ICTGAM531
Complete compositing to create elements for the 3-D and digital effects environment


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine design requirements, plan, create and store composite photographic and 3-D digital effects elements.

It applies to individuals with high-level information technology skills who may work as compositors, matte painters, concept artists, modellers, animators, game designers, directors and other personnel working in the film, television and game development industries.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Confirm the compositing requirements

1.1 Undertake consultations with the client to develop the compositing brief

1.2 Plan and schedule the compositing work

1.3 Identify the appropriate software tools, equipment and media for compositing work

1.4 Consult with the relevant personnel in regard to the technical aspects of the proposed compositing

1.5 Confirm the compositing requirements with the client prior to work commencement

2. Prepare the elements for compositing

2.1 Select the resolution and aspect ratio for final composited output

2.2 Create the digitised elements through non-digital means

2.3 Identify and obtain the source plates or layers, images and other elements for compositing

2.4 Modify or repair elements that are problematic, or inconsistent, with the desired outcomes

2.5 Undertake the colour correction of plates and elements

2.6 Create additional elements, where required

2.7 Generate mattes

3. Composite images to achieve an integrated result

3.1 Track and stabilise the images to be composited

3.2 Match cameras, lighting and shadows, and add motion blur, as required, to finalise the composite

3.3 Integrate the plates, layers or elements in the correct sequence, using compositing software

3.4 Incorporate the grain, where required

3.5 Present the test composites to the client for approval

4. Render the composited images and save files

4.1 Optimise the composited images for rendering

4.2 Undertake the rendering process using efficient levels of resources

4.3 Store or archive rendered files in the specified output format

4.4 Review the completed render, to ensure quality and compliance with system requirements and the client brief

5. Present the composite to the client for final approval

5.1 Present the final composited images for client approval

5.2 Make adjustments to composited images, where required, to meet client requirements

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

develop a compositing brief, and schedule compositing work taking into account client requirements, and technical aspects

communicate with others to discuss requirements and technical aspects of the job

complete the compositing tasks to the required level of quality, according to the brief

refine the elements for consistency, best image quality and visual impact

adhere to system requirements related to file size, format and storage.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

provide a detailed summary of 3-D modelling, animation and visual effects development

explain the aspect ratios for image output

provide a detailed summary of camera, lighting and shadow matching

discuss the efficient sizes and the appropriate formats for composited files

summarise the scheduling and sequencing of production and post-production tasks

discuss the range of compositing software available

explain rendering principles.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the game development field of work, and include access to:

computer hardware and software

games engines

file storage

compositing and output documentation.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 4.4

Interprets, analyses and comprehends brief, instructions, technical and conceptual documentation and images relevant to a 3-D and digital games environment

Writing

1.1, 1.2, 1.5

Uses plain English and industry terminologies to create clearly formatted documentation to confirm brief during the consultative phase of the project

Oral Communication

1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 3.5, 5.1

Speaks clearly and concisely, converting technical language into plain English when providing information

Elicits information using effective listening and open questioning techniques

Numeracy

2.1

Determines the proportional relationship between the width, height and ratio of the final output

Interact with others

1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 3.5, 5.1

Conducts successful negotiations, in a variety of contexts, with suppliers, colleagues or clients

Get the work done

1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.7, 3.1-3.5, 4.1-4.4, 5.2

Plans, organises and completes work according to defined brief and schedules

Uses creativity and initiative in compositing

Uses a systematic process to evaluate work, implement improvements and solve problems

Actively sources, analyses and evaluates applications, tools and media with the potential to meet compositing requirements

Uses key features of specific digital systems and tools to complete compositing tasks


Sectors

Game development