section.

Learning Outcomes: After the end of the Postgraduate Diploma Thesis the students will be able to:

• Carry out original design research work related to the subjects taught, on a wide variety of topics of interest,
• Research, compile, verify, and critically assess information, and effectively organize and present it
• Critically and responsibly utilize both primary and secondary sources

Prerequisites: The presentation of the Master’s Thesis takes place after the successful completion of the Course Modules of the Program.