VFX - Visual Effects

Work with spectacular visual effects in movies, games and virtual reality. This education prepares you for a career in digital media across industries.

Former Noroff studentes have worked with VFX on blockbusters and franchises like Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Passengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers, Avatar, The Dark Knight Rises, Terminator, Harry Potter, and James Bond.

Visual effects, or VFX, is about creating realistic digital pictures. This two-year course is suitable for those who are interested in working with visual effects, either nationally or internationally. After completing the course, students will be competent to work in a number of visual production environments, either self -employed or as an employee in a production company.

The course is closely developed in partnership with VFX companies, such as Storyline Studios.

Jonatan Kleveland
I've always had an interest in movies and special effects. The program has been very educational and the VFX teachers are very helpful.Jonatan Kleveland, student

Focusing on job readiness

The study focuses on practical, technical and creative skills related to an active work life in industry. The course starts at a basic level, with no requirement for any special education beyond the formal admission requirements. By the end of the course, each student will have built a strong portfolio.

Visual composition and compositing

Working professionally with visual effects requires a good eye for visual composition. The course begins with developing skills in visual understanding. Further along the course, students are introduced to 3D tools, modeling, sculpting, texturing, 3D lighting and rendering. You will also be introduced to animation in order to be able to create realistic movements.

Composition focuses on techniques for the assembly of elements into an overall visual composition. Students will have knowledge of layering, masking and colour so that the final product appears seamless. Students are introduced to film techniques, photography, the use of green screen and camera technical features. This knowledge will allow you, as a VFX specialist, to provide guidance during a film shoot in order to achieve the best possible results.

VFX - visuelle effekter, skole utdanning

André Skauge
The teachers are amazing. They have a lot of industry experience and technical knowledge.André Skauge, student

Credible renditions

Students receive an introduction into matte and rotoscoping and how these are used in the context of VFX. During the final process, retouching is used to clean the film material any unwanted and elements.

Using animation effects and simulation teaches you to create a believable representation of natural elements. Students learn to create particle systems, structures, substances, liquids, crowd simulations and other dynamic elements. Matte painting examines the representation of imaginary and real environments, objects, characters and natural elements.

The objective of the course is that you should be able to work as a VFX artist. Students are therefore given an insight into the VFX industry. After graduation, several of our students start up their own companies.

Course objectives

The course teaches you to plan and carry out VFX productions, both alone and collaboratively. By the time you graduate, you will have built up a strong VFX portfolio, which will be useful for searching for jobs in the future or being self–employed.

Year 1

  • Visual composition 1
  • 3D design
  • Animation
  • Compositing 1
  • Editing and post production
  • Film photography techniques and data handling
  • Match moving and tracking
  • Matte and Rotoscoping
  • Retouching
  • Compositing 2
  • Project Exam 1

Year 2

  • Visual composition 2
  • Animation effects and simulation
  • Compositing 3
  • Semester task
  • Industry expertise
  • Project Exam 2
  • Portfolio
  • knowledge of the concepts and theories related to image composition, shape aesthetics and processing of visual media production
  • knowledge of the processes and tools used for design and animation of visual effects in a media production
  • knowledge of the processes and tools used for the design and preparation of 3D models and animation
  • knowledge of the processes of assembling the various visual elements in a motion picture
  • knowledge of the filmmaking process and industry-relevant concepts
  • knowledge of methods used for obtaining the necessary and relevant camera information from the film set
  • knowledge of methods used for tracking the movement of elements in film
  • knowledge of tools and processes used for the manufacture of live pictures
  • knowledge of editing and retouching techniques
  • knowledge of tools used in animation effects and processes for the adaptation of credible digital simulations
  • knowledge of concepts, tools and methods of digital representations of natural phenomena and movie effects by power animation and simulation
  • assess own work based on expectations and requirements of specific disciplines within a VFX production
  • knowledge of the uniqueness and importance of VFX in today's society- and an understanding of the industry in a value creation perspective
  • insight into their own development within the VFX profession and have knowledge about entrepreneurship in the field
  • update their knowledge in the various professional areas of VFX
  • knowledge of the VFX industry and insights into which means and methods are used in this field
  • make choices related to image composition and shape aesthetics in the processing of visual media production
  • account for and reflect on the choice of processes, methods and tools for designing Visual Effects for a production and adapt practices under guidance
  • reflect on professional practice and aesthetic choices made in 3D and animation, adjusting these under guidance
  • account for, and reflect on your own work processes in the creation of various visual elements in a motion picture
  • explain the methods used for obtaining the necessary and relevant camera information from the film set and be familiar with the methods of film editing
  • reflect on separate tracking work by tracking movements of items in the film, and adjust under guidance
  • explain the choice of tools and methods used in the processing and retouching of live images and adjust practices under guidance
  • use digital tools for animation effects and simulation, reflect on their own work and adjust practices under guidance
  • find and refer to reference materials, reflect on this and apply the subject matter in the development of Visual Effects
  • explain the methods of entrepreneurship in the VFX- and media industries
  • identify different visual materials and assess the need for working with digital tools
  • plan and carry out VFX productions alone and as a participant in a group, forming a visual end product according to the industry's requirements for quality and aesthetic standards
  • plan and create an image composition in line with industry standards and ethical guidelines
  • plan and implement compositing for various media productions
  • exchange views with peers within the VFX industry and participate in discussions about good visual work practices
  • develop VFX professional employment, and contribute to organizational development and entrepreneurship in cooperation with others
  • perform VFX work in a film production according to a selected target group’s needs
  • build professional relationships with peers within the VFX industry and across disciplines in television, film, games and other media productions
Robert Wörner
Having access to industry experienced teaching staff makes it a lot more interesting as a student. Robert Wörner, student

Career opportunities

After completing the course, you will be able to work practically in the VFX field. The industry demands a broad digital expertise and versatility. The course therefore develops students’ skills, knowledge and overall competence in order to educate technically competent professionals.

 

Student work

 

Apply now

Program information

Next startup: August 17, 2021
Campuses: Online Studies
Duration: 2 years full time
4 years part time
Program
language:
English
Price online:

EUR 4.200,- per semester full time
EUR 2.100,- per semester part time

Admission requirements: Admission by formal competence or admission by prior learning. Read more.
Approvals: Approved for loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund. Accredited by NOKUT.
Degree: Higher Professional Degree
Credits: 120 ECVET

Lecturing staff

Wicus Labuschagne

Wicus Labuschagne

Lecturer, Online Studies
Amanda Novak-Knight

Amanda Novak-Knight

Lecturer, Online Studies

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