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3D Animation & Visual Effects Curriculum

Specializations

12 months, 966 contact hours, 69 credits.
Students work through Production Fundamentals, Production Studio, and Studio Collaboration. The updated program structure includes three track areas:

  • Animation Track
  • Modelling Track
  • VFX Track

Terms 2 and 3 also include elective options. Students choose one elective from the listed elective courses in each applicable term.

Term 1 Courses

In 3D Animation 1, students learn how to create the illusion of motion by modifying values over time, including how to effectively represent forces including weight and gravity. Function curves (f-curves) are introduced and their relationship to the creation of animation is explained. Students are encouraged to visualize and understand the motion both as it appears in the 3D window and as a shape of the function curve. From this course, students will gain a solid understanding and experience of the core mechanics and principles for creating computer animation. This will provide the necessary foundation to learn character and acting in future terms.


Assignments mirror Classical Animation, including the bouncing ball, tail ball, and character jump.

 

 
 

It鈥檚 often said that you can鈥檛 know where you are going until you know where you鈥檝e been, and this is especially true for the ever-changing animation industry. Animation鈥檚 100-year history runs concurrent with film鈥檚 and is equally vibrant. Major events in animation are documented in the milestone cartoons they appear in, many of which the student will view in this history of animation course. Beginning with the black-and-white silent cartoons such as Winsor McCay鈥檚 鈥淕ertie the Dinosaur鈥, the class moves on to offer a historical account of all aspects 鈥 short full-length films, directors, show business, cultural influences, trends, production companies, FX, computer animation and other technical developments. From such Hollywood giants as Disney and Warner Bros. to the groundbreaking style of U.P.A. and N.F.B.C., the student will become informed of the major breakthroughs in animation from the earliest crude efforts to today鈥檚 greatest achievements.

 

 
 

An introduction to using Maya as a tool for the creation of basic objects in 3D, basic terminology, best practices, and workflows for building assets in an industry-friendly method.

 

 
 

This course will outline techniques to surface inorganic models effectively. From the application of shaders to techniques for applying textures efficiently, students will develop industry-accepted practices for surfacing.

 

 
 

Compositing 1 will give students an introduction to the basic core skills of compositing. From interface to finalizing and delivering shots, students will learn and develop skills in Nuke X.

 

 
 

Design will focus on colour theory, as well as introduce the pitching/design process for demo reel production. The colour component will consist of four classes with a classically trained colour artist. The students will learn the basics of colour theory through hands-on application with paints. The demo reel component will consist of a mini group assignment, which will include brainstorming, research, creating a simple pitch and review. In addition, these classes will be an opportunity for QA about reels and the pitch presentations at the end of term.

 

 
 

Term 2 Courses

In 3D Animation 2, students will expand on the techniques and theory learned in Animation 1. Students will learn how to create believable character walk and run cycles in Maya. An object throwing assignment will also be used to further the understanding of previously learned techniques. Accompanying the assignments will be the continued use of video reference with special emphasis on human body mechanics.

 

In Acting for Animators we will expand on the animation process and principles to create an authentic pantomime performance. Students will work on one individual assignment designed to build their knowledge and understanding of shot workflow, body mechanics, action analysis (the practice of observation and application), and performance. Students will create a foundation of research before beginning the assignment including shooting video reference and creating thumbnail sketches. Emphasis will then be placed on blocking and posing before splining and then polishing their shots. Lectures will accompany all of the classes to discuss critical concerns or skills for each stage of the animation process, the language and fundamentals specifically related to acting and animation principles, as well as dedicated group reviews in the progress of the assignment. Lip Sync techniques will be introduced to prepare students for Acting for Animators 2.

 

Surfacing 2
This course will outline techniques to surface organic models effectively. From the application of skin shaders to techniques for applying textures for higher resolution results, students will develop industry-accepted practices for surfacing.

 

The course covers the fundamental techniques for modeling with a focus on character and environment assets. Students will examine the process of creating a variety of models as well as learn the importance of line flow for deformation and form. Students will learn about hard surface modeling and how to work both accurately and to scale. Students will study a variety of modeling tools and techniques. These tools will be applied to a series of modeling exercises and assignments culminating in an end-of-term presentation that will prepare students for the advanced modeling course and industry production.

 

Lighting 1

Lighting 1 provides students with a foundation on the principles of illumination and different techniques used by industry. The course emphasizes the use of light to create the illusion of shape and depth within a 2D medium. With a strong emphasis on research gathering and observation, students will analyse real world lighting scenarios like time of day, weather and artificial sources of illumination and learn to mimic them in Maya.

 

In this Term 2 course, students will complete a simple rig of a proxy character. Classes will cover joint placement, IK handles, set driven keys, binding, weight painting, and rig clean-up.

 

A continuation of learning and using ZBrush as a core modeling tool, further refinement of procedures learned in the previous course with a deeper look into full character or creature creation with a heavy focus on anatomy, as well as controlling topology and polycount entirely inside of ZBrush.

 

In Life Drawing 1 students will be introduced to the principles of observation of the human form. Study will focus on the principles of movement, weight, balance, shape, and anatomy through gesture drawing, long-form poses, and humans in motion. The practice of observation and application will be the foundation from which students apply these principles. Study in shading, shadow, foreshortening, and action analysis further allows students to explore the importance of observing the human form and anatomy.

 

Visual Effects Simulation 1

The purpose of this course is to give students a general understanding of particle systems and how they can be applied to shots to help improve atmospherics such as fog, rain or snow. Students will be introduced to the Houdini particle system and learn how to problem solve within the package.

 

Compositing 2 will allow students to explore more intermediate core skills in visual effects and familiarize them further with the Nuke X interface and its parallel uses with other 3D software like Maya.

 

The art of Pre-visualization allows you to generate preliminary versions of shots or sequences using digital tools in a creative and collaborative way. In this class you will be introduced to pre-visualization as it pertains to film and television. Visual story concepts of line of action, staging, framing and composition will be covered. Students will work in groups and be provided with a 2D animatic which they will interpret into 3D shots. Tools used will include Maya and Premiere Pro.

 

Term 3 Courses

Animation 3

In Animation 3 we will expand on the animation process used to create an animated scene. Students will work on three individual assignments designed to build their knowledge and understanding of pose design, body mechanics, action analysis (the practice of observation and application), and performance. Students will create a foundation of research before beginning each assignment including shooting video reference and creating thumbnail sketches. Emphasis will then be placed on blocking and posing before splining and then polishing their shots. Lectures will accompany all of the classes to discuss critical concerns or skills for each stage of the process, exercises in the language and fundamentals specifically related to acting, dedicated group reviews and in-class exercise relative to the assignments.

 

Surfacing 3

In this course we will take a closer look at how best to use Substance Painter. We will continue to develop our understanding of surfacing methodology and how it fits best into production.

 

In this course we will take a closer look at some more advanced modeling tools and techniques to help with creating intricate and detailed 3D models.

 

ZBrush will be used in this course to create various hard surface assets. Students will gain an understanding of using the various tools inside the program to create organic hard surfaces, as well as inorganic hard surfaces. There will also be an exploration of using additional tools to texture, shade, and render these assets, giving students a look into preparing models in ZBrush for use in various pipelines. During this part of the course, we will explore Unreal Engine 5 as a rendering option for presenting the assets created this term.

 

Production Project 2 course will teach students how to plan and refine their idea for larger scale projects. Through a series of lectures, demonstrations, group and individual feedback sessions, students will refine their project over the course of the term. Students are expected to research, iterate and solve problems that will ultimately lead them to producing a feasibly achievable idea that will help them acquire employment in their field of interest.

 

Motion Capture Fundamentals is designed to introduce students to the mocap process. Using a group project, students will gain an understanding of how to take captured data, apply and augment it within a 3D pipeline. Students will also be exposed to the overall mocap pipeline, as well as how to plan and organize a mocap project. Through a series of demonstrations and hands-on exploration, students will be able to take captured data and apply it to a 3D scene.

 

Required Courses for Animation Stream

This class will build upon the simple rigging techniques learned in Term 2 and build on them, in addition to applying the same practices to a quadruped rig. Other topics covered include a review of weight painting, how to create and separate blend shapes, how to create facial joints, and other advanced rigging topics.

 

Life drawing is the backbone of any art-related field, and animation is no exception. Regular practice at life drawing improves one's artistic performance in all stages of animation production. Through gesture drawing you will have the opportunity to further your animation skills by focusing on what鈥檚 most important in the pose. You will study basic anatomy by exploring the different elements of the human body and how they relate to each other. Additional techniques for improving proportions and simplifying gesture lines will be discussed and practiced.

 

Required Courses for Modelling Stream

In Acting For Animators 2 we will expand on the theory presented in Acting for Animators 1 to create an authentic character dialogue performance. Students will work on a single assignment designed to build their knowledge and understanding of body mechanics, action analysis (the practice of observation and application), facial animation techniques and acting for animation theory. Students will create a foundation of research before beginning each assignment including shooting video reference and creating thumbnail sketches. Emphasis will then be placed on blocking and posing before splining and then polishing their shots. Lectures will accompany all of the classes to discuss critical concerns or skills for each stage of the process, lectures in the language and fundamentals specifically related to acting for animation theory, dedicated group reviews and in-class exercises relative to the assignments.

 

Lighting 2

Lighting 2 explores a variety of lighting techniques as well as lessons in file types and Color Management. These lessons are designed to support the Modular City Modeling Assignment, students are assigned in their other course.

 

Required Courses for Visual Effects Stream

Visual Effects Simulation 2

The purpose of this course is to give students a further understanding of particle systems and how they can be applied to shots. A focus will be on water, pyro and destruction techniques. Students will be introduced to the Houdini particle system and learn how to problem solve within the package.

 

This course will give students more advanced compositing techniques while making sure all the core skills acquired are fully mastered, in order to prepare them for their transition into the studio in the following term.

 

Term 4 Courses

Animation 4

In Animation 4 students will expand their knowledge of the animation principles with advanced levels of application. Students will work on multiple in-class exercises designed to build their understanding, proficiency, workflow speed, and critical artistic eye for mechanics of motion, timing, and staging. Lectures will accompany all of the classes to facilitate discussion about critical concepts, skills, and tools including the mechanics of motion, timing and staging in Maya. Furthermore, students will have opportunities to review their progress on in-class exercises and out-of-class work during dedicated group reviews.

 

In Acting For Animators 3 we will expand on the theory presented in Acting for Animators 2 to create an authentic character dialogue performance. Students will work on a single assignment designed to build their knowledge and understanding of body mechanics, action analysis (the practice of observation and application), facial animation techniques and acting for animation theory. Students will create a foundation of research before beginning each assignment including shooting video reference and creating thumbnail sketches. Emphasis will then be placed on blocking and posing before splining and then polishing their shots. Lectures will accompany all of the classes to discuss critical concerns or skills for each stage of the process, lectures in the language and fundamentals specifically related to acting for animation theory, dedicated group reviews and in-class exercises relative to the assignments.

 

Required Courses for Animation Stream

Surfacing 4

In this course we will take a closer look at how best to use Substance Painter. We will continue to develop our understanding of surfacing methodology and how it fits best into production.

 

This course will primarily cover tools and techniques for character creation and development. We will focus on the tools and workflows that will help in the creation of a character asset.

 

Visual Effects Simulation 3

The purpose of this course is to give students a further understanding of particle systems and how they can be applied to shots. A focus will be on water, pyro and destruction techniques. Students will be introduced to the Houdini particle system and learn how to problem solve within the package.

 

Required Courses for Modelling Stream

The purpose of this course is to delve deeper into assembly of assets used in the Visual Effects (VFX) industry. Students will continue to learn compositing and Visual Effects (VFX) and how the VFX field integrates computer graphics and 3D components with live action plates. This is a hands-on class where students will learn through practical experience. Visual Effects 4 includes comprehensive practical exercises that simulate a current industry pipeline.

