Welcome to my course, specially designed for compositors who already have experience with Nuke and are ready to face real production challenges.
I have designed a course where instead of reviewing the basic fundamentals of each node, we will focus on problem-solving and typical day-to-day situations in any production studio.In addition, we will teach universal principles of digital composition that you can apply in various software, preparing you for a versatile and dynamic career in the industry.
Throughout the course, you will face real challenges similar to those found in high-level film productions, working on 5 different shots.
Environment Creation: You will start by developing environments using matte painting techniques, progressing towards integrating CGI with real filmed elements and simulating specific optical effects of different lenses.
Look Development (Look-Dev) in Nuke: You will learn to perform look-dev techniques directly in Nuke, optimizing the process without the need to render additional passes.
Sequence Management: You will handle shots within the same sequence, where you will learn to optimize the workflow to apply changes efficiently and ensure visual consistency across all results.
Technical Problem Solving: You will face complex technical problems, such as handling chroma keys, removing artifacts in renders, and applying advanced techniques in deep compositing.
Included in the course
- 7 Modules and additional content.
- 6+ hours of content.
- 100+ video lessons.
- Unlimited access to the course.
- Free scripts, renders, and plates.
- Free scripts, renders, and plates.
- Doubt resolution via email.
Who is it for?
- Digital composition artists.
- VFX artists working with Nuke.
Requirements
- Digital composition artists.
- VFX artists working with Nuke.
Course modules
Explore in more detail the content and learnings of each module.
Matte Painting
In the first module of the course, you will learn to create a digital matte painting. I will guide you through the meticulous selection of visual references to ensure consistency in your projects, and we will discuss the importance of maintaining uniformity in lighting and color. You will discover techniques for using layers to add depth and detail to your scenes, as well as methods for integrating elements organically. Additionally, by using Nuke, we will incorporate subtle movement into environment components to revitalize your creations. We will explore specific tools in Nuke that facilitate this integration and develop tactics to reuse resources and streamline your workflow.
Ten learnings from the module:
- Careful selection of coherent visual references.
- Importance of uniformity in lighting and colors.
- Lens distortion correction in Photoshop.
- Using layers to create depth and details.
- Techniques for integrating elements organically.
- Adjusting colors and lights for a natural appearance.
- Image projection onto 3D geometry in Nuke.
- Adding subtle movement to environment elements.
- Using specific tools in Nuke to enhance integration.
- Strategies for reusing resources and optimizing the workflow.
Shot 01
Our first step will be an introduction to the project and our workflow. I will show you techniques to correct errors and tricks to polish details. We will use Nuke to precisely integrate both digital and real elements and employ matte painting techniques to develop realistic environments. We will address common problems like wind in outdoor scenes and learn how to add additional details to our environment. We will create trees digitally and add leaves using stock elements. Additionally, I will teach you how to optimize your VFX workflow to facilitate future adjustments and changes, improving your efficiency and adaptability in complex projects.
Ten learnings from the module:
- Identification and resolution of initial problems in a shot.
- Using Nuke to integrate created and filmed elements into the sequence.
- Applying matte painting techniques for environment creation.
- Handling common problems like wind in outdoor scenes.
- Using tracking to adjust specific details in the composition.
- Color adjustment techniques to improve visual cohesion.
- Implementing atmospheric effects like rain and smoke movement.
- Lens adjustments and chromatic aberrations for camera effects.
- Creating realistic details using alphas and masks.
- Optimizing the VFX workflow to facilitate future adjustments and changes.
Shot 02
In this module of the course, I will teach you to create a more complex scene within our sequence. We will start by addressing issues associated with our chroma key and color compression. We will integrate our plane, adding effects for bullet impacts and creating new interactive lights. We will then proceed to develop the look development of the character’s shot and, finally, integrate all the smoke and ground explosions present in the terrain, generating volumetric effects that will bring more life to our elements.
Ten learnings from the module:
- Integration of Matte Painting and atmospheric effects in complex scenes.
- Using custom geometry to add depth and scale to scenes.
- Creating and integrating a CG plane with shooting and explosion effects.
- Applying Camera Shake to increase tension and realism.
- Solving Chroma Key and color compression issues.
- Implementing rotoscoping techniques for detailed adjustments.
- Using Nuke to create interactive lighting effects.
- Managing and separating layers in post-production for greater control.
- Creating volumetric effects like smoke and flying dirt.
- Using compositing and color correction techniques to enhance visual cohesion.
Shot 03
En este módulo del curso, te enseñaré a crear una escena más compleja dentro de nuestra secuencia. Comenzaremos enfrentando los problemas asociados con nuestro chroma key y la compresión de color. Integraremos nuestro avión, añadiendo efectos para los impactos de las balas y creando nuevas luces interactivas. Procederemos a desarrollar el look development del disparo del personaje y, por último, integraremos todas las explosiones de humo y tierra presentes en el terreno, generando efectos volumétricos que añadirán más vida a nuestros elementos.
Diez aprendizajes del módulo:
- Integración de Matte Painting y efectos atmosféricos en escenas complejas.
- Uso de geometría propia para añadir profundidad y escala en las escenas.
- Creación e integración de un avión CG con efectos de disparos y explosiones.
- Aplicación de Camera Shake para aumentar la tensión y el realismo.
- Solución de problemas de Chroma Key y compresión de color.
- Implementación de técnicas de rotoscopia para ajustes detallados.
- Uso de Nuke para crear efectos de iluminación interactiva.
- Gestión y separación de capas en postproducción para mayor control.
