Special Effects 1

Subject guarantor:

Antonín WEISER

Name of lecturer(s):

Antonín WEISER

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

Introduction to and instruction in classic film effets, completed directly in the original negative or in the duplication process. Basic information regarding digital effects post-production.

Lectures description:

The goal of the lectures is to introduce FAMU students in all studies to the basics of effects technologies which are used in profession practice today.

Effects shooting and effects shooting production are parts of the film industry which have recently the world over experience a boom. This has come with the move to digital technology. These allow us to use many processes which were, in the past, imprecise, slow and difficult and because of technical reasons unfeasible.

To use digital technology it is, by all means, necessary, particularly for filmmakers, directors, cameramen, editors, producers and other film crew members to know the classic effects processes. Digital technology is in its conception often directly related and enables the processes to be precise, quick and refined.

Part of the lectures is screenings and examples of all technologies from the lecturers work. The lectures are supplemented with important professionals in the trade.

The section „Film Effects 1“ is devoted to all branches of classic film effects and a basic good orientation in digital technology.

Mode of study:

Přednáška formou prezentace, obrazový doprovod,ukázky z tvorby klasických filmových triků prováděných v kameře a duplikačními technologiemi i v digitální postprodukci. Analýza ukázek s podrobným rozborem. Projekce trikových pasáží,vše za přítomnosti autora většiny těchto ukázek.Diskuse s posluchači o jejich projektech.

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

General knowledge of recording a film image, shooting with a film camera, optics, negative stock, photochemical and lab processes, image editing, etc.

Recommended optional programme components:

-

Course contents:

Topics:

