Course Objectives
In-depth investigation of the art and craft of motion graphics and visual effects utilizing state-of-the-art techniques. Students will explore exemplary historical and contemporary motion designs to enhance and inform their own creative and technical growth.
As a result of participation in this course, students will be able to:
- identify and discuss major filmmakers/designers used as exemplars
- explain the use of various video formats/technologies (frame size/rate, color, codec, etc.)
- demonstrate animation techniques (keyframing and keyframe editing)
- demonstrate compositing techniques (blending modes, masks, mattes, keying, etc.)
- create a basic animation
- create a kinetic typography video
- create a video with stock footage/photos, and animated text
- create a spoof commercial
Spring 2025 Schedule
| Week | Tues | Topic, Activities, & Designers | Thurs | Topic & Activities |
| 1 | 01/14 | Introduction, Orientation Saul Bass | 01/16 | Film/FX History |
| 2 | 01/21 | Kyle Cooper (class canceled) | 01/23 | AEA #01 |
| 3 | 01/28 | Angus Wall, AEA #02 | 01/30 | AEA #03 |
| 4 | 02/04 | Lisa Bolan, AEA #04 | 02/06 | Basic Animation Test |
| 5 | 02/11 | Karin Fong, AEA #05 | 02/13 | AEA #05 |
| 6 | 02/18 | AEA #06 | 02/20 | Discuss Kinetic Project AEA #07 |
| 7 | 02/25 | Kinetic Typography Open Lab | 02/27 | Open Lab |
| 8 | 03/04 | Open Lab | 03/06 | Kinetic Typography Due |
| 9 | 03/11 | Spring Break! | 03/13 | Spring Break! |
| 10 | 03/18 | Intro to Resolve/Fusion | 03/20 | Animating Photos |
| 11 | 03/25 | Text+ & BKGD Nodes | 03/27 | Masks/Tracking |
| 12 | 04/01 | Keying | 04/03 | Collect stock assets in class |
| 13 | 04/08 | Open Lab | 04/10 | Video/Photo/Text Animation Due |
| 14 | 04/15 | Discuss Commercial/Color Management | 04/17 | Open Lab for Commercial |
| 15 | 04/22 | Open Lab for Commercial | 04/24 | Open Lab for Commercial |
| 16 | 04/29 | Open Lab for Commercial | 05/01 | Open Lab for Commercial |