During the course compositing 3, our students learn to integrate live-action footage using multi-pass AOV compositing. AOV compositing stand for Arbitrary Output Variables. AOV rendering refers to the process of generating additional image layers or passes during the rendering process, which contain specific types of data useful for compositing and post-production. These passes can be essential for achieving the final look of a VFX shot. Imagine a scene where a CGI car drives through a live-action city street. By using AOVs, the VFX artist can separately render the reflections on the car, the shadows it casts on the ground, the ambient light interacting with it, and so on. In compositing, each of these passes can be adjusted to match the lighting conditions of the live-action footage, ensuring seamless integration. 

Other topics covered in this course are: CGI rendering technique, Multi-pass AOV compositing, Camera tracking & shot layout, Photorealism & camera effects, Color management & digital image pipeline, and Shot production & set data acquisition. 

For this exam, students were required to film their own footage with scenes form their environment. They had to integrate a tiny robot/ machine in these scenes. This robot or machine should interact with an element from the real world, creating a seamless blend between the filmed footage and the digital asset. The goal is to demonstrate their skills in both cinematography and visual effects, ensuring the robot or machine appears as a natural part of the filmed environment.

Student work by: Richard Van Bergen, Falko Krischel, Anne Van Heeren, Michiel Desseyn, Bert Moeremans, Timothee Lee, Maarten Tronquo, Alessia Boner Roldan