54409 Context: Introduction to Hybrid Animation
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): (54406 Context: 2D Animation Introduction OR 82121 Context: 2D Animation Introduction)) AND (((54403 Studio: Foundations in Animation Language OR 82120 Animation Studio: Foundations in Animation Language))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 82221 Context: Introduction to 3D and 2D Hybrid Animation
Description
This subject introduces students to theories and best practices for 3D CGI animation.
54409 is a skill-based subject that uses industry-standard software, focusing on understanding the basic technical fundamentals and processes of creating animation. Students continue to build upon, and develop, the 12 principles of animation studied in 54406, bringing their practice from one medium to another. Translating the drawn aesthetic of 2D, one that is not bound by real 3D space, into the 3D digital environment, challenges students to adapt to new ways of working while further developing their fundamental animation skills, essential in the creation of nuanced and believable, 3D character animation.
Students continue to use Shotgrid and broaden their fundamental skillset and knowledge of professional practices.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Employ software technical skills and processes in the production and delivery of animation files |
|---|---|
| b. | Engage in iteration and experimentation through critical enquiry |
| c. | Contribute and respond to critique and feedback |
| d. | Apply key animation principles in relation to the 3D interface |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
- Apply fundamental and higher-level animation and cinematic principles with understanding and professional proficiency. (1.1)
- Demonstrate a high level of craft and production value across multiple methods, aesthetics and techniques of the animation process (1.2)
- Contextualise work within current and historical animation practice and theory. (2.3)
- Possess well-developed skills and proficiencies to present and communicate narrative, complexity and abstract ideas with precision. (6.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject includes a 1 hr online lecture, and 2 hr weekly tutorials, providing active learning experiences conducted in computer labs. Students are assigned tasks on a weekly basis; these tasks must be completed as homework before the next week’s session.
The subject employs design professionals as mentors to ensure that all content and tasks are relevant to current professional practice in a global context.
In the computer labs, students work on their animation technical skills and processes with a mentor. Presentation of relevant weekly content, framed within global contemporary animation practice, will include videos, and discussion of case studies. Students are provided with individual feedback during the class as they work on individual tasks and will receive further formal feedback in at each assessment task submission. Verbal feedback is provided pre-census date and remains ongoing throughout the session. It is the students' responsibility to keep written documentation of any feedback provided in the studio classes and during presentations.
Computer lab tutorials are complemented by independent student learning of a minimum of 3hrs/week of self-directed animation fundamentals practice. Independent study is supported by online content provided in the weekly program in Canvas.
Please note the following:
All weekly tasks must be completed as pre-work before the following class and submitted online. Grades, marks and feedback on final animation design submissions will be provided through Review.
Content (topics)
Key modules are designed to introduce students to understand 3D technical processes in the creation of animation work. Students will further develop and apply animation fundamentals, introduced in 55406. Fundamental animation practice and principles will continue to be developed through a series of in-class exercises and projects, employing an industry-relevant professional approach to making animation.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: 3D Exercises and Biped Walk
| Objective(s): | a, c and d | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Exercises | ||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: 3D Weight and Performance Exercise
| Objective(s): | b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Exercises | ||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Animated Character performance 3 - 5 seconds | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Attendance is necessary because there is extensive technical knowledge and skill is required, and can only be taught and learnt through regular active participate in in tutorials. Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor to build capacities towards meeting the subject learning objectives. A roll will be taken at each class (whether on campus or online). Students who have more than two absences from class will be refused marking of their final assessment (see Rule 3.8)
Required texts
Williams, R. (2008). Richard Williams’ Animation masterclass presents The animator’s survival kit animated. Faber.
Available at UTS Library in book and video format.
Recommended texts
Blazer, L. (2015). Animated Storytelling: Simple Steps For Creating Animation and Motion Graphics. Peachpit Press.
Furniss, M. (2007). Art in motion: animation aesthetics (2nd ed.). John Libbey.
Hooks, E. (2017). Craft notes for animators?: a perspective on a 21st century career . Routledge.
Montgomery, L. (2012). Tradigital Maya: A CG Animator’s Guide to Applying the Classical Principles of Animation. Routledge.
O’Hailey, T. (2015). Hybrid animation?: integrating 2D and 3D assets (2nd ed.). Focal Press.
Phillips, A. (2014). Animate to Harmony: The Independent Animator’s Guide to Toon Boom. CRC Press LLC.
Smith, V., & Hamlyn, N. (2018). Experimental and Expanded Animation: New Perspectives and Practices. Springer International Publishing AG.
Webster, C. (2005). Animation: the mechanics of motion (1st ed.). Elsevier/Focal Press.