 

The key topics are intended to equip students with essential skills for pursuing employment in their industry and position of choice. Students will explore their preferred career paths, conflict management, emotional problem solving, understand professional expectations, create their web 鈥渂rand鈥, produce industry-specific cover letters and resumes, and examine strategies for nailing the perfect job interview. Attendance is mandatory, and students will be evaluated based on attendance of workshops.

 

During your Final Project Development time, you will be working on your final project while receiving feedback and direction. A lot of the time will be spent reviewing the work produced by students while giving them advice and general guidance on how to best develop their final projects.

 

Term 5 Courses

During your Final Project Development time, you will be working on your final project while receiving feedback and direction. A lot of the time will be spent reviewing the work produced by students while giving them advice and general guidance on how to best develop their final projects.

 

Required Courses for Animation Stream

Technical Development Lab is a twice-a-week sign-up block open to students in Terms 5 and 6 to review animatics and designs and technical obstacles. Please have the most recent animatic and/or designs uploaded to FLOW before the session begins. This class works in conjunction with the Production Project and is designed to support the development of your final project with regards to camera, composition, editing, design and story.

 

Discover what it means to achieve your creative goals with the pressure of a real production timeline and with the guidance, support, and scrutiny of your Industry Mentor. You will build self-awareness through mentoring and reviews in this studio-based course. In addition to one-on-one mentoring you will also have the opportunity to participate in advanced technical workshops. You will respond to constructive critique, provide input on the work of your peers, and modify your activities to achieve your project goals. This course provides you with a window into the workings of an industry studio. Your success will be determined by your level of commitment, professionalism, preparedness, and your ability to communicate effectively with your Industry Mentor and peers.

 

Required Courses for Modelling Stream

The key topics are intended to equip students with essential skills for pursuing employment in their industry and position of choice. Students will explore their preferred career paths, conflict management, emotional problem solving, understand professional expectations, create their web 鈥渂rand鈥, produce industry-specific cover letters and resumes, and examine strategies for nailing the perfect job interview. Attendance is mandatory, and students will be evaluated based on attendance of workshops.

 

Term 6 Courses

The key topics are intended to equip students with essential skills for pursuing employment in their industry and position of choice. Students will explore their preferred career paths, conflict management, emotional problem solving, understand professional expectations, create their web 鈥渂rand鈥, produce industry-specific cover letters and resumes, and examine strategies for nailing the perfect job interview. Attendance is mandatory, and students will be evaluated based on attendance of workshops.

 

Post Production is listed in the updated Term 6 Program Organization, but the uploaded merged PDF does not include a separate 鈥淏rief Course Description鈥 page for this course. No description has been invented here.

 

Required Courses for Animation Stream

During your Final Project Development time, you will be working on your final project while receiving feedback and direction. A lot of the time will be spent reviewing the work produced by students while giving them advice and general guidance on how to best develop their final projects.

 

Required Courses for Modelling Stream

Technical Development Lab is a twice-a-week sign-up block open to students in Terms 5 and 6 to review animatics and designs and technical obstacles. Please have the most recent animatic and/or designs uploaded to FLOW before the session begins. This class works in conjunction with the Production Project and is designed to support the development of your final project with regards to camera, composition, editing, design and story.

 

Required Courses for Visual Effects Stream

Discover what it means to achieve your creative goals with the pressure of a real production timeline and with the guidance, support, and scrutiny of your Industry Mentor. You will build self-awareness through mentoring and reviews in this studio-based course. In addition to one-on-one mentoring you will also have the opportunity to participate in advanced technical workshops. You will respond to constructive critique, provide input on the work of your peers, and modify your activities to achieve your project goals. This course provides you with a window into the workings of an industry studio. Your success will be determined by your level of commitment, professionalism, preparedness, and your ability to communicate effectively with your Industry Mentor and peers.