Course Name (short): Digital Methodologies 4
School: All Sheridan Schools
Program(s): Bachelor of Animation
Program Coordinator(s): Angela Stukator
Course Leader or Contact: Michael Carter
Originator: Paulette Geffros
Designate: Paulette Geffros
Version: 2.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar Description
Digital Methodologies 4 continues the development of the skills, knowledge and assessment needed for the conceptualization and production of an animated short film, respective of practical and professional workflow procedures. Theoretical constructs of advanced computer animation and specific 2D and 3D applications, procedures and processes are presented with a view to adapting and refining the animation design to meet a production standard.

Typical Instructional Format

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: Course Contributors: Michael Carter, Trevor Davies and Dave Moffatt

Detailed Description
Digital Methodologies 4 continues the development of the skills, knowledge and assessment needed for the conceptualization and production of an animated short film, respective of practical and professional workflow procedures. By developing portfolios and in designing integrated assignments common to the core courses (Animation and Design, and Story, Layout and Painting) students are encouraged to design, develop and apply the critical knowledge and skills necessary to meet the animation production standard. Student work will reflect a higher level of sophistication and sense of ownership in terms of creative input. It is expected that students will demonstrate greater independence in their approach to assignments throughout the course.

Program Context

 Course Critical Performance & Learning Outcomes

Course Critical Performance
By the end of this course, the student will have demonstrated the
ability to develop and incorporate 2D and 3D digital animation
methodologies that reflect facility in animation production.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student will have demonstrated the
ability to:

1. Develop a production plan for DM production based on his/her
   design.

2. Assemble storyboards for a Leica or story reel that reflects story
   arc and animation timing.

3. Create a finished story that incorporates effective editing
   techniques and construction.

4. Utilize basic modeling principles and applications for both 2D and
   3D animation environments.

5. Finalize the required artwork elements for the animation production
   process.

6. Produce the Leica reel that meets a presentation standard through
   the animation of its components. 

7  Complete artistic, written and oral activities that incorporate the
   appropriate terminology used in digital methodologies.     

8. Create digital animation assignments that reflect the historical
   development of various styles        

9. Generate products that address the spectrum of styles driving the
   animation market.      

Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Portfolio of two (2) 3D in-class assignments  @ 10%     20%               
Portfolio of five (5) 2D in-class assignments @  5%     25%
One (1) major integrated assignment                     20%
One (1) major integrated assignment                     15%
Two (2) reflective journal assignments  @ 10%           20%
                                 Total                 100%

Required Text:	
Kerlow, Issac V. (2004) The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects
(Third Edition) (ISBN 0-471-43036-6)
                                
Note: The intent is to use this textbook for the eight (8) Digital
Methodologies courses within the BAA/Animation program.

Supplemental Reading: Instructor Handouts
Suggested Reading:
Meyer, Trish and Chris. Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects 
Volume 1 The Essentials ; CMP Books (ISBN 1578202493)
Seegmiller, Don. Digital Character Design and Painting: The Photoshop
CS Edition; 
Charles River Publishing (ISBN: 1584503408)

Instructors: Michael Carter, Trevor Davies and Robert Sischy

TOPICAL OUTLINE

Week 1	Introduction and Expectations
		Review of camera, Lighting, Rendering
		Outline of Final Assignment
		The Digital Camera  Chapter 7 (pp. 183  198)

Week 2	NURBS Modelling and Texture Mapping
		Advanced Modelling  Chapter 5 (pp. 125  142)

Week 3 	NURBS Modelling continued 
		Rigging/Skeleton
		Set-Driven Key
		Adding Attributes
		Painting Weights
		Assignment #1 due
		Rigging Techniques  Chapter 5 (pp. 142  150)

Week 4	Poly Modelling
		Texture Mapping
		Applying a Rig
		Painting Weights
		Shading and Surface Characteristics  Chapter 9 (pp. 227  255)

Week 5	Additional Modelling Tools for Props
		Assignment #2 due
		Shading and Surface Characteristics  Chapter 9 (p.255  266)

Week 6	Advanced Animation Tools
		Motion Path
		Cycling Options
		Advanced Computer Animation Techniques  Chapter 12 (pp. 331  357)

Week 7	Work Period 
		Integrated Assignment due
		Advanced Computer Animation Techniques  Chapter 12 (pp. 357  370)

Week 8	Course Introduction, Outline, Evaluation Plan, Overview,
Performance 
                        Standards and Review
		Image Resolution and Output  Chapter 15 (pp. 411  435)

Week 9 	Storyboards, Layouts, Overlays and Underlays, Field Guides,
Graticules, Production Standards, Scanning, Rendering
		In-class assignment
		Basic Rendering Concepts  Chapter 6 (pp. 153  181)

Week 10	Basic Movement by Position and Scale
		Basic Camera Setup and Operations
		Photography 101, Basic Truck and Pan
		Point of View: Anchor Point vs. Point of Interest, Rendering
		In-class assignment
Retouching, Compositing and Colour Grading  Chapter 14 (pp. 387    410)

Week 11	Camera Operations for Zoom, Focus, Track, Motion Paths, Rendering
		In-class assignment
		Animation Journal Group Presentation

Week 12	Camera Setups for Diagonal Tracks, Curve Pans, Multiplanes,
Rendering
		In-class assignment
		Animation Journal Group Presentations

Week 13	Camera Setups for Depth of Field and Rack Focus, Custom Tracks, 
	Camera Shake, Rendering
	In-class assignment
Animation Journal Review

Week 14	Review and Summary
	Integrated Assignment due