This introductory module explores many of the basic principles of animation – and their application to 2D, CG and Stop Motion practises. It is fundamental in the preparation for studying Animation at University, undergraduate level. The module will bring together art & design, theory, research and practice in an integrated module which provides you with a solid understanding of basic animation principles and portfolio development.

You will work on 2 assessed components which relate to the core principles of Animation. You will build a clear theoretical overview of these principles and apply them through traditional drawn methods of production, stop motion and basic digital production techniques in the form of simple 3D CG sequences. At the end of the module will have explored a range of production techniques.

Your completed work will be gathered in a digital portfolio consisting of animation and related research findings. You will create an online journal describing your development as an animator. This will document the development of your animation skills, supporting your portfolio.

Minimum 500 word count.

Weekly lectures will introduce you to the importance of the history of Animation and its influence on contemporary practices of animation and other creative industries. This will underpin your Studio practice where demonstrations will be focused on the development of simple Animation exercises, planning processes and simple research tasks that introduce you to how traditional animation influences and supports digital practises.



Seminars and group critiques support your studio practice through formative evaluation and will take place throughout the module as well as at critical points of the semester to review 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.



There will be an expectation that the work produced during this module will form a fundamental aspect of your application onto future Undergraduate courses - as such there will be a focus on a professional level of finish to all work and your final portfolio.


Your work will be supported by online resources from a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) providing resources for study. As all 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 and resources through the University Library and via other online learning resource providers.

There is a dedicated support technician for the animation awards and you will be able to access a range of equipment and resources to assist in the production of your work. Where required, booking of equipment and facilities may be necessary by the student, supported by the relevant Technical Instruction.

A COURSEWORK - A PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%

Introduction to the Animation Principles
For assessment you will submit an on-line showreel compilation of technical and creative exercises. Your showreel must be uploaded to the professional video hosting platform – VIMEO. Your showreel will demonstrate understanding and application of the Animation Principles explored throughout the module in traditional and digital methods of animation production, supported by an on-line development journal. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3,4]
Weighted at 100%

1) SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE SHORT, SIMPLE CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL ANIMATION EXERCISES IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION.

2) ESTABLISH A PERSONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO THAT INCLUDES EXAMPLES OF PRACTICAL AND THEORY BASED PROJECTS.

3) USE A RANGE OF VISUAL AND WRITTEN CONVENTIONS TO PRESENT INFORMATION CLEARLY. PRESENT A COMPLETED BODY OF WORK IN-LINE WITH APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS TO BA-EQUIVALENT COURSE.

4) COMPLETE A PROJECT BRIEF WITHIN A FIXED SET OF CONSTRAINTS.

‘The Animators Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators’, - Richard Williams, 2012

‘Timing For Animation’ - Harold Whittaker & John Halas, 2009

‘Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life’ – Ollie Johnston & Frank Thomas, 1981

Seminar / Lecture room with projector

2D line testers and light-boxes.

Computer workshops (with relevant software access)

Stop Motion rigs, cameras, lights etc.

A3 scanners.



Software:

DragonFrame

CGI Maya

Premier Pro

Photoshop
Online: VLE - Blackboard / Lynda.com / Digital Tutors
The Thompson Library for: Reference books / DVD collection / CD collection / Journals & periodicals

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