Curriculum

(Listed here is an overview of the curriculum for this program. To download a detailed curriculum guide click here.)

Term 1

Whether you are a student in the 2D or 3D stream, the curriculum begins with the principles of Initiating Force, Path of Action, Lead and Follow, Timing/Spacing to show effort and weight. The aesthetics of a shot, psychology of line, shape, composition, lighting and colour are covered in Story/Visual Language.

Extra Life Drawing is essential for 2D animation students as strong drawing skills build confidence and all animators benefit from simplified structural drawing for planning animation. 3D animators learn Maya covering animation interface, preferences and file management and basic modeling is introduced for creating props and environments to visually enhance assignments. Photoshop is introduced to support assignments and presentations as well as texturing for 3D animation.

• Animation 1 (Force and Body Mechanics)
• Maya for Animation 1 (3D stream only)
• Story & Visual Language 1
• Life Drawing 1
• Animation History 1
• Photoshop Workshop (3D stream only)

Term 2

Term 2 advances the study of animation principles through assignments in body mechanics and introduces (acting) character awareness, thinking and dealing with the environment to strengthen content believability. Story/Visual Language advances to deal with the psychology of cinematic image, acting and story structure while storyboarding assignments prepare you for term 3 assignments and term 4 demo projects.

Life Drawing continues, advancing body construction awareness and dynamic posing. In Maya class organic modeling is taught using existing character models, building clothing, hair and props that will support your story telling efforts through character animation. The History of Animation is an exceptionally in-depth and entertaining look at how the art form started and has evolved.

• Animation 2 (Force and Body Mechanics)
• Maya for Animation 2 (3D stream only)
• Story & Visual Language 2
• Life Drawing 2
• Harmony (Toonboom) 1 (2D stream only)
• Animation History 2
• Premiere Workshop

Term 3

Performance or acting is the focus of Term 3 animation assignments. The course takes an innovative look at ‘the animator as actor’ role. Animators observe acting students in their classroom environment studying body language, timing and interaction. Dialogue, sound FX and music are introduced. Workshops and assignments are given in Flash or Animate Pro, introducing you to animating a 2D software program.

In Story/Visual Language you will develop, storyboard and create assets for your term 4 demo project. Workshops in Premiere prepare you for creating, editing and adding audio to story reels and final projects.

Life Drawing advances body construction awareness and dynamic posing. The application of techniques learned in Maya 1 and 2 in the building of sets and character assets for the short story project.

• Animation 3 (Performance/Acting)
• Maya for Animation 3 (3D stream only)
• Story & Visual Language 3
• Life Drawing 3
• Harmony (Toonboom) 2 (2D stream only)
• Audio/Adobe Audacity Workshop

Term 4

Term 4 is creating your Character Animation demo reel for presenting to studios. Lighting and rendering are taught in Maya class to help enhance the visual presentation of your demo reel project as well as providing visual polish on previous animation assignments.

Workshops and assignments in Flash or Animate Pro support continued skills development. This term is for honing Character Animation skills through the completion of one short film project or 3 assignments.

• Animation 4 – Short Film or Demo Production
• Maya for Animation 4 (3D stream only)
• Story & Visual Language 4
• Life Drawing 4
• Portfolio/Demo Reel Workshop