MA C180 Creating Motion Graphics With After Effects

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this project-based course, students will learn the techniques for creating digital effects, shooting video for effects, and using effects to aid in the telling of a story. Topics include integration of text, graphics, sound, video, and 2D/CG animation into video productions. A special emphasis is placed upon the fundamental motion graphics skills essential to employment in the broadcast industry, utilizing Adobe After Effects.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this course, the student will:

1. examine and categorize the significant events in the development of the motion graphics industry.
2. evaluate selected commercial productions, addressing; social content, historical significance and artistic technique.
3. compare the foundations of digital imaging, 2D design principles and the principles of animation.
4. visualize and implement an effects animation by key-framing.
5. visualize and construct synchronized audio and video elements in a composition.
6. utilize mattes, keys, and alpha channels to control transparency of composition layers.
7. create and edit the motion, sequence, lighting, effects and camera angles of a video compositing project.
8. select original media and organize a portfolio, including; sketchbooks, stills and a video tape demo reel.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. Production Process
   1. Pre-Production
   2. Production, Planning and Management
   3. Broadcast Production Units
   4. Introduction to the Motion Graphics Industry
      
2. Fundamentals
   1. Compositions
   2. Time and Space
   3. Transformations
   4. Anchor Points
   5. Layers
   6. Motion, Blending and Blur
      
3. Modes, Masks and Mattes
   1. Transfer Mode
   2. Masking
   3. Mattes
   4. Stencils
      
4. Workspace
   1. 3D Space
   2. Cameras
   3. Lighting
   4. Parenting
   5. Nesting
      
5. Effects
   1. Parameters
   2. Adjustment Layers
   3. Compositing
   4. Plug-ins
      
6. Input and Output
   1. Import and Interpret
   2. Render Queue

READINGS

Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 1: The Essentials, 2nd Edition Version 5.5, by Trish Meyer, CMP Books, ©2002

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Reading Assignments: The textbook reading assignments will be discussed in the online discussion forum to solidify concepts and help students to apply those concepts to their projects.
2. Research & Writing Assignments: Students will evaluate and critique commercial video effects productions, draft shot lists and story boards, and write story treatments. They will also plan and produce a course final video effects production project.

TYPICAL EVALUATION AND GRADING SCALE

Students will be evaluated on writing assignments, design exercises, and a final project. In order to achieve a grade of "C" in this course, the student must complete all assigned design exercises and the final course project.

Typical evaluation criteria may include:

Writing Assignments 10%
Design Exercises 60%
Final Project 30%
Total 100%

A typical grading scale is:

90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F

9.24.2003

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