Course Title: Create 3D digital animations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: VART6446C

Course Title: Create 3D digital animations

School: 345H Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5361 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive Media)

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Arthur Michalopoulos

arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au

ph: 9925 4111

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 cover 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


Upon successful completion of this competency you will have gained the skills and knowledge required to animate simple 3D models and create 3D animations, which may include audio components.


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 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.

 

 

 

Class content

Assessments

Wk 1

Introduction/group discussion on Gothic 3D Animation. utilizing broader artistic traditions. Reviewing and building  on 3D Digital Environments. Previous Student examples.

Introduction to Pre-Production for Gothic 3D Animation

 

Wk 2

Review of basic keyframing and using the Graph Editor

Pre-Production requirements; Research, Designs, Storyboarding, animatics, task breakdown and production schedule

 

Wk 3

Applying basic keyframing to a Class exercise:  ‘Landing on the Moon’

 

Wk 4

Overview of different 3D animation techniques

Coming up with ideas & working on A01: Design for Gothic 3D Animation

 

Wk 5

Developing ideas & working on A01: Pre-Production for Gothic 3D Animation

 

Wk 6

WIP review – Present your progress with A01 - Pre-Production for Gothic 3D Animation. Ideally it should be close to completion and ready to submit by the end of the week, but you must attend even if your work is largely incomplete at this stage

 

A01 - Pre-Production for Gothic 3D Animation

Wk 7

A01 review and project feedback.

Introduction to A02 - Final Build for Gothic 3D Animation

 

Wk 8

General Project work for Gothic 3D Animation

Additional Maya animating techniques such as blend shapes, Motion Paths and kinematics & Inverse Kinematics

 

Wk 9

WIP review 1 – Present your progress with A02

Ideally basic original modelling, texturing and lighting should be should be close to completion. But you must attend even if your work is largely incomplete at this stage. You may be required to submit current files at this WIP

 

Wk 10

Additional Maya techniques that can be utilized for model creation, materials, lighting and rendering

 

Wk 11

General project work, techniques for output and rendering and preparing for submission techniques for rendering, output and compositing

 

Wk 12

WIP review 2 – Present your progress with A02


Ideally enhanced lighting & render tests should be underway and/or close to completion. Blocking out of your proposed animation should be present. But you must attend even if your work is largely incomplete at this stage. You may be required to submit current files at this WIP

 

Wk 13

troubleshooting, tweaking  & general review of animation to identify issues to be addressed

 

Wk 14

General Project work with emphasis on Output

 

Wk 15

WIP review 3 – Present your progress with A02


Ideally enhanced lighting & render tests should be underway and/or close to completion. Blocking out of your proposed animation should be present. But you must attend even if your work is largely incomplete at this stage. You may be required to submit current files at this WIP

A02 - Final Build for Gothic 3D Animation

Wk 16

Reviewing pre-production, production & post-production of A02

 

General comments and feedback

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

N/A


References

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


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 Google Drive account.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and may include practical team based projects.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for A01 and A02 and for the course.

Late submissions or submissions that do not reach the required standard, may be assessed Not Yet Satisfactory. You will receive resubmission instructions via email, myRMIT or LMS feedback. Resubmissions must occur within a week of this notification. Graded assessments which are resubmitted, are eligible for CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) only.

Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course LMS page through MyRMIT.

 

A01 - Pre-Production for Gothic 3D Animation

In addition to a knowledge quiz, identify & develop key tasks in the pre-production of a 3D  animation.

Due week 6 - Graded.

 

A02 - Final Build for Gothic 3D Animation

In addition to a knowledge quiz, develop review and troubleshoot the 3D animation parameters proposed in A01.  

Due week 15 - Graded. 

Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:

CHD - Competent with High Distinction
CDI - Competent with Distinction
CC - Competent with Credit
CAG - Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page through myRmit, or from your teacher.

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.

Assessment Feedback:
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Academic Progress:Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

Adjustments to Assessment
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the 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