3D Animation Courses & Descriptions

Drawing for Animation Workshop

Talent is a gateway to a successful animation career,but hard work and refined skills are what turn an amateur into an expert. DRAW explores the drawing techniques, skills and concepts necessary to professional animation. Principles of light and shadow, perspective, composition, and form are studied, with special attention paid to the requirements and restrictions that the final presentation media (video, computer, film or TV) may impose. DRAW is designed to accommodate all levels and students are encouraged to develop the long-term commitment necessary to achieve advanced drawing skills.

3D Animation and Modelling 101

Instruction covers computer graphic theories and methods. Students are introduced to a professional 3D software interface, creating basic projects using modelling, texturing, lighting and simple animation tools, as well as a general overview of key features of the 3D software interface and an introduction to rendering.

Introduction to Classical Animation 101

Put your pencil to work and learn the basic principles, subtleties and techniques of classical animation in ICAN. Students develop drawing skills while learning the application of animation principles, such as squash and stretch, follow-through and overlapping action, anticipation and timing. Lessons in character
animation explore the elements necessary to bring inanimate objects to life. Students use 2D animation software to capture and playback animation, and also have the opportunity to digitally colour, composite, and output their animation pencil tests to CD or DVD.

Life Drawing 100

The human form has inspired generations of artists. Drawing from the human model is essential to understanding form, anatomy, gesture, weight, and expression. These weekly life drawing sessions will enable students to render the human form accurately and improve current 2D and 3D skills.

Animation Industry Overview

This overview of the animation industry studies a number of perspectives in order to establish a solid understanding of its place in a modern global economy, both in the present and the future. Although focused on the business of animation production, the course takes a critical cultural perspective in considering the industry as mass-mediated storytelling and entertainment. This overview covers the history of animation and its changing cultural significance, the major past and current players/influencers and gatekeepers, types of animation (e.g. 2D, 3D, stop-motion, motion capture and genres) and related technologies & industries (e.g., film, TV, games, web, commercial art, technical animation, medical imaging, etc.), types of jobs and salaries, and current and future job markets.

3D Animation and Modelling 102

This course is designed as a continuation to 3D Animation and Modelling 101 (3DAM101). Instruction covers computer graphic theories and methods while continuing to develop a thorough understanding of the 3D software interface and basic project production methods. Students develop further competence in the use of modelling, texturing, lighting, and simple animation tools, as well as rendering.

Introduction to Classical Animation 102

As a continuation of ICAN101, ICAN102 has students working to improve their technical ability to draw and pose characters, as well as continued focus on character animation through timing, observation, mannerisms, and movement. The learning objectives of this course will enable the student to not only further define what the principles of animation are, but also to show how and where students might utilize the skills and knowledge of a real working environment.

Life Drawing 200

In LD200, students concentrate on fine-tuning skills such as shading, perspectives, anatomy, proportions and other elements essential to artistically representing the human form.

Character Design & Storyboard 200

Character Design and Storyboard 200 introduces students to the roles proportion, anatomy, caricature, style, and appeal play in the creation of animated characters, and the methods used to produce industry-standard storyboards. Students design characters and create model packs, including mouth charts and size relationships, along with rotations, expression sheets and action poses. Students learn to create storyboards for commercial and portfolio use, and explore current cinematic theory and techniques. Topics include script interpretation, rough staging, panel design, action notes, camera moves, dialogue, and rough timing.

Introduction to Digital Video

Once regarded as a cheap alternative, digital video now rivals films for producing high quality productions at reduced costs. Introduction to Digital Video (IDV) introduces students to digital video production, non-linear editing, compositing and visual effects, using affordable desktop technology and software. Topics include basic computer graphic manipulation, titling and visual effects techniques, digitizing video and editing in a non-linear video environment.

3D Animation and Modelling 200/201-202

Solidifying the concepts taught in 3DAM101 & 102 students expand their knowledge of modeling and texturing through practical applications mirroring those 3D objects found in the film and television industry. Foundation concepts in animation are also investigated and applied.

Animation 200

The relationship between animation, acting and the use of action analysis is examined alongside the techniques for animating action, acting, and lip sync/dialogue skills essential to character animation. Expanding on the skills learned in ICAN, in ANI200 students refine their sense of timing and learn to use the exposure sheet as a means of planning their classical animation exercises.

Advanced Lighting and Texturing 100

How a computer-generated scene is lit and rendered determines its cinematic reality. ALT100 addresses the challenges, processes, skills, and technology involved in creating realistic and believable surfaces for 3D objects, characters, and environments. ALT100 lays the foundation for ALT200 through exploration of 3D shading and rendering architecture, as well as principles of texture mapping, lighting, and rendering for photorealism.

Animation Production 200

Under the guidance of their instructor, students work on course projects and begin to develop the production skills and assets used for their final portfolio. Production techniques,problem solving, technical issues, workflow planning, time management, and other topics are explored and dealt with as needed for specific production issues faced by students.

Life Drawing 300

Students in Life Drawing 300 focus on more expressive techniques. They begin to develop an individual style, and work on strengthening their existing skills by working both from observation and imagination.

Character Design 300

Through an overview of the characters people have loved and hated throughout history - especially during recent times - students explore the creation and effect of stereotypes and genres within mass-mediated culture, and prepare to compete professionally in the invention of new characters for all media. Students will be required to complete several themed character design assignments aimed at demonstrating their skill in developing and designing original and appealing characters.

