DECO 3006
PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION
AIMS
To introduce to the fundamental principles of the animation process.
To develop an understanding of the process involved in developing character,
movement and story animation in a variety of genres.
movement and story animation in a variety of genres.
To gain an understanding of narrative styles and techniques.
To develop an understanding of the integration between
2D animation and composting. E.g Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects.
2D animation and composting. E.g Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects.
To develop an understanding of the application of animation in the production
of Film and Television/Web/Promos/Electronic Art....any platform invented in
the future that can show visual content...
of Film and Television/Web/Promos/Electronic Art....any platform invented in
the future that can show visual content...
OBJECTIVES.
To acquire the basic skills required in order to produce animation.
To produce films that incorporate animation principles.
To use character animation using various animated techniques.
To develop a critical vocabulary in the description of animated/filmic process.
ASSESSMENTS
1. Loops and Cycles 20%
2. Character Design/Art Direction. 20%
3. Animated storyboard -animatic and The pitch! 20%
4. Final submission 30%
ATTENDANCE – CONTRIBUTION TO CLASS 10%
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. TO produce 4 loops at the “factory”.
Application of animation principles.
Inventiveness of idea.
Attention to visual design/ staging.
2. Character Design / Art Direction.
considered construction
visual design / genre
Research characters.
staging - angle
3. Animated storyboard -animatic (filmed storyboard) 1min and The pitch! 20%
Present character models and story as if you were presenting a pitch to a client.
Inventiveness and research of story
Time and pace your story with sound / dialogue.
Emphasis on rhythm /composition / tempo
Consider character / scenario / choice of shot.
Consider colour / mood /lighting.
4 . Realisation of your animatic with animation. 1min minimum
Refinement and development of story.
Inventiveness and consideration of your visual design.
Application of animation principles
***** just to clarify, this is what I mean by visual design*****
Visual design = Composition, colour, shape, texture, typography, perspective, scale, structure
PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION...VERY ABBREVIATED
1. SQUASH AND STRETCH | This action gives the illusion of weight and volume to a character as it moves. |
2. ANTICIPATION | This movement prepares the audience for a major action the character is about to perform, such as, starting to run, jump or change expression |
3. STAGING | A pose or action should clearly communicate to the audience the attitude, mood, reaction or idea of the character as it relates to the story and continuity of the story line. |
4. STRAIGHT AHEAD OR KEY AND I/B | Go with the flow versus planning keys |
5. FOLLOW THROUGH AND OVERLAPPING ACTION | When the main body of the character stops all other parts continue to catch up to the main mass of the character. |
6. SLOW-OUT AND SLOW-IN | As action starts, we have more drawings near the starting pose, one or two in the middle, and more drawings near the next pose |
7. ARCS | All actions, with few exceptions (such as the animation of a mechanical device), follow an arc or slightly circular path. |
8. SECONDARY ACTION | This action adds to and enriches the main action and adds more dimension to the character animation, supplementing and/or re-enforcing the main action |
9. TIMING | Expertise in timing comes best with experience and personal experimentation, using the trial and error method in refining technique. |
10. EXAGGERATION | Exaggeration in a walk or an eye movement or even a head turn will give your film more appeal. Use good taste and common sense to keep from becoming too theatrical and excessively animated |
11. SOLID DRAWING | The basic principles of drawing form, weight, volume solidity and the illusion of three dimension apply to animation as it does to academic drawing. |
12. APPEAL | A live performer has charisma. An animated character has appeal. Appealing animation does not mean just being cute and cuddly |
In summary then...
Week 1-2 | 3-4 | 8-10 | 11-14 |
Loops and cycles 10 | Character 10 | STORY Animatic /Pitch 30 | Final Project. 40 |
Hand in loops and character.
BY THURSDAY (Before Good Friday)
April 1
Pitch starts ( back after Easter) 5 min each 2 slide!s maximum. Then animatic
Marks are given for professional – concise presentations.
Friday
April 23
Final hand in
Friday
June 18th
surgery
5-6 after class Friday
