Specialist Animation equipment.
CAD Labs
Digital Media centre
Sound equipment
Post production equipment
Mini DV deck and Cameras
Printing equipment

Studio learning takes place in timetabled sessions with academic staff who introduce key contextual and practice based lectures focused on the development of
- A Negotiated piece of animation production
- Role as an assistant animator
- Development of a title sequence for a specific channel and documentary

Through these initial lectures you will gain an understanding of the core concepts, theory and practical tools necessary to complete a range of professional quality animations.
Independent study will form the majority of time spent;answering the brief through evidence of research, preparation drawings, studio strategy and application of methods and processes necessary for completion of an appropriate response to the assignments.
You will access studio and pre-recorded material for review and consolidation of software during the module
Attendance at Technical instruction sessions will be crucial for the understanding and use of software applications for the production of the title sequence
Seminars and group Critiques support your studio practice through formative evaluation and will take place at critical points of the semester to review working progress. Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module where the work will be presented for final assessment
There will be two designated tutorials set up to enable students to discuss their work individually with key members of delivery staff.

Courseworks Consists of:
Presentations of all preparatory material which lead to the finished product (Storyboards/design layouts ) [Learning Outcomes 1,3]
Present an Animatic with a sound file and possible rushes/line tests during allotted assessment times [Learning Outcomes 2]
Via a comprehensive report, demonstrate all technical details of the production process, show costing, specify a particular audience which the animation is targeting and demonstrate research as to anticipated reaction [Learning outcomes 4]
Produce a substantial visual report cataloguing the role as assistant animator [Learning Outcomes 5]
Production of a range of negotiated animations and title sequence [Learning outcomes 1,2,3]

All animation content to be presented on Mini DV tape only
All work must be submitted in a labelled clear A3 portfolio
All reports should be professionally spiral bound with Cover Sheets

Dowlatabadi, Zahra, Winder, Catherine. (2001) Producing Animation. Focal Press
Faber, Liz, Walters, Helen. (2004) Animation Unlimited, Innovative Short Films since 1940. London: Laurence King Publishing
McKee, Robert. (1999) Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting. Methuen Publishing.Patmore, Chris, Cowan, Finlay. (2003) The Complete Animation Course; The Principals, Practice and Techniques of Successful Animation London: Thames & Hudson.
Simon, Mark. (2000) Storyboards, Motion in Art. Butterworth-Heinemann
Steve, Katz. (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualising from Concept to Screen. Michael Wiese Productions.

This module aims to provide an opportunity to practice and develop an individual "signature" by further enhancing your professional understanding of a particular animation technique to articulate your planned narrative. You will demonstrate your technical skills in the production of sound and your understanding of visual content. This will be based on your confidence, abilities and knowledge of the practical production process of animation that you have developed in semesters 1-3.
You will be required to complete a professional quality film from a "negotiated" planning period, and show evidence of continuous editing and design changes as integral evaluation skills. You will be given an overview of writing for different genres and will be guided in scriptwriting styles and techniques. Topics will include scriptwriting for different audiences; the subject and developing an idea; the three act structure; characterization and motivation; and alternative script formats.
You will be introduced to the design element of films, such as title scenes and will be expected to explore other contemporary designers within the field animation/film and be able to demonstrate this acquired knowledge in a short animation.
You will be encouraged to 'share' previously acquired skills and knowledge with your peers and to assist in a variety of job roles on the production of Level 3 major projects. The aim is preparation for Honours Level and your Negotiated Programme of Study.
You will be encouraged to enter the film into a public festival to gauge audience reaction in reflection and preparation for Honours Level study.