ART 496
Advanced Animation
SPRING 2013
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
LOS ANGELES
Professor JIM OVELMEN
jim@jimovelmen.com
Jim.Ovelmen@calstatela.edu
Meeting Time THURSDAYS 4:20pm-9:30pm
Office FA 227
Phone Ext. 3-4033
Class Location Rm. FA 225, Art Department
OFFICE HOURS: SEE SYLLABI PAGE
*if you would like to meet with me during my Office Hours,
Please make an Appointment in the Art Office as well as email me
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course present a focused study of advanced 3D character and non-character animation mainly using Maya as our platform, although 2D animation is supported and encouraged. As is ART494 students are allowed to use provided pre-rigged characters, or create thier own. Similar also the the 494 class, students are expected to complete animation specific assignments on a weekly basis. In this class, however, the assignments are both more challenging and conceptually based. Students are expected to already posses a foundational stregnth in locomotion and timing and priciples of 2D and 3D animation. In this class, the student will not only be challeneged and pushed further in their skill and ability in the techniques of animation, they will be expected to give highly creative, expressive and unique solutions to assignments. The solutions students create and the effectiveness of thier communication as animation is the center of thier success in this class
New tools, techiniques, effecient ways of ceating high-quality animated content, will be given in the form of lectures demonstration and illustrations on this web site. Examples of professional work, and sample of successful animated pieces from all over the world will be shown on a regular basis.
Turtorials and demonstrations may come in the for of short demos and divulging of tips and worklfows, icluding an extensive array of tools and uses. blend-shape creation for facial animation, animating various attributes, set driven keys, dynamics/ particle animation, writing scripts and expressions.
After this class is successfully completed, the student will be technically and conceptually prepared to begin the Capstone Animation process, where they will have the abiility to create thier own character or content into the short-film story process or be prepared for the thesis level work.
PREREQUISITES
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Class lectures, in-class assignments, and project related demonstrations will be provided from original or researched content. Supplemental homework assignments, specific tutorials from published sources will be given. Most of these assignments are, of course, to be done exclusively outside the hours of class time.
The expecation is 3 to 6 hours per week working outside of class on project assignments and homework. Lab hours will be posted.
There are numerous books and online tutorials on 3D and classic animation. I have listed recommendations of texts and URLs for further study. I will also distribute, handouts, images, and other reference materials to supplement your studies.
STUDENT RESOURCES
modeling
Mudbox, Z-Brush, Ryan Kittleson Method, Joan of Arc Turtorial, Box Modeling, etc...
rigging
Stop Staring, BLENDER NATION , RIGGING 101 , GENERI , BLENDER NATION ,Animation Mentor,
SOME USEFUL RIGS:
MorpheusRigPack, Morhpheus_v1_00.mb, MorpheusBeta_v02, MorphyFacialBeta
 |
 |
 |
| RIGME | ||
| simple guy |
ANIMATION REELS
face robot: old lady, young girl
image metrics (facemocap): lady, guytohulk, old man
PROFESSIONAL CGI SITES
Creative Crash, AWN, CGChannel
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency at timing, weight, and locomotion of lifelike animated content.-Create a high-quality, expressive, short animated projects, ready for broadcast, the web or short presentation. Have a deep understanding of essential animation concepts and appreciation of the underpinnings of the craft and artform through exposure to historical and contemporary examples; which will broaden their experience, thus, approach to the animated form.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Timing for Animation, by Harold Whitaker and John Halas, Focal Press ISBN 0-240-51714-8
-The Illusion of Life, Disney Animation Walt Disney Productions ISBN 0-7868-6070-7
-The Animator’s Reference Book , Les Pardew & Ross WolfleyThompson Course Technology, USBN 1-59200-675-2
-The Animators Survival Kit, by Richard Williams, Faber, ISBN 0-571-20228-4
-Cartoon Animation, by Preston Blair, Walter Foster, ISBN 1-56010-084-2
-Understanding Comics, Scott McCould, ISBN 0-06-097625-X
REQUIRED SUPPLIES
4 Gig Flash Drive
100-200 Gig External Drive
10x14" Sketchbook
Drawing supplies, pencils, pens
dry erase markers
small mirror
THURSDAY
April 4th
PRODUCTION LOOK
production
flowchartREFRESHER ON BASIC TIMING
concepts
* Timing
* Anticipation
* Follow-through
* Overlapping action
* Weight and balance
* Staging and silhouettesanticipation explained, antic grab, antic cartoon, follow through, flag_cycle, stick_and_string, force,
REFRESHER ON PRICIPLES of WEIGHT:
ball-bounce full, Bowling ball down, ball-bounce Part1, ball-bounce Part2, ball compare, inanimate object nature, anything a ball, parabolas, water balloon, weight and force, fast action antic
FINDING STRONG POSES and TIMING
in class demo, and excersise
LAYERED versus POSE to POSE animation
in class assignment: Basic Jump
do one POSE to POSE, do one LAYERED style of animation
TECHNICAL REFRESHERS
The Graph Editor
Normalize Curves, Buffer Curves, Breakdown Keys (Keys>Convert), prompt set keys Animation Channels, muting Channels, Locking Channels,
Other Editors: Dope Sheet, Trax Editor, Outliner
S Sets a key the same as Animate > Set Key
Shift-W Sets keys for translation
Shift-E Sets keys for rotation
Shift-R Sets keys for scaleAnimate>Ghost Selected to see trail
POSE to POS animation tutorial
PROJECT #1 AN OLYMPIC ACTION
Using ONE of the rigs below, create a character animation that incorporates a sporting or olympic event in some way. Look for action in the event that present clear, strong poses. What can be even more interesting are moments that causes the character to fall off balance and regain balance. You may choose layered animation or pose to pose, your preference. Begin by blocking in your poses, keep a clean graph editor, and focus on quality over quantity. Look for video reference on the internet, or act out yourself or video tape yourself. Take only one part of the action that is most interesting in terms of clear poses. Create at a 10 second animation.
Due at the beginning of class next class, next week. Playblasts are acceptable but must be HD in size and all controls and grid must be hidden. You may use/build simple props if you wish.
IMPORTANT: Be prepared to receive criticism on the strength/weaknesses of your animation in terms of weight, timing, silhouette, posing, and staging. These are basic concepts of locomotion that should have been mastered in the prerequisite class ART494. We will quickly move into advanced and nuanced animation assignments, including acting. If you are not up to speed with this assignment, you need to spend extra time outside of class on tutorials. You will be working approximately 8 hours outside of class per week, and will have an assignment due nearly every week. The idea is not that you will produce masterpieces for your demo reel, but that you can work professionally, creatively per deadline to jumpstart growth in your advanced animation skills. The rapid quarter class structure demands this. At the end of this class, You may, for your own demo reel, choose one project to polish over many months. This is indeed what is needed to be competitive in the actual animation world. Putting class assignments on your professional demo reel is not competitive. You still may be a year(s) away from having good enough work for that. You must understand the level of time and commitment is immense. Know that it is possible to work MONTHS on just 20 seconds of character animation. In this class, we will have a much faster pace. We will be using "pre-rigged" characters so that we may focus every minute of available time dedicated to animating. This is an understandable compromise because the anatomy of a rig essentially influences its movement and expressive potential. Moreover, I can only evaluate your work based on the success of the ANIMATION, and not the properties, nor the engineering, look, or design of a rig or a particular character.
This why it is important to use a good quality rig, or if you find something new, show it to me first before I allow you to use it for your animation. The rigs featured in this website are student quality and good for university animation courses.
You are also expected TO SPEAK in critiques. Adding constructive criticism. Failure to verbally contribute or remaining silent in critiques will greatly impact your participation grade.
For An OLYMPIC ACTION You may choose ONE of the following prerigged characters.
 |
 |
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
THURSDAY
April
11th
PROJECT #1 AN OLYMPIC ACTION is DUE today
lecture about animation hiearchy IK and FK, joint orientation, joint axes, local/world/object axes
Basic Concepts of Skeleton Control
Skeletons and Skinning, Kinematics, Joints and Bones, IK solvers, Pole Vectors
Futher Study:
-creating expressions, create a Reverse Foot Lock, IK/FK switching
PROJECT #2 THE LOSER must be at least 15 seconds. HD sized. Hardware render acceptable.
Create an animation showing the concept of "Dejection"
For THE LOSER You may choose ONE of the following...
