89202 3D Digital Animation 1
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject introduces students to 3D digital animation techniques based on standard practice within the animation industries. Topics covered include traditional principles of animation, 3D animation techniques with a focus on performance and character animation. In this subject, students participate in exercises that build a demonstrable knowledge of the design and production of 3D digital character animation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Develop an understanding of the theory of the design and production of 3D digital animation. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Point to and identify different styles of 3D digital animation in its various screen environments including non-entertainment applications. |
| 3. | Acquire elementary 3D digital animation skills using 3D animation software. |
| 4. | Demonstrate these skills in the design and production of a short 3D digital animated sequence featuring the digitally designed character or object. |
Teaching and learning strategies
The learning experience for this subject incorporates a flexible range of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, tutorials and computer labs focussed on developing industry standard knowledge and skills computer animation software skills for 3D animation. Models of animation practice and design methodology are explored through in-class lectures and demonstrations, and hands-on computer lab workshops, group and individual exercises. Creative and reflective problem solving for 3D animation continues to underpin the learning experience. Self-selected peer learning groups and learning partnerships are encouraged in conjunction with lectures and tutorial / laboratory delivery.
Content (topics)
The subject is largely organised around the production of short animated work under supervision, covering the following topics:
1. Traditional principles of animation
2. 3D digital animation techniques
3. Performance in animation
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Pose to Pose Stepped Animation
| Weight: | 20% |
|---|
Assessment task 2: Pose to Pose Spline Animation
| Weight: | 30% |
|---|
Assessment task 3: Body and Facial Animation
| Weight: | 50% |
|---|
Required texts
Introducing Maya 2011, Dariush Derakhshani, Sybex;ISBN-10: 0470502169
Maya for Games: Modeling and Texturing Techniques with Maya and Mudbox, Michael Ingrassia,
- Focal Press; ISBN-10: 0240810643
Maya Professional Tips and Techniques, Lee Lanier Sybex, ISBN-10: 0470107405
Introducing Maya 2009, Dariush Derakhshani, Sybex, ISBN-10: 0470372370
The Complete Reference: Maya 8, Tom Meade, Shinsaku Arima. McGraw Osborne ISBN-10 0071485961
The Art of Maya: An Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics, Sybex ISBN 1894893824
Maya 6 Killer Tips, Eric Hanson, Kenneth Ibrahim, Alex Nijmeh, New Riders Press ISBN: 0321278534
Learning Autodesk Maya 2008: The Modeling and Animation Handbook, Alias Learning Tools, Sybex ISBN-10 1897177380
Digital Lighting and Rendering, Jeremy Birn, New Riders Press ISBN 0321316312
Digital Texturing and Painting, Owen Demers, Waite Group Press ISBN 0735709181
Mastering 3D Animation, Peter Ratner, Allworth Press ISBN 1-58115-345-7
Maya Character Animation, Jae-jin Choi, Sybex ISBN 0-7821-4328-8
Stop Staring: Facial Modeling and Animation Done Right, Jason Osipa, Sybex ISBN 0782141293
Acting for Animators, Ed Hooks, Heinemann Drama ISBN 032500580X
References
Beckmann, Patricia and Scott Wells. Exploring 3D modeling with Maya 6, Thomson/Delmar Learning, New York, 2004.
Capizzi, Tom. Inspired 3D modelling and texture mapping, Premier, London :Pearson Education, Rocklin, California, 2002.
Clark, Kyle. Inspired 3D character Animation, Premier, London/Pearson Education, Rocklin, California, 2002.
Danaher, Simon. The Complete Guide To Digital 3D Design, ILEX, Lewes, East Sussex, 2004.
Glassner, Andrew. Interactive Storytelling: Techniques for 21st Century Fiction, A.K.Peters, Ltd., 2004.
Greenebaum, Ken and Ronen Barzel. Audio Anecdotes: Tools, Tips, and Techniques for Digital Audio, A K Peters, Ltd, 2004.
Stripinis, David. The MEL companion [electronic resource]: Maya scripting for 3D artists, Charles River Media, Hingham, Massachusetts, 2003.
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