Fundamentals Of Vfx

The Complete Guide to Creating High-End Visual Effects

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 4.4

- You will gain a comprehensive understanding on how Visual Effects are created.
- You will learn what is required to create convincing and photorealistic effects..
- You will learn advanced techniques such as Deep Compositing
- Planar Tracking
- 3D Camera Projection
- Image Based Lighting
- Node-based Compositing
- Match Moving and much more.

What you'll learn

You will gain a comprehensive understanding on how Visual Effects are created.

You will learn what is required to create convincing and photorealistic effects..

You will learn advanced techniques such as Deep Compositing

Planar Tracking

3D Camera Projection

Image Based Lighting

Node-based Compositing

Match Moving and much more.

* Requirements

* An interest in the Film / Visual Effects indurstry
* A desire to learn a lot

Description

Fundamentals of VFX is a comprehensive training series that gives you in-depth knowledge and insight into the process of creating visual effects.

***** Excellent foundational knowledge! I would absolutely consider it a must-watch before moving to more practical courses. *****

- Alexandre Schead

***** Great Intro to VFX, this information can be confusing for a beginner trying to find it spread around the internet but this course puts it all together in a structured and focused way that gives you an understanding of where you should focus your efforts after completing this. Thank you. *****

- Callan Capelli

***** Fascinating course, tons of information to digest. I will deafly go through it again. Definitely helped Me understand Fundamentals of VFX. *****

- Giordan Pierrepont

***** Wonderful course, basic and expert questions and answers are found here. If you want a map of the world of VFX, The Fundamentals of VFX will provide. *****

- Halen Ricker

***** Probably the best course for a beginner who wants to learn the fundermentals of visual effects, it has helped me from ground up. Every beginner should have this. *****

- Joseph Stark

***** Amazing course, I have learnt so much from this course. It is very professional and put together so well AAA. 5/5 stars easily. *****

- Craig Wright

***** Superb. I'm very happy I took this course. Not only it covers the topic excellently it is also delivered in highly professional way. *****

- Alexandr Pospech

***** The tutor's accent is great, the course was informative and I have learnt a lot from it. I look forward to more courses from you. *****

- Daniel Wincott

***** So far, this course has clarified what some of the elements are that I use to create my effects. Before, I would just add an element because a tutorial told me to. Now I know why I had added it. Love it! *****

- William Masters

***** Fantastic information, pacing, content and delivery. I will be returning to this several times. Thank you. *****

- Whitt Hansen

***** Super informative and well structured material, I enjoy this very much!!! *****

- Aris Misopapas

***** I have really enjoyed this course and I highly recommend it. Its clear and easy to understand, while providing essential information to filmmakers who want to better communicate with vfx artists or dive deeper into vfx themselves. *****

- Tarin Camarena, Cinematographer & VFX artist

***** Awesome lectures, I'm looking forward to more! *****

- Jairus Nouvel

***** Great course. I had already done a vfx course before but it was good to go back to basics and brush up on some much needed theory. Fundamentals of VFX is a broad topic and the instructor does a great job of explaining everything. *****

- Aparajita Basu

***** Easily explained for such complicated concepts, I now have a clearer understanding *****

- Mohamed Haridy

***** In depth and concise. Nice and clearly narrated. *****

- Gordon Rudman

If you want to learn the art and science behind the stunning visual effects (VFX) of modern films, Fundamental of VFX is for you. During this course we unlock key areas of visual effects production and explain complicated and technical concepts in an easy-to-understand way. The course spans the length of 14 lectures that make your learning experience exciting and engaging.

Learn the techniques behind successful VFX shots

Hollywood blockbusters and the best video games of today rely on the use of 3D and Motion Graphics in an ever-increasing measure. This has increased our awareness and capacity to spot even the slightest imperfections in photo-realism.

This of course sets the bar very high for visual effects artists. It’s not enough merely to drop a 3D model into your composition, tweak the contrast and adjust the colors. And even if you have all the right tools, you need to know how to use them and in what order.

Creating convincing and realistic visual effects takes a lot of thought, time and talent. Things such as lighting, optics, camera angles and movements must be taken into consideration when compositing elements together. Intricate details and subtle effects are key factors for photo realistic results.

In this series we want to give you a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental requirements and techniques for combining 3D and Motion Graphics into live footage so that you can take your work to the next level.

We will guide you through the following lectures:

01 - Course Introduction
02 - History of VFX
03 - Mattes
04 - Chroma Keying I
05 - Chroma Keying II
06 - Matching I (Lighting)
07 - Matching II (Optics)
08 - Matching III (Tracking)
09 - Rendering
10 - Advanced Compositing
11 - Colour Theory
12 - Layer/Node-based Compositing and Software

Even though we have packed the course with a ton of information, we have also made sure it does not take you ages to go through it. If you are time-conscious and yet want to gain a profound understanding of the most fascinating field in the filmmaking industry, then Fundamentals of VFX is for you!

