M.A. in Digital Compositing for VFX

Description

This master’s degree has been designed for you to specialize in the integration of state-of-the-art visual effects. It is the first Spanish master’s degree for those specializing digital compositing, a profession that brings together the disciplines of digital art, photography and film, mathematics, color science, programming and technology.

You will learn to integrate different visual elements into a single image, creating something magical that cannot be discerned by the human eye.

You will master the technical and artistic skills needed in studios. You will learn about pipelines, photography, color and film science, storytelling and cinematography, the cutting-edge tools used in VFX integration, supervision, cost control and human and material equipment management.

You will work in international companies such as MPC, DNeg, Scanline, El Ranchito, Sony Imageworks, Weta Digital, and other major companies built up by teams of our former students.

Career Opportunities

• Digital compositor
• Paint / Prep artist
• Roto / Matchmove artist
• Digital matte painting artist
• Comp production coordinator
• Compositing Lead
• 2D Supervisor
• VFX Supervisor

Paths to Entry

Student Entry Profile:

• People with general 3D training who want to specialize and focus their career on VFX
• Graduates in Audiovisual Communication, Animation, and related post-secondary vocational training
• People with no previous knowledge interested in learning the profession of digital compositing, as well as directly related disciplines

Where Our Alumni Work

Our master’s students are prepped to contribute to first-class productions and are working in Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore and Giant Animation.

Partner Companies

Study Plan

• Location: U-tad
• Hours: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CET.
• ECTS: October-June (600 hours)
• Language: Spanish
• Modality: In campus / on-line
• Centre Attached to: Camilo José Cela University

Course 1

• COURSE NAME
  • VFX INDUSTRY AND MANAGEMENT
    • Introduction to VFX, past, present and future
    • Pipelines and the VFX industry
    • Demo reel, CV, personal image
    • VFX Production
  • CINEMATOGRAPHY
    • Photograph
    • Color and film science
    • Narrative and preview
    • Artistic composition and effects supervision
    • Cinematography for composers
    • Virtual Production
  • DIGITAL COMPOSITING
    • Introduction to digital compositing
    • Nuke I: The pillars of a composer
    • Nuke II: Keying and integration of elements and sets
    • Nuke III: Advanced production techniques
    • Technical Composition
  • TECHNOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS
    • 3D environment. General Maya management
    • Shading and lookdev
    • Lighting and render
    • Matchmove and rotomation
    • Matte painting
    • Other Tecnologies
  • REVIEW
    • Weeklies
  • MASTER’S THESIS

Faculty

• Adrián Pueyo
  • Director of the Master in VFX Composition
  • Compositing and VFX/VPX Supervisor at Orca Studios
• Alejandro More Martínez
  • Lighting and Rendering teacher
  • Lead Lighting Compositing Artist at Axis Studios
• Nacho Hoyos García
  • Motion Tracking, Roto, Clean Up & Prep Work teacher
  • Digital Compositor at Orca Studios

Students' Projects and Awards

Your Project: Your Best Letter of Recommendation

The objective of your final master’s project will be the delivery of a short film or sequence made in teams, which will involve collaborative work on a VFX project. From start to finish, each group will be in charge of their own production, from pre-production and shooting to time and resource management, editing, color and shaping, and VFX.

This project has two main goals: firstly, for students to practice working as a team on a VFX project and all that it entails. Secondly, to provide each student with the necessary skills to develop their personal competitive digital compositing reel to be able to enter the industry.

Talent Awards

The projects developed by our students during their studies have won the most prestigious industry awards in different disciplines. Check them out.

Students' Feedback

• Ignacio Hoyos García
  • Alumni of the Master of Digital Compositing for VFX
  • "The Master’s in Digital Compositing for VFX is the ultimate step one can take to jump into the VFX industry. The professors and courses are reflective of daily work in millions of companies. I would like to highlight the faculty of industry professionals from Entropy Estudios, Illion and, without a doubt, Adrián Pueyo. He brings true value to this master's degree, as his experience, knowledge, passion and the way he shares it all really motivates me."
• Alejandra Ortiz
  • Student in the Master’s in Digital Compositing for VFX
  • "Most importantly, and what I believe will undoubtedly advance my professional career, is having professors who reconcile their work in the industry with teaching in the master's program. Additionally as important is having Adrián Pueyo as the program director, giving first-hand explanation of all the ins and outs of NUKE and its tools. He also shows you what each node does technically and how to apply it to get the best visual and artistic result in a composition. I also like learning from Miguel Pablos, who teaches us the concepts of photography and how to apply them to a shot. All of this combined with the intimate teaching style, the practical exercises, the recorded classes for later review, the support… All this makes this master's degree, in my opinion, a springboard to the industry."
• Aitor Echeveste
  • Digital Compositing for VFX Master’s Student
  • "What I’ve gained most this year is the immense progress I have made in my future prospects. Now I see it as very feasible to work in a big Hollywood production company or to be work in the industry anywhere in the world."

