Previs for Film and Games Production

An 8-week course where students will use digital tools to create compelling 3D cinematic sequences for film and game projects.

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OVERVIEW

VIDEO

COURSE OVERVIEW

Visualize shots for film and games

In this course, we will cover the process of using virtual cameras, characters and environments to visualize complex shots or sequences before starting film production. Students will use digital tools along with traditional filmmaking techniques to create compelling 3D cinematic sequences for entertainment projects. Topics covered include shot composition, camera animations, character blocking, vehicle animations, staging, timing, and editing.

Course Format:

Standard

Duration:

8 weeks

Materials:

Maya, AfterEffects, or any modeling and lighting software

Lecture Type:

Pre-recorded

Assignment:

Due each week. Expect to spend 10-15 hrs/wk viewing lectures, q&a, and time on assignments

Skills Level:

Intermediate

Feedback:

Individual recordings

Q&A:

Once a week

Prerequisites:

Maya generalist skills: a fairly good grasp of modeling, animation, and lighting, but especially animation; basic knowledge of AfterEffects (though we’ll only deal with it for the last class or two of the term)

Course Format:

Standard

Duration:

8 weeks

Materials:

Maya, AfterEffects, or any modeling and lighting software

Lecture Type:

Pre-recorded

Assignment:

Due each week. Expect to spend 10-15 hrs/wk viewing lectures, q&a, and time on assignments

Skills Level:

Intermediate

Feedback:

Individual recordings

Q&A:

Once a week

Prerequisites:

Course Format:

Standard

Duration:

8 weeks

Materials:

Maya, AfterEffects, or any modeling and lighting software

Lecture Type:

Pre-recorded

Assignment:

Due each week. Expect to spend 10-15 hrs/wk viewing lectures, q&a, and time on assignments

Skills Level:

Intermediate

Feedback:

Individual recordings

Q&A:

Once a week

Prerequisites:

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Trailer

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

EXPAND ALL COLLAPSE ALL

The more you know, the better.

Week 1 | Introduction/ Intro to Previs

Introductions with the class
Review the class syllabus
Discuss the history and overview of Previsualization
Camera theory & rules of shot compositions
Go over the process of creating a previs sequence for film
Maya projects organization
Demo animating basic camera movements

Week 2 | Blocking Animation: Western Duel Scene

Plan out a western gunfight scene.
Thumbnails storyboard ideas.
Review Western Duel references.
Review 3D assets.
Demo block character animation.

Week 3 | Camera Animation: Western Duel Scene/ Composite sequence

Review Western Duel Camera Animations.
Demo animating camera from blocking master file.
Review separating individual shots from master file.
Discuss rendering individual shots with viewport 2.0.
Demo compositing a Western Duel sequence.

Week 4 | Blocking Animation: Car Chase

Discuss what makes a great Car Chase sequence.
Thumbnails storyboards ideas.
Review Car Chase references.
Review 3D Assets.
Demo blocking Car Chase animation.

Week 5 | Camera Animation: Car Chase / Composite sequence

Review Car Chase Camera Animations.
Demo animating camera from blocking master file.
Review separating individual shots from master file.
Discuss rendering individual shots with viewport 2.0.
Demo compositing a Car Chase sequence.

Week 6 | How to Use (and Fake) Effects

Discuss what makes a Epic Fight Sequence.
Review Superhero Fight references.
Thumbnails storyboards ideas.
Review 3D Assets.
Demo blocking superhero fight animation,

Week 7 | Camera Animation: SuperHero Fight Sequence/ Composite sequence

Review Action Camera Animations.
Demo animating camera for a fight sequence.
Review separating individual shots from master file.
Discuss rendering individual shots with viewport 2.0.
Demo compositing a fight sequence.

Week 8 | Polish Sequences/ Create a Previs Reel

Polish the shots from the Western Duel, Car Chase, and Fight sequence.
Create a slate for Previs Demo Reel.
Demo compositing a demo reel with a music track.
Watch and review student final work.

Previs for Film Production

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Instructor

Real heroes don't wear capes they teach

Huan Phan

/Blizzard Entertainment

LECTURES BY Huan Phan

Huan Phan has been working in the Entertainment Industry for over 20 years. He went to Otis College of Art and Design with a major in Digital Media. He started working in the gaming industry and advanced into a Lead Vehicles and Characters Artist and has launched multiple games such as Full Spectrum Warrior, Star Wars Battlefront, The Saboteur, and many other titles. After working in video games for 10 years, Huan transitioned to the movie industry and developed into a Lead Previs Artist. He has contributed to many blockbuster movies such as Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Justice League, Spiderman and many more. Huan has also freelanced as a Layout Artist for animation studios like Illuminations Entertainment, Magic Hill Animations, and The Spa Studios. He also worked at Walt Disney Imagineering as a Principle Visual Effects Designer creating virtual reality rides using the Unreal Engine. Huan is currently working as a Lead Cinematic Designer at Blizzard Entertainment working on World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.

REQUEST SYLLABUS

FALL TERM REGISTRATION

Jul 26, 2021 - Oct 11, 2021

ONLY

$699

COURSE BEGINS

October 2nd

PRICING SCHEDULE

Even though our courses are the most affordable for the quality of education.

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