5 replies to this topic

[pymp]

I assume this is the right place to post this, not the SFX forum.

Here is the link to the course

It involves loads of aspects of SFX, not just pyrotechnics - but a course that does is not in existance, to the best of my knowledge.

Im going to the Open Day on wednesday, so I will update with photos and comments from the people running it.

Hope this is help to someone in a similar position to me. Theres also a course at the University of Hertfordshire.

[delta_echo]

I can't tell enough from looking solely at the course overview, but I'm not sure it necessarily covers much in pyrotechnics. Though sometimes incorrectly lumped under "special effects" pyrotechnics is classified as a visual effect (along with miniatures, camera tricks, etc.). Special effects is typically about computer generated effects. Having many friends in the film industry as well as having done some pyro for various small films, I've been around the terminology. Like I said, though, not sure on the course - check it out and let us know.

[pymp]

I just got back from it, I'll go into specifics later, but to sum it up- its seperated into two different choices of degree.

Option 1) The BSc. Involves most of the programming, CGI and technical side of SFX.

Option 2) The BDes. Involves more practical sides of SFX, including pyrotechnics.

It's a flexible course, and the guy said that the amount of pyrotechnics involved is up to us. They get pyro specialists in to help with the student who chose pyrotechnics. For instance, the final project could essentially be entirely pyrotechnics related. I asked him why the course was so varied and why it sets you up to be a "jack of all trades, master of none"- (as Adam wisely concluded when I ran the idea over with him). The response of the guy running the course was that when we start the course, we don't really know for sure what we want to take on further. The first year gives a basic run down of all the different types covered in SFX, and from then on you get to personalise the course somewhat. He said it would be pretty hard to run a 3 year degree solely on pyrotechnics or animatronics etc.

As I'm very interested in art, science and computing (and pyrotechnics of course) this course seems perfect for me.

As I said before, I'll update this thread with more detailed information tomorrow.

Dave K

Edited by pymp, 18 October 2006 - 09:09 PM.

[adamw]

Special effects = 'Physical effects' ie Snow, Fire, Pyro, compressed air
Visual effects = CGI, greenscreen, video.

[hoarp001]

I looked at the bolton course too.

I was accepted onto the sfx course at london southbank. It looked fantastic, had pyro and lots of other stuff I was into.

I then got a letter saying the course had been pulled due to lack of funding. Basicaly the funding board thought it was a waste of time.

I was really pi$$ed, as I was about to get a degree in special effects which was then creuly taken away in afew seconds


Im now doing a general media course and working lots of intersting props, animatronics, prosthetics and of course, pyro, into all my projects....

[scjb]

I did a few weeks of the London South Bank University course in October 2005. There was to be ZERO pyrotechnics tuition involved (indeed the course director admitted to me that he had a dislike of pyrotechnics and pyrotechnicians!) and only a scant overview of other physical effects. I decided the course wouldn't have offered me anything worthwhile, but I am possibly in a different position to you.

I have a strong suspicion that the Bolton course would follow suit (no pyro tuition, probably due to H&S concerns... any pyro-based learning you wish to do off-site would be acquiesced to but not supported)

All the best.

Steve