VFX 430 Visual Effects Supervision
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Summary
This course examines the role of the visual effects supervisor as a creative and technical lead responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing visual effects work across production and post-production. Emphasis is placed on how visual effects decisions support storytelling through script breakdown, sequence design, and methodology selection. The course also addresses on-set supervision practices, including photography strategy, continuity, and data collection, as well as production management responsibilities such as scheduling, budgeting, and coordination across departments to achieve coherent and achievable visual effects outcomes.
Texts
Dinur, Eran. The Filmmaker’s Guide to Visual Effects: The Art and Techniques of VFX for Directors, Producers, Editors, and Cinematographers.
Available through the DePaul University Library (O’Reilly E-Books).
Additional case studies, production documents, and reference materials may be provided by the instructor.
Grading
| Script Breakdown Packet |
20% |
| Class Participation |
30% |
| Final Visual Effects Project |
50% |
Prerequisites
VFX 200 (Introduction to Visual Effects) or instructor consent.
An overview of the course structure, expectations, and the role of visual effects within contemporary filmmaking. The session frames visual effects as an art form in service of narrative clarity, emotion, rather than as a purely technical add-on. It introduces the core production questions that guide VFX decision-making—what is needed, why it is needed, who is responsible at each stage, how the work is planned and executed, and which methodology best aligns with creative intent and production constraints.
A discussion of the various methods employed in visual effects production across different stages of filmmaking. The session examines how visual effects are approached during pre-production, production, and post-production, including planning and breakdown, in-camera and practical strategies, onset supervision and data capture, and post-production execution and integration. Emphasis is placed on understanding how different methods are selected and combined in response to narrative intent, technical feasibility, schedule, and budgetary considerations.
An overview of the historical development of visual effects, tracing how evolving technologies, techniques, and production practices have shaped cinematic storytelling. The session examines key milestones from early in-camera illusions and optical processes to digital and contemporary hybrid workflows, with emphasis on how each technological advancement expanded what could be visualized on screen and influenced narrative form, scale, and audience expectation.
A discussion of the visual effects pipeline as it operates across pre-production, production, and post-production, with particular focus on on-set visual effects supervision. The session examines standard pipeline stages, interdependencies between departments, and the practical procedures followed on set, including reference gathering, measurements, camera and lens data, lighting reference, continuity documentation, and other forms of data collection essential for efficient and accurate post-production work.
A discussion of the relationship between camera language and visual effects, focusing on how different camera moves, lens choices, and shot design impact VFX planning and execution. The session examines the implications of camera movement for tracking, matchmove, and integration, as well as strategies for multi-element filming intended for compositing. It also addresses key considerations when filming plates and live-action elements for seamless CGI integration, with emphasis on coordination between cinematography and visual effects supervision.
This session introduces how color and image information are represented and manipulated in digital VFX workflows. It examines how images are stored as numerical data, the role of RGB and alpha channels, and how precision and bit depth influence image quality, dynamic range, and compositing flexibility. The lecture connects these principles to what happens during compositing, including how edges, blending, and transparency behave when multiple layers are combined. Discussion on chroma keying within this framework, highlighting how color data and image integrity affect key quality and why on-set choices - lighting, exposure, and background control - are critical to successful integration.
A detailed discussion of post-production workflows in complex visual effects projects, focusing on how work is structured and executed within VFX studios and post-production houses. The session examines key processes such as shot management, asset development, animation, simulation, lighting, compositing, review, and delivery, as well as how these stages are coordinated across teams and schedules. It also introduces the various roles within a post house—including supervision, production, and artist-led responsibilities—and how collaboration, communication, and pipeline organization enable large-scale VFX work to progress efficiently from turnover to final delivery.
This session focuses on the role of the visual effects supervisor as a creative decision-maker working at the intersection of story, technology, and production realities. The discussion examines how narrative intent, performance, cinematography, and editorial rhythm inform VFX choices, and how supervisors evaluate trade-offs between practical, in-camera, and digital approaches. Emphasis is placed on maintaining creative consistency across sequences and vendors, managing constraints without compromising storytelling goals, and guiding visual effects decisions so that they remain aligned with the director’s vision while being achievable within schedule and budget.
This session explores the expanding role of real-time rendering technologies in visual effects, with a focus on how virtual reality and virtual production workflows are reshaping planning, visualization, and execution. The discussion examines the use of real-time engines for previs, techvis, simulcam, and interactive visualization, and how these tools influence creative decision-making, onset collaboration, and post-production efficiency. Emphasis is placed on understanding what real-time approaches enable for visual effects supervision, how they integrate with traditional VFX pipelines, and where their strengths and limitations lie within contemporary production contexts.
Presentation of the completed visual effects sequence along with a comprehensive “making-of” overview. Students present both the finished film and the visual effects process, detailing key creative decisions, production planning, filming considerations, compositing workflow, and integration strategies. The session emphasizes clarity of storytelling, believability of the visual effects, and the ability to articulate how visual effects were supervised and executed from concept through final delivery.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296