ANIM 235: Intermediate Animation Techniques
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Instructor: Jim Middleton
Course Outline
I. Subject ANIM 234-- Intermediate Animation Techniques
COURSE # COURSE TITLE Credit hours Contact hrs.
ANIM 234 3 96
Class meets: Tuesdays/Thursdays, OHM Rm305, 2:55-5pm, various field times
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION
ANIM235: Students will continue the exploration of animation techniques, with greater elaboration on character development, exercises in storyboard and narrative creation, and multimedia integration.
Specific directions for this particular session (2005) will include stop-motion techniques with real-time objects, video transfer and rotoscoping methods, and post production using iMovie and iDVD.
III. PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite for 234: ANIM233, or instructor approval
IV. RECOMMENDED FOR: Art Majors and Animation Enthusiasts
V. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course successful students will be able to:
1. Edit, integrate, and retrieve images for use in animation
2. Cut and synchronize video for use in animation productions
3. Work and edit soundtracks
4. Create scripting elements and storyboards for animation productions
5. Understand and use the basics of iMovie, iDVD, and Final Cut Pro in video productions
6. Convert Flash animation files into *.mov or *.avi formats for use in video production
7. Make use of Frame Thief and Maya software though use of hands-on tutorials and assignments
VI. Methods of instruction will include
A. Lectures and field work
B. Presentation of animation styles through specific examples
C. Video and slide presentations
D. Demonstration of software packages
E. Critiques
F. Individual evaluation and guidance
VII. METHODS OF EVALUATING STUDENT PROGRESS:
Grade
75% Projects
10% Homework assignments and quizzes
15% Extra effort/bulletin boards, reports, extra credit sheets (100 points total)
All work must be completed to pass the class. This class relies on your active involvement and interest. The participant will need to work regularly on the assigned projects, both in and out of class.
Evaluation Criteria:
A =Exceptional B =Very Good C = Average D =Pass F =Fail
Percentage Letter Grade
93-100 A
90-92 A-
88-89 B+
83-87 B
80-82 B-
78-79 C+
73-77 C
70-72 C-
65-69 D
Below 65 F
The highest final transcript grade at KCC is an “A”)
Assignments and Critiques will be evaluated in terms of the criteria:
(each assignment will have a specific list of grading criteria, but here is a general outline)
1. Originality/Creativity:
2. Development of ideas and curiosity; personal expression
Content:
3. Strength of concept
4. Did the student understand the application of animation
5. Effort: Did the student make an effort to accomplish the goal of the assignment?
Policies
1. The student must complete all assignments on time. The student shall take responsibility to make up missed assignments and missed classes.
2. Regular class attendance and participation is imperative. Important material is covered each class period and it is crucial that you attend all sessions.
3. More than 4 absences will be considered excessive. At four absences in the semester, a warning for excessive absences will be directed to Student Support Services. After six (6) absences, you may be removed from the course. To avoid being dropped, you must contact the instructor within two days of accumulating your 6th absence.
3. All students must behave properly and participate positively in the class: making presentations and making thoughtful comments on other's presentations.
4. Late assignments will be graded with a 10% penalty to the grade for that assignment. “Incomplete” grades at the end of the semester will be converted to “failing” if the material is not completed by the end of the next scheduled semester.
5. In the event of school cancellation, the assignment due dates will be on the next scheduled class session.
6. If you know in advance, that you will have a problem to attend class or complete your assignment, you may notify your instructor in advance to avoid the full penalty. (You are still responsible for your missed class or assignment)
7. Demonstrate respect for fellow students. Do not use improper language and gestures.
Help with your Course work
Students are strongly encouraged to contact me for additional help. I haven’t any specific office hours (I haven’t even an office!), but can be reached for assistance via phone or email; appointments can be arranged for mutually compatible schedules. The college can also arrange individual tutoring for students at student center. Please help, learn and teach students each other. You are the essential part of a creative art community at KCC.
Disclaimer:
Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between Kellogg Community College and any student, nor between the instructor and any student. The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of KCC, to make changes in the course content, instructional techniques and course assignments without notice.
