Course Title: Create 3D digital animations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2022

Course Code: VART6446C

Course Title: Create 3D digital animations

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5413 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)

Course Contact: Jesse Roberts

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4107

Course Contact Email: jesse.roberts2@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Arthur Michalopoulos
arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au
+61 3 9925 4815

 

Program Coordinator: Nat Bates
nat.bates@rmit.edu.au
9925 3326

Nominal Hours: 75

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

None

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to animate simple 3D models and create 3D animations, which may include audio components. The models are for inclusion in interactive media products, short stand-alone animated sequences and basic games.



National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAANM302 Create 3D digital animations

Element:

1. Clarify animation requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Clarify 3D animation requirements documented in design briefs with relevant personnel

1.2 Examine models to be animated to determine appropriate animation techniques

1.3 Identify file formats and delivery platform for animated sequences

1.4 Identify factors that may influence animation design approach

1.5 Clarify work flow sequences with relevant personnel to ensure production schedule deadlines are met

Element:

2. Plan approach

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research animations, artworks and other creative sources that may inspire ideas

2.2 Generate a range of ideas for animations that are technically feasible, respond to briefs and provide creative solutions to all design issues

2.3 Present ideas to relevant personnel using appropriate design techniques

2.4 Adjust approach to incorporate feedback and agree on final design concept

2.5 Discuss and select 3D animation software with relevant personnel to ensure animated sequences meet technical and creative requirements

2.6 Identify audio assets to support animations as required

Element:

3. Produce animated sequences for review

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Create 3D animations using software and animation techniques to suit design requirements

3.2 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using equipment for long periods of time

3.3 Apply basic animation, screen, visual design and communication principles to produce animations

3.4 Apply real world camera techniques to virtual cameras used in 3D animation as required

3.5 Confirm with relevant personnel that models have not infringed copyright

3.6 Render completed animated sequences using appropriate output file formats

3.7 Save and store animated sequences using standard naming conventions and version control protocols

3.8 Demonstrate 3D animated sequences to relevant personnel for evaluation by agreed deadlines

Element:

4. Finalise animated sequences

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Review animated sequences to assess creative solutions to design briefs, appropriateness to users or audience, and technical feasibility

4.2 Discuss and confirm additional requirements or modifications with relevant personnel, and complete changes as required for signoff


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 


Details of Learning Activities

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 OneDrive 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 material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs & resources

WeekClass SummaryAssessment 
Week 1

Introduction

  • What can we learn from 3D1
  • Review of 'Haunted Playground'
  • Creating 4D digital animations
  • Cinematography
 
Week 2

General development

  • Haunted Playground: extending the concept
  • Assessments & brief
  • Concepts & storyboards
  • Visual Design
 
Week 3

Managing a project

  • Time management & organisation
  • Review of 3D fundamentals
  • Lighting a 3D scene
 
Week 4

Initial asset preparation

  • Attention to detail in 3D
  • Improvements & modifications
 
Week 5

3D asset modifications

  • WIP
  • materials, textures & UV mapping
  • Camera & preview renders
 
Week 6

3D scene management

  • Overall management
  • Hypershade
  • Hypergraph
  • Using display layers
 
Week 7

Animation overview

  • Basic key-framing
  • Tools & techniques workshop
  • Animating parameters & attributes
AT1 Design & Plan animation
Week 8

Animation detailing

  • Graph editor
  • Advanced animation techniques
  • Trax editor
 
Week 9

 Animation development

  • Camera attributes
  • Rendering overview
  • Render options panel
  • Image sequence & output
  • File & asset management
 
Week 10

Its all about design

  • Reviewing cinematography
  • WIP
 
Week 11

Its all about Lighting

  • Review of matte painting
  • Lights & shadows
  • Lighting & materials
  • Overview of maya Renderers
 
Week 12

Editing & post production

  • Editing overview
  • Introduction to compositing
  • Using after effects
  • Audio considerations
 
Week 13

Project workshop & critique

  • Details & refinements
  • WIP
 
Week 14

Putting it all together

  • Reviewing animation progress
  • Work in progress
 
Week 15

Review and Project evaluation

  • What worked/didn't work
  • Fulfilling the brief requirements
  • Lessons for future productions
 
Week 16  OPEN class presentations & discussion AT2  Build & review animation
Week 17
  • Review and evaluation
 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

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.

 

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria

Assignment 01: 3D environment 1

You will design and plan a 3D digital animation using the resources and client brief provided to you. 

Due week 7

Assignment 02: 3D environment 2

You will build and review another 3D digital animation, using the resources and client brief provided to you

Due week 16

 

Assessment in this course uses the following grades:

CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit


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