Course Title: Design specifications for animation and digital visual effects
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: VART6493C
Course Title: Design specifications for animation and digital visual effects
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6172 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)
Course Contact: Andrew Harrison
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350
Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Trewlea Peters
Email: trewlea.peters@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 90
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course describes the skills and knowledge required to design specifications for animation and digital visual effects for screen productions such as television commercials, feature films, animated films or interactive games.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAANM513 Design specifications for animation and digital visual effects |
Element: |
1. Clarify design requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Assess scope of design projects with reference to production documentat io n 1.2 Analyse factors that may impact the design process 1.3 Clarify design requirements through participation in preliminary concept meetings 1.4 Itemise and plan elements to be addressed with reference to production documentation |
Element: |
2. Generate and assess ideas |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Generate different design ideas that respond to the brief and provide creative solutions to design issues 2.2 Assess initial ideas and concepts in collaboration with required personnel 2.3 Appraise ideas for implications on cost, technical feasibility and creative requirements |
Element: |
3. Conduct research and experimentation |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Research content and target audience characteristics that influence production styles and techniques 3.2 Trial suitability of various techniques for given design projects 3.3 Organise research and provide required personnel access to experimentation materials 3.4 Analyse and document research and experimentation findings |
Element: |
4. Produce draft design specifications |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Evaluate initial concept ideas in light of research and experimentation findings in consultation with required personnel, and select the most appropriate approach 4.2 Discuss and confirm with required personnel suitable documentation to present design specifications 4.3 Create storyboards according to design requirements 4.4 Prepare or supervise development of sample material to be included in design specifications 4.5 Advise the design and development teams on draft design specificat io ns |
Element: |
5. Finalise design specifications |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Present draft design specifications to required personnel for review 5.2 Participate in evaluation of design specifications 5.3 Negotiate and agree to additions or modifications and amend design specifications as required 5.4 Clarify and devise designer's role for the production phase 5.5 Review process of designing animation and digital visual effects and note areas for future improvement |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.
In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
- demonstrations and practical application
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussions
- screenings
- online research
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:
- reading set texts
- research
- screenings
- production work
- independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
|
Week
|
Class Content – Virtual class |
Class Content – Adobe Class |
Assessment |
1 |
A New Reality Introduction to the Reality Hub. Understanding node structures and their relation to the virtual studio
|
Introduction to Design animation and digital visual effects. Revision of After Effects. Keying, masking and animated masks in After Effects.
|
Assessment 1 due next week |
2 |
Virtual Studio tour Zero Density’s Reality
|
Animation techniques in After Effects. Presets, nesting, interpolation, animation assist, parenting and puppet pinning. Analyse brief and complete Assessment 1
|
Assessment 1 Due
|
3 |
Virtual Studio tour Zero Density’s Reality
|
Introduction to Photoshop. Selection tools, layers, blend modes. Developing an environment in Photoshop. Importing and animating Photoshop documents as compositions |
|
4 |
Reality and Unreal Editor Understanding the relationship between Reality and Unreal Games Editor. Preparing 3D environments in Unreal Editor Four.
|
More examples of motion graphics and compositing educational content in After Effects and Photoshop. Collaboration Meeting 1 |
Collaboration meeting 1 Review assessments and brainstorm ideas from individual research in Assessment 1.
|
5 |
Virtual Studio Practice Learning how to operate the Virtual Studio Editing, cooking, creating sets and launching in Reality Editor and Launcher Group 1 |
Virtual Studio Practice Learning how to operate the Virtual Studio Editing, cooking, creating sets and launching in Reality Editor and Launcher Group 2
|
Assessment 2 – Part A Due next week Assessment 3 – Part A Due next week
|
6 |
Manipulating and restricting UE4 environments |
Assessments 2 and 3 – Part A Organise, research and visual presentation to pitch at least two ideas that meet the client’s brief and target audience characteristics. Finalise draft specifications and submit.
