Apply shaders for visual effects

This standard is about applying and customising shaders to develop the look for visual effects and it also covers simulation.

This standard is for those who use shaders so could be applicable to lighting artists or technical directors.

This standard could be used by VFX Assistant Technical Directors and VFX Technical Directors.

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1. analyse production information to identify shader requirements and the parameters they must meet
2. check and confirm that you have enough information on the mediums and phenomena to which shaders will apply
3. evaluate whether shader software can be reused or adapted or whether it needs to be newly created
4. check and confirm that you understand the use and purpose of any research and development tools provided to you
5. explain in detail any amends or modifications that need to be carried out on tools or data produced by other departments
6. check and confirm that shaders can create the desired look and feel and meet rendering requirements
7. adapt and improve shader software as necessary.
8. check and confirm that shader software works coherently with other software used in the pipeline
9. liaise with others about aims and progress and respond to feedback and changing requirements
10. prepare shader documentation that explain shaders to others in the level of detail they require
11. deliver work in line with production schedules and milestones
12. store information and data in line with organisational procedures

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1. recent developments in shader software development
2. sources of information on how different mediums behave and react to different phenomena
3. the creative style, look, feel, level of detail and rendering requirements needed from shaders
4. the production schedule and milestone deliverables
5. the intended use and context of the shaders
6. how to ask relevant questions about research and development tools
7. the impact of tools and data from other departments on the shaders you are creating
8. programming constructs available and how to use them
9. data types that can be used and how they can be represented and manipulated in shader development
10. the principals of optical physics and the maths that supports it
11. the effects of camera positions, angles, lens types and lighting in relation to objects and environments
12. surface properties of materials, different types of textures, lighting and other effects that can be applied to 3D objects and environments
13. the theory and importance of colour, lighting and cinematography
14. techniques for creating matte shaders, such as for backgrounds, shadows or hold-outs
15. who requires what level of information about shaders
16. the value of seeking early feedback
17. the importance of maintaining data security and following your organisation’s guidelines and file structures

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3

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2027

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Current

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Original

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ScreenSkills

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SKSVFX10

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VFX Technical Director , VFX Artist , VFX Junior Artist , VFX Assistant Technical Director , VFX Producer , VFX Supervisor , VFX Assistant Supervisor

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shaders; apply; software; VFX; Visual effects; assets; production; production requirements;

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