Diploma in Visual Effects - VFX

Diploma by WWI School of Animation Mumbai View Contact

Starting from: INR 9,00,000 Per Course (Taxes Included) Request Info

Course Objective :

The 2 years of Diploma in VFX program allows students to unleash their creative and technical talent to develop themselves as high-level professionals in the VFX industry. They will gain broad knowledge of the process aesthetically and technically with specialization in one subject, blending the unique attributes of animation and live action filmmaking to learn image manipulation and thus create amazing visual effects that renders credibility to our stories.

After successful completion of the program students will be well prepared to work as Visual effects artist, VFX supervisor, VFX Pre-Visualization Artist, match move artist/supervisor, compositing artist/supervisor at entry and middle level positions.

 

Course Description :

During the four semesters they work on range of important software’s of graphic and animation and skill sets of live action filmmaking to deliver seamless VFX and compositing, art and animation foundation, Digital color theory, matte painting, history of VFX, 3D basics, lighting and rendering, Camera tracking, Rotoscoping and painting techniques, Rig and wire Removal techniques, Fundamentals of physics, Dynamics simulation and particle FX, scripting, basic to complex compositing techniques. After studying the fundamentals in second term students have opportunity to select their specialization. The students will master the skills in one subject. They will plan and execute their own footages and effects as assignments or projects under expert guidance with state of the art resources.

This course is a mix of lectures, practical, discussions, master classes and workshops by industry professionals. The curriculum is divided in to four semesters 1) introduction level, 2) intermediate level, 3) advanced level (specialization), 4) master classes/diploma project/show reel.

Course Benefits:

Live action and animation both are equally important for VFX. As all techniques of creating VFX are close to animation process while the output is more for live action so to become a part of this unique industry which has great amalgamation of both sides creative as well as technical, thus the authentic knowledge of subject plays a vital role in this profession. The curriculum for 2 yr. diploma in VFX is designed to engage students in different activities in and around the subject to study and develop strong understanding about core concept of VFX.

• A basic of art and animation module gives the strength of visualizing and communicate on paper before approaching for the final product. This helps the entire team to work on same page with reference of storyboard or the plan of action to deliver desire product.

• Live action fundamental and cinematography knowledge gives better clarity and understanding about final output while working on VFX.

• The main aim of curriculum is to understand core concepts of art and techniques of VFX and not focusing only on software training. this allows students to use the technology instate of relying on.

• The combination of overall knowledge with specialization gives student a strong sensibility about VFX production pipeline and awareness about his role.

• Having knowledge of both side filmmaking and VFX gives advantage to work as bridge between film production and VFX production in early stage.

• Learning VFX in the film school with the filmmaking environment is the opportunity itself.

First semester: (foundation)

In this semester students will be preparing himself for VFX by studying the necessary foundation elements, which will be introduced through various modules, and also they will be explained about different specialization and career possibilities in VFX industry

Modules:

1. Live Action foundation-1:

Cinematography
Direction
Editing
Producing
Production Design
Film Appreciation
Guest Screening
Still Photography

2. Art and Animation Foundation
3. Concept of VFX:

- Introduction to image manipulation & Digital content creation.
- Introduction to Visual Effects.

4. Introduction to 3D –level-1
5. Pre-Visualization basics

Emphasis is also placed on the ability to engage in constructive discussion and offer critical analysis of different styles and techniques of VFX.

Second semester: (fundamentals of VFX)

In this semester students will be introduced to the fundamentals of VFX and advance cinematography classes through various modules. Students will be working on existing footages from film and video.

Modules:

1. Live Action Foundation level-2:

Production Design:

-Creating miniature sets

Cinematography:

- Types of cameras and Lenses
- Lighting green screen/blue screen
- HDRI and panorama
- Shooting Against green/blue Screen
- Lighting and shooting miniature set
- Guest Screening

2. Introduction to 3D level-2
3. Concept of Camera Tracking
4. Techniques of Rotoscoping and painting
5. Techniques of Rig and Wire Removal
6. Introduction to digital Matte painting
7. Fundamentals of compositing
8. Green/blue screen Shoot

In this semester student will have opportunity to go through specialization for four weeks on following topics

1. VFX and compositing

Modules:

- Mentalray Production Techniques
- Python Scripting for Compositors
- Retiming
- Motion Morphing

2. 3D VFX and compositing

Modules:

- Mentalray Production Techniques
- Basic Rigging
- Mechanical Rigging

Third semester (specialization)

In this semester student will study advance techniques of their selected specialization. Also students will be allowed to plan and shoot their own footages for their assignments.

