Course Catalog
FSU Animation & Digital Arts BFA
All classes in the major take place at the co-located FSU/DDI campus in West Palm Beach and include FSU courses taught by FSU faculty and DDI courses taught by DDI faculty.
FSU BFA Courses Required For The Animation & Digital Arts Major
FIL 2110: Story I (3)
Introduction to the basic techniques of screenwriting. Exercises in story structure, dialogue, and character development. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status
FIL 2423: Production I (3)
Provides an introduction to the art and craft of motion picture storytelling through a series of production exercises and the completion of a short narrative project. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 2533: Motion Picture Sound (3)
Teaches the principles of sound and the basic practices involved in creating a motion picture sound track. Also covers the aesthetic use of sound in motion pictures. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 2552: Editing I (3)
Analyzes, discusses, and puts into practice the skills and techniques required to edit a narrative motion picture. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 2710: Visualization I (3)
Introduces the visual communication skills and techniques required for the development and pre-visualization of narrative motion pictures. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3132: Story II (3)
Development of sophisticated story ideas, treatments, character biographies, step-outlines, first drafts, and revisions of both original ideas and adaptations. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3433: Production II (3)
Provides understanding of objective oriented acting techniques and develops effective methods for working with actors in rehearsal and on set. Requires directing a short motion picture project. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3516: Camera and Lighting (3)
Provides theoretical and practical knowledge of various aspects of cinematography. Topics covered may include: cameras, lenses, exposure, lighting, composition, live-capture media, greenscreen, and motion capture. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3711: Visualization II (3)
Provides intermediary-level instruction in the visual development skills required for the preproduction and pre-visualization of narrative motion pictures. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3803: Transmedia Storytelling (3)
Review and analysis of the evolution of transmedia and digital convergence as defining modalities of our era.
FIL 3922r: Motion Picture Genres and Filmmakers (1)
Provides the opportunity to view historical and current motion pictures followed by discussions in an academic forum. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3963: BFA Qualifying Exam (0)
Evaluates student progress and recommends continuance in the College of Motion Picture Arts or directs the student toward other areas of study. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4135: Story III (3)
Development of thesis script story ideas, treatments, character biographies, step-outline, first drafts, and revisions of both original ideas and adaptations. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4434r: Advanced Production (3–9)
Advanced principles and practice of making a short motion picture project. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4539: Advanced Motion Picture Sound (3)
Provides a thorough understanding of digital sound recording, sound mixing, and various stages of sound post-production. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4567: Advanced Editing (3)
Offers advanced study in motion picture editing techniques and styles. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4613: Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution (3)
Provides background in the marketing, advertising, and exhibition of motion pictures to audiences. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4712: Visualization III (3)
Provides advanced-level instruction in the visual development skills required for the preproduction and pre-visualization of narrative motion pictures. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4872: Motion Picture Aesthetics (3)
Through viewing and discussing motion pictures, this course fosters the development of a personal aesthetic for motion picture artists. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4945r: Professional Internship (1–12)
Apprenticeship experience with a company involved in motion picture production, distribution, or exhibition. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours. (S/U grade only.) FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4970r: Thesis Defense (0)
Presentation of senior thesis projects to the faculty and student body for review and approval. (S/U grade only.) FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4972r: Thesis Production Management (3–6)
Production management for BFA thesis projects. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4973r: Thesis Production (1–15)
Study and practice of all the creative aspects of BFA thesis projects. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
HUM 2937: History of Animation (3)
Offers an historical overview animated motion pictures. Requires the production of several short animated projects to explore different traditions of animation. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
HUM 2235: From the Renaissance to the Enlightenment (3)
Introduces the thought, literature, and arts of Western culture from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment.
HUM 2250: 18th-Century Romanticism to Postmodernism (3)
Introduces the thought, literature, and arts of Western culture from Eighteenth-Century Romanticism to the Postmodern period. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
Elective FSU Courses
Electives will be offered from the following courses. Specific course offerings will vary from semester to semester.
FIL 2001: Introduction to Motion Pictures (3)
Through viewing and discussing motion pictures, this course provides an introduction to the social, cultural, industrial, and aesthetic dimensions of the medium. FSU course.
FIL 2030: History of Motion Pictures (3)
Historical survey of international motion pictures as an industry, mass medium, and art form. FSU course.
