FX2S02 - 3D Tracking 15 Jul 2019 - 31 Aug 2024 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FX2S02
Module Title: 3D Tracking
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Culture and Animation
Faculty Sub Group: Animation
Module Leader: Tom Tatchell
Module Team: Jack Phillips
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100632 - visual communication
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 15 Jul 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2024

Module Aims

Add the element of camera motion to the image, enabling the student to bring previous VFX competencies into a more realistic and professional context.

Inculcate in the student the importance of creating efficient and minimum data for the project at hand, always mindful of the pipeline and deadline they are working within.

Enable students to understand the difference between object tracking and camera tracking.

Provide practical tuition of the requisite depth to gain the successful student entry into a 3d department.

Content Summary

This module concentrates on the process of achieving an accurate camera solve or matched object geometry from plates shot with moving film cameras.

Emphasis is placed on how 3d match move has become the cornerstone of career progression within VFX (especially within 3d departments) and how accurate 3D match moving is crucial for the production of believable Cgi.

There is an emphasis on the importance of the minimum use of data needed to achieve required quality and in particular the influence that generated topology has on texturing and rendering further down the pipeline.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Project supervision 12
Practical classes and workshops 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 14
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Illustrate the difference between object tracking and camera tracking and how this translates to Virtual Cameras
LO2 Construct successful renders of geometry that conform to motion within a shot, gaining understanding of an effective pipeline.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Practical Assessment (CW) Production (Audio visual) (CW) 2 Tracking and Compositing: A short sequence incorporating 3D match moving into a completed final shot 0 N/A 60 No 40
Practical Assessment (CW) Production (Audio visual) (CW) 1 Projection Mapping: A short sequence that utilises 3D tracking in the manipulation digital imagery 0 N/A 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Production (Audio visual) (CW) 2
Production (Audio visual) (CW) 1

Reading List

Dobbert, T. (2005) Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking, Sybex

Sawicki, M.  (2007) Filming the Fantastic: A Guide to Visual Effects, Focal press

Zwerman, Okun (2010) The VES Handbook of Visual Effects, Focal press

www.vfxnation.com/showthread.php/220-Camera-Specs- and-Resources

www.hollywoodcamerawork.us/trackingplates.html

www.digitaltutors.com/11/training.php?cid=203&pid=292

www.digitaltutors.com/11/training.php?cid=233&pid=454