82420 Context: Animation Character Rigging Advanced
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 82321 Context: Animation Character
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This project-based subject builds on the skills and techniques introduced in 82321 Context: 3D Modelling and Rigging Introduction. Students develop an understanding of design processes in the production of 3D animation, gain knowledge of relevant software, demonstrate design and production skills, and demonstrate appropriate design solutions for a project of their choice.
Taken concurrently with 88211 Animation Studio: Narrative Experimentations, in this subject students respond to a suite of project briefs that promote the development of skills and techniques in advanced animation with sound. This advanced subject provides students with a detailed understanding of the design and production of 3D digital animation using industry standard Maya software.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Ability to produce an original design for a 3D character |
|---|---|
| 2. | Capability and application of relevant controls for model |
| 3. | Construction of models that demonstrate a creative use of technology |
| 4. | Application of relevant lighting, sculpting and texturing techniques |
| 5. | Ability to demonstrate a professional standard with technical complexity in construction |
| 6. | Ability to convey a believable feel to the animation |
| 7. | Ability to understand the physical movements and attributes of a character |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Ability to take autonomous decisions and responsibility (A.1)
- Ability to contribute positively to critique and feedback process (C.3)
- Ability to understand and challenge disciplinary conventions and practices (I.1)
- Ability to develop unique aesthetic and movement languages for animation (I.2)
- Ability to understand and apply fundamental animation principles (P.1)
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of craft and production values across all methods of animation process (P.2)
- Ability to work with production complexity, to breakdown, organise, manage, delegate, define conventions and archive projects (P.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:
C = communication and groupwork
A = attitudes and values
P = practical and professional
R = research and critique
I = innovation and creativity.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject uses the problem-based learning strategy that involves students in researching and developing their own solutions to complex design challenges. The subject uses design professionals as mentors to ensure that all content and tasks are relevant to current professional practice in a global context.
The subject combines 2 x 3 hrs sessions per week; each consisting of 1hr interactive lecture and 2hrs lab work per week.
The interactive lectures provide information on the principles of using and understanding the technical aspects of 2D and 3D software. In addition, design methodologies are established, specifically those used in the development of narrative in the form of a completed animatic and character performance.
In the labs, students will work on their design projects with a mentor. Prior to each lab class the students will be required to collect and utilise relevant reference material as directed by the studio mentor. At the beginning of each lab class the mentor will discuss with the entire group the challenges they are facing with their projects. The mentor will then prompt students faced by similar challenges to facilitate collaborative discussions.
From the outset of the subject, the mentor will be reviewing the work weekly and will provide feedback verbally. It will be the students' responsibility to record any feedback provided in studio. It is therefore imperative that students attend all on campus engagements. Students also participate in individual tutorials and group discussions throughout the semester. During presentations, students will be expected to actively participate in collaborative peer review feedback exercises. Grades, marks and feedback on final design submissions will be provided through Re:View.
Content (topics)
The subject is organised around the production of an original modelled and rigged character and performance based on the character and a brief under supervision, covering the following topics:
1. Principles and techniques of modelling.
2. Principles and techniques of rigging.
3. Basic look development processes including texturing and lighting and rendering.
4. 3D pre-visualisation.
5. Principles of CG animation.
6. Principles of traditional animation.
7. Advance techniques for 2D animation.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Complete 3D Character Animation Asset
| Intent: | All assessments in this subject relate to the design and development work done for the main project in Studio. This project requires the realisation of a single 3D character originally designed in 82320, performing in an interior environment to camera using a recorded dialogue track. International studies students will have a different brief that will be communicated in the tutorial sessions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 2, 3, 4 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.3, I.1, P.2 and P.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Project | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Three camera setups. duration: 3 x 15 seconds | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Finished 30-60 sec Animation with Sound
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.1, C.3, I.2, P.1 and P.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Project | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Finished up to 20 to 30 second animation with sound | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
To pass this subject 80% attendance in all activities (lectures, tutorials) is expected. The listed assessment tasks should be submitted on the due date/time. The combined assessment grades should equal a pass grade or above. Assessment criteria relate to the learning objectives listed in this document. See briefs for specific details of assessment criteria for each project. To pass an assessment, work submitted should show satisfactory achievement in all learning objectives.
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.
Recommended texts
Osipa, Jason, 2010, Stop Staring: Facial Modeling and Animation Done Right, 3rd ed., Indianapolis, Ind.; Wiley (UTS Library 006.696 OSIP)
O'Hailey, Tina, 2013, Rig it Right! Maya Animation Rigging Concepts, Burlington MA.; Focal Press (UTS Library 0006.696 OHAI)
References
Rapid Rig Modular
Shotgun Studio
Renderman Tractor
Autodesk Maya