1. History. Basic bearings in the profession. Terminology.

1.1. Evaluating the sense of film effects in history and in the present.

1.2. Dividing effects according to various viewpoints.

1.1. Evaluating the sense of film effects in history and in the present.

1. Economic reasons

2. Artistic reasons

3. Technical reasons

4. Safety reasons

5. Ecological reasons.

1.2. Dividing effects according to various viewpoints.

1.2.1. Film audience viewpoint

1.2.2. Technical and production method viewpoint

Scene effects

Camera effects

Effects in the duplication process

Perspective effects

Models and model constructions

Animation

Projection

Digital effects

1.3. Explanation of fundamental concepts.

1.3.1. Effects shots

1.3.2. Effects shooting

1.3.3. Film effects

1.3.4. Effects film

1.3.5. Animated film

1.3.6. Film effects (particular effects)

1.3.7. Digital technology

2. Scene effects.

2.1. Artificial generation of atmospheric phenomena and natural surroundings

2.2. Effects props

2.3. Pyrotechnic effets

2.4. Special film constructions

2.5. Object effects.

2.1. Artificial generation of atmospheric phenomena

2.1.1. Wind

2.1.2. Fog, smoke

2.1.3. Rain

2.1.4. Clouds

2.1.5. Snow, snowflakes, ice, icicles, etc.

2.1.6. Artificial generation of natural surroundings

2.2. Effects props

2.2.1. Explosion after-effects

2.2.2. Battle and action scenes

2.3. Pyrotechnic effects

2.3.1. Model pyrotechnics

2.3.2. Real destruction pyrotechnics

2.3.3. Fire

2.3.4. Firearms pyrotechnics.

2.4. Special film constructions

2.4.1. Safe constructions for acting events.

2.5. Object effects.

3. Camera effects

3.1. Effects camera.

3.2. Effects performed with a film camera - frequency

3.3. Effects performed with a film camera - exposure

3.4. Effects performed with a film camera - optical

3.5. Effects performed with a film camera - movement

3.1. Effects camera

3.1.1. Concept definition

3.1.2. Basic characteristics

3.2. Camera effects - frequence

3.2.1. Concept definition

3.2.2. Porthole recording

3.2.3. Time-lapse recording

3.2.4. Recording frequency less than 25fps

3.2.5. Recording frequency greater than 25fps

3.2.6. Recording at high frame frequencies

3.2.7. Reverse recording

3.3. Camera effects - exposure

3.3.1. Concept definition

3.3.2. Changes in exposure during recording

3.3.3. Double-exposure and multiple exposure

3.3.4. Split image and masking with the camera

3.4. Camera effects - optical

3.4.1. Concept definition

3.4.2. Nodal point

3.4.3. Single-eye nature of the camera - links to perspective

3.4.4. Anamorphic image deformation

3.4.5. Wolaston's prism

3.4.6. Pictographs and optical paper

3.4.7. Special lenses and periscopes

3.5. Camera effects - movement

3.5.1. Concept definition

3.5.2 The tilted camera

3.5.3. Wires - Model helicopters

3.5.4. Camera movement management equipment

3.5.5. Processing in digital post-production

4. The duplication process.

4.1. Effects performed in the duplication process

4.2. Technological procedures

4.3. Stock used in the duplication process

4.4. Equipment for performing effects in the duplication process

4.5. Effects copier

4.6. Aerial image technology

4.7. Lab effects

5. Perspective effects

5.1. Fundamental principles of perspective effects

5.2. Advantages and disadvantages of perspective effects performed with the camera

5.3. Drawings on glass

5.4. Drawings on a non-transparent base

5.5. Drawings in the duplication process

5.6. The economic importance of drawings. Advantages and disadvantages

5.7. Dummies - principles. Advantages and disadvantages

6. Models and dummies

6.1. Importance of using model for effects recording

6.2. Use of models in classical film technology.

6.3. The current rennaissance in the use of models in digital technology

6.4. Model production technology, dimensions, materials, surfaces, model movement.

6.5. Mechanical and pyrotechnic effects in shooting models

6.6. The camera work in shooting models, selection of shooting lens, shot selection, lighting, recording frequency, camera movement.

6.7. Examples of model use in classical and digital technology

6.8. Computer 3D models and their use in modern cinematography.

7. Animation

7.1. Animation - the charm of film

7.2. The animation surface, puppets, objects

7.3. Effects animation in the duplication process, animation in connection with real action.

7.4 The difference between animation in puppet and drawn film and animation in effects scenes in feature film, movement blurriness in animation.

7.5. Animation in digital technology

8. Projection

8.1. Front and rear projection

8.2. Rear projection, principles, technical requirements, advantages and disadvantages.

8.3. Front projetion, principles, technical requirements, advantages and disadvantages.

8.4. Use of front and rear projection in modern cinematography.

9. Digital equipment in effects pratices

9.1. Graphic oriented system of Silicon Graphics, Discreet Logic, Flame, Inferno, Editbox, Henry, IQ workplaces, etc.

9.2. Introduction to technology standards used, formats and resolution.

Recommended or required reading:

inwood G. Dunn + George E.Turner „The ASC Treasury of Visual Effects“,Vydavatel: ASC Holding company 1993

L.B. Abbott „Special Effects- Wire Tape and RubberBand Style“,Vydavatel: ASC press 1984

Raymond Fielding „The Technique of Special Effects Cinematography“,Vydavatel: Focal press London 1984

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

-

Assessment methods and criteria:

Kredity jsou uděleny na základě aktivní účasti na přednáškách,klasifikovaný zápočet probíhá individuálně, formou pohovoru,otázky z tématu, vysvětlení postupů na konkrétních příkladech.

Potvrzení znalostí a orientace v oboru.

Course web page:

Note:

-

Further information:

This course is an elective for all AMU students

Schedule for winter semester 2013/2014:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2013/2014:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Animation - Master (optional subject)
• Documentary Film - Master (optional subject)
• Documentary Film - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Animation - Master (optional subject)
• Scriptwriting and Dramaturgy - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Scriptwriting and Dramaturgy - Master (optional subject)
• Film Directing - Bachelor (qualification subject, optional subject)
• Film Directing - Master (optional subject)
• Cinematography - Bachelor (qualification subject, optional subject)
• Cinematography - Master (optional subject)
• Production - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Production - Master (optional subject)
• Audiovisual Studies - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Editing - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Editing - Master (optional subject)
• Sound Design - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Sound Design - Master (optional subject)
• Photography CZ - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Photography CZ - Master (optional subject)
• Audiovisual Studies - Master (optional subject)
• Restoring of Photogrphy (optional subject)