Art Degrees Online

Visual Effects & Motion Graphics — Bachelor of Fine Arts
Visual effects & motion graphics is design in motion. Professional artists in this field combine special effects with computer-based animation and graphics. Then they weave video clips, graphic elements, and sound with live-action footage in creative ways for the most impact. The result is innovative TV commercials, movie trailers, opening film credits, animated network IDs, short promo teasers, and catchy “next-ons” between television shows.

Visual effects & motion graphics takes audiences where no mere camera can go – like the SUV parked impossibly high on a desert mesa, a movie title composed only of smoke and light and that impossible shot that starts with the whole Earth in space and zooms into a close-up in someone’s backyard. These are just some examples of the work of visual effects and motion graphics artists, a growing group of digital image specialists who work in all areas of television and film production, for broadcast, cable, theatrical film, advertising, marketing, and education.

In the program students begin with a foundation of drawing and design principles and color theory. They move into studies of 3D modeling, digital video editing, visual effects, broadcast graphics, audio basics, and production design. Finally the program courses enable students to integrate the animation, filmmaking, audio, and design skills to produce projects in a production studio-style collaborative environment and to create a portfolio of their best work to show prospective employers.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in visual effects & motion graphics will be able to edit and assemble a product for television, movies, or the Web, create opening titles for feature films and television shows, create station or network identification logos and bumpers, and design graphics that use type, color, and brand elements. They will be prepared to seek entry-level positions in broadcast and cable television, small production houses, or in-house corporate video production departments. Job titles may include, but are not limited to, production assistant, assistant designer, assistant compositor, visual effects specialist, broadcast design assistant, digital artist, and assistant editor.
Total Credit Hours: 192
12 Quarters

Digital Filmmaking & Video Production — Bachelor of Fine Arts

EMERGING AND EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES

Emerging and evolving technologies are changing the video and film industries. Today’s video producers must be able to do more than shoot and edit videotape. Knowing how to combine traditional production techniques with the appropriate digital tools is the key to success.

What you’ll study

• Learn camera operation, lighting, Steadicam operation, linear and non-linear editing, electronic newsgathering, compositing and sequencing, and more—hands-on from the first quarter.

• Become familiar with basic graphic design and color theory.

• Progress to scriptwriting, multi-camera production, live show production, directing, and pre- and post-production techniques, both analog and digital, using AVID, Final Cut Pro, Pro Tools, and Adobe® Premiere editing systems.

• Create a portfolio of your work to show prospective employers.

Special features

Students learn special visual effects and video graphics using computer applications like Adobe® After Effects and develop practical skills such as crew relations. They also study project management and business marketing skills to help them enter into their chosen field.

Career opportunities

Graduates in digital media production have the knowledge to navigate among the dynamic worlds of video production, multimedia, and converging technologies. Companies today are looking for employees who can conceive, construct, and deliver content for CDs, DVDs, video, and broadband Internet. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level positions where they create dynamic content by formulating, constructing, and delivering digital audio, video, broadcast graphics, and animation. They are also prepared to manage content for distribution though a variety of traditional and new media, including CD, DVD, television, and broadban
Total Credit Hours: 192
12 Quarters
Curriculum
First Quarter
CAA106 Introduction to Design Applications show details
EN101 English I show details
MT112 College Geometry show details
MT113 Ideas of Mathematics show details
VID101 Introduction to Video Production show details
Second Quarter
EN102 English II show details
P104 Digital Photographic Production show details
SC115 Science of Light show details
VID110 History of Motion Media and Mass Communication show details
Third Quarter
ART123 Color Theory show details
VID102 Introduction to Audio Prodution show details
VID121 Digital Cinematography show details
GD121 Design Elements show details
Fourth Quarter
ART122 2D Design show details
HA215 Art History I: Art of the Ancient World show details
VID131 Introduction to Video Editing show details
VID210 Scriptwriting I show details
Fifth Quarter
IMD100 Fundamentals of Interactive Design show details
PS101 Introduction to Psychology show details
VID140 Introduction to Video Lighting show details
VID150 Introduction to Motion Graphics show details
Sixth Quarter
HA216 Art History II: Art of the Medieval and Renaissance Worlds show details
IMD140 Concepts in Motion Design show details
VID175 Intermediate Editing show details
VID212 Directing the Documentary show details
Seventh Quarter
COM105 Public Speaking show details
VID213 Directing with Actors show details
VID310 Scriptwriting II show details
Program Elective I
Eighth Quarter
HU212 Introduction to Film Studies show details
VID176 Advanced Editing show details
VID250 Television Production show details
Program Elective II
Ninth Quarter
HA217 Art History III: Art of the Modern World show details
VID260 Digital Filmmaking on Location show details
VID320 Project Management show details
VID325 Intermediate Motion Graphics show details
Tenth Quarter
HA301 Contemporary Art show details
VID330 Digital Media for the Web show details
VID350 Media Business and Law show details
Program Elective III
Eleventh Quarter
VID390 Portfolio Preparation show details
VID399 Internship show details
VID445 Professional Opportunities in Digital Filmmaking and Video show details
General Education Elective I
Twelfth Quarter
VID400 Senior Portfolio show details
Program Elective IV
Program Elective V
General Education Elective II

Television, both network and cable, major corporations, commercial post-production facilities, and film production companies are among the industries that make use of skills developed by graduates of the Media Arts & Animation program. Exciting opportunities such as animation artist, special effects artist, broadcast graphics designer, and video post-production artist are at the forefront of an industry that is repackaging information in creative new ways.

The Media Arts & Animation graduate is a highly skilled and specialized visual communicator who combines artistic talent with technological know-how to create impressions in a moving-image format.

Students begin with a substantial foundation in drawing, color, design, video production, and computer applications. From this foundation, students develop advanced skills in various aspects of computer graphics and animation. Students learn to use the tools of the computer animation profession, ranging from computer operating systems to 3-D modeling and desktop video production. These tools enhance students’ flexibility and creativity, and enable them to produce an individualized digital portfolio that demonstrates their practical and technical abilities to potential employers.

Graduates will be prepared with fully focused, entry-level skills to enter this fast-paced, high-tech field.

Method of Instruction

Instructional methods at The Art Institute include lecture, demonstrations, labs, one-on-one tutorial, and periodic examinations. Except for externships and field trips, all instruction is conducted in a classroom setting.
Total Credit Hours: 192
12 Quarters.