A)VFX and Compositing

Modules:

- Stereoscopic 3D content creation
- Advance Compositing
- Special Workshops

B)3D VFX and Compositing

Modules:

- Advance Dynamics simulation and FX
- Camera Tracking/Match move
- Compositing
- Special Workshops

Fourth Semester: (master classes and Diploma project/ show reel)

This semester will start with series of master classes and practical that will be conducted on various important advanced topics by industry professionals so the students are authentically prepared for industry.

Modules:

- Master classes
- Diploma Project
- Show reel

Payments

Notes / Benefits / Penalties / Refunds:

1. All amounts are payable, unless mentioned otherwise to ‘Whistling Woods International Limited’ by cheque / demand draft / NEFT / RTGS / online transfers. Details for online transfer of funds are as under:
WHISTLING WOODS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Bank Name : PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
Branch : SEEPZ, Andheri (E)
A/c no.: 1253009300009473
IFSC : PUNB0125300
SWIFT : PUNBINBBBSZ

2. Of the amounts payable in each instalment, certain payments will need to be made to parties representing the University that is granting the degrees. You will be intimated of such party names and the split in payments to be made on a semester basis. Further, Examination Fees, as payable to the University are additional and will be payable on a semi-annual basis.

3. Service Tax as applicable (currently 12.36%) is included on all payments made to Whistling Woods International Limited. Service Tax has not been levied on the security deposit. Payments made to other parties directly may not attract Service Tax as per current rules / guidelines, but the same are subject to change. Further, any additional taxes if levied by the government / taxation authorities would need to be borne by the students. Appropriate timely intimation of any additional payments in lieu of taxes would be given to students.

4. The Semester 1 instalment includes security deposit, wherever applicable. This is non-interest bearing and refundable on course completion or withdrawal, subject to deductions.

5. All amounts are listed in Indian Rupees. The same amounts are payable by both Indian and International students. Non-Indian nationals who cannot make payment in Indian Rupees may make alternate arrangements with the Whistling Woods accounts department.

6. All payments made by Indian nationals must be accompanied by the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the payee, without which fees will not be accepted.

7. All fees are as mentioned are for the course and are simply being collected over 5 instalments. The semester-wise payments are not specific to the semester or reflect the value of the course completed till then. They are simply broken up to reduce the burden of paying large amounts on the student.

8. For the Certificate Course in Filmmaking (Online) under the Whistling Woods Virtual Academy - Admission will be confirmed only after all documents are verified and Course Fees are paid. Course Fees once paid are non-refundable. Further, Students need to finish all modules and successfully complete all tests before a period of 2 years from the date of course commencement, failing which the student would need to re-enroll in the course in order to get the certificate of completion.

9. The ‘Acceptance’ payment is payable within two weeks of being accepted into a Whistling Woods International course. If a student is accepted within two weeks prior to course commencement, this is payable on registration day.

10. The ‘Acceptance’ payment is non-refundable, although it can be carried forward to the next intake for a maximum of 2 intakes, subject to management approval.

11. Semester 1 fees are payable on Registration day, which may be a few days prior to the day of course commencement.

12. All other instalments are payable on or before the first day of each Semester, except for the final Semester.

13. All payments listed under the Final Semester of each course have to be paid 1 month before commencement of the final semester OR before completion of the Semester preceeding the last, whichever is earlier. E.g. For the Diploma Course in Direction, the amount of Rs 300,000/- listed as Semester 4 payment has to be paid by the student before completion of Semester 3 or 1 month before commencement of Semester 4, whichever is earlier.

14. Transfer of fees across / between courses is subject to management approval, on a case-by-case basis, and per conditions as under:

- If a student changes specialisation mid-course from a course with a lower fee to a course with a higher fee, the fee difference, on a retrospective basis (for the semesters already completed), is to be paid by the student before commencement of the next Semester.

-  If a student changes specialisation mid-course from a course with a higher fee to a course with a lower fee, no refunds will be made retrospectively for fee differences, if any in the Semesters already completed, and, irrespective of such differences, fees payable for future Semesters have to be paid as per the fee policy.

15. Once a Semester has commenced, all fees paid / payable before that Semester are non-refundable. Any fees paid in advance for future Semesters will be refunded, along with the security deposit paid, subject to deductions, should a student leave his/her course mid-Semester.

16. If a student wishes to withdraw from the course between 2 semesters, he has to convey the same in writing to the Dean and the Manager – Administration atleast 2 weeks prior to Semester commencement. After such date, entire fees payable for that semester will be applicable.

