Sheridan Course Outlines

ANIM54290
Digital Character Project Pre-Production

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: Fall 2008
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: ANIM53650
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 all aspects of the pre-production process from visual design and story development through to practical approaches of film production as it relates to a character driven computer animated short. Through a project basis, the issues of composition, content, style, and the role of a strong character animated persona are explored. Emphasis is put on the practical aspects of design including art direction and storyboard presentation. Development of storyboards and animatics become the foundation for the finished animation film to be completed in the Digital Character Directed Project ANIM51132 in second semester.

Program Context

Comp Animation-Dig Char An

Program Coordinator: Mark Simon

In industry or in independent production the pre-production process is an integral component of the development and planning process of any computer animated film. Students will gain valuable insight into the pre- production process and have a sound blue print for the film work they will produce during the second term of this program.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

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

1.  Apply the principles of cinematic language to CG animated project
2.  Develop a planned approach to the execution of an animated short
3.  Crystallize their ideas in a tangible form (Script, storyboard, 
    animatic, schedule, etc.)
4.  Communicate ideas and concepts visually to an audience
5.  Develop ideas for effective animated shorts enabling the 
    exploration of story and character development
6.  Art direct the design of an appealing character and environment
7.  Demonstrate a knowledge of film direction, editing and a sense of
    filmic timing
8.  Produce creative solutions to problems that present themselves
9.  Organize and reality check their project
10. Demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviour 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:

Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:
Treatment      10%
Script         10%
Storyboard     35%
Animatic       45%
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.

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: Fall 2008
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:

Week 1-6
Module 1: Cinematic Principles - Lecture Series

Targeted learning outcomes: 1-10

Topics:	
Introduction
The Production Process
Shot Choices/Camera Angles
The Moving Camera
The Screen
Composition
Stage Line/Continuity
Storyboard Principles
Color - keys/mood
Light - keys/mood
Short Stories and Story Development  (including identifying story and 
plot types)
Animatics
	
Assignments	
Presentation of final project proposal
3 story pitches
proposed project design examples (script, character, sets, lighting 
etc.)

Week 7-13
Module 2: Directed Project Pre-production

Targeted learning outcomes: 1-10

Topics
Introduction of the Directed Project
Character Design
Group critiques
	
Assignments	
Directed Project Storyboards
Directed Project Design Package
Directed Project Animatic including rough sound tracks
      
Week 14
Assessments

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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