Who this course is for:

For those interested in the Visual Effects industry
For beginners who are just starting out in this field
For intermediates who already know the basics but want a deeper knowledge on the underlying principles of successful VFX production
For pros who want to quickly brush up on the theory
For Directors, DPs and Camera Operators who want to better understand how they can facilitate VFX production on set

Course content

6 sections • 15 lectures

Introduction 1 lectures

Introduction Preview 02:46

Introduction to Fundamentals of VFX. Learn about what all you will learn.

History 1 lectures

The History of VFX Preview 09:08

We introduce the history of visual effects and how it has developed through the decades. All the way from the 1890s visual effects have become an ever greater part of modern films.

The impact of the digital revolution has been significant in the way visual effects are created today. Sophisticated optical techniques have by-and-large been replaced by digital compositing software.

Understanding Mattes and Chroma Keying 3 lectures

Mattes Preview 07:10

The concept of Mattes is an integral part of compositing which every VFX artist needs to understand. Mattes are like a layer on top of an image obscuring the unwanted parts so that only the desired element is visible.

Without the use of mattes elements cannot be properly composited together.

Chroma Keying I Preview 14:11

Chroma Keying (Green / Blue Screen) is a well-known technique to extract a matte from live footage.

We will go through prerequisites for successful Chroma Screen filming. In addition to this, we will dive deeper into vital technical issues such as Bit Depth and Chroma Subsampling.

Chroma Keying II Preview 10:35

The Post-Production phase of Chroma Screen filming is where everything comes together. We explain key concepts such as Colour Keying, Spill Suppression and Chokers. You will also learn about the differences between colour keyers, as not all them work equally well.

Chroma Keying is an age-old technique. We will look at what the future may bring and how it could totally revolutionize VFX production.

Requirements for Compositing 4 lectures

Matching I - Lighting Preview 15:51

The increase in high-end VFX in films makes the job of VFX artists increasingly challenging. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of VFX production. Its significance in compositing is far greater than we would imagine.

Lights have various aspects, shadows complicate matters and reflections add subtle details to a shot. All of these details need to be accurately matched in order to create photo-realistic result.

Matching II - Optics Preview 15:41

Optics are another area that require intricate attention to detail. Camera angles, Focal length and Optical phenomena play a major role in creating realistic results. A keen eye is of utmost importance.

Matching III (a) - Optical Flow & 2D Tracking Preview 10:40

Tracking is a technique that recreates motion paths digitally enabling 3D objects, stock footage and text elements to follow the camera's movement precisely.

This lesson covers key concepts such as Optical flow and 2D Tracking.

Matching III (b) - Planar Tracking & Match Moving Preview 14:55

Tracking is a technique that recreates motion paths digitally enabling 3D objects, stock footage and text elements to follow the camera's movement precisely.

This lesson covers key concepts such as Planar Tracking and Match Moving. You will learn also about Object Removal and Motion Capture.

Advanced Subjects 5 lectures

Rendering Preview 16:58

Rendering is the process of generating a final image from the source materials. 3D graphics use specific rendering techniques such as Global Illumination, Final Gather and Ray Tracing.

Image Based Lighting and Multipass Rendering open up new possibilities for increased photo-realism and creative freedom. You will learn about various render passes and the widely used OpenEXR file format.

Advanced Compositing (a) Preview 08:52

Advanced Compositing techniques will take you to a whole new level. Deep Compositing, Camera Projection and 3D Compositing are sophisticated techniques used in blockbuster films.

You will also gain essential knowledge about Premultiplication, Multipass Compositing and 2.5D Compositing. Understanding these advanced methods and learning to use them is essential for you if you are pursuing a career in this field.

Advanced Compositing (b) Preview 15:46

Advanced Compositing techniques will take you to a whole new level. Deep Compositing, Camera Projection and 3D Compositing are sophisticated techniques used in blockbuster films.

You will also gain essential knowledge about Deep Compositing, 3D Compositing, Matte Painting and Camera Projection. Understanding these advanced methods and learning to use them is essential for you if you are pursuing a career in this field.

Colour Theory Preview 31:56

Colour Theory is a neglected yet highly important area of filmmaking. You will learn how to use colours to your advantage through Colour Management, Colour Correction, Colour Grading and Colour Psychology.

We will go through many essential concepts such as Linear Workflow, Gamma Correction and Colour Spaces. Colour Correction tools such as Scopes, Curves and Colour wheels will also be discussed in this comprehensive lesson.

Layer / Node-based Compositing and Software Alternatives Preview 16:00

Compositing applications come in two flavors - Layer-based and Node-based Compositors. You will learn how each of them works and why it is important for you be able to use both.

We will introduce you to many software options in order that you can choose the most suitable alternative. Master the softwares of your choice and you will be able to create spectacular composites and works or art!