DT-216 Syllabus

DT/FM-216 : Intermediate 3D Modeling and Animation
Instructor: Greg Lemon
W/F 9-11:45

This course will focus on utilizing and enhancing the skills learned
in DT-116 to help students create a single piece of animated digital
art. Students will further explore a variety of 3D digital creative techniques
as they each conceptualize and create a polished animated
short film, emphasizing shape, form, camera work, mood, and storytelling
techniques.

The course is designed to lead students through all
stages of animated film production, including narrative development,
storyboarding, art direction and editing. Additionally, intermediate
Maya tools and techniques will be demonstrated, focusing onadvanced
polygonal modeling, UV mapping tools, texture painting, IK
skeletons, character setup, key frame animation techniques, lighting
and rendering.

This course will provide students with the technical
skills needed to produce high-quality animated films, while maintaining
an overarching focus on creativity, exploration and experimentation
through a narrative context.

Pre-Req: DT-116

Grading:

10% : Participation
20% : 2D Animatic Delivery
20% : 3D Animatic (Layout) Delivery
50% : Final Project Delivery

Attendance:

Missing more than four (4) classes will result in a failing (F) grade for the class.

The goal of the class is to produce a high-quality 3D animated short film. The following deliverable milestones mimic the professional animation production process and are also part of your overall class grade.

2D Animatic – 20% - DUE WEDNESDAY, FEB 27
This is an edit of your film composed of moving storyboards and sounds. The purpose of the animatic is to build your film in 2d, using rough drawings and movements. A solid animatic is a roadmap to a successful 3D animated short.

3D Animatic – 20% - DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 29
This is an edit of your film composed of shots of your actual 3D characters and sets with very basic movement and timing. The purpose of the 3D animatic is to build your actual film, using your 2d Animatic as a reference for camera setup and character actions. A good 3D animatic is setup in such a way that the basic movements and angles are all blocked out, and setup in a way that is ideal for animation.

Final Project – 50% - DUE FRIDAY, MAY 10
This is your fully animated, rendered final project. It is beautiful and amazing to watch, mainly because you spent the time on the 2D and 3D animatics and it paid off big time!

Students who DO NOT turn in a final project will AUTOMATICALLY FAIL the class.