Kellogg Community College Academic Integrity Statement:
The Kellogg Community College policy on Academic Integrity is spelled out in the student handbook. If it is suspected that you are cheating, fabricating, facilitating academic dishonesty, or plagiarizing, there may be serious consequences. The incident will be documented and may be reported to the academic chair and/or program director for possible disciplinary actions up to and including course, program, or college expulsion.
Kellogg Community College Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Statement:
Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability. KCC is committed to compliance iwth the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Student email
All KCC students are provided with email accounts through the college server. You will be responsible for checking your KCC email regularly and should be prepared to use KCC email as part of student-college interaction. For email account information, check www.kellogg.edu.
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS
Cel phones and pagers must be OFF during the class. If you MUST take or return an EMERGENCY call, please go out into the hall to do so.
FOOD AND DRINK IN COMPUTER LABS:
Covered drinks and packaged snacks are allowed in the computer lab. However, specific restrictions are in place on full meals (ie hambugers with a side of fries) and pizza in the lab. If you have skipped your dinner to come to class, please wait until a break for mass caloric intakes that should be eaten in the student commons.
REQUIRED TEXT and SUPPLIES:
Flash MX in Easy Steps, by Nick Vandome, available from Barnes and Noble or online
Cartoon Animation, by Preston Blair, from Michaels, Barnes and Noble, or online
Maya Foundation, Alias Publications
Suggested: The Animation Book, by Kit Laybourne, 2nd edition, Crown Publishers, or Animation, the Whole Story, by Howard Beckerman
Strongly recommended: The Animator’s Survival Kit, by Richard Williams
Software: FLASH, MAYA6, Photoshop, Image Ready, all loaded on computers in the Mac lab
Sketchbook
Pencils and Paper
Blank CDs for back up
Other resources will be introduced and provided as the semester progresses.
CONTENT OUTLINE–ANIM 234 – see attached grid
EXAMPLES OF GUIDELINES FOR PROJECTS
1. The Three “Anijam” Projects
For this project, we will work together to create a group animation: a seamless metamorphosis of drawn animation called “Anijam.”
A. Using a provided *.fla file, you will create brief animated bits to go with insanely brief sound effects. This is one of the class projects.
B. Development of characters, storyline, storyboards, and animation for a 2 minute provided *.fla file with the soundtrack of “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic.”
C. Motion Painting. Using a provided *.fla file, you will create a 1-2 minute abstraction adding image upon image to a provided graphic. The individual files will be merged to create a film representing the entire class’ work.
2. Creating a bounce
Use a bouncing ball to demonstrate squash and stretch, easing in and easing out, acceleration and deceleration.
3. Walk Cycle Using a character of your own design, demonstrate an understanding of a smooth walk cycle. This cycle should be at least 8 drawings in length. Then introduce some personality to the walk– a lope, a limp, a strut – to “flesh out” the character. Again, feel free to demonstrate squash and stretch, paired movement, etc.
Other School Information:
Tuition Refund maybe granted up until 1/10 of semester completion
Course withdrawal, administrative withdrawal, and change to / from audit status are allowed through 7/8th of the course duration. 14 weeks into course
(More detailed information available from customer center.)
Student registered for this class have access to web / Internet is available along with an e-mail account at customer center.
The Learning Resource Center (Library) is available for all the students taking this class. The center is a participant in the On-line Library Computer Center and interlibrary loan programs to obtain information that the college dose not own. Student also can use the materials in other Michigan libraries by participating in the states Mich. Card library access program available at the LRC.
Student ID cards can be obtained at customer center to use any school facilities.
Dean’s List: Full time students who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in each session will be recognized as 3.50~ 3.89 High Honors, 3.9~4.00 Highest Honors.
KCC Academic Excellence Award, Scholarships, Financial Aid, Federal Programs, State of Michigan Programs, Honors Program and College Employment Program Information are available at the student center.
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Middleton
HOME / (269) 963-4945 (no calls after 10pm, please!)
E-mail / college email: middletonj@kellogg.edu
Website: animatingapothecary.com
