Visual Effects Production (Compositing) (Taught)

VFX Compositing (2D VFX) is an essential part of VFX pipeline in films, TV and commercials. It entails seamless and photorealistic combining of various live action elements, and sometimes CG elements, that may have been filmed in different locations and in different lighting conditions.

The VFX Compositor’s job is to combine them in such a way that they seem like they have been filmed in one pass by a camera. Different elements are isolated either by Rotoscoping (cutting out elements) or by filming them on a Green/Blue Screen to key them out or they are rendered as CG elements with alphas.

VFX Compositors also affect live action plates by removing unwanted artefacts, for example removing reflections of crew from mirrors, removing safety rigs or removing the elements from the plate in order to change the location or period of action. VFX Compositors also do beauty retouching, create set extensions, matte paintings and crowd replications. The overall look of the VFX shot is the responsibility of the VFX Compositor.

This masters degree will take you from zero-to-hero, introducing you to both fundamental and advanced techniques of VFX Compositing using Foundry's Nuke and Boris FX Silhouette software, as well as introducing you to the latest AI tools and Nuke's integration with Unreal Engine.

You’ll learn from expert Tutor, Klaudija Cermak, whose credits include Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Troy, Captain America and Black Mirror, as well as numerous commercials for major brands. She was a part of the team on Gladiator that brought the first VFX Oscar to the UK.

You will also complete two major projects; collaborative and individual, where you’ll apply the skills you’ve learned to an industry-relevant brief with help from your tutors and industry guests.

By the end of the course, you’ll graduate with a masters qualification, have a strong showreel and have the technical and soft skills needed to join the industry. Our Talent Development and Aftercare services will help you develop your CV and showreel, and help you develop your industry network.