Bachelor of 2D Animation

This practical subject introduces the primary skills required to create drawings for animation. It will focus on exploring a variety of theories, styles, elements and practices of drawing and applying them to different genres, themes and mediums. During the subject, the principles of animation will be covered, as well as the sequencing of art for telling a story. Additionally, students will develop key professional skills like responding to feedback, iterative design, reflection and concept communication.

In this subject, students will be introduced to film and digital language through an exploration of the fundamental themes, concepts and principles that apply to film and animation. During the subject, students focus on film history, genre, style, mood and context, and will also learn about foundational animation techniques, like stop motion and illustration with movement. Additionally, reflection and research skills will be developed, as well as the impact of technology on the moving image.

In this subject students will apply visual storytelling design and composition methods such as script writing, drawing, storyboard, animatic and camera composition conventions to visualise and prepare stories for production. Scene structures and character development will be introduced and application of planning principles to several forms of media such as animation and film will be considered. This subject will assist students to develop organisational and creative skills while utilising presentation techniques and responding to feedback.

In this subject, students will develop the skills involved in the creation of characters and environments for animation worlds. The backgrounds and objects that provide the setting for animated action require careful artistic treatment and have a significant influence on the look and feel of animated films. Character design also requires specific skills in creating expression, implying the history and culture of characters and suggesting traits and attributes. Students will design and refine environments and characters, costumes and props as they explore the finer details of animated worlds. This subject will also develop skills related to creative thinking, professional communication, research, plot analysis and the ability to communicate stories through concepts.

In this subject students will acquire the skills for creating both simple and sophisticated animations. The principles of animation will be examined in greater detail, and the methods used to develop animation through keyframing, tweening and frame-by-frame animation will be used in the creation of short animations. Animation development software will be implemented and students will encounter animation on paths, walk cycles and sound for animation. Additional skills covered will include responding to a brief, integration of processes into the production cycle, and advanced time management. The 2D animation process requires animators to continually seek feedback and adapt and refine their work in response, which will be applied over the duration of this subject.

This subject provides an introduction to script and screenwriting for film and animation. During the subject, students will explore the theories and principles of narrative construction and expand the ability to produce sequential art, develop characters, subtext, scenes and screenplays. There will be a focus on plot development, creative writing and visual illustration, as well as how to apply film language in the creation of mood, tension, pacing and drama. Additionally, students will learn how to seek feedback, reflect and adapt during the screenwriting process.

Animation requires an understanding of acting technique for the effective application of gesture, posture, facial expressions and voice intonation. This subject introduces performance concepts and provides guidance in applying acting techniques to animated characters. Students will research and analyse animated characters in terms of movement, unique characteristics, vocal and visual style. They will study advanced 2D character design and develop a character through the production cycle to completion. This will include advanced storyboard and animatic production. The character will be developed according to a series of briefs, requiring students to respond with variations of style and genre, and modifications in response to peer and professional feedback. Mood, environment and context will also be considered when developing the character design. The subject will also involve aspects of planning, professional communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and self-reflection.

Freelancing has become one of the major forms of employment in the areas of media and games. This subject will provide valuable information on how to manage as an independent entrepreneur in the creative industries. The focus will be on legal requirements, finance and monetisation, types of business models, documentation and admin, budgeting, pitching and promotional skills. Examples of successful freelance artists will be examined, and students will research industry and analyse their findings to identify likely areas of opportunity within their field. They will learn about networking, professional communication, planning and presentation skills.

In this subject students will immerse themselves in the future of the creative media industry. They will research and report on new and emerging technologies, their potential applications and benefits, and will provide an overview on their capacity to change the nature of the media or games industries. They will investigate contemporary theories and processes and consider how they may shape the next generation. Students will also trial new and current technologies to arrive at findings on how they could be implemented to produce media, or modify working practices. This subject will also involve market analysis to predict trends and directions in the marketplace, which will assist students in planning their future creative and career directions in media and games. Their research will include hands on experience of technologies to explore their potential uses in the context of games, film and animation. Students will analyse and evaluate the feasibility and costs associated with the use of these technologies. They will develop skills required to maintain knowledge currency, through experimentation, analysis, industry networking, professional communication, presentation and reporting. 

In the Animation Production Lab, students will follow a full production cycle to create a complex 2D animation. This will include script writing, character, environment and sound design, storyboard art, animatic, and final animation illustration, editing and output. Students will respond to a brief and plan the animation using industry standard production management documentation and file management procedures. They will be required to accept feedback and make iterative modifications to their work, and finally to present and discuss their work with an audience.

Forge 1 is part one of a subject that runs across two terms, where students will learn to operate in a professional team, under workplace-like pressure, applying their knowledge, skills and aptitudes to complete a project to contemporary industry standards. In Forge 1, the focus will be on researching client needs and preparing a range of pre-production material required for the development of an industry project. Planning and project management skills will be sharpened, and pre-visualisation of narrative content will be developed to deliver comprehensive planning materials for a substantial production that will be completed in Forge 2 in the final term of study. 

AIT’s The Professional Internship Program aligns students with professional industry organisations where they will work to develop relevant skills oriented to their chosen careers. The elective program aims to enhance the contextual capabilities, skills and knowledge students have developed throughout their course. It will provide an opportunity for students to apply what they know, be mentored, receive feedback and seek opportunities for development in a real-world setting, as well as be exposed to emerging trends and technology that impact their industry. This program can only be undertaken in the final term of the associated qualification. Prior to commencement of the internship, AIT will determine a suitable placement company based on the student’s individual needs, to ensure their supervision, safety and wellbeing are adequate.

This is an elective subject which does not require students to attend class. While support and feedback will be provided, this subject is undertaken off campus and requires students to work with minimal academic interaction. It may be completed independently or in collaboration with peers. In this subject, students complete an industry project of their choosing, related to their area of study. The project will be conceived and developed for a relevant contextual setting, and be presented as a proposal of a specific task, or solution to a problem or opportunity faced by an organisation or industry. The subject is an opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate self-regulated, independent research and study skills, time and project management and professional communication.

This subject helps students search for and prepare themselves for employment. It provides guidelines for how to prepare effective resources for enhancing their prospects in finding employment. Students will be introduced to interview techniques and personal branding through the development of a professional internet and social media presence. They will also learn how to produce effective presentations of their high-quality work, targeted at employers.

The Forge 2 is part two of a subject that runs across two terms, where students will learn to operate in a professional team, under workplace-like pressure, applying their knowledge, skills and attitudes to complete a project to contemporary industry standards. During The Forge 2, students will focus on developing an industry project, based on the pre-production elements that were completed during the Pre-Forge (part 1) subject. The production, to be completed in teams, will be developed in a double subject and presented to industry representatives at the completion of the project. A key aim of the subject is to develop the student’s speed and efficiency in a collaborative work environment. The process of brief, plan, execute, present and reflect will help students become accustomed to project-based work. The subject also challenges students to innovate, to learn from both success and failure, to “know themselves”, and to learn how to work with others. Students will be mentored, critiqued and assessed during this process, with industry experts providing feedback on project outcomes.