Sheridan Course Outlines

ANIM51132
Digital Character Directed Project

I: Administrative Information II: Course Details III: Topical Outline(s) Printable Version

Section I: Administrative Information

Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Winter 2009
Prerequisites: (ANIM54290)
Corequisites: ANIM55468, ARTS53563, SYST54941
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: PR ¿ PCANM Computer Animation Program or equivalent. CO ¿ All other Computer Animation Courses taught in conjunction with PCADC.

Program(s): Comp Animation-Dig Char An
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: Mark Simon
Version: 3.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
This course focuses on the student's success in completing a short CG character driven production encompassing many of the methodologies and techniques learned in the first semester. Storyboards, animatics, shot breakdowns, production schedules etc. come into play in this course. There are regular critique and problem solving sessions with the instructor and student on an individual basis. Also, group critiques (weeklies) place where student's peers can view, comment and forward helpful suggestions on the work in progress. Tracking of the production schedule produced during the first semester aid in the completion of the work within a given time frame.

Program Context

Comp Animation-Dig Char An

Program Coordinator: Mark Simon

The directed project represents the culmination of all the technical and creative knowledge, gathered in the Digital Character Animation program. It represents the major portfolio piece created by the student in this academic year.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

 Critical Performance

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the 
ability to produce a CG character driven animated film using pre-
production tools acquired in semester one.

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated 
the ability to:

1. Apply the principles of cinematic language to an animated project
2. Create a CG character short from script to screen
3. Communicate ideas and concepts visually to an audience through
   story application and development
4. Execute a planned approach to the production of a CG animated short
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of film direction, editing and a sense of 
   filmic timing
6. Produce creative solutions to problems that present themselves
7. Organize and reality check their project and keep their production
   to predetermined timelines
8. Demonstrate professional attitudes and behavior including:
   a.	Openness to peer critiques
   b.	Acceptance of differing view points
   c.	Willingness to work collaboratively
   d.	Commitment to meeting project due dates
   e.	Willingness to be self directed

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Comprehensive Production Chart                               20%
Production development
- midterm (sets built, rough sound track, 
  all animation poses blocked out)                           30% 
Final project
- completed project - approximately 60 seconds animated      50%
TOTAL                                                       100%

NOTE:  A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied to all overdue 
assignments.  Special considerations may be given, at the discretion 
of the faculty, to late assignments with legitimate medical or 
compassionate grounds.  In such cases, students must obtain prior 
approval from the course instructor.  In case of emergencies, 
students must contact the instructor in writing immediately.  The 
instructor will make the final decision on whether a late assignment 
will be accepted.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

	Communication		Critical Thinking & Problem Solving	X	Interpersonal
	Numeracy		Information Management		Personal

Notes: N/A

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) : Office of the Registrar
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous relevant work/life experience, service, self-study and training on the job. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Challenge Exam	Portfolio	Interview	Other	Not Eligible for PLAR
				X

Notes: N/A

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Effective term: Winter 2009
Professor: Mark Simon
Textbook(s):

Several handouts will be provided throughout the semester, alongside 
the screening of several examples of animated and live action films. 
In addition, suggested supplemental texts include:
The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson
Film Directing Shot by Shot by Steven D. Katz

Applicable student group(s): Students of Computer Animation - Digital Character Animation
Course Details:

The nature of this course does not allow for a fixed list of topics 
as they will be driven by new information and student interest.

- art direction 
- the look and feel of the project
- audience 
- who is the audience? Who is the film for? 
- aesthetics
- reminder of purpose 
- Is it going to get you where you want to go?
- are you pushing your personal boundaries?
- are you raising the bar as to the work you have done before?
- staying with planned production schedule and production timelines
- when to change and modify?
- Audio applications 
- appropriate music and sound effects 
- soundscapes

In this class the material learned in all courses will be woven 
together for the production of a final CG animated project, which 
will be completed during this semester.  This class will also 
function to critique, track and problem solve the project with close 
interaction with the instructor and with the students peers in weekly 
forums.

Faculty and students work together in a cooperative way to ensure an 
effective learning environment. Individuals are expected to share 
their expertise and experience with each other to enhance the 
learning of all students. 

This course offers ample opportunity for one on one consultation 
between faculty and students for individual time and attention to 
their projects.

Sheridan Policies

All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Academic Integrity: The principle of academic integrity requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the professor, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own, violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic integrity are advised to review the Academic Integrity Policy and procedure and/or discuss them with the professor.

Copyright: A majority of the course lectures and materials provided in class and posted in SLATE are protected by copyright. Use of these materials must comply with the Acceptable Use Policy, Use of Copyright Protected Work Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Students may use, copy and share these materials for learning and/or research purposes provided that the use complies with fair dealing or an exception in the Copyright Act. Permission from the rights holder would be necessary otherwise. Please note that it is prohibited to reproduce and/or post a work that is not your own on third-party commercial websites including but not limited to Course Hero or OneNote. It is also prohibited to reproduce and/or post a work that is not your own or your own work with the intent to assist others in cheating on third-party commercial websites including but not limited to Course Hero or OneNote.

Intellectual Property: Sheridan's Intellectual Property Policy generally applies such that students own their own work. Please be advised that students working with external research and/or industry collaborators may be asked to sign agreements that waive or modify their IP rights. Please refer to Sheridan's IP Policy and Procedure.

Respectful Behaviour: Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that supports academic achievement by respecting the dignity, self-esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan's policy on Harassment and Discrimination, Academic Integrity and other academic policies are available on the Sheridan policy website.

Accessible Learning: Accessible Learning coordinates academic accommodations for students with disabilities. For more information or to register, please see the Accessible Learning website (Statement added September 2016)

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Any changes to course curriculum and/or assessment shall adhere to approved Sheridan protocol. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.

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