Employability Skills I

Having technical skills and talent are no longer sufficient to find and keep high quality jobs. Employers desire candidates with a high level of employability skills that include personal management, communication, problem solving, positive attitudes and behaviours, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Employability Skills courses provide a real world work environment that allows students to practice their employability skills and technical skills while simultaneously acquiring additional entrepreneurial and employment relevant skills. In all programs, ES courses will be operationalized through regional focuses and this will provide an ideal context for demonstrating and practicing employability skills.

3D Animation and Modelling 300/301-302

Building on the foundation laid in 3D Animation and Modelling 200/201-202, this course shifts focus to the application of 3D software for content creation, storytelling, and the development of higher-end animation productions. Students continue to develop their skills as animators and begin work on their final portfolios. In conjunction with the ANPRO courses, modern screenwriting formulas are explored as a resource for students developing individual storyboards and written scripts to be animated.

Animation Production 300

In Animation Production 300 (ANPRO300) instructors continue to guide the development of student portfolios. Special topics appropriate to student productions are covered as needed, such as advanced character modelling and skeletons, cloth and fur, and bind techniques. Instructors also act as mentors
and production managers, helping students resolve technical problems and other issues that arise, and organizing their final output sessions. The workshops will introduce students to project management techniques and how to apply these techniques to the production of their demo reels.

Advanced Lighting and Texturing 200

Building on the foundation laid in the ALT100, ALT200 introduces students to increasingly complex and involved setbased surfacing projects that focus on photorealism. Students learn the tricks used routinely by professionals in the digital effects industry to produce believable imagery and effects suitable for film and television that can be applied to their own individual projects. Depending on the current needs of the students and program objectives, topics may include complex shading networks, simulation of radiosity, polygonal surfacing, environmental shaders, underwater effects, and other material effects such as snow, gases, and particle clouds.

Life Drawing Workshop

Life Drawing workshops provide students with the opportunity to continue developing and honing their life drawing skills. There are no formal lectures, instead instructors provide individual help and feedback as needed. However, instructors may use various types of figures and models and suggestexploration of various foci such as detail studies of hands, eyes, and musculature, human and animal forms, light and shadow, or themes such as dreams and fantasies, popular culture, emotion, movement, realism and caricature, or atmospheric effects.

Career Management

This course is specifically designed for those working in the arts and entertainment industry, in order to provide them the tools they need to deal effectively with their business and financial needs so that they will be able to follow their passion while avoiding the "starving artist" trap. As students work through the course they will build a personal business plan that will be the foundation for building a successful long-term career.

Employability Skills II

Having technical skills and talent are no longer sufficient to find and keep high quality jobs. Employers desire candidates with a high level of employability skills that include personal management, communication, problem solving, positive attitudes and behaviours, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Employability Skills courses provide a real world work environment that allows students to practice their employability skills and technical skills while simultaneously acquiring additional entrepreneurial and employment relevant skills. In all programs, ES courses will be operationalized through regional focuses and this will provide an ideal context for demonstrating and practicing employability skills.

3D Animation and Modelling 400

This workshop-oriented course completes students training in digital 3D software as they further develop and apply their animation and modelling skills through the creation of their final animation portfolios. Content is a combination of set curriculum and customized instruction dictated by individual project needs, with instructors acting as directors for the students final films. Emphasis is on character animation and creative and cinematic storytelling skills.

Animation Production 400

In Animation Production 400 (ANPRO400), instructors continue to guide students progress in the development of their final portfolios. Instructors also act as mentors and production managers, helping them deal with technical and other issues that arise, and organizing their final output sessions. This is a practical, workshop-oriented course designed to supplement 3DAM400. In some cases guest speakers, industry professionals, or other instructors may be invited to class to offer feedback on student work and insight into the industry. The workshops are treated as professional production environments in which students are held accountable for project management, timelines, and deliverables.

Portfolio Production Workshop

Portfolios show the world what you can do. Academic portfolios are the final demonstration of acquired learning and are a requirement for graduation at Centre colleges. Portfolios are also one of the most important tools you have for initially getting noticed and landing an interview for a job or contract. This course provides the knowledge and tools required to complete a highquality academic and professional portfolio in multiple formats and media, e.g., print, web, DVD, tape.

Professional Development I, II, III, IV, V (This is a mandatory course in each quarter.)

The Professional Development Program consists of a series of modules spread throughout the academic program that focus on the personal and interpersonal aspects of employability skills required for success at work and in life. Through a combination of instruction and activities including scenario training, individual and group activities, discussions, and reflection, students are given the opportunity to discover and develop lifelong values, personal definitions of success and mission statements, and to investigate best practices in achieving their personal and career goals. Awareness of expectations and consequences of actions within business and social situations will be emphasized, providing opportunities to develop into the kind of people that others want to know and work with, whether employers, business partners, or fellow workers. This includes behavioural awareness and skills in resolving personal and interpersonal issues, and letting go of schemas that don't support success as personally defined. Practical job skills are also included in the program such as industry research, portfolio criteria, job search, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and employment negotiations. Because the acquisition of soft skills requires a significant amount of exposure and practice in diverse situations, each module will build on the core skills, principles, and tools based on individual and group needs as determined by the facilitators in each module.