17. For 2-year & 3-year courses, students electing to pay the total tuition fees before Semester 1, will receive a waiver of Rs. 25,000/-.

18. Any scholarship extended to a student will be used to reduce the fees payable for the final Semester of his/her course.

19. Following payment lapses will attract a penalty of Rs. 5,000/-:

- Delay in Fee Payment - a delay of even 1 day will attract this penalty per month.

- In case of each act of cheque bouncing / dishonour of cheque.

- All delays due to non-acceptance of fees on account of PAN unavailability.

20. We have Institute provided health insurance at a fee of Rs. 2,800/- per annum. This is mandatory for all students as they are covered under a group insurance policy.

21. The on-campus cafeteria managers will charge an advance to every student a sum of Rs.5,000/- (Five thousand only) per annum for meals in the campus Cafeteria. This amount, payable in advance, will allow each student food credit points, which can be availed at the cafeteria for meals.

22. During orientation week each specialization will provide a book/supply list of items that will need to be purchased. Students opting for the Producing specialisation would need to acquire an Apple (Macintosh) laptop and Movie Magic Budgeting & Movie Magic Scheduling software. While the laptop prices are not standard, the cost of Movie Magic Budgeting & Movie Magic Scheduling is discounted & subsidised for WWI students and is fixed at US$ 99/- each.

23 Whistling Woods is currently undergoing litigation with respect to its campus in Filmcity, Mumbai and there is a possibility that for any courses that extend beyond July 2014, the classes / activities beyond that date may be carried over at an alternative campus of the institute. However, before the same is put into effect, adequate intimation / notice will be given.

24. Adjustment of students’ dues / outstandings against advances / deposits may be considered by management at its discretion on a case-to-case basis.

25. Excessively delayed fee payments may be cause for cancellation of admission.

26. Fee Policies as above are subject to change at Management’s discretion. Appropriate notification after change of the same will be given to all students.

*The above information is subject to change by the discretion of the Management.

WWI School of Animation

The Institute

Promoted by Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, Mukta Arts Limited & Filmcity Mumbai, Whistling Woods International is Asia's largest Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts institute, providing world-class education in all technical and creative aspects of filmmaking and television. The campus is based in Mumbai's Film & Television Production centre Filmcity, and offers courses that vary in duration from 10 months to 30 months, both full-time and part time in nature. All major specializations of the Media & Entertainment industry are catered to, including Acting, Animation, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Producing, Screenwriting and Sound as well and Television & Broadcasting Studies. Whistling Woods International also offers, in association with Manipal University, India's first MBA in the Media & Entertainment.

The full-time faculty of Whistling Woods International is a body of academics and industry professionals like Subhash Ghai, Rajen Kothari, Anjum Rajabali, Rakesh Ranjan, with regular guest lectures by leading Indian & International filmmakers, actors & technicians. Well known Industry professionals and filmmakers who have visited the Institute and interacted with the students include Rakeysh Mehra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Farhan Akhtar, Ashok Amritraj, Shyam Benegal, Farah Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Ratna Pathak Shah, Danny Boyle, Steve Barron, Rajkumar Hirani, Nagesh Kukunoor and many more.

The curriculum at Whistling Woods International is a unique hybrid of theoretical and practical aspects combining art with business principles for all specializations. As part of the 2-year filmmaking courses, each student undergoes 1-year of 'Basics of Filmmaking' education in which each student learns the basics of all aspects of filmmaking. Students also study several co-curricular faculties like Film Appreciation, International Art, Literature & Culture, Production Design & Music.

The courses at Whistling Woods International are designed to ensure that the students' learnings are collaborative and industry oriented.

These unique elements in teaching methodology has seen Whistling Woods International's student body growing from strength to strength over the past three years. Almost 15% of the student body now comprises of International students from countries like USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Mauritius and many more who choose Whistling Woods International over the multiple film-studies options available in their countries.

The Institute is highly committed to ensuring that it's students move into the industry in creative and rewarding areas of employment both in India and globally. Student placements have been initiated with several leading media organisations like Aamir Khan Productions, BIG Animation, Balaji Telefilms, Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment, Fox Star Studios India, Mukta Arts Limited, Paprikaas, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance BIG Entertainment, Walkwater Films and several more.

Whistling Woods International has initiated affiliations with several International film schools. These include pioneering activities in India like credits transfer and International student co-productions. Some of the schools that are affiliated with the Institute are Deakin College Australia, Griffith College Australia, Bradford College UK, Syracuse University USA & NYU Tisch Singapore.

Whistling Woods International has achieved all this in the short span of three years and is on the way to fulfilling it's goal, to be the institute of choice for media education globally.