Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Every artist needs to understand their toolkit. For a successful animation career, one must be familiar and competent in the tools and the software used in the creation of animated works. In addition, it is important to understand the processes of production in which these tools are employed. Animation CG Toolkit allows you to familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques of production within a studio environment.

Aims

This unit aims to:
- Introduce and develop broad skills in compositing, endering and lighting in 2D and 3D environments, using industry standard animation programs.
- Introduce broad skills in performance and character animation using industry standard animation programs.
- Continue to develop your skills in content production through traditional and digital media.
- Show and develop the detailed process of animated storytelling as a sequence of component parts executed within a studio pipeline.
- Promote and develop your skills as a reflective practitioner.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the software tools used for the modeling, texturing and lighting of characters, environments, assets and props used in animated productions.
2. Analyse and solve problems related to the techniques and workflows involved in seamlessly integrating digital content.
3. Apply reflective techniques and thinking to the design and production of an animated work.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:
Advanced lessons with 2D and 3D software focused on industry-standard practices of rendering, lighting and compositing. Intermediate animation concepts and technical processes are translated in software, including, but not limited to - Scripting, 3D rigging, and advanced shader development.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching and learning approaches will incorporate studio content and the delivery of Master classes, peer learning, tutorials, industry presentations, and guest lecturers. Structured as the combination of an intensive production environment and supporting studio work, you are required to provide evidence of progress on creative projects on a regular basis during their work in the production studio. From time to time, there will be opportunity to work on University or Industry-based research and/or production tasks.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
The studio environment allows for ongoing communication and feedback with relevant teaching staff and peers. Your contribution to the studio will be considered in terms of teamwork, ethical and collaborative behavior, engaged and reflective participation and understanding of the process and roles in a studio environment.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: In response to a creative brief you will demonstrate the appropriate procedural workflow for CGI integration in a professional environment.
Relates to objectives: 1,2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Creative Work
Description: Design and produce an animated work which takes an initial concept through to final production, with an emphasis on following the processes and protocols of animated production, whilst demonstrating an understanding of the iterative process of design, milestones and delivery.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References
Birn, J. and Maestri, G. (Eds.) (c2000) Digital Lighting & Rendering, New Riders, Indianapolis, Ind.
Demers, O. and Urszenyi, C. (c2002) Digital Texturing and Painting, New Riders, Indianapolis, IN.
Gallardo, A. (c2000) 3D Lighting: History, Concepts, and Techniques (With CD-ROM), Charles River Media, Rockland, Mass.
Hogarth, B. (1981) Dynamic Light and Shade, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York.
Juracek, J. A. (c2000) Surfaces : Visual Research for Artists, Architects, and Designers, W.W. Norton, New York.
Maraffi, C. (2003) Maya Character Creation: Modeling and Animation Controls, New Riders, IN.
Ng, K. B. and Kian, B. N. (1999) Digital Effects Animation Using Maya, Charles River Media.
Tanizak, J. (c1977) In Praise of Shadows, Leete's Island Books, New Haven, Conn.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 27-Mar-2013