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MERRIMACK COLLEGE 3D Animation and Illustration FAA4820 Instructor: Telephone: E-Mail: Office Hours: Web Site:
Steve Gildea (978)879-3343, (508)626-8097, (508)479-4274
[email protected],
[email protected] Monday and Wednesday, 12:00-1:00; Tuesday 11:30-12:30 http://suite3d.com/merrimack/3d/index.shtml
Catalog Description Sometimes referred to as virtual reality, 3D computer graphics makes use of the creation of a threedimensional object or environment through a process called, “modeling.” Beginning with a wire-frame model, imagery is developed though the application of a surface to model (texture mapping) and the introduction of virtual lights, cameras, other 3D objects and background images. The result can be output as a single image for an illustration or the objects or camera can be moved over time and the resultant animation is output to video. Student portfolios will consist of printed illustration and videos on DVD. In addition to creating animations, students will get an appreciation of the history of the medium by watching and critiquing animation produced by various studios over the history of the medium. Software: Lightwave, Premiere. Prerequisite: None. Three hours a week. Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes) By the end of the semester students should be able to demonstrate: That they can establish a broad outline of developments in the history of 3D animation in particular and its relation to film, video and 2D animation as evidenced in critiques and class-room discussions. Demonstrate a knowledge of the major influences and breakthroughs in 3D animation. That they can outline a story both in writing and by using storyboards. That they can produce both print resolution illustration and video resolution animation. That they can edit video and audio footage. That they can produce a short animation with expressive and story-telling qualities and with attention to aesthetic concerns. Improved viewing and listening skills as evidenced by participation in classroom discussion of professional and student animation. Grading Grading will be based on individual assignments' quality and concept, final portfolio of animation and illustration, and on attendance. Arriving late or leaving early is considered 1/2 of an absence. Students may miss up to three classes without penalty while 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 absences results in a third grade penalty in final grade (for instance, a B would become a B-). Five or more absences results in an automatic failure of the course. Plagiarism Policy
Any student handing in work that is not their own will be required to drop the class. Supplies Supply of writeable CD-ROMs, DVDs, digital camera, Epson Premium Quality Matte printer paper. Course outline Project 1. Modeling with Primitives Topics: By undertaking the first tutorial, students will learn something of the Lightwave user interface and be initiated in the basics of 3D modeling using primitives and simple surfaces. The early PIXAR animated shorts will be viewed and discussed with attention to the use of primitive geometric shapes to model objects. Project: Create a snow scene or knickknack scene or create an environment of your choosing using primitives. Project 2. Surfaces of Revolution and Extrusion Topics: Tutorial 2 will deal with methods for creating more sophisticated models than is possible with primitives using extrusion and lathing techniques. The class will look at further PIXAR shorts with attention to more complex modeling. Project: Create a still life using object created with surfaces of extrusion and revolution. Project 3. Surfaces and Textures Topics: In tutorial 3 we will learn how to import models into Lightwave and apply various kinds of textures to them. Class will see PIXAR's For the \Birds, which was an early study in more complex texturing (feathers). Project: Apply surfaces to the models created in the previous project. Project 4. Lighting and Rendering Topics: Interesting lights will be applied to models created previously. Rendering processes will concentrate first on high resolution stills. Project: Finish work on previous models, applying textures and introducing evocative lighting. Render two images of each scene at 300 pixels per inch. Print out 8x10 images on quality stock. Project 5. Basic Animation/Video Editing Topics: The objects in the first and second tutorials will be animated making use of time lines, key frames and inbetweening. Deformation and anticipation will be discussed. Samples of these phenomena from Disney and Warner brothers work will be shown as well as early work from the Digital Effects Corporation in flying logos. Project: Create a flying logo. Render the file at 720x 480 pixels and at 30 frames per second. Edit and apply. Output DVD quality animation. Also render the file at 300 DPI for print output. Project 6. Infinite Looping of Variables, Inverse Kinematics.
Topics: The tutorial will examine the use of the graph editor to establish environments with ongoing cyclic activity (walking). Class will view portions of the DreamWorks Studio film, Robots. Class will also discuss theme for final project and examine professional storyboards. Project: Animate a walking robot. Examine Eadweard Muybrige photography to establish key frames for your character. Make use of the graph editor to establish the cadence. Place the character in a simple environment. Output prints and video.
Project 7. Sub patch Modeling, Bones Topics: Methods for rendering complex, smoothly rounded modeling will be introduced. Makoto Shinkai's Voices of a Distant Star will be discussed as it relates to the issue of smooth modeling and the abilities of a single animator to produce a complex work. Project: Model a smoothly rounded object of your choice. Animation of this object using bones is optional. Project 8. Final Project Topics: Storyboarding, Animatics Create an animation based on an existing story, or one of your own. An alternative is to animate a poem or lyrics. Add an audio track to each piece you have done this semester and submit all animations on a playable DVD. Submit print files at 300 PPI on 8x10 stock in a portfolio. Due next week: Storyboard Due the following week: Animatic and some renderings of key models. Finals Day Screening of Final Project. In class portfolio review and critique.
