5B034E - Creature Creation for Animation and VFX 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5B034E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Creature Creation for Animation and VFX | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | Games and Design | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Design | ||
| Module Leader: | Thomas Walters | ||
| Module Team: | Tomos Hooson, James Kimm | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | |||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100363 - computer animation and visual effects | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
To enable students to apply 3D CG production skills to the creation of a creature asset for a visual effects context, suitable for integration into a live-action or composited environment.
To support the development of an emerging specialism by allowing students to work within a chosen pathway (e.g. CG artist or animator) using appropriate techniques and workflows.
To develop students’ understanding of VFX production processes, including asset integration, camera matching, lighting, rendering and compositing within industry-relevant pipelines.
Content Summary
This module focuses on the creation of a creature asset for a visual effects (VFX) context, allowing you to apply and extend the 3D CG production pipeline skills developed earlier in Level 5. Building on prior learning, you will design and develop a creature suitable for integration into film, television or visual effects production workflows.
The module provides an opportunity to begin developing an area of specialism by working within a chosen pathway, such as 3D CG artist or animator. You will apply industry-relevant techniques and workflows to produce work aligned with your chosen role while developing an understanding of how digital assets are prepared, refined and integrated into live-action and composited environments. Emphasis is placed on production quality, workflow efficiency, technical problem-solving and the professional standards expected within contemporary VFX production.
By the end of the module, you will have developed a specialist creature asset and gained experience of working within production processes used across animation, film and visual effects industries. As a Level 5 module, Creature Creation for Animation and VFX supports the transition from broad technical skills to specialist practice, preparing you for more advanced, industry-facing work at Level 6.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Project Supervision and Mentoring | 10 |
| Formative Assessment (scheduled) | 12 |
| Practical Classes and Workshops | 12 |
| Demonstration | 10 |
| Guided Learning | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Independent Learning (including self-directed study and support) | 173.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply appropriate 3D CG production techniques within a chosen specialism to create a creature asset suitable for integration within a VFX animation and compositing pipeline. |
| LO2 | Analyse and evaluate the creative and technical processes involved in developing and implementing the asset within a VFX context, demonstrating understanding of workflows, decision-making and integration techniques. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Creative Portfolio | Creature development portfolio demonstrating specialist workflow experimentation, modelling, sculpting, rigging, texturing and technical feasibility processes appropriate to animation and VFX production. Submission to include integrated evaluative commentary reflecting on production methodologies, technical experimentation, workflow decision-making and creature refinement and development processes. ONLINE. INDIVIDUAL. | 0 | 1000 | 60 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Individual Presentation (Asynchronous) | Professional creature production presentation demonstrating and evaluating technical integration, animation and rendering methodologies, workflow implementation, production challenges and resolved VFX-oriented outcomes through appropriate visual, technical and production materials. Presentations should demonstrate critical discussion of production workflows, technical problem-solving, creative decision-making and the effectiveness of final creature integration within animation and/or VFX contexts. ONLINE. INDIVIDUAL. | 8 | N/A | 40 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Creative Portfolio | ✔ | ✘ | |
| Individual Presentation (Asynchronous) | ✘ | ✔ | |