This module aims to introduce you to basic methods of creating animation. You will study the fundamentals of animation and the 12 core principles, including, timing and spacing, anticipation, movement and observation of weight, balance, dynamics, to aid an overall preparation for technical discipline with emphasis on traditional and digital animation specific equipment and software. Technical demonstrations of equipment, software and practical exercises will provide initial insight into the stages of fundamental animation skills, leading to the development and production of a series of animated sequence. Your enquiry on this module will be explored via a mid-semester formative presentation of your methodologies and platform experiences. The module aims to develop your ability to produce creative concepts and generate ideas from storyboard visualisation through to the creation of a shortanimation sequence. The module intends to prepare you with pre-requisite skills that will enable you to develop animation techniques and content at intermediate level and further.

A series of pre-production drawings mood boards and storyboards related to the brief.
Provided a visual back up of all the sequential animation production on individual research blog or an appropriate streaming platform.
Show evidence of walkcycles and Blend shapes (morphs) in an appropriate animated sequence
Show evidence of all aspects of animation principles in a substantial piece of work which incorporates aspects of all the exercises undertaken throughout the module which underpins the theoretical aspect of animation production.
All work must be submitted as detailed in the module pack.

Technical instruction and workshop demonstrations on how to handle equipment. processes and materials safely and effectively.
Health & Safety.
Lectures to the whole group where you will be reminded of the preparation, planning and structure of an animated production.
Small group sessions (seminars, crits, tutorials) where you will contribute to the discussions, engage in debate about issues raised, present the results of your research and your work in progress and receive constructive feedback from your peers when appropriate and from your tutor.
Independent Study in support of your project work. You will need to undertake a number of activities when not involved in taught or participation sessions. These will include researching and documenting your practical project; pre and post production work for your project; the execution of your production and the preparation of your work for assessment.

1. UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF PREPARATORY METHODS OF PRODUCTION WHICH UNDERPIN TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY ANIMATION PRODUCTION PRACTICES VIA A PROCEDURAL PROCESS.
Knowledge & Understanding.

2. SHOW EVIDENCE THAT PRE-REQUISITE ANIMATION TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS ARE ASSIMILATED IN PRACTICE IN ORDER TO MEET A SET OF DESIGN SPECIFIC TECHNICAL, CREATIVE GOALS.
Learning.

3. SHOW A CLEAR PLANNING STAGE FROM STORY BOARDING RESEARCH LEADING TO A RESOLVED ANIMATION SHOWING FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF TIMING AND MOVEMENT.
Application.

4. THE ABILITY TO PROPOSE AND EVALUATE A POTENTIAL SOLUTION WITHIN SET PARAMETERS OF AN ANIMATION DESIGN BRIEF WHICH EXPLORES FACTORS RELATING TO WALK CYCLES AND BLEND SHAPES. Problem Solving.

Animation Workshops,
Specialist Animation equipment.

The Blackboard Learning Environment wil be available (where applicable) to support this module.

Further details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Edward Muybridge 'The Human Figure in motion' 1995 & 'Animals in Motion' (Dover Press) 1967

Harold Whittaker & John Hales 'Timing for Animation' (Focal Press)
Donald Crafton 'Before Mickey' (USA Cambridge M.I.T) ISBN 0262530589 recommended viewing

The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams (Author) Publisher: Faber & Faber; (January 7, 2002)

Exploring Drawing for Animation by Kevin Hedgpeth (Author), Stephen Missal (Author) Publisher: Delmar
Learning; 1 edition (October 1, 2003)

Film Directing Shot by Shot by Steven D. Katz Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions; (July 1, 1991)

The Animator's Workbook by Tony White Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications; Reprint edition (September 1,
1988)

The Complete Animation Course by Chris Patmore (Author) Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; (August 1, 2003)

Walt Stanchfield (Author) ‘Drawn To Life’ by Publisher: Focal Press (2009)

Frank Thomas (Author), Ollie Johnson (Author) ‘The Illusion of Life’ Publisher: Walt Disney Editions (1981)

This module will introduce you to a wide range of approaches to drawing including analytical, expressive, observational, mark-making, print making, perspective, scale, composition and life drawing, in both traditional and digital platforms. It will examine drawing as a fundamental concept, both as a research tool and as an expressive means in its own right. It will provide an opportunity to explore the relevance of drawing to illustration and design practices, to investigate and experience a range of drawing methods and media, extend your skills in observation, analysis and expression and allow you to develop an individual approach to drawing. Your enquiry throughout the module will be explored through a mid-semester presentation of your work through varied curatorial methods. You will be introduced to the notion of locating the drawing process and drawn imagery within an historical and contemporary visual communication context.