Bancroft, T. Creating Characters with Personality, US Watson-Guptil Publications (2006)
Hart, Christopher (1997) How to Draw Animation: Learn the Art of Animation from Character Design to Storyboards and Layouts. Watson-US; Guptill Publications.
Kelly, Doug (1997) Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expressions. US: Watson-Guptill Publications
Patmore, Chris, Cowan, Finlay. (2003) The Complete Animation Course. London: Thames and Hudson
Steve Roberts (2004)Character Animation in 3D Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation ISBN: 0-240-51665-6
White, T., Animation: from Pencils to Pixels, Focal Press (2006)

Animation Production Workshops
Portable media equipment Video Cameras
The Library
Studio Space CW2 Maya workshop Animation Computer Room
Specific Skills Modulettes will be assigned to this module. Advanced Maya sessions

There will be a series of technical T.is throughout the semester to aid your development as a character animator

Studio learning takes place in timetabled sessions with academic staff who introduce key contextual and practice based lectures focused on the development of character design and animation.
Through these initial lectures you will gain an understanding of the core concepts, theory and practical tools necessary to complete all the assignments for module
Independent study will form the majority of time spent "answering the brief" through evidence of character 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 critical animation and composite software knowledge during the production.
Attendance at Technical instruction sessions will be crucial for the understanding and application of specific character animation and post production composite software.
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 showreels 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.

A COURSEWORK - ART & DESIGN weighted at 100%.

Coursework will consist of:

Portfolio of preproduction designs and preparatory artwork showing characters in different positions and angles demonstrating different expressions and gestures to articulate a sense of believability [Learning Outcomes 2,5]

Creation of a short animation with soundtrack with 2 character animation idents in chosen medium [Learning Outcomes 3,4]

All animation content to be presented in the appropriate format out lined in the brief.
All work submitted must be clearly labelled with student name and identification number


Integrated live action and animation sequence using keying techniques developed in technical instruction sessions [Learning Outcomes 1,4]

This module will prepare you for the development of character based animation projects and narrative concepts.
It is expected that students will develop a dynamic portfolio showing a breadth of drawing, design and animation skills.
You will be introduced to new techniques which will develop your skills in performance based animation.
Emphasis will be on strong design skills showing characters in different positions and angles demonstrating different expressions and gestures to articulate a sense of believability.
You will be expected to work individually in an area you have a very strong personal interest. (Eg Stop motion Cell 3D Cgi)
You will undertake a series of technical instruction sessions aimed at the production of a final piece of animation accompanied by an appropriate soundtrack.

1. AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE LIMITS OF PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE AND INVESTIGATION, IN APPLYING APPROPRIATE LEARNING STRATEGY, SUCH AS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND CREATION OF ANIMATION.
Learning

2. USE OF APPROPRIATE RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION AS A RESPONSE TO A SPECIFIC ART AND DESIGN BRIEF.
Enquiry

3. TO EVALUATE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO A RANGE OF DESIGN PROBLEMS AND TO ARRIVE AT AN APPROPRIATE RESOLUTION AND ACHIEVABLE GOAL.
Problem Solving

4. THE APPLICATION OF A PLANNED STRATEGY AND REASONED ARGUMENTS IN THE RESOLUTION OF AN ANIMATION PROJECT BRIEF
Application

5. THE ABILITY TO IDENTIFY THE PERCEPTION AND INTERPRETATION OF ANIMATION CONTENT BY A SPECIFIC TARGET AUDIENCE
Visual Analysis