60-209 Intermediate Studio: Fabricated Realities: Live Action, Animation, and VFX
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
In today's media production landscape, the lines between live-action footage, animation, and visual effects (VFX) have dissolved, leading to the prevalence of hybrid moving image media. This course invites you to explore the experimental potential of these new forms, embracing collage aesthetics and the intersection of traditional and non-traditional media to create unique imaginative worlds. In this course you'll gain a solid foundation in experimental hybrid filmmaking through practical, hands-on experience, primarily using Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, AI and other key production and post-production tools. The emphasis is on creative experimentation, encouraging you to develop a distinct artistic voice by pushing the boundaries of these tools and techniques. For inspiration, we'll engage with essential readings and screenings of groundbreaking works from a diverse group of contemporary and historical artists, including Yuge Zhou, Shana Moulton, Tabita Rezaire, Rachel MacLean, Sin Wai Kin, RUFFMERCY, Saya Woolfalk,Nam June Paik and many others. There will be in-class demos and workshops. Some class time will also be reserved for you to work on exercises and short video experiments that integrate video, animation, and visual effects. You will be expected to work on your exercises and video projects outside of class, too. You will participate in regular screenings and critiques to refine your technique and creative vision. By the end of this course, you will have the technical skills and creative vocabulary to produce original and compelling moving image works that confidently blur the boundaries of reality.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Spring 2026
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