- Creación de efectos volumétricos como humo y tierra volando.
- Uso de técnicas de composición y corrección de color para mejorar la cohesión visual.
Shot 04
We will start by manipulating our plate and resolving all the issues with its edges. We will also correct all the tracking problems with our CG robot and integrate it into the plate. We will add details to give our character greater realism, such as raindrops. I will show you how to prepare and use masks and facilitate their manipulation with geometries. We will explore lookdev techniques to develop laser beams procedurally and apply them to other shots. I will teach you how to make small variations in the shots to save time and effort, optimizing your workflow. Finally, we will combine various lighting effects to achieve a final result that is both realistic and visually appealing.
Ten learnings from the module:
- Lookdev techniques for laser beams directly in Nuke.
- How to make small variations in shots to save time and effort.
- Using KingTools for 3D tracking without specialized equipment.
- Adjusting the focal point to improve image quality.
- Solutions for imperfect edges due to color compression.
- How to simulate wind movement in shot elements.
- Using projection and distortion techniques to adjust 3D objects in the scene.
- Applying color grading and effects like raindrops to improve integration.
- Preparing and using masks to separate elements and facilitate their manipulation.
- Applying custom nodes and gizmos to solve specific problems.
Shot 05
In our final shot, you will discover how to work using a combination of matte painting, CG, and particles, showcasing the integration of elements like trees, fire, and smoke to achieve a realistic result. I will highlight key techniques for color correction, lighting, and adding optical effects such as heat distortion and camera movements. Additionally, we will discuss how to face and resolve common problems like artifacts and noise, ensuring a high-quality final composition.
Ten learnings from the module:
- Using matte painting and its integration into CG scenes.
- Techniques for color correction and removing unwanted tones.
- Adding and adjusting CG elements for greater realism.
- Solving parallax problems in compositions.
- Using XDenoise to reduce noise in renders.
- Creating optical effects like Heat Wave and Lens Distortion.
- Implementing particles and variations in luminosity.
- Applying chromatic aberrations and flares.
- Managing atmospheric elements and their integration with fire.
- Optimizing workflow for rendering efficiency.
Particles
In this final module, you will learn to generate particles efficiently using simple yet effective techniques. You will create a setup that will be useful in many of your projects, optimizing its configuration to improve memory and performance.
Ten learnings from this module:
- Initial configuration of the Particle Emitter.
- Adjusting the start time to optimize memory.
- Controlling the direction and speed of particles.
- Using Practical Drag to manage particle speed.
- Adjusting the size and mass of particles.
- Introducing variations in trajectory with Particle Turbulence.
- Using Animation Curve to animate values and add realism.
- Adjusting the lifespan of particles for the desired effect.
- Applying Particle Curve to modify color and fading.
- Importance of connecting a skyline render to visualize the effects.
You will have access to all the necessary materials such as plates, renders, assets, and scripts, ready to use in your own projects and improve your reel.
Shot breakdown
Shot 01
First shot to get acquainted with our recorded elements and workflow.
- Easy difficulty.
- Element extraction.
- Layers and 3D geometries.
Shot 02
Composition of CG elements, DMP, and elements recorded on set. Initial Look-dev developments.
- Medium/difficult difficulty.
- Integration of CG and recorded elements.
- Look-dev development of the shot.
Shot 03
Full CG shot, we will integrate all the renders and add other elements to enhance realism.
- Medium/difficult difficulty.
- Deep compositing.
- Resolution of complex issues.
Shot 04
Multiple shot, we will work on a single shot and apply Look-dev techniques with laser beams.
- Medium difficulty.
- Look-dev of the beams.
- Resolution of CG tracking issues.
Shot 05
Integration of CG and DMP elements, solving issues with our fire.
- Easy difficulty.
- Achieving realistic fire.
- Adding extra elements without renders.
I prepare you to face real world challenges.
Not just to execute projects in ideal scenarios.
The bounty hunter
- VFX course sequence
Don't just dream of big productions; equip yourself to be an essential part of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites for this course?
You must have knowledge of the Foundry Nuke program to understand the processes being carried out. It is not necessary to have an advanced level of production knowledge, just know how the nodes and menus work, as this aspect is not covered in detail.
If you are unsure whether this course is right for you, please contact us at info@aitorecheveste.com.
Why is this course different from the rest?
I equip you to face real-world challenges, not just to execute projects in ideal scenarios. You will have access to all the necessary materials: plates, renders, assets, and scripts, ready to use in your own projects and improve your reel.
What computer specifications do you recommend?
I completed this course on a MacBook Pro M1 with 16GB of RAM. You don’t need a powerful computer to take the course, but if your specifications are minimal, you will need to create more precomps
Are the lessons live?
No, the lesson content is not broadcast live. This means you can take the course at your own pace. I have designed the program to fit busy schedules.
Where can I find the course?
The course will be hosted permanently on the Gumroad platform. If anything changes with their service in the future, you will still have access to the course on another platform.
You will have lifetime access to the course videos.
Is this course the same as the Spanish version?
The contents of this course and its Spanish version are identical. However, they are considered separate courses from the perspective of the learning platform. Keep this in mind when deciding which one to enroll in! The Spanish course is directly narrated by me, while the English course is a translation of the Spanish course and narrated using a voice clone with Eleven Labs.
What happens if I have a question during the course?
Can I use the shot in my reel?
Sure, of course, although my recommendation is that you make some changes or do something that sets you apart from the rest.
Can I return an online course?
No, online courses are non-refundable due to the nature of the product. Once access to the content has been granted, we are unable to accept returns.