Film and Media: Special Effects in the Movies
Course details
Course code
Q00015136Course date
Number of classes
5 sessionsTimetable
Branch
Hatfield BranchTutor
Christopher BuddFee range
How you'll learn
Venue
OnlineLevel of study
Entry Levels 1,2,3: If you have never studied this subject before and you’re not confident in your skills, Entry levels are a good starting point.
Level 1: Covers basic skills and knowledge needed for this subject
Level 2: Building on basic knowledge or experience. Similar to Grade 4/ C at GCSE or O level in England or Standards in Scotland.
Level 3: Learn about the topic in-depth and have a broad range of skills. Independent working Equivalent to an A level in England or Higher in Scotland.
Beginners: A perfect introduction if you have no experience and skills in this subject.
Improvers: The next step if you have basic skills or knowledge but want to progress them further.
Advanced: Build on the solid experience and skills you have in this subject, applying your skills and knowledge in a more complex way.
Course overview
Course description
The course aims to introduce learners to the long, creative history of cinema special effects, from the earliest rudimentary trick shots to the most up-to-date uses of computer-generated imagery and machine learning, looking at clips from over 100 years of cinema and a large collection of behind-the-scenes images and documentary material.
In Week 1 we’ll examine the very first trick shots and see how early cinema was all about spectacle and novelty. Although these films are sometimes rudimentary, they laid the groundwork for many of the techniques that followed.
Week 2 is all about the art of the matte painter, seamlessly extending sets, creating new backgrounds – and even foregrounds – and sometimes creating whole worlds, with simple brushes and canvas.
We’ll take a visit to Skull Island in Week 3 for a Kong special, revisiting each of the cinematic incarnations of the mighty Eighth Wonder of the World, to see how each movie was – in its day – a pioneering showcase of special effects, from stop-motion to Suitmation, from million-dollar robots to number-crunching pixel power.
Week 4 will take us right to the cutting edge, to look at digital humans from CGI to AI. Making actors younger, and even bringing them back from the dead is an idea full of possibilities and problems. And amazingly, it all starts in the 1970s.
Finally in Week 5 we’ll take a look at special effects in what might be their natural habitat – science fiction films.
No previous knowledge is required, just a love of film.
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What financial support is available?
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We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.
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What other support is available?
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All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.