3D Animation Level 3 Syllabus

2009_2010

Course Goals – This course will build upon previous experience and learning of 3D imaging and modeling in the prerequisite courses, Animation I, and II. Tutorials and projects will increase in complexity, allowing students to use concepts and skills acquired at this level. This course will provide students the necessary skills focusing on necessary criteria to produce portfolio quality examples of virtual 3D sets, models and animations. Students will incorporate Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Acrobat Pro (portfolio development), and Bryce in the assignments to create photo-realistic models and sets enhanced by lighting, shadows, reflection and textures. Students will utilize advanced features of the Lightwave Nodal System to produce complex textures. Students will be introduced to Lightwave’s Fiber FX system to create realistic hair and fibers. Students will use Lightwave’s Dynamic Particle System to realistically animate wind, cloth, hair, fire, explosions and other dynamic particle systems. Students will also employ the technique of compositing to incorporate CG elements into still images or live-action plates.

1st 9 Weeks

  1. Review updates, latest plugins, presets, resources
  2. Review content directory and setup account
  3. Review modeling tools: bevel, lathe, multi-shift, rail extrude, rail clone, edge bevel, text tool, spline guide
  4. Introduction to the Node Editor and IFW2 Presets
  5. Introduction to Photorealistic Rendering, use of Depth of Field
  6. Assignment #1 – Complex Surfacing with the Node Editor
  7. Introduction to Lightwave’s Dynamics
  8. Assignment #2 – Roller Coaster project

2nd 9 Weeks

  1. Continue with Assignment #2
  2. Review – subpatch modeling
  3. Introduction to Fiber FX
  4. Assignment #3 – Character creation - Morfi
  5. Review – Principles of Animation
  6. Review – Lightwave’s Bone System
  7. Introduction to the T4D Rigging Tools
  8. Assignment #4 – Character Animation with pre-made models

Graded reviews will be scheduled between tutorials to check for understanding of concepts.

MIDTERM (20%)

3rd 9 & 4th Weeks

  1. Introduction to Compositing
  2. Assignment #5 & #6 – 2D to 3D
  3. Skills USA marathon
  4. Presentation of Projects

FINAL EXAM (20%)

GRADING POLICY

  • Bell Ringers10% of final grade100 points each
  • Tutorials15% of final grade100 points each
  • In Class Reviews, Quiz,

Project Presentations20% of final grade100 points each Review

  • Animation Assignments55% of final grade

You will have at least 4 creative assignments per year. You will be graded on the aesthetic quality and technical skill you show in your work. Each assignment will be graded based on the following criteria:

  • Time In: Is the project turned in by the due date? Late assignments will receive a lower grade 10 percent grade reduction per day. Assignments over a week late will receive a grade of F.
  • Model: Are the objects named and modeled correctly, efficiently, and cleanly?
  • Elements: Are elements correctly placed? Correctly rotated? Layers correct? Details correct? Size relationships correct? Parts fit properly? Scale correct? etc.
  • Surfacing: Are colors used appropriately? Surfaces used appropriately? Specularity, Diffusion, Luminosity and Transparency settings properly used? Were textures applied correctly?
  • Layout: Does the layout of all elements look good? Layout keyframes efficient? All
  • object relationships established correctly? Scene files named properly?
  • Camera: Are the shots well composed? Camera aesthetically pleasing? Camera movements and style accomplished well? Does the camera convey scale properly?
  • Lighting: Is the Illumination of scene acceptable? Lighting aesthetically pleasing? Are shadows used appropriately? Does the lighting convey the appropriate mood?
  • Animation: Is the Animation of each object correct? Scale properly conveyed by the
  • animation? Timing of animation correct? Ease in - Ease out correct? Keyframes properly set? Movements appropriate for scene?
  • Rendering: What is the overall aesthetic level of final rendering. Additional included materials well done? Are additional materials distracting or helpful? At what level did final work accomplish the assignment goal?

Approximate Time Schedule and Sequence of Events

The first part of each class will be review, or demonstrations. The remaining time of each class will be hands-on time using the computers.

Internet Use

The Internet is NOT TO BE USED for checking e-mail, downloading photos, music, or downloading pirated software during class period. No random surfing of web sites is allowed during class period unless directly related to class projects and with approval from the instructor. Violations of Internet Use will be subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Disciplinary Handbook of Hampton City Schools.

Teacher Expectations:

I will do my best to treat you with respect, to be honest, provide you with a positive and creative learning environment and tools necessary to succeed in the class. I will also provide you with my availability, know-how, and resources to guide you through each project. By the end of the year, I hope you will have gained a better appreciation and respect for the art of animation and your own unique creative abilities.

Student Expectations:

Attendance: Learning and overall grades will depend on tutorials and projects done in-class on the computers. It is imperative that students be present and on time to class.

Workflow: Students will be expected to complete quick reviews (bell ringers) of concepts previously learned during the first 10 – 15 minutes of class. We have a very short amount of time, but a lot of materials to cover and assignments to complete. Please refrain from emailing, surfing, conversation and behavior that will be disruptive to the overall class climate. Students are expected to stay on task and complete all assignments during class time. CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF during class. Texting is not tolerated as it interferes with instruction. Failure to do so will result in the device being taken away.

THERE WILL BE NO CONSUMPTION OF ANY FOOD OR BEVERAGES IN THE LAB!

Materials: Students are expected to provide a pocket folder for assignments and handouts, etc. Students will also provide a 1G (minimum) flash drive to be used as a backup device for projects. This is imperative and necessary to protect the student’s work, as technology can be unpredictable. Failure to provide a necessary device to backup one’s work is not an excuse for not turning in the assignments. In the event of equipment failure, the student will be reassigned to another computer. Therefore, it is necessary that assignments be backed up appropriately and often.

Parent Expectations:

Please review this syllabus with your child. Parents are always welcome to contact me in regards to their child’s progress in this class or if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach me at 825-4749, or email me at . Please encourage and support your student in his or her creative abilities.

PLEASE DETACH AND RETURN THIS PAGE

I have read through the introduction, course description, teacher expectations, student expectations, and parent expectations. I understand what is expected and I am in agreement with it.

Ai Choo Ashe9/8/2009

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