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GAD333 - Advanced Character Animation

Student applies techniques learned in previous character modeling and animation courses to
create a 30 to 60 second animation with a purpose. Topics to be covered are effective use of
camera, multiple characters with interaction for video game sequence, and effective use of
low-polygon character and environment models.

WK During Class Homework Due at the beginning of class
01
  Go over syllabus
  9th Quarter Review - Modeling & Animation
   
Reference
  11 Second Club
  Behind The Scenes: Character Emotions
  Team Fortress 2: Meet The Engineer
  Animation Mentor Class 4 (1)
  Animation Mentor Class 4 (2)
  Inspired 3D Advanced Rigging and Deformations
  Project 1 - Studying Your Characters
  - Premise/theming of environment (1 paragraph)
  - 2 character bio/summaries (1 paragraph each)
  - Mood and Character boards
  - Black and white storyboards for idle cycle
  - Colored storyboards for full animation (15-30s)
  - Colored models sheets for both characters
  - Assemble above elements into one PowerPoint
 
02
  Critique
  Rigging 101 / Lip syncing
  Sound Booth / Audio recording
  Lab
   
Reference
  The Free Sound Project
  Mouth Shapes
  Project 2 - Creating Your Characters
  - Model both characters
  - Create rigs for both characters
  - Block out idle animations
  - Block out char. animations in rough box env.
  - Texture character with base colors
  - Record scratch audio and sfx
  - Compress video as Sorenson 3 QuickTime MOV
  Project 1 - Studying Your Characters
  - Premise/theming of environment (1 paragraph)
  - 2 character bio/summaries (1 paragraph each)
  - Mood and Character boards
  - Black and white storyboards for idle cycle
  - Colored storyboards for full animation (15-30s)
  - Colored models sheets for both characters
  - Assemble above elements into one PowerPoint
03
  Critique
  Lab
 
  Project 2 - Creating Your Characters
  - Model both characters
  - Create rigs for both characters
04
  Critique
  Lab
 
  Project 2 - Creating Your Characters
  - Model both characters
  - Create rigs for both characters
05
  Critique
  Lab
 
  Project 2 - Creating Your Characters
  - Block out idle animations
  - Block out char. animations in rough box env.
06
  Critique
  Lab
  Project 3 - Environment
  - Model environment assets
  - Texture environment assets
  - Initial lighting pass on environment
  - Initial camera animations w/ lighting and sfx
  - Record full soundscape
  - Compress video as Sorenson 3 QuickTime MOV
  Project 2 - Creating Your Characters
  - Texture character with base colors
  - Record scratch audio and sfx
  - Compress video as Sorenson 3 QuickTime MOV
07
   
  Project 3 - Environment
  - Continue modeling and texturing env. assets
  - Initial lighting pass on environment
  - Initial camera animations w/ lighting and sfx
08
  Critique
  Turn in 9th Quarter Review discs
  Lab
  9th Quarter Review - Modeling & Animation
  Final Cut
  - Polish all character animations
  - Polish all camera animation
  - Polish all lights
  - Polish all textures
  - Render out animation
  - Record final audio and tweak sfx
  - Compress video as Sorenson 3 QuickTime MOV
  Final PowerPoint
  - Premise/theming of environment (1 paragraph)
  - Techniques used to implement said theming
  - 2 mood/character boards
  - 2 colored model sheets for both characters
  - 2 character bio/summaries (1 paragraph each)
  - Environment blueprints and camera locations
  - Colored storyboards for full animation (15-30s)
  - 2 sexy renders of your final environment w/props
  - Points on what worked and what didn't
  Project 3 - Environment
  - Record full soundscape
  - Compress video as Sorenson 3 QuickTime MOV
09
  Critique
  9th Quarter Review suggestions with Gabe
  Lab
   
10
  Final Cut
 
  9th Quarter Review - Modeling & Animation
  Final Cut
  - Polish all character animations
  - Polish all camera animation
  - Polish all lights
  - Polish all textures
  - Render out animation
  - Record final audio and tweak sfx
  - Compress video as Sorenson 3 QuickTime MOV
  Final PowerPoint
  - Premise/theming of environment (1 paragraph)
  - Techniques used to implement said theming
  - 2 mood/character boards
  - 2 colored model sheets for both characters
  - 2 character bio/summaries (1 paragraph each)
  - Environment blueprints and camera locations
  - Colored storyboards for full animation (15-30s)
  - 2 sexy renders of your final environment w/props
  - Points on what worked and what didn't