Term 1

2D or 3D Animated Film Preproduction

Students choose to produce their Animated short film in either 2D or 3D while exploring and developing their story ideas. Students create and present several stories, along with supplemental visuals that result in a final story selection. The story is expanded visually from a pitch board into a comprehensive storyboard. The static storyboard transitions into a moving 2D Animatic

Duration: 3 months

Term 2

2D or 3D Layout

A finished 2D or 3D layout is assembled based on their 2D animatic. The technical setup process is conducted to incorporate the student’s characters, props and their sets. Final dialogue and music is recorded and broken down for synchronous purposes. Blocking of character animation commences.

Duration: 3 months

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Term 3

2D or 3D Animated Film Production

Blocking of character animation key poses continues. Successful transitioning from and into the poses and actions before and after each scene to carry sequence flow. Addition of breakdown key poses to refine character’s actions, timing and arcs. Cleaning-up and polishing of animation commences. Bringing life to an animated character and obtaining a believable performance to support the story is the ultimate goal. Color studies of the character and the background are finalized through the completion of Color Scripting.

Duration: 3 months

Term 4

2D or 3D Animated Film Postproduction

This course completes the production of a short 2D or 3D Animation film. Animation is finalized and polished to bring students storytelling abilities up to industry standards. Final textures and materials are applied to all models. 2D or 3D lighting is created for each scene. This final term includes the rendering and compositing of each scene. Animation Festivals are researched and studied for the entry guidelines, festival circuits, screenings, marketing materials including the professional opportunities and benefits available to filmmakers.

Duration: 3 months