Lectures and laboratory sessions
(1:n)1 (1:30)2

Learning on all aspects of the module will be facilitated by lectures, tutorials, problem solving exercises and student centred learning.
Practical assignments using laboratory equipment and post production facilities will support the learning.

An individual logbook, of 1500 words weighted at 40%. A practical short film of no longer than 2 minutes, weighted at 50% and a 10 minute presentation weighted at 10%.

Individual Logbook assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2
A practical animation assessing learning outcome 2 and 3
A presentation assessing learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

This module will introduce students to the study of animation for VFX through the use of cutting edge practice, incorporating core animation skills and visual and analytical problem solving. Through the use of such initiatives students will develop an understanding of VFX animation pipelines, develop their observational skills through the combination of drawing and study of physical movement, motion and physics.

The technical skills studied will provide the students with the skills to become a competent and versatile practitioner within the VFX industry. The students will develop an in-depth understanding in the following areas:

- Core animation principles and their relevance in a digital domain e.g. Understanding of weight, balance, bounce and stretch. The animation philosophy and workflow from practical, real world objects through to digital workflows to apply emotion and timing to pre-rigged 2D and 3D models.
- The walk cycle
- Lifting
- Footwork
- Simple acting with 3D models
- Exploring the link between emotion and physical movement
- Inverse kinematics
- Blend shapes

- Life drawing and technical construction
- Technical layouts, boards and form and an understanding of 3D space.

Lectures, library, computing facilities and Internet. Autodesk Maya or equivalent, Adobe Master Collection, Digital Photography equipment.

Lord, P. and Sibley, B. 2004. Cracking Animation. The Aardman Book of 3-D Animation. Thames and Hudson. ISBN-13: 978-0-50028-168-0
Pilling, J. 2001. Animation 2D and Beyond. Diane Pub Co. ISBN: ISBN: 2-88046-4455
Simon, M. 2003. Producing Independent 2D Character Animation. Focal Press. ISBN-10: 0-24080-513-5
Whitaker, H. 2002. Timing For Animation. Focal Press. ISBN-10: 0-24051-71-48
Williams, R. 2009. Animator¿s Survival Kit. Faber and Faber. ISBN-10: 0-57120-228-4
Hooks (2003) Acting for Animators: A Complete Guide to Performance Animation, 2nd Ed, Greenwood Press, ISBN-13: 978-0325005805
Charles, L. Finance and Susan Zwerman (2009) The Visual Effects Producer: Understanding the Art and Business of VFX, Focal Press, ISBN-13: 9780240812632

None.