Diploma of 3D Animation

In this practical subject students will learn the entire 3D workflow (pipeline) required to create their own uniquely designed 3D characters. The areas covered will include props and background development, using industry standard 3D software, 3D interface navigation, fundamental 3D theory, character design, modelling, texturing, lighting, skinning, camera animation and rendering. These skills will provide a firm foundation for creating 3D objects and characters. Students will also be introduced to essential skills required for professional practice, including project management, presentation skills, naming conventions and file management.

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.

Students who choose this elective will be introduced to the core concepts and fundamentals of games scripting. This will involve acquiring fundamental knowledge of game-specific programming languages, understanding data types and how to manipulate them with functions and variables using those languages, and an understanding of scripting game logic. This subject should enable the building of game functionality to create games within the game engine and is an essential skill for game designers to master. The subject overall will require problem-solving skills, debugging, professional communication, peer evaluation, iteration, and application of feedback.

Shape your course with a Concept Design elective and 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 expand on their existing 3D skills and extend these to animation. The principles of animation will be applied to 3D characters, props, accessories and background assets, using advanced 3D industry standard software. Fundamental animation theory and techniques will be explored and applied, so that students can create convincing body mechanics and engaging, stylised performances. Time management and communication skills will also be developed as students learn to balance workload with due dates of deliverables and present their work for feedback.

In this subject, students will learn what it takes to bring 3D models to life, utilising the fundamental theories and practises of animation rigging to create a skeleton for organic and hard surface models. Students will apply controllers to the skeleton to create an animation-ready rig that could be applied in interactive or cinematic media. Students will use problem solving and planning skills, and will demonstrate communication skills in presenting their work.

The Game Development Lab is an elective consisting of project based learning, in which students design a range of 3D assets and integrate them into a game engine. The project will be planned and implemented in response to a brief and will involve identifying game development team roles and 3D sculpting of models using industry standard 3D modelling software. Models will be textured, then undergo optimisation and retopology to ensure their effective operation in a game engine environment where introductory level game engine programming will be applied. Students will utilise a production cycle, responding to a brief and modifying assets through multiple iterations in response to testing and peer review. Ethical considerations will be taken into account and applied to the design of game assets. The subject will engage students in collaboration, planning, and project management. It will include agile methodology, presentation and professional communication skills, and response to feedback on industry standards.

Animation requires an understanding of acting technique for the effective application of gesture, posture, facial expressions and voice intonation. This elective 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.