1. On completion of this module, you will be able to apply the mechanics of human facial expression, via data gathered visually and electronically, to created characters.
Application (7)

2. On completion of this module, you will understand how character faces made by other artists have been built in limitations and issues that have a negative impact on your ability to animate them.
Knowledge and Understanding (1)

3. On completion of this module, you will have explored a range of expressive potential of an animated face as part of a character performance.
Enquiry (3)

4. Create mouth shapes and operating animatable faces in a chosen media in line with your selected specialism Pathway.
Problem Solving (5)

All students;
Re-sculpting – plasticine faces / Animation Testing
Clip (5-10 seconds) 10%
(Learning Outcomes 3, 5)

2D Digital; Replacements Animation Testing
Clip (5-10 seconds) 10%
(Learning Outcomes 3, 5)

2D Digital; Head with animation tests
Visual Journal / Portfolio with Annotations (Blog) + Clip (5-10 seconds) 20%
(Learning Outcomes 3, 5)


All students; Collaborative task; clay face replacements
Visual Journal / Portfolio (Blog) 20%
(Learning Outcomes 3, 1)


All students; 3D printed replacements / Testing and exploration
Clip (5-10 seconds) 20%
(Learning Outcomes 1, 5, 7)

Major Task – Face and body performance sequence and testing
Clip (5-10 seconds) 20%
(Learning Outcomes 1, 7)

This is a specialism-skills module designed to support you in your chosen specialism of animation production: 2D Digital.
As part of the ‘REFLECT. SELECT. EVOLVE.’ process at the end of each Semester and with negotiation with your personal tutor or Award Leader you will identify and select your chosen method of animation to respond to the module requirements to support your career goals and ambitions.

Building on characters completed and tested in ‘Anatomy of Animation 1’ you will create more advanced animation characters in line with your chosen specialism of 2D Digital animation. Attention will be focussed on portraying emotion and character using the face of the character.

This module will continue to explore the structure of characters in traditional drawn and 2D digital animation Industries. You will consider how mechanical movement in animated characters, often restricted by the limitations of the medium, strives to imitate organic movement.

For the following 12 weeks you will undertake a series of explorative practical exercises investigating animated character faces and their expressive potential as part of a character performance.

You will analyse human emotional and facial expression to plan responsive animation sequences that illustrate your understanding of the mechanics of character faces, their limitations and unique capabilities in industry.

You will produce animation sequences and rigorous tests in response to provided and originated audio clips, generating examples of basic lip-sync and facial performance.

This module content is designed to progress in parallel with below course modules where content and wider-learning opportunities are highlighted and Dove-Tailed:
PRINCIPLES PORTFOLIO
ANATOMY OF ANIMATION: 1
DRAWING FOR ANIMATION: 1

A series of supporting Technical Instruction sessions (T.I.’s) will also be available to all students to further promote individual learning, knowledge and understanding of Technical software.

Observation of practical demonstrations – repeating activity to generate suitable outcomes.
Students will be encouraged to share findings and skills to support one another.
Skills champions will facilitate this.

Your work will be supported by online resources from a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) providing resources for study. As the majority of completed work is submitted digitally this is an integral part of learning on the course.

Students will also have access to a range of video tutorials from online learning resource providers.

Group critique and discussion will support your studio practice through weekly formative evaluation and will take place throughout the module as well as at critical points of the semester to review your working progress. Students are expected to engage in this process as part of the module feedback cycle.
Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module where digital / online portfolios will be presented for final assessment.

Where required, booking of equipment and facilities may be necessary by the student.

ON-LINE READING LISTS WILL BE UPDATED ANNUALLY.
THIS IS AN INDICATION OF REFERENCE TEXTS REQUIRED FOR 2019-20 ONLY.

Osborn, Keith (2015) Cartoon Character Animation with Maya: Mastering the Art of Exaggerated Animation, Fairchild Books.

Osipa, Jason (2003) Stop Staring: Facial Modelling and Animation Done Right.

Priebe, Ken A. (2011) The advanced art of stop-motion animation, Boston, Mass: Course Technology Cengage Learning.

Simon, M (2003) ‘Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference for Artists’, Watson-Guptill Publications

Withrow, Steven (2009) Secrets of digital animation: a master class in innovative tools and techniques. RotoVision.

You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.

Animation Department resources & studio spaces
Material & Make 3D Workshops - Plastics / Plaster / Metal / Wood etc.
Appropriate TI’s will be arranged.
The Drawing Studio
VLE: Blackboard / Digital Tutors / Lynda.com / other supporting Online resources
Blog will be hosted through Blackboard.

University Library resources: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/uniservices/infoservices/library/
Reference books / DVD collection / Journals and periodicals (physical & online)