MA C160 Principles of Animation

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course investigates the fundamental principles of 3D animation. The student will survey the historical development of the animated film and develop basic skills in preproduction, 3D modeling and the basics of 3D animation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this course, the student will:

1. Examine and categorize the significant events in the development of the Animation Industry.
2. Evaluate selected commercial animations, addressing social content, historical significance and artistic technique.
3. Compare the foundations of life drawing, composition, background, set and character design.
4. Visualize, sketch, and construct a character model figure.
5. Visualize and implement an animation storyboard that visually depicts the plot and determines the art style of the film.
6. Visualize and construct a photorealistic 3D model.
7. Visualize and construct a 3D scene that depicts the treatment from a script.
8. Create and edit the motion, sequence, lighting and camera angles of a 3D animation.
9. Select original media and organize a portfolio, including; sketchbooks, stills and a video tape demo reel.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. History of Animation
   1. Pre-cinema
   2. The Major Studio Films
   3. Contemporary Animation
   4. Professional Ethics
   5. Production Processes
2. Pre-Production
   1. Concept and Script Development
   2. Principles of Film-making
   3. Storyboarding
   4. Production, Planning and Management
   5. Proposals and Budgets
3. Introduction to 3D Modeling
   1. Modeling Basics
      1. Introduction to the 3D View
      2. Materials
      3. Surfaces
      4. Textures
      5. Lighting
      6. Color Maps
      7. Rendering
      8. Boolean Effects
      9. Geometry Construction
4. Introduction to 3D Animation
   1. Introduction
   2. Creating Scenes
      1. Scene Files
      2. Cameras
      3. Object Hierarchies
      4. Import/Export of Models
   3. Lights
   4. Animation
      1. Sequencing
      2. Lights
      3. Parent Objects
      4. Motion Paths
5. Portfolio
   1. Sketchbook
   2. Stills

READINGS

• Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair, Van Nostrand Reinhold Publishing.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Reading Assignments: The text book reading assignments will be discussed in class in order to assist the student in developing a sequential theoretical understanding of the techniques and processes required to accomplish the computer based laboratory assignments.
    
2. Typical Writing Assignments: Write a short animation concept treatment, write a short animation script, and write a critique of a commercial animation.
    
3. Typical Outside Assignments: Draw character and layout sketches, research current trends in the industry, or visit a production studio and observe the processes of filmmaking.

TYPICAL EVALUATION AND GRADING SCALE

Students will be evaluated based on drawings, 3D design projects, written quizzes, and a written exam. In order to achieve a grade of "C" in this course, the student must complete all assigned drawing and 3D design projects.
 
Typical evaluation criteria may include:  
Drawing Projects 10%
3D Design Projects 60%
Quizzes 20%
Final Exam. 10%
Total 100 %

A typical grading scale is:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F

5.1.2003

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