VFX Course In Malad, Goregaon.

Animation techniques

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM IN VISUAL EFFECTS

ZICA Animation Malad stands as a prominent hub for those looking to master the art of Visual Effects (VFX). In an era where cinema is replete with gravity-defying stunts, mythical creatures, and fantastical worlds, the role of VFX has become paramount in bringing these vivid imaginations to life. ZICA's Visual Effects courses are tailored to catapult individuals into the rapidly expanding VFX industry, a sector that now permeates virtually every aspect of filmmaking, from blockbusters to advertisements and even gaming.

The significance of VFX professionals cannot be overstated, as they are the magicians behind the scenes, crafting the awe-inspiring visuals that leave audiences spellbound. ZICA recognizes the surging demand for skilled VFX artists and has meticulously designed courses to meet this need. These courses immerse students in industry-specific software like Fusion, Nuke, 3ds Max, and Mocha, providing them with hands-on experience with the very tools used by industry leaders.

ZICA Animation Malad doesn't stop at software proficiency; it goes a step further by imparting the essential fundamentals and technical skills that are the bedrock of a successful VFX artist's career. Whether you dream of orchestrating the flight of cars or the soaring feats of superheroes, this institution equips you with the expertise to turn your visions into jaw-dropping realities.

In the world of modern entertainment, where visual spectacle is king, ZICA Animation Malad's VFX courses pave the way for aspirants to not just be a part of the industry but to be the driving force behind its magic, enabling them to shape the narratives of tomorrow's films, television shows, advertisements, and games.

Software used in Visual effects


While Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe Audition are certainly important tools for various aspects of digital content creation, they are not the primary software used in the field of Visual Effects (VFX). Visual effects, particularly for film, television, and gaming, rely on a different set of specialized software applications. Here are some of the primary software used in the Visual Effects industry:

Autodesk Maya

This software is widely used for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. It's a versatile tool that can handle complex character animations, simulations, and more.

The Foundry Nuke

Nuke is a node-based compositing software. It's the industry standard for compositing tasks like green screen removal, matte painting, and integrating 3D and 2D elements into live-action footage.

Adobe After Effects

While Adobe Premiere is used for video editing, After Effects is crucial for creating motion graphics and visual effects. It's used for tasks like motion tracking, rotoscoping, and creating complex visual effects.

Blackmagic Fusion

Fusion is another node-based compositing software often used in VFX and motion graphics. It's known for its deep compositing capabilities and is used for high-end VFX work.

Houdini

Houdini is a powerful 3D animation and VFX software. It's known for its procedural approach to creating visual effects, making it particularly useful for simulations and dynamic effects.

Cinema 4D

This software is often used for motion graphics, 3D modeling, and rendering. It's user-friendly and favored for its quick learning curve.

ZBrush

ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool used for creating highly detailed 3D models, which can be used in VFX for character and creature design.

SideFX Houdini

This software is renowned for its procedural approach to VFX, making it ideal for simulations, dynamic effects, and more.

RealFlow

RealFlow specializes in fluid and dynamic simulations, making it a key tool for creating realistic water, fire, and other fluid-based effects.

Unity and Unreal Engine

These game engines are often used for real-time VFX in video games, but they are also increasingly utilized in film and television production for pre-visualization and real-time rendering.

These software applications, tailored to the unique demands of the VFX industry, enable artists and technicians to create the stunning visual effects that have become integral to modern entertainment.

COURSE CONTENT
Pre-production, Storyboarding, Cinematography, Basics of photography, Stop-motion, Digital design Layer-based, node-based & advanced compositing, Clean plate & wire removal, Motion graphics, 3D design, Advanced particle effects, Cloth FX, pyrotechnics, rigid body & fluid simulations, Realistic digital environments & rendering techniques, Concepts of set extension & CG integration Match moving & camera tracking, Stereoscopic conversion, Editing with FCP, Procedural FX workflow, Project – VFX shot with miniature models

SOFTWARES COVERED
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Audition, Blackmagic Fusion, Mocha, Silhouette, PFTrack, Nuke, Final Cut Pro, Thinking Particles, Fume FX, Ray Fire, Real Flow, Vue, Houdini

CAREER OPTIONS
Compositor, Camera tracker, Match moving artist, FX artist, Motion graphic artist, Matte painter, Clean-up artist, BG prep artist, VFX generalist, Stereoscopy artist, Depth artist, Video editor, Pre-viz artist, Roto artist, Paint artist

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
-Increase design and visualization skills
-Learn complete Production and Post-Production Pipeline
-Introduction of Augmented and Virtual Reality module
-Continuous evaluation through competitions and activities
-Placement support

PROGRAM OUTLINE

History of VFX

The history of VFX dates back to the early days of cinema. Special effects pioneers like Georges Méliès used practical effects and stop-motion animation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The development of optical printers and techniques in the mid-20th century, including the use of matte paintings, miniatures, and rear projection, marked significant advancements. The digital era, beginning in the late 20th century, revolutionized VFX with the introduction of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Films like "Jurassic Park" and "Star Wars" were pivotal in pushing the boundaries of VFX.

