41119 Realtime Animation
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade, no marks
Requisite(s): 41024 Advanced Games Programming OR 54405 Studio: Narrative Investigations in Animation OR 54407 Context: Animation Character OR 52654 Experimental Media
Recommended studies:
Relevant undergraduate studies in animation, games and/or computer graphics.
Description
In this subject, students explore and apply the knowledge, skills and resources required to develop and execute realtime animation projects using relevant software and resources. The term ‘realtime animation’ refers to the use of 3D game engines in the creation of animations for the screen and/or games. Apart from animation and games, realtime animation tools and techniques are being applied in an increasingly diverse range of areas such as architecture and construction, digital fashion, manufacturing and health sciences and beyond.
In the subject, students use industry standard realtime game engines and associated technologies and tools to create animations. They develop and use digital assets such as environments and props, characters and apply processes such as modelling, rigging, blocking, layout, motion and facial capture, animation and postproduction.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Develop a creative story idea for a realtime animation sequence. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Generate and composite digital assets in order to create a realtime animation sequence. (D.1) |
| 3. | Contribute constructively to collaborative professional processes and peer-to-peer review. (E.1) |
| 4. | Reflect on the process of creating realtime animation and its influence on professional practice in terms of creative outcome, quality, production efficiency, cost, audience and social relevance. (F.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Learning at the UTS Animal Logic Academy takes place in an immersive digital production studio that mirrors professional conditions. Teaching focuses on creative and self-directed problem-based learning. Students work with teaching mentors using professional-style production practices where collaborating within teams is central.
Learning centres on developing critical analysis, creative and technical ability. Assessment focuses on the application of creative, technical and reflective practices within a collaborative professional context. Students are expected to undertake preparation and assignment work outside of allocated class times.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to Realtime Animation
- Story development and sourcing
- The Metaverse
- Environment & Asset Creation
- Megascans & Shading
- Meta-Humans and Rigging
- Blocking & Layout
- Motion Capture & Facial Capture
- Animation and Virtual Cameras
- Lighting & Camera Lensing
- Integration of Visual Effects
- Music & Sound Design
- Post-Production
- Virtual Production
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Proof of Concept Synopsis and Storyboard
| Intent: | Consolidate story idea |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 5 page PDF with a storyboard and 500 word synopsis |
Assessment task 2: Reflection on Professional Practice
| Intent: | To ensure students reflect on the process of creating realtime animation and its influence on professional practice |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): F.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 1500 words |
Assessment task 3: Realtime Animation Project
| Intent: | To execute a realtime animation sequence |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 1-3 shots of 1-3 minutes in duration. |
Minimum requirements
To achieve a pass grade, students must meet the pass grade requirements stipulated in the subject’s performance standards.