Phil Snyder, MFA Digital Media Program Courses Intro
Courses Taught by Prof. Phil Snyder, MFA at University of Houston College of Technology
DIGM 3354 (Video Production 1) introduces students to digital video pre-production, including story idea generation, story pitching, project planning, storyboarding, scriptwriting, budgeting, and scheduling. In the area of production, students are introduced to the use of a digital camcorder, composition, lighting, and directing. Students also begin learning about video post-production, including capturing video and audio, editing, audio mixing, special effects and exporting in the proper compression and aspect ratios. The course builds upon knowledge students acquired in DIGM 2352 (Digital Photography), and prepares them for more advanced work in DIGM 3374 (Video Production 2). This course supports the Digital Media program’s emphasis in Motion Media as well as the Motion Media Minor.
DIGM 3374 (Video Production 2) reinforces and builds upon what students learn in DIGM 3354 (Video Production 1). Students learn and utilize, in two major projects, more advanced production techniques that emphasize aesthetics, design, color theory, composition, direction, and visual effects. Students are also given a greater understanding of the business side of video production, through the use of guest speakers from the industry along with documentary and training screenings. This course supports the Digital Media program’s emphasis in Motion Media as well as the Motion Media Minor.
DIGM 3370 (2D Animation) covers two-dimensional (2D) computer-generated imagery (CGI), including drawing, coloring, and animating objects and characters; phonemes for character dialog; and object-oriented programming. This course introduces students to the history of animation, the animation production pipeline, and requires them to produce a one-minute long fully animated project. Students learn the business side of 2D animation from the instructor and industry guest lecturers. This course supports the Digital Media program’s emphasis in Motion Media as well as the Motion Media Minor.
DIGM 4371 (3D Modeling and Animation) covers the creation of three-dimensional (3D) computer-generated imagery (CGI), including modeling, texturing, and rigging for animating objects and characters; morph target blendshapes for facial animation and phonemes; and special effects creation with compositing in video. Students learn the business side of 3D animation from the instructor and industry guest lecturers. This course supports the Digital Media program’s emphasis in Motion Media as well as the Motion Media Minor.
DIGM 4350 (Venue Transmedia) familiarizes students with the tools, technologies, and practices of producing a multiplatform live event in a venue with an audience in attendance—both in-person and online. Tools and technologies include, but are not limited to, manual and remote-controlled digital video cameras for capturing the event, video switching, text and motion graphics generation, sound design and mixing, video projection, lighting aesthetics and technologies, and content streaming for remote delivery and viewing. In addition to classroom lectures and labs, students meet on location for field trips in typical venues, as well as at facilities that produce the content. This course supports the Digital Media program’s emphasis in Motion Media as well as the Motion Media Minor.