|
Assessment 2 – Part A Due Assessment 3 – Part A Due
Collaboration meeting 2 – Pitch Ideas |
7 |
Start developing UE4 environments for educational content relevant to your Assessment 3 project
|
Develop After Effects and Photoshop projects for Assessment 2 |
|
8 |
Start developing UE4 environments for educational content relevant to your Assessment 3 project
|
Develop After Effects and Photoshop projects for Assessment 2 |
|
9 |
Virtual Studio Practice. Cook and launch your 3D environments and save Rgraphs
|
Virtual Studio Practice. Cook and launch your 3D environments and save Rgraphs
|
Assessments 2 and 3 – part B production set up |
10 |
Virtual and green screen shoots Group 2
|
Virtual and green screen shoots Group 1 |
Assessments 2 and 3 – part B production trials |
11 |
Design, edit and composite elements of Assessments 2 and 3. Discuss findings and draft any changes to your approach to final project. Update paperwork and design documentation from findings for Assessments 2 and 3.
|
Design, edit and composite elements of Assessments 2 and 3. Discuss findings and draft any changes to your approach to final project. Update paperwork and design documentation from findings for Assessments 2 and 3.
|
Assessment 3 – part B preparation Collaboration meeting
Update paperwork and design documentation from findings for Assessment 3. |
12 |
Final virtual and green screen shoots Group 1 |
Final virtual and green screen shoots Group 2
|
Assessments 2 and 3 – part B production |
13 |
Shoot, edit and composite individual version of project to put forward as sample material for Assessments 2 and 3. |
Shoot, edit, composite and animate individual version of project to put forward as sample material for Assessments 2 and 3.
|
Assessments 2 and 3 – part B production and post-production |
14 |
Edit and composite individual version of project to put forward as sample material for Assessment 2. |
Edit, composite and animate individual version of project to put forward as sample material for Assessments 2 and 3.
|
Assessments 2 and 3 – part B post-production |
15 |
Finalise your version of project to put forward as sample material for Assessments 2 and 3.
|
Finalise your version of project to put forward as sample material for Assessments 2 and 3.
|
Assessment 2: Part B and Assessment 3: Part B are due next week Assessments 2 and 3 - post-production
|
16 |
Finalise sample material for Assessment 3. Preview all group members individual projects and collectively decide on three samples to present to the client. Review own performance, evaluate areas for improvement.
|
Finalise sample material for Assessment 2. Preview all group members individual projects and collectively decide on three samples to present to the client. Review own performance, evaluate areas for improvement.
|
Assessment 2 – Part B Due Assessment 3 – Part B Due
Collaboration meeting 6 – Prepare final documentation with sample material for final presentation. Present design specifications and sample material to relevant personnel.
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
Assessment Task 1 - Interpret Project: assess scope and analyse factors that could impact on design process. Students must independently clarify design requirements, breakdown brief, analyse the scope, itemise elements, research content and target audience characteristics, and develop a range of ideas to present to your production group at the start of assessment 2 and 3. Due date: Week 2.
Assessment Task 2 - Trial 1: Animation and VFX Composite Experiments. This assessment is divided into two parts. Part A - Research, brainstorm, draft design specs for at least 2 ideas for presentation pitch ideas to the client and finalise the projects direction after client (teacher) feedback. Part B - Shoot trials and experimentation for the project; composite and edit; report and analyse findings, and update design specs and review processes. Due date: Part A - week 6, Part B - week 16
Assessment Task 3 - Trial 2: Experimenting with 3D Environments in Unreal Engine and Shooting in a Virtual Studio. This assessment is divided into two parts. Part A - Research, brainstorm, draft design specifications for at least two ideas for presentation, pitch ideas to the client and finalise the project after client (teacher) feedback, and finalise design specifications. Part B - Shoot trials and experimentation for the project, edit trials into the best sample material, and report and analyse findings, update design specifications and review process. Due date: Part A - week 6, Part B - week 16
Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access Student Essentials through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview