ANIM51132
Digital Character Directed Project
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version   Public
 
Section I: Administrative Information
  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.

Course Name (short): Digital Char Directed Project
School:
All Sheridan Schools
Program(s): Comp Animation-Dig Char An
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: Mark Simon
Originator: Paulette Geffros
Designate: Paulette Geffros
Version:
3.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar 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.

Typical Instructional Format

Lecture
21.0
Studio Course
21.0
Total hours: 42.0

Courses may be offered in other formats.

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: Mark Simon

Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous life and work experiences. 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.


Academic Honesty
The principle of academic honesty 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 faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in the Student Handbook.

Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.

Discrimination and Harassment
Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects 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 are available in the Student Handbook.
 
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