Principles of Design

Design principles encompass concepts such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, and unity. These principles guide artists and designers in creating visually appealing and effective compositions, which are crucial in VFX and other visual media.

Photography

Understanding photography is fundamental in VFX. Concepts like exposure, framing, depth of field, and composition are essential for creating realistic visual effects that seamlessly blend with live-action footage.

Computer Graphics

Computer graphics form the backbone of modern VFX. This includes 3D modeling, texturing, shading, and rendering. Software like Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Cinema 4D are used to create digital assets and environments.

Film Making

Film making encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge, from scriptwriting to directing, producing, and editing. Understanding the entire filmmaking process is vital for VFX artists, as they often collaborate with other departments in the production.

Camera and Cinematography

Knowledge of cameras, lenses, and cinematography techniques is essential for VFX professionals. This includes understanding camera movements, shot composition, and framing to ensure VFX elements integrate seamlessly with live-action footage.

Composition and Lighting

Composition deals with how elements are arranged within a frame, while lighting is crucial for setting the mood and creating realistic VFX integration. Mastery of composition and lighting principles is vital for VFX artists.

Screenwriting

Understanding screenwriting is beneficial for VFX artists as it helps them comprehend the narrative context and how VFX elements serve the story.

Shooting and Video Editing

Understanding the shooting process and video editing techniques is essential for VFX artists to ensure the footage is suitable for integration and post-production.

Audio Editing

Audio plays a significant role in VFX. Sound design, foley, and audio editing are essential for creating a convincing and immersive VFX experience.

3D Modeling

3D modeling is the process of creating three-dimensional objects or characters in a digital environment. It involves techniques like polygon modeling, NURBS modeling, and sculpting to shape 3D objects.

Surface Inorganic Poly-modeling

Surface modeling involves creating 3D objects using polygons. Poly-modeling is a technique that uses polygonal modeling for creating inorganic objects with precise control over vertices, edges, and faces.

Texturing

Texturing is the process of adding 2D images or patterns to 3D models to make them look more realistic. It includes techniques like applying textures, materials, and shaders to objects.

Hypershade Material

The Hypershade is a node-based interface in 3D software like Autodesk Maya that allows artists to create and manipulate materials, shaders, and textures for 3D objects.

UV Mapping

UV mapping is the process of flattening a 3D model's surface into a 2D representation (UV space) to apply textures accurately. It's essential for ensuring textures fit correctly on a 3D model.

3D Paint

3D painting involves directly painting textures onto 3D models to add detail, color, and realism. Artists use tools like brushes and stamps to paint textures.

Lighting

Lighting in 3D graphics involves setting up and controlling the illumination of a scene. It includes factors like intensity, color, shadows, and positioning of light sources.

Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is a standard lighting setup in which three light sources, the key light, fill light, and backlight, are used to illuminate a subject in a way that highlights its form and adds depth.

Indoor Lighting

Indoor lighting techniques involve replicating the lighting conditions inside structures, considering factors like natural light, artificial light sources, and the materials used in the environment.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting techniques deal with simulating natural lighting conditions, taking into account variables like the position of the sun, sky, and atmospheric effects.

Rigging

Rigging is the process of creating a skeleton or control system for 3D models, enabling them to move and deform realistically. This is crucial for character animation.

Introduction to Rigging

An introduction to rigging covers the basics of creating joint systems, IK (Inverse Kinematics), FK (Forward Kinematics), and controllers for animating characters and objects.

Connections

In 3D software, connections refer to how different elements of a 3D scene interact with each other. For example, how a texture is connected to a material or how controllers are linked to a rig.

Deformers

Deformers are tools used in rigging to modify the shape of a 3D object or character. They include tools for bending, twisting, and inflating the model.

Animation

Animation involves creating the illusion of motion in 3D objects or characters. This can include movement, expressions, and actions to bring life to the digital creations.

Animation Workflow

Animation workflow outlines the step-by-step process of planning, creating, and refining animations. It includes pre-visualization, keyframing, and polishing the animation.

Principles of Animation

Principles of animation are fundamental guidelines for creating believable and visually appealing motion. They include principles like squash and stretch, anticipation, and follow-through, among others.
Particles and Dynamics,Particles, Emitter, Fluid Effect, Soft Body, Rigid Body, Technical Animation, Fur, nHair nCloth, nDynamics, Xgen plugin, Bifrost
Digital Compositing – 1, Motion Graphics, Compositing, Rendering Digital Compositing – 2, Animation, dopesheet and curve editor, Rotoscope, Colour Management, Tracking, stabilizing, Planner Tracking, Keying Camera Projection, Camera tracking, Re-lighting, Rotopaint node, Clean-up, Digital Compositing – 3, Rotoscope, Different kind of tracking, Stereo conversion, advance tracking & stabilizing, Export footages, Digital Tracking, Auto tracking, Geometry tracking, Hard track, Soft track, Track stereo footag
Introduction to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), The basics of AR functionality, Taking the next steps with ARCore, Bringing ARCore to life