Computer Animation & Visual Effects Masterclass: 3D Previsualisation and Cinematic Language with Alessandro Contenta.
RUFA students from the Master of Arts in Computer Animation & Visual Effects took part in an intensive masterclass led by Alessandro Contenta, focused on 3D previsualisation and the development of cinematic language.
A learning experience that combined theory and practice, providing students with practical tools to approach the early stages of visual development in an audiovisual project, from storyboard definition to layout design.
Previsualisation and image construction
During the masterclass, students worked on the previsualisation of direction and storyboard within a 3D environment, developing a stronger awareness of cinematic language and its applications in animation and visual effects processes.
Particular attention was given to shot composition, with the aim of achieving visual balance while remaining consistent with the narrative style defined during the directing phase, without altering its identity. This process allowed students to engage with the relationship between aesthetic choices and the technical construction of the image.
Following an initial introductory phase focused on tools and basic techniques, the masterclass explored camera movement as a narrative device, analysing its expressive potential and its impact on scene construction.
The programme also addressed the main challenges that may arise during layout development, providing students with tools to identify and resolve them effectively. In this context, collaborative work played a central role, encouraging dialogue and coordination across the different roles involved in the production process.
An experience that enabled students to strengthen both their technical and design skills, enhancing their ability to translate a narrative idea into a clear, coherent visual structure shared within a team.