Degree Overview:

---

Objective:

• The primary objective of the program is to equip students with the skills necessary to specialize in the integration of cutting-edge visual effects (VFX).
• Program participants will delve into digital art, photography and film principles, mathematics, color science, programming, and technology, integrating different visual elements into cohesive, realistic imageries that are indiscernible to the human eye.
They will attain proficiency in technical and artistic disciplines paramount within a studio setting and acquire a holistic understanding of pipelines, photography, color and film science, storytelling and cinematography, as well as the utilization of cutting-edge tools employed in VFX integration and supervision.

---

Description:

• This Master's Degree program, designed for individuals seeking specialization in digital compositing, synthesizes disciplines ranging from photography and film, to mathematics, colors, computer programming, and technology.
Through theoretical and practical modules combined with industry-oriented projects, participants develop foundational knowledge in the craft and its applications in professional environments. Students engage in hands-on projects and simulations, working alongside seasoned professionals, fostering real-world expertise in contemporary VFX techniques, processes, and software tools to meet industry standard requirements.
• The program's collaborative approach is reflected in group-based studio projects, which mimic actual industry conditions and foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to a successful career in VFX.
This collaborative learning strategy enables participants to refine their proficiency in various VFX components, including, concept art and design, 3D modeling, simulations, animation, lighting, rendering, visual effects, compositing, and post-production, ensuring comprehensive understanding of a project's lifecycle from inception to completion.

---

Outline:

• Course structure: Classes take place on Thursdays (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM), Fridays (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM), and Saturdays (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Central European Time (CET)).
• Introduction to VFX, Past, Present, and Future
• Pipelines and the VFX Industry
• Demo Reel, CV, Personal Image
• VFX Production
• CINEMATOGRAPHY
• Photography and Color Science
• Narrative and Preview
• Artistic Composition and Effects Supervision
• Cinematography for Composers
• Virtual Production
• DIGITAL COMPOSITING
• Introduction to Digital Compositing
• NUKE I: The Pillars of a Composer
• NUKE II: Keying and Integration of Elements and Sets
• NUKE III: Advanced Production Techniques
• Technical Composition
• TECHNOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS
• 3D Environment and General Maya Management
• Shading and Lookdev
• Lighting and Render
• Matchmove and Rotomation
• Matte Painting
• Other Technologies
• REVIEWS
• WEEKLIES

---

Teaching:

• Faculty: The program incorporates industry experts as instructors.
Notable professionals include:
• Adrián Pueyo as the Director of the Master in VFX Composition and a Compositing and VFX/VPX Supervisor at Orca Studios.
• Alejandro More Martínez, who teaches Lighting and Rendering, and serves as the Lead Lighting Compositing Artist at Axis Studios.
• Nacho Hoyos García, who teaches Motion Tracking, Roto, Clean Up and Prep Work, and acts as a Digital Compositor for Orca Studios.
• Teaching Approach: Although details for teaching methodology are scarce within the provided context, the program is structured with emphasis on project-based learning and industry connections.
Through collaborative efforts in project development, learners are able to simulate professional environments to gain proficiency in teamwork, problem-solving, and proficiency with production pipelines utilized within the VFX industry.

---

Careers:

• Program's Relevance:
Graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to high-profile productions and have secured roles at esteemed organizations, such as Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore, and Giant Animation amongst others.
• Career Prospects:
• Digital Compositor
• Paint/Prep Artist
• Roto/Matchmove Artist
• Digital Matte Painting Artist
• Comp Production Coordinator
• Compositing Lead
• 2D Supervisor
• VFX Supervisor

U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design

---

Overview:

U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design is a private university located in Madrid, Spain. It specializes in digital education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like animation, video games, digital design, and computer science. U-tad is known for its focus on practical skills and industry connections, preparing students for successful careers in the digital world.

---

Services Offered:

Academic Programs:

U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various digital fields.

Student Information:

The university provides resources and support for students, including academic advising and career services.

Campus Services:

U-tad offers various campus services, including a library, computer labs, and student clubs.

Research Projects:

The university encourages research and innovation, offering opportunities for students to participate in research projects.

Employment and Internships:

U-tad assists students in finding internships and jobs through career fairs and networking events.

International Student Exchange:

U-tad facilitates international student exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad and gain global perspectives.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

U-tad provides a vibrant and international campus environment. Students have access to various student clubs and organizations, fostering a sense of community and allowing them to pursue their interests. The university also organizes events and activities throughout the year, enriching the student experience.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry-Focused Curriculum:

U-tad's curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital industry.

Strong Industry Connections:

The university has strong partnerships with leading companies in the digital sector, providing students with internship and job opportunities.

Award-Winning Faculty:

U-tad boasts a faculty of experienced professionals and academics, providing students with high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Modern Facilities:

The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, studios, and workshops, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields.

International Environment:

U-tad attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.

---

Academic Programs:

U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following areas:

Computer Science:

Software Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics and Software Engineering

Animation:

Animation, 3D Animation, VFX

Digital Design:

Digital Design, Graphic Design, UX/UI Design

Video Games:

Interactive Design of Products and Video Games, Game Design, Game Development

---

Other:

U-tad is a partner of the Universidad Camilo José Cela and the Software Center of Excellence. The university is also a Rookies Certified School, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality education in the digital arts.