Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Visual Effects Storytelling
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: IMD10104
Module leader: John McGowan
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Students will have completed: The first three years of the BSc (HONS) Digital Media and Interaction Design / Global, An approved HND followed by year three of the BSc (Hons) Digital Media and Interaction Design / Global, Year three of BSc Animation for Games. AND Pre-requisite: [Module IMD09104] Digital Storytelling AND AND Pre-requisite: [Module IMD09133] Visual Effects (VFX) AND Pre-requisite: [Module IMD09132] Motion Graphics
Description of module content:

Within the context of narrative-based digital media, games and interaction design, we will explore technologies, industry workflows, standards, innovations and trends. In response to the subjects examined, students will have the opportunity to investigate a self-determined media project, including:- Authoring a research question/design challenge - A technological case study- Preproduction plans - Project management- Design implementation - Evaluation - Critical reflection
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles, techniques and trends relating to the development of narrative-based digital media and interaction design.

LO2: Determine and develop a narrative-based digital media and interaction design production in response to industry workflows and standards.

LO3: Evaluate the implemented narrative-based digital media and interaction design productions in relation to industry workflows and standards.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, Blended, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: John McGowan
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Combination of lectures, discussion, and debates on contemporary techniques and tools used within linear and interactive media industry. Lectures will incorporate learning technologies to facilitate class engagement and as prompts to wider discussions. These sessions will also introduce you to the principles of linear and interactive VFX design and the use of narrative, which will be put into practice during the practical sessions.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Practical classes and workshops where you'll work independently, or in groups if appropriate, to support and discuss your work while designing and developing a linear or interactive project using industry standard tools.
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided independent study includes researching a tool or technique that interests you for the coursework; who the target audience is and why; and sourcing a suitable narrative for the project. Following this, technical implementation of the work will require individual study and testing using the tool of your choice. This method combines the independence of self-directed study with the guidance of a structured framework provided by academic staff.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 40 1~2 Week 7 HOURS= 40 Hours A pitch presentation including identification of the target audience, a tool or technique that will be used to enhance a chosen narrative, as well as identifying the narrative itself. A case study should look at background and uses of the tool/technique, as well as justification for its use. Small scale testing should be implemented and results discussed for recommendations for development in phase 2. This should culminate in a previsualization and planning document.
Project - Practical 60 1~2~3 Exam Period HOURS= 60 Hours Phase 2 is a practical implementation of the presentation and case study outlined in phase 1. This focuses on the chosen industry standard tool or technique presented in the previsualization, developed into a full production, with supporting evaluative documentation.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
IMD10104 Visual Effects Storytelling
 

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