FAQ for prospective students in MART 490M (Bluescreening and Visual Effects)
- When and where does it meet?
- This is a Maymester course. Here is a link to the USC Master Schedule. All up to date info is there.
- What is the Bluescreening and Visual Effects class?
- In this class, students will learn visual effects techniques for photography, film, and video. This will include building an appropriate bluescreening rig, lighting and shooting various types of scenes, and compositing those scenes into believable final results.
- We will work in particular on how shots like this can have superior artistry, rather than just be a way to get an effect.
- What are the prerequisites for MART 490M?
- The prerequisiste for the course is permission of the instructor.
- At the end of this page is the contact information to get permission for the class.
- What experience should I have if I want to take it?
- Prospective students should be able to contribute from the start. Everyone in the course must bring something to the table. That may be some experience in graphics, design, animation, photography, film/video. It might be something in another unforseen area.
- If you're interested, put your name in... we're not looking for experts, we're looking for a team that can get rolling without remediation.
- Anything other skills a prospective student should have to take the class?
- You must be able to work at a high level in a collaborative team environment.
- You must be able to acquire new skills without handholding.
- You must have absolute professionalism and a dedicated work ethic.
- What software will we use?
What new software will I learn?
- The class will use general graphics software. Photoshop, After Effects, and a 3D package. You should have some experience in at least one of those areas.
- I'm not a MART major or minor. Can I take it anyway?
- Absolutely.
- What are the textbooks for the class?
- There are some amazing books still under evaluation, check back later.
- If you would like to request to take the class, please send an email to simon@sc.edu.
The email must have the following information.
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Your major
- A list of any art classes or other related classes you have taken, along with the names of the professors who taught them.
- A paragraph explaining why you would like to take this course.
- A link to an example of work you've done (art, photography, video, graphics, etc... anything, really) Please don't send attachments, send links to where you have your work hosted.
Please feel free to email me at the address below should you have more questions!