FIL 3363r: Documentary Production (1–6)
View and discuss documentaries from various eras, countries, and points of view as a means of understanding personal aesthetic as a documentary maker. Students plan, script, budget, shoot, edit, and mix documentaries. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3833r: Motion Picture Styles (3–6)
Analyzes form and content through the styles of selected motion picture artists with emphasis on genres, national movements, and other topics of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3932r: Special Topics (3–12)
An analysis of specialized topics in motion pictures. May be repeated during the same term to a maximum of twelve semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 3971r: Thesis Project Support (2–12)
Principles and responsibilities of the various creative positions in the production of a thesis project. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours. (S/U grade only.) FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4160: Feature Screenwriting (3)
Teaches aspects of feature screenwriting format, pitching ideas, creating and developing character, story, and dialogue. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4164: Feature Screenwriting: Development (3)
Teaches the various techniques of scene breakdown, setting up, sequencing, character development, and dialogue development. Also teaches rewriting techniques to strengthen first drafts. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4474: Advanced Camera and Lighting (3)
Introduces advanced camera and lighting techniques and allows hands-on exercises emphasizing the creative use of cinematography for mood and storytelling. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4602: Motion Picture Business Planning (3)
Exposes students to current business trends and issues in the motion picture industry; introduces case studies that examine all business aspects surrounding a feature project; introduces current readings on the motion picture industry. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4653: Motion Picture Law (3)
Provides a working knowledge of the specialized concepts and vocabulary pertaining to entertainment-related forms of intellectual property and the contractual relationships necessary to finance, create, and license various forms of entertainment. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4654: Motion Picture Producing and Finance (3)
An introduction to the techniques necessary to create a responsible business approach for the production of motion pictures and to create a greater individual awareness of the motion picture producer as a career opportunity. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4905r: Directed Individual Study (1–3)
May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. (S/U grade only.) FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status and junior standing.
FIL 4910r: Application of Research and Creative Methods (1–3)
Participation in a faculty or graduate student research and/or creative project. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. (S/U grade only.) FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status and junior standing.
FIL 4923r: Undergraduate Motion Picture Seminar (1–6)
Development of a creative motion picture project under the direction of a faculty member or industry professional in various areas. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4933: Professional Development (3)
Prepares students to enter the professional motion picture work arena; addresses the search for employment within the motion picture industry and the search for funds to produce independent work. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4940r: Application of Instruction Methods (1–3)
Participation in the instructional process under the strict supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. (S/U grade only.) FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
FIL 4975r: Undergraduate Honors Thesis (1–6)
Student must complete a minimum of six (6) semester hours; may be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours. FSU course. Prerequisites: Admission to the undergraduate honors program and major status.
FIL 4976: Thesis Script Rewrite (3)
Course trains one to articulate on paper an idea that is both discernible and visual in the form of a collection of interesting moments that add up to tell a story. FSU course. Prerequisite: Major status.
DDI Digital Arts 3 Year Diploma Courses
D1000 - INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL CULTURE (lecture)
Introduction to professional culture in the digital media industry and at Digital Domain Media Group. Covers collaboration between digital artists, supervisors and producers with focus on communication and planning skills needed to deliver quality productions on time and within budget. DDI course (10 clock hours)
D1010 - INTRODUCTION TO 2D DIGITAL IMAGING (lecture/lab)
Provides the basic techniques of communicating form, motion and visual storytelling through a two- dimensional digital medium. Covers digital compositing, painting and rotoscoping and an introduction to 2D animation, visual effects and compositing software. DDI course (60 clock hours)
D2010 - INTRODUCTION TO 3D DIGITAL IMAGING (lecture/lab)
Introduces basic techniques of communicating form, motion and visual storytelling through a three-dimensional digital medium. Students learn to manipulate objects, build models, design lighting and create movement, and the software skills for creating 3D digital media content, including modeling, rendering and character animation. Includes a comprehensive overview of various areas of specialization available within the BFA program and the marketplace. DDI course (60 clock hours). Prerequisite: D1010
D2110 – VISUAL EFFECTS 2