GENERI_rig.mb PACKAGE MAN.mb Morpheus is a high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body, and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability, download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures; a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of use and details click the below link.
THURSDAY
April
18th
PROJECT #2 THE LOSER is DUE today
IN CLASS DEMO
BUILDING AND RIGGING A SIMPLE CHARACTER by creating the Skeleton first, and using SudDiv to "grow" out the body. The Convert to Polys. SMOOTH BIND to Skeleton, and Look At weighting issues.
Emphaszie the Difference between Rigid and Smooth Binds
Skeletons and Skinning, Kinematics, Joints and Bones, IK solvers,
Utility Nodes, Squash and Stretch Expressions, MEL scripting a sample setup, Facial Blendshapes, Wrap Deformers, Expressions for a Flapping Wing, Set Driven Keys
use reference:
dive, lift_2D, lift_3D, pull, push, animating a lift
have the joints rotate and the character walk in place: FK. then try an IK setup
Demos/Lecture:
Painting Weights
Character animation must be at least 15 seconds. HD sized. Hardware render acceptable.
You may also choose to do 2D animation for one or all of the subsequent assignments. However, you must speak to me about it first to show me you have the skills to pursue this.
For FUTILITY you may use ONE of the following, OR alternatives below...
|
|
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Alternatives...
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| PACKAGE MAN.mb | IK Joe.mb | GENERI_rig.mb | MEEPER_low.mb | Go Your Own Way | do a 2D animation |
| Fully rigged character. Facial Setup, IK/FK spine, IK/FK arms and more. | Generic Segmented Character
Rig. has a very nice, simple yet advanced facial setup, plus extra
goodies. |
Generi is a very generic/basic model rigged for character animation, Full lip sync and facial controls including the trigger UI. It's a simple model with a high quality rig. | Fully rigged character. Facial Setup, Low rez. | You may use your own rig, or one you find or use abstract forms. Must be approved by me before strating!! | If you wish, you may do a 2D animtion for this assignments. See below... |
| How to Use | How to Use | How to Use | More Info | more about |
THURSDAY
April
25th
PROJECT #3 FUTILITY is DUE todayBECAUSE OF THE FORCED CLOSURE OF THE CAMPUS LAST THURSDAY TODAY you will turn in PROJECT #2 THE LOSER, which we will critique in class. FOR NEXT WEEK: YOU MAY CHOOSE EITHER FUTILITY or TIME's ARROW project. In other words, I will reduce the project amount for this class by one, and grade accordingly.character animation must be at least 15 seconds. HD sized. Hardware render acceptable.
For TIMES ARROW you may use ONE of the following, OR alternatives below...
|
|
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PACKAGE MAN.mb | Go
Your Own Way |
Do a 2D animation |
|||
Fully
rigged character. Facial Setup, IK/FK spine, IK/FK arms and more.
|
Generic Segmented Character
Rig. has a very nice, simple yet advanced facial setup, plus extra
goodies. |
Generi is a
very generic/basic model rigged for character animation, Full lip
sync and facial controls including the trigger UI. It's a simple
model with a high quality rig. |
Fully rigged
character. Facial Setup, Low rez. |
You may use your
own rig, or one you find or use abstract forms.
Must be approved by me before strating!! |
If you wish, you may do a 2D animtion for this assignments. See below... |
THURSDAY
May 2nd
PROJECT #4 TIMES ARROW is DUE today
TRAX EDITOR in Maya:
Trax Editor is very useful for blending, repeating, and retiming animated clips which can are stored and edited in completely "nonlinear" form. It is a very powerful non-linear editor.
The Trax editor the used more by video game projects than feature film. Although not generally considered precision tool for feature-quality character animation, Trax may be extremely useful in video game characters who's motions are repetitive, for background characters (like aimated crowds or repeating behaviors) etc. Moreover, Trax can be helpful for creating, blending, and reusing FACIAL EXPRESSIONS of a character.
Of course, you can build a whole library of facial animation clips and use them over and over.
creating Character Sets in TRAX
show relevant FILMS or ANIMATED shorts relating to class topics.
IN CLASS DEMO, LECTURE, PRESENTATION:
Dynamics, Motion Graphics, Abstract animation,
you may use Maya Dynamics, Houdini, After Effects, and/or 2D animation techniques to achieve the assignment.
