A Bachelor of Vocational (B.Voc) degree in Visual Effects, Filmmaking, or Animation will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the exciting and ever-changing media and entertainment industry. A more in-depth examination of subjects crucial to your selected career is available in the second semester of the program. By dissecting these challenges, you will gain the tools you need to overcome them in the actual world of visual effects, filmmaking, and animation.
In this blog, we will explore the Basics of Television Graphics, Basics of Script Writing, and Film Appreciation.
1. Basics of Television Graphics
Television graphics are a large part of what makes shows, news, sports, and documentaries interesting to watch. They aid in the visual explanation of complicated concepts, the provision of crucial details, and the establishment of the show's or network's brand identity. This course will give you a crash course on television graphics and show you the ropes when it comes to making and using them.
What You’ll Learn:
a. What Are Television Graphics? First, you’ll get a clear understanding of the different types of graphics used in television. This includes:
Static Graphics: These are still images or text used on-screen (think logos or infographics).
Motion Graphics: These involve animation or movement, often used for titles or transitions.
AR (Augmented Reality) Graphics: Popular in live sports or news coverage, these are graphics overlaid onto live video feeds.
b. Tools of the Trade: You’ll get hands-on experience with industry-standard software like:
Adobe After Effects – a go-to for creating motion graphics.
Cinema 4D – widely used for 3D graphics.
Vizrt – a tool used in live TV production to create real-time graphics.
c. Design Principles: Creating effective television graphics is about more than just fancy visuals. You’ll need to understand key design principles, like:
Color Theory: Knowing which colors work well together and evoke the right emotions.
Typography: Choosing the right fonts and making sure they’re easy to read on screen.
Visual Hierarchy: Organizing information in a way that directs viewers’ attention where you want it.
d. Meeting Broadcast Standards: Finally, you’ll learn about the technical standards that need to be met for broadcast, such as aspect ratios, safe zones (making sure your graphics don’t get cut off on different screens), and resolution. These are crucial for ensuring your work looks good on all types of displays.
Why This Matters:
By the end of this subject, you’ll have the skills to design basic graphics that meet industry standards, making you ready to contribute to real-world TV productions.
2. Basics of Script Writing
A great script is the foundation of a fantastic story. The script is the backbone of any production, be it a live-action film, television series, or animated feature. Writing screenplays that captivate audiences with captivating stories and memorable characters is the focus of this course.
What You’ll Learn:
a. The Basics of Story Structure: Every good script follows a structure, and you’ll dive into the most common one:
Three-Act Structure: This is the backbone of most stories. You’ll learn how to break your story into three parts: setup, conflict, and resolution.
Character Arcs: You’ll also focus on developing characters who grow and change throughout the story, making them feel real and relatable.
b. Script Formatting: A huge part of scriptwriting is knowing how to format your script properly. You’ll learn about:
Screenplay Format: How to write scene headings, action descriptions, dialogue, and transitions in a professional way.
Scriptwriting Software: Tools like Final Draft and Celtx make this process easier, and you’ll become familiar with these platforms during the course.
c. Writing for Different Genres: Scripts vary depending on the genre, and you’ll get to explore writing styles for genres like:
Drama: Focuses on deep character interactions and emotional storytelling.
Comedy: Timing, dialogue, and visual humor play key roles here.
Action/Thriller: Pacing is everything in these high-intensity genres.
d. Writing for Animation and VFX: Writing for animation or VFX-heavy projects is different from writing for live-action. You’ll learn how to describe actions and effects clearly so animators and VFX artists know exactly what’s needed.
e. The Revision Process: Scriptwriting is rarely perfect on the first try. You’ll learn the importance of getting feedback, revising your work, and continuously improving your script.
Why This Matters:
By the end of this course, you’ll have written your own short script and be ready to work in various formats, whether for films, TV shows, or animated projects. Understanding how to structure and present a story is a critical skill in the industry.
3. Film Appreciation
Movies are entertaining to watch, but if you're an animator or director, you should know what makes a good film. The focus of this course is on critical film analysis, with an emphasis on studying the works of the greats and gaining an understanding of the methods used to make groundbreaking films. By taking Film Appreciation, you will learn to perceive films from two perspectives: that of a viewer and a creator.
What You’ll Learn:
a. A Brief History of Cinema: To appreciate where films are today, you need to understand where they came from. You’ll cover key milestones in film history, including:
The rise of silent films.
The introduction of sound and color.
Major film movements like Italian Neorealism and the French New Wave.
b. Film Language and Techniques: Films are more than just stories—they’re a combination of different elements working together. You’ll explore:
Cinematography: How camera angles, lighting, and shot composition impact storytelling.
Editing: The role of cutting scenes together and how it influences pacing and emotional impact.
Sound Design: How music, sound effects, and dialogue work together to enhance the story.
Mise-en-scène: Everything you see on screen (actors, props, sets) and how it affects the mood and message of the film.
c. Exploring Genres and Styles: You’ll dive into different film genres like documentaries, experimental films, and feature films, learning what makes each one unique and how filmmakers use genre conventions to tell their stories.
d. Watching and Analyzing Films: The core of this subject is watching films—lots of them. But you won’t just watch passively. You’ll analyze them, discussing elements like:
How the narrative unfolds.
The technical aspects of filmmaking.
The cultural or social messages conveyed.
e. Studying Key Directors and Movements: You’ll get to know influential filmmakers and film movements, such as:
Alfred Hitchcock: Master of suspense, known for innovative visual storytelling techniques.
The Auteur Theory: This concept looks at directors who have a unique style and approach to filmmaking, making their work instantly recognizable.
Why This Matters:
By taking Film Appreciation, you can hone your analytical abilities and learn to recognize the elements that give a film its power. As a filmmaker, animator, or visual effects artist, this information can greatly impact your work and provide you with a more profound comprehension of the art form.
Conclusion
During the second half of your Bachelor of Vocational Studies in Visual Effects, Filmmaking, and Animation degree, you will delve into fundamental courses that will set you up for success in the media sector. If you want to learn how to make quality TV graphics, Basics of Television Graphics is the way to go. Film Appreciation will help you become a better critic and storyteller, and Basics of Script Writing will teach you how to write scripts with compelling characters and plot points.
Taking these classes will not only provide you the technical chops you need to work in visual effects, filmmaking, and animation, but they will also help you hone your storytelling skills and creative vision.