Explores the foundational techniques used to create and integrate digital images and effects into live action and animated productions. Using various painting and compositing software platforms, lab exercises focus on compositing, green screen, motion capture, rotoscoping, digital painting and wire removal. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D1010, D2010
D3120 - VISUAL EFFECTS 3
Expanding on students' understanding of visual effects and basic compositing, the emphasis here is on advanced digital compositing. Focuses on color correction, key lighting, matte extraction, track and travelling mattes, and color correction. Lab exercises focus on motion capture, acquiring and compositing live action elements. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2110
D3130 - VISUAL EFFECTS 4
Expanding on students' acquisition of techniques used to integrate visual effects into 3D environments and the development of photorealistic visual effects, this course emphasizes effects lighting, texturing and dynamics of particles and particle systems, e.g. smoke, fire, explosions, and introduces scripting. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3120
D4140 - VISUAL EFFECTS 5
This advanced course prepares students to develop and expand their scripting techniques for application to visual effects elements created in class and the lab. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3130
D4150 - VISUAL EFFECTS 6
Students apply their earlier work on scripting techniques to create photorealistic 3D visual effects including particles, dynamics, cloth, hair, fur, crowd simulation, advanced scripting and paint effects. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D4140
D2200 - LIGHTING, SHADING & RENDERING 1
Explores foundation techniques used to light, shade and render 3D images and effects. Using various software platforms, lab exercises focus on the visual perception of 3D space, surface modeling, rendering, lighting and procedures for texture mapping. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite(s): D1010, D2010
D2210 - LIGHTING, SHADING & RENDERING 2
Builds on students' basic understanding of lighting, shading and rendering, with a deeper exploration of the application and programming of professional software platforms; continuing the introduction to creating shaders for 3D geometry. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2200
D3220 - LIGHTING, SHADING & RENDERING 3
An advanced level study of, and exercises in, lighting, shading and rendering, with deeper exploration of the application and programming of professional software platforms. Includes advanced work in creating shaders for 3D geometry. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2210
D3230 - LIGHTING, SHADING & RENDERING 4
Deep study of, and exercises in lighting, shading and rendering emphasizes following aesthetic direction and creating photorealistic shaders. Students learn to apply shaders to support lighting teams in the digital production pipeline. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3220
D4240 - LIGHTING, SHADING & RENDERING 5
Provides advanced study and training in creating shaders. Assignments focus on industry practices as related to students' development of tools to optimize texturing, shading and lighting workflow in the production pipeline. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3230
D4250 - LIGHTING, SHADING & RENDERING 6
Advanced study and training in the skills and responsibilities of esthetic direction of lighting and shading, developing efficient production workflow and designing lighting and shading teams. Students learn about balancing technical and aesthetic concerns in creating art-directable photorealistic shaders. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D42400
D2300 - CHARACTER ANIMATION 1
Explores the foundation techniques used to animate 2D and 3D digital characters, with an emphasis on the analysis of character anatomy, actions and performances. Using various software platforms, student undertake lab exercises that introduce the professional skill sets needed to develop compelling, digitally created character performances. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisites: D1010, D2010
D2310 - CHARACTER ANIMATION 2
Builds on students' foundation understanding of character animation, further exploring the basic tools acquired in Introduction to Character Animation. Lab exercises focus on situations where anatomical problems in character motion require modeling and rigging solutions. Students begin closer focus on problems and techniques in creating and developing convincing and compelling character facial expressions. Includes 3D animation scripting. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2300
D3320 - CHARACTER ANIMATION 3
Advanced topics related to body and head deformations in Digital Domain proprietary software, including rigid/soft binding, soft bodies, stitching and advanced facial deformation setup. Techniques demonstrated are applied to models suitable for film, television and games including patch-based, trim/blend and polygonal models. Instruction and projects improve students' ability to set up a character for a wide range of deformations. Students should have already built a character for use in exercises. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2310
D3330 - CHARACTER ANIMATION 4
Focuses on complex body motions. Advanced topics include kinematics and custom control panels. Students experiment with different types of complex motions in differing body types such as bipeds, quadrupeds, multi-peds, serpents, fish and birds. Additional focus on creating controls which are realistic, flexible and intuitively animated. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3320
D4340 - CHARACTER ANIMATION 5
Prepares student to create demo-reel quality animated characters with advanced work on the subtleties of animation including facial animation, giving characters proper weight and good acting. Exercises include weight, staging, and finding the most entertaining way to deliver dialogue. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3330
D4350 - CHARACTER ANIMATION 6