Walk Cycle Refresher
angry walk, cool walk, depressed walk, dreamy walk, happy walk, macho walk, run, run_away, run_toward, skip, sneak, tip toe
PROJECT #5 RUBE GOLDBERG
Create an animation in the Spirit of the "Rube Goldberg Machine" must be software or hardware RENDERED, HD sized, and at least 20 seconds.
 |
Do a DYNAMIC ANIMATION* |
| You are expected to answer this assignment by using rigid body or dynamic simulations and/or 2D animation. You may use Maya or Houdini or 2D animation techniques to answer this assignment. An instructor demo will be given at the beginning of the week. |
THURSDAY
May 9th
PROJECT #5 RUBE GOLDBERG is DUE today
PROJECT #6 GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
Create a character animation displaying the idea of "grace under pressure" Must be at least 15 seconds, hardware render playblast at HD size.
You may chose from the same cast of characters/choices that was given in week 4
IN CLASS DEMO
THURSDAY
May
16th
PROJECT #6 GRACE UNDER PRESSURE is DUE today
PROJECT #7 DANCING with THE FALLEN STARS
Character animation. must be at least 25 seconds. HD sized. Hardware render acceptable.
:
For DANCING you may use ONE of the following, OR alternatives below...
|
|
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Alternatives...
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| PACKAGE MAN.mb | IK Joe.mb | GENERI_rig.mb | MEEPER_low.mb | Go Your Own Way | Do a 2D animation | DIVA.mb | BASIC GUY(zip) |
| Fully rigged character. Facial Setup, IK/FK spine, IK/FK arms and more. | Generic Segmented Character
Rig. has a very nice, simple yet advanced facial setup, plus extra
goodies. |
Generi is a very generic/basic model rigged for character animation, Full lip sync and facial controls including the trigger UI. It's a simple model with a high quality rig. | Fully rigged character. Facial Setup, Low rez. | You may use your own rig, or one you find or use abstract forms. Must be approved by me before strating!! | If you wish, you may do a 2D animtion for this assignments. See below... | Fully rigged character. Facial Setup, Low rez. | Fully rigged character. High quality, facial Setup |
| How to Use | How to Use | How to Use | More Info | more about | How to Use | How to use |
Again, you may use your own found/rigged character if you have one, but needs to be approved by me.
THURSDAY
May 23th
PROJECT #7 DANCING is DUE today
· if you have a character with a facial rig already set-up, or even if you don't, you can convey emotion through a character's body language and timing. Animate a pre-rigged character in an emotional event: rage, disapointment, happiness, boredom, etc. Use any combination of FK or IK whatever suits your situation best. make sure you Animation is at least 15 seconds.
Create an 25 second animation where 2 characters in debate, discussion, or argument
You have TWO WEEKS to work on this assignment
note: you may aslo animate perhaps a "passionate discussion" as well
as literally, an "argument"
Ardman Animation: Creature Comforts: What is Art?, Art2, Zoo Interview, Being a Bird
Animation Mentor: Toad/Frog/Lobster , Erroneous, I threw it out, ooops, water shortage, Generi hates Beets, Feelings Not Important, Nuerotrasmit (blocking)
Other: the truth, FartyAndBloated, the Argument Clinic
Facial Rigging
Demo
· animate a lip-sych with a pre-rigged model, use BASIC GUY rig
· Blend shapes:
(CTRL + MMB to slow down interp)
Models (facial rigging)
"Stop Staring" Facial Animation Setup (rig forthcoming)
practice 3D lipsynching
some sample voice clips for practice (below)
I have nothing to say_v1, I have nothing to say_v2, I have nothing to say_v3
for THE ARGUMENT you may use ONE of the following, or alternates below...
|
|
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Morpheus is a
high quality rig, with facial controls, GUIs for facial and body,
and other special features. To gain full advantage of all his capability,
download the "RAR" file (expand after downloading). It
has folders with the rigs, as well as prefs, scripts, and textures;
a full package of controls you must include for all controls. Follow
all instructions on the site closely.For thorough description of
use and details click the below link. |
Alternatives...
|
|
|
|
|
| PACKAGE MAN.mb | Do a 2D animation | GENERI_rig.mb | BASIC GUY(zip) | Go Your Own Way |
| Fully rigged character. Facial Setup, IK/FK spine, IK/FK arms and more. | If you wish, you
may do a 2D animtion for this assignments. See below... |
Generi is a very generic/basic model rigged for character animation, Full lip sync and facial controls including the trigger UI. It's a simple model with a high quality rig. | Fully rigged character. High quality, facial Setup | You may use your own rig, or one you find or use abstract forms. Must be approved by me before strating!! |
| How to Use | more about | How to Use | More Info |
More about alternate project :
sSample ideas could be: Particle or Dynamic Animation, Abstract Animation/ Motion Graphics. Focused Character Study. etc. Toon shader, or Animated Shader Experiments.
