Program(s): Computer Animation
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: Mark Simon
Version: 4.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: N/A

Detailed Description
Applying the understanding of onscreen timing as well as principles of animation to computer generated animation is essential for convincing object and character performance. This course covers the principles of animation and the physics of motion, while encouraging a sense of personality and character through a specific series of applied computer animation exercises and projects. Each assignment builds on the previous principles learned. The animator's vocabulary of motion is developed through interactive lecture, discussion, demonstration and studio exercises in motion and performance principles.

Program Context

 Critical Performance

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the 
ability to: apply primary principles of animation and basic character 
performance used in industry to their computer animated projects.

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated 
the ability to:
            
1. Utilize basic animation terminology and methodologies. 
2. Identify the differences between "cartoon" and "real world" timing.
3. Choose and apply the appropriate range of animation principles for
   each particular assignment.
4. Complete all assignments within a given time frame.
5. Exhibit professional attitudes and behavior including:
   - acceptance of differing viewpoints
   - willingness to work collaboratively
   - commitment to meeting due dates
   - willingness to be self directed and pro-active in learning

Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Assignment #1 and 2    Bouncing Ball  2 X 15%       30%
Assignment #3          Walk Cycle                   15%	
Assignment #4          Character Jump               15%       
Assignment #5          Character Turn & Walk        20%
Interstitial                                        20%
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.

All students will be expected to take notes in class.  It will be 
suggested that students purchase a copy of the following books:

- The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
- How to Animate Film Cartoons by Preston Blair 
 
Several examples of classical and computer animated and live action 
films will be shown in class to illustrate the principles being 
presented.

Week 1        
Topic
- Introduction to the course
- Properties of light, the eye and the persistence of vision

In Class Activity: Use a Phenakistiscope to better understand 
persistence of vision and the concept of a shutter.

Week 2 and 3      
Topic
Presentations of Assignment 1&2
- Overview of computer animation process
- Beginning of basic animation principles

Assignments 1 & 2:  Produce two animation examples of different 
densities of bouncing balls to demonstrate an understanding of 
timing, weight, inertia, squash & stretch, slow in and slow out

*2nd week of assignment: class discussions and feedback of 
individual¿s progress

Week 4        
Topic
Introduction of overlapping action and follow through.

In Class Activity: Animate a flexible object to demonstrate the 
understanding of the "whip" principle.

Week 5 and 6     
Topic
Presentation of Assignment 3
- Overview of figure action analysis - bipedal locomotion
- Introduction of procedural and key frame animation process
Hand back and discuss bouncing balls assignment in class.

Assignment 3: Produce example of bipedal locomotion- walk cycle using 
figure supplied to demonstrate the understanding of timing, weight, 
inertia, squash & stretch, slow in and slow out, overlapping action 
and cycles.

* 2nd week of assignment: class discussions and feedback of 
  individual's progress

Week 7 and 8    
Topic
Presentation of Assignment 4
- Overview of figure action analysis - bipedal jump fundamentals
- Introduction of character thought process
Hand back and discuss walk cycle assignment in class.

Assignment 4: Produce example of figure (supplied) negotiating a 
standing high jump where the thought process must be obvious to the 
viewer. In addition to principles learned so far, demonstrating the 
understanding of anticipation.

*2nd week of assignment: class discussions and feedback of 
individual's progress

Week 9        
Topic
Hand back and discuss jump assignment in class.

In class activity: Give individual feedback of interstitial 
assignment from design class

Week 10 - 12      
Topic
Presentation of Assignment 5
- Overview of more advanced biped locomotion and character performance

Assignment 5: Produce example of figure (supplied) negotiating a turn 
and walk demonstrating thought process in a short performance. 
Additionally demonstrates an understanding of principles of animation 
learned to date.

Week 13         
Topic
Hand back and discuss turn & walk assignment in class.

In class activity: Give individual feedback of final project 
assignment (design class)

Collect completed interstitials (as to Design ANIM56976) to be marked 
for animation principles applied.

Week 14        
Assessments