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David Copperfield performs "Squeezebox" in
"An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion".

Course Overview
The "Magic Act" Project

Goal
Students will work in teams. Teams will design and produce storyboards, models and animation sequences for the creation of a short portfolio quality 3d animation. Each animation will contain at least one 3D character that takes part in a "Magic Act". This class will function on multiple levels. On a technical level you will be introduced to the concepts and skills associated with three dimensional (3D) computer modeling and animation. On an aesthetic level you will study and try to create convincing character movement, interactions and camera shots that adhere to the principals and elements of design and animation. students will also be challenged to develop coherent, enjoyable stories.

Objectives

The finished 3d animation and individual student success will be evaluated by each student's ability to:

  1. create coherent and entertaining stories and storyboards
    1. logical shot to shot camera transitions
    2. key poses (for keyframes)
    3. clear dramatic arcs
    4. create a strong visual statement
      1. how are the elements of design employed
      2. how are the principals of design employed
  2. draw, design and construct polygon based models.
  3. create sequences that contain specific principals of animation.
    1. squash and stretch
    2. anticipation
    3. follow thru and overlapping action
    4. exaggeration
  4. design, create and apply texture maps to objects as needed
  5. demonstrate the ability to create keyframed pose to pose and straight ahead animation using graph editors and tangents.
  6. develop and demonstrate the creation and articulation of a successful walk cycle.
  7. develop and demonstrate convincing character movement and facial expressions.
  8. demonstrate the ability to control and animate a virtual camera.
  9. demonstrate the ability to create, control and manipulate virtual lights.
  10. create and type-set typographical elements in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of basic typography such as kerning and placement.
  11. demonstrate the ability to create a synchronized sound track, including sound effects.
  12. work within very strict time limitation in terms of sequence duration.
  13. show up for class on time and meet weekly deadlines.
  14. collaborate effectively with team members
    1. show up for all team meetings
    2. development leadership skills
    3. communicate clearly and effectively
  15. finish the project in the 15 weeks allotted

You will acquire these technical skills while working through a problem titled : "The Magic Act" (a study of form, locomotion, humor and storytelling).

We will be working with a pre rigged character.

Project outline:(specifications)

There will be two sections to the project.

  1. Part 1:
    The "magic act"
    1. which must fit into a 45-60 second framework.
    2. You will be provided a rigged character.
    3. Sequence will start with black screen and fade up with your character in view.
    4. Sequence will end with fade to black
    5. All students will develop walk cycles for characters
  2. Part 2:
    Credits (3d text with character)
    1. 5-7 seconds.
    2. all credits will use the same typeface and proportions.
    3. type specs to be provided.

Homework must be turned in prior to 11:00 p.m. on Monday evenings

Required Book:

The Animator's Survival Kit (Paperback)
author: Richard Williams (Author)
edition and ISBN number :
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571202284
• ISBN-13: 978-0571202287
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches

Recommended Books:

Timing for Animation by Whitaker and Halas
• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (March 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240517148
• ISBN-13: 978-0240517148

Introducing Autodesk Maya 2012 (Autodesk Official Training Guides) [Paperback]
•Paperback: 648 pages
•Publisher: Sybex; 1 edition (May 3, 2011)
•Language: English
•ISBN-10: 0470900210
•ISBN-13: 978-0470900215

The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation (Hardcover) by Ollie Johnston
Ollie Johnston (Author) (Author), Frank Thomas
• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Disney Editions; Rev Sub edition (October 5, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786860707
• ISBN-13: 978-0786860708
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.6 x 1.5 inches

Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics,
Manga and Graphic Novels [Paperback]
Scott Mccloud (Author)
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060780940
• ISBN-13: 978-0060780944
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches

We will be working with Maya 3D 2011.