Continues advanced work in character and creature development with exercises involving game applications and narrative work. Students are encouraged to refine earlier project work to enhance their demo reels. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D4340
D2400 - MODELING & TEXTURING 1
Introduces the creation and construction of 3D models and texture mapping, with an emphasis on anatomical and physical models underlying believable animated digital characters, creatures and landscapes, as well as modeling and rigging techniques. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisites: D1010, D2010
D2410 - MODELING & TEXTURING 2
Advanced study of, and exercises in, modeling hard geometric surfaces to organic surfaces, low to high polygon characters, character rigging, facial features; skeleton, skin and textures and 3D character rigging. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2400
D3420 - MODELING & TEXTURING 3
Continued exploration of the construction of non-organic hard surfaces from courses D2400 and D2410. Focuses on modeling assets that are complex in form and detail such as vehicles, spacecraft or robotic aliens. Explores the use of polygonal modeling tools in the development of form and detail. Lectures and labs address production-specific issues pertaining to poly count, surface quality and texture preparation. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D2410
D3430 - MODELING & TEXTURING 4
Students refine work on hard surface models with more advanced realistic finishes, and learn to create and refine surface qualities such as metal, wood and plastic, and add weathered, worn or distressed traits. Students are encouraged to experiment with their own hand painted surfaces or assemblages of imagery from photos, libraries and reference. Use of Digital Domain proprietary software to create unique and efficient texturing. Exercises emphasize layering technique, with overlapping elements creating high-level effects. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3420
D4440 - MODELING & TEXTURING 5
Advanced training in various techniques available for mapping models; learning to acquire tools to achieve a level of complexity that would be difficult, or too computationally expensive by modeling alone. Exercises include the development of tools for use with polygonal and subdivision surfaces, blending media, converting geometry to textures, and using 2D and 3D paint programs. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D3430
D4450 - MODELING & TEXTURING 6
Refines students' earlier course work and projects with a primary focus on advanced, complex modeling/texturing issues such as characters' eyes, teeth, skin and clothing. Emphasis on professional workflow issues in a studio environment and prepping student work for demo-reel level quality. DDI course (60 clock hours) Prerequisite: D4440
D4900 - INTERNSHIP
Selected, qualified students have an opportunity to apply the technical skills and aesthetic appreciation they have acquired in a professional working environment, in a particular area of specialization, under the supervision of industry professionals. Students will describe in detail, and critically evaluate, their professional experience, in writing, at the completion of their internship with Digital Domain or other facility. DDI course (Minimum 150 hours over two semesters) Prerequisite: Completion of 4000 level coursework in Visual Effects, Character Animation, Modeling & Texturing or Lighting, Shading & Rendering
Digital Arts Essential Skills Courses
All classes take place at Digital Domain Institute in West Palm Beach. The Spring 2012 Digital Arts Essential Skills courses offered are Digital Matte Painting and Digital Paint and Rotoscope. Digital Compositing and VFX Image Acquisition will be added in the Summer 2012 program.
Digital Matte Painting
Students will learn how to generate believable matte paintings and clean plates using digital paint and compositing techniques. Students learn the basics of hue, value, shading, texture, and perspective, as well as how to blend images, matching color and perspective to build digital collages, and how to create digital matte paintings from scratch. This class also functions as an introduction to digital file formats and basic visual effects procedures, such as color correction, relighting, and film grain. Students will use Adobe Photoshop and The Foundry's Nuke software packages.
Digital Paint and Rotoscope
Students will learn how to separate elements from a scene using rotoscope and how to fix small image defects using digital paint techniques. The class is taught exclusively in The Foundry's Nuke software, with which students will learn how to animate rotoscope splines to create transparency mattes, how to remove dust and scratches from film scans, how to remove set rigging and greenscreen markers, how to perform digital makeup touchups on actors, and how to fix discrepancies found in stereo footage.
Digital Compositing
Students will learn how to use The Foundry's Nuke software to create digital composites. This includes learning how to stabilize and matchmove footage, how to ingest, modify, and use transparency mattes and roto, how to degrain and regrain footage, how to solve for a 3D camera move, generate a dense point cloud, and place element plates in Nuke's 3D environment, how to composite multi-pass CGI renders, and how to track and composite stereoscopic elements.
VFX Image Acquisition
Students will learn how to prepare for and shoot common VFX elements such as greenscreen, crowds, HDR lightprobes, textures, and reference. Students will also learn how to use those elements in post-production, for example, by keying greenscreen footage.
Course Calendar
Summer Term: June 4, 2012 - August 11, 2012
Digital Paint & Rotoscope
Digital Matte Painting
Digital Compositing
Visual Effects Cinematography
Fall term: September 9 - November 17, 2012
Digital Paint & Rotoscope
Digital Matte Painting
Digital Compositing
Visual Effects Cinematography