Course Title: Design animation and digital visual effects
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: VART5093C
Course Title: Design animation and digital visual effects
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5384 - Diploma of Digital Media Technologies
Course Contact: Nat Bates
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nicole McKinnon
e: nicole.mckinnon@rmit.edu.au
ph: +61 3 9925 4815
Nominal Hours: 80
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
N/A
Course Description
This course will give you the skills and knowledge required to design animation and digital visual effects for screen productions such as television commercials, feature films, animated films or interactive games.
It is relevant to those who have high-level skills in research and creative concept development. They work closely with people such as directors or producers to generate concepts and prepare design specifications for animation or visual effects for a range of projects.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAANM503 Design animation and digital visual effects |
Element: |
1. Clarify design requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Assess scope of design projects with reference to production documentation 1.2 Analyse factors that may impact the design process 1.3 Participate in preliminary concept meetings to clarify the design requirements 1.4 Itemise elements to be addressed with reference to production documentation |
Element: |
2. Generate and assess ideas |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Generate a range of design ideas that respond to the brief and provide creative solutions to design issues 2.2 Assess ideas and collaborate, as required, with relevant personnel to maximise contribution of ideas to initial concepts 2.3 Appraise ideas for implications on cost, technical feasibility and creative requirements |
Element: |
3. Conduct research and experimentation |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Research content and target audience characteristics that influence production styles and techniques 3.2 Trial various techniques to test their suitability for given design projects 3.3 Organise research and provide relevant personnel access to experimentation materials 3.4 Analyse and document research and experimentation findings |
Element: |
4. Produce draft design specifications |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Evaluate initial concept ideas in light of research and experimentation findings in consultation with relevant personnel, and select the most appropriate approach 4.2 Discuss and agree with relevant personnel on suitable documentation to present design specifications 4.3 Create storyboards as required 4.4 Prepare or supervise development of sample material to be included in design specifications as required 4.5 Draft design specifications to advise the design and development teams 4.6 Discuss draft design specifications with relevant personnel to ensure all requirements have been addressed |
Element: |
5. Finalise design specifications |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Present draft design specifications to relevant personnel for review to ensure they are clearly presented 5.2 Participate in evaluation of design specifications 5.3 Negotiate and agree to additions or modifications and amend design specifications as required 5.4 Clarify designer’s role for the production phase 5.5 Review process of designing animation and digital visual effects and note areas for future improvement
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Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course you will have the skills to:
- produce design specifications for animation and digital visual effects projects that are:
- well documented and clearly presented
- supported by appropriate research and experimentation
- meet production requirements
- generate a range of concepts for animation and digital visual effects that meet cost, technical feasibility and production requirements, in collaboration with other team members
- conduct trials, research and experimentation in developing design concepts for animation and digital visual effects
- analyse and document research findings based on trials and experimentation for improving concept designs
- review design process for improvement
- explain factors that impact on the design of animation and digital visual effects
- explain the audience characteristics that influence production style, content and technique decisions
- outline the main requirements for a design specification.
Details of Learning Activities
This course consists of 2 Units of Competency that are clustered together for delivery and assessment. The other unit of competency in this clustered course is: ICTGAM504 COSC7383c Manage interactive media production.
In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
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Wk 1
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Introduction to Assignments. Animation techniques overview and examples. Introduction to animation techniques and principles. |
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| Wk 2 |
Introduction to Assignment 01 Design and Manage animation preproduction – “Save the Aquarium”
Part of this assessment will be undertaken in teams of 4.
Building your team - creating a name and a logo. - Create a team’s code of conduct
Team Research - Undertake research in your teams related to the issues concerning the oceans, seas and waterways - Share and document your research - Decide on your team’s theme for your “Save the Aquarium” project. |
|
| Wk 3 |
Research and develop your team’s visual style for the “Save the Aquarium” project. - Researching and document visual material that you think appeals to your target audience. - Create rough thumbnail sketches of ocean, sea or rivers creatures, objects and assets. |
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| Wk 4 |
Individual design - Rough pre-production material & client pitch As an individual designer you will take the theme and general visual style chosen by your team and develop your own ideas and rough preproduction material.
You will also be pitching your rough pre-production to the teacher in class |
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| Wk 5 |
Develop the final Design specifications for the “Save the Aquarium” project including - Project treatment - Final storyboard - Character designs - Perspective drawing of the whole scenes setting. |
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| Wk 6 | Create 3D and 2D digital assets that will be useful for the “Save the Aquarium” project | |
| Wk 7 | Continue to Create 3D and 2D digital assets that will be useful for the “Save the Aquarium” project. |
Assignment 01: Design and Manage Animation preproduction Due |
| Wk 8 |
Introduction to Assignment 02:
Create a Budget and schedule for your “Save the Aquarium” project.
Commence Animator’s log You will need to set up the Animator’s log that ill record the daily activities needed to create the “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence.
Start working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence.
Commence Manager’s log – week 8 You will commence your role as a manager and will have your first meeting with the animator you are managing to Review the Animator’s concept. |
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| Wk 9 |
Continue working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence
Manager’s log – week 9 In your role as a manager you will meet with your animator to review their schedule and budget.
Work in progress Review Student will attend a work in progress review with the teacher at an appointed time they will be questioned about their progress as the Animator and their role as Manager. |
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| Wk 10 | Continue working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence | |
| Wk 11 |
Continue working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence
Work in progress Review Student will attend a work in progress review with the teacher at an appointed time they will be questioned about their progress as the Animator and their role as Manager. |
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| Wk 12 | Continue working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence | |
| Wk 13 |
Continue working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence
Manager’s log – week 13 In your role as a manager you will meet with your animator to review the Animator’s progress. |
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| Wk 14 | Continue working on “Save the Aquarium” animation sequence | |
| Wk 15 | Introduction to Assignment 03: Review Managing and Animation | Assignment 02: Due |
| Wk 16 | Class time dedicated to finalising and reviewing work undertaken throughout the semester. | Assignment 03: Due |
| Wk 17 | Class time dedicated to finalising and reviewing work undertaken throughout the semester. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.
Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.
You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT account.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard required in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria
Assignment 01: Design and Manage animation preproduction
Part of the assignment will be about the process of developing a concept and preparing preproduction material. You will do some of the early concept development work with your team and continue working on it individually but in consultation with your team to produce animation preproduction and 2D and 3D animation assets.
Due week 7
Assignment 02: Produce and Manage Animation
Base on the preproduction you completed in Assignment 01, you are now going to build your animation sequence in response to the theme “Save the Aquarium”. As an animator you will also be responsible to make a budget and schedule to help plan the work flow.
As well as managing your own project, you will be the manager of one of your team members (and they will be your manager). You will oversee their progress, through a series of meetings and you will be required to meet with the client to discuss it on 2 occasions.
Due week 15
Assignment 03: Review Managing and Animation.
Having completed Assignment 01 and Assignment 02. You will be required to complete the following tasks that will give you the opportunity to reflect on your experience by: -
i) Answering questions
ii) Viewing a Documentary
iii) Writing a short report
Due Week 16
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. You are strongly advised to attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview