82221 Context: Introduction to 3D and 2D Hybrid Animation

Description

This subject introduces students to theories and best practices for 3D CGI animation. It is primarily a skill-based subject, focused on understanding the basic technical fundamentals of animation as expressed through industry-standard software. At the same time, students continue to build upon, and develop, the 12 principles of animation introduced in 82121 Context: 2D Animation Introduction. Students in this subject learn the fundamentals of 3D animation using Maya. Although underpinned by the same fundamental principles as 2D animation, this subject brings a new set of challenges and a different aesthetic to master. The technical complexity of the toolsets demands a patient and thorough approach, and students are required to keep a subject-specific notebook. There is also the challenge of how to invest nuanced performance in 3D digital animation with the human feel that is crucial to generating empathy. Students should be mindful that digitally generated animation can often appear sterile and cold, and an over-reliance on software-led movement must be avoided. Although it is possible to generate movement very quickly in 3D, it takes a surprising amount of time to refine this movement into a layered, believable and sympathetic form.

This subject also introduces methodologies for an effective production workflow with an emphasis on using multiple software platforms for digital animation production, focusing upon the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Toon Boon Harmony, Autodesk Maya, Shotgun and Pixar Renderman. Students engage with class exercises and assets, demonstrating how each of these software production tools can broaden the student's fundamental skillset and knowledge of professional practices. By the end of this section of the subject, students are able to set up project files and directory structures and be able to use Premiere, Photoshop, Audition and After Effects to structure, create, manipulate and assemble a short film project in a professional manner.