THURSDAY
May 30th
PROGRESS SCREENING FOR #8, THE ARGUMENT
USE THIS WEEK TO RECEIVE CRITIQUE AND CONTINUE WORKING ON PROJECT #8
Finished piece must be Animation-Based and be at least 10 seconds of quality animation.
Below are some misclaneous items for Special Study:
Rendering Alternatives:
· Toon Shaders, Ramp Shaders, vector Renders, and otherwise 2D-looks Options:
1- SurfaceSample+Ramp and Facing Ratio->Condition
2- TomCat get the plugin for TomCat
3- Render Man
4- Mental Ray
5- Ramp ShaderRender Services (Farm)
THURSDAY
June 6th
PROJECT #8 THE ARGUMENT is DUE today
-USE THIS WEEK TO REVAMP A PREVIOUS PROJECT FOR EXTRA POINTS
AND SOFTWARE RENDER ALL OF YOUR ANIMATION FOR FINAL REEL
IN CLASS LECTURE:
Distribution and Portfolio
Consultation on last leg of production: Editing, proper formating, media, specs and content delivery
sample rigging reels: HsuangWei-Liang
FINAL COMPILATION
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Homework assignments will be given points based on accurate completion of assigned readings, assignments and tutorials.
All Projects will be Graded oin the following Criteria
* Timing, Weight and Locomotion Effectively Shown
* Staging and Strength of the Animation Design
* Appeal & Effectiveness of Communication of Animation
* Relative Challenge of the Chosen Animation
*Originality, Creativity and Content (if Applicable)
Each given an equal weight of 20% of the point composition for each project.
It is, of course, the responsibility of each to ensure his/her work in completed an handed in on due dates (see below)
Critical review of your work will provide the source most assessments. Participation grade includes the extent and quality of the participation in the critiques, presentation of projects and positive interaction with classmates and professional approach toward the class. Students requiring any kind of special assistance should speak with the instructor at their earliest
GRADING
Attendance: % 10 (click to see rubric)
Class Participation: % 5 (click to see rubric)
Homework & In-Class Assignments %5 (click to see rubric)
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Project %30 (click to see rubric) [6 each]
DUE TO THE CAMPUS CLOSING...which impacted our class, you will be evaluated for a total of 7 projects instead of 8. Points have been resdistributed to your advantage. You may turn in an 8th project for extra credit.
6th (dancing) %10(click to see rubric) [10 each]
10 points that would normally have been used as scoring for the 7th assignment, has been redistrubuted into your total points. Normally 6&7 are worth 10 points each; in this case, up to 10 points will be awarded for 6th, and 10 points are redistributed into total sum of grade.
7th Project (argument) %20(click to see rubric) [20 points]
FINAL COMPILATION%10 (click to see rubric)
GRADE SCALE: A 90%-100%B 80%-89%C 70%-79%D 60%-69%F Below 60%
Extra Credit:
Students may be able to re-submit any assignment for an improvement points as long as that assignment was turned in the original due date. The policies are specific to each assignment. Check specific project descriptions for more details.
Other opportunities for extra credit are possible involving visiting realted exhibits, films, museums, specific research, attending relevant shows or conferences, or related study, etc. Such points are limited and per the instructor's discretion
POLICIES
The learning curve in Maya is steep, missing even one class is enough to put you significantly behind. Regular class attendance in mandatory. Class attendance is also part of your class participation grade. Arriving on time is equally important. You would be fired in a job you do not show up on time for. The expectation here is similar. You will be considered absent one class period for every three tardies. (more than five minutes late)
THIS CLASS IS ONE DAY A WEEK.
Missing 3 classes, consecutively or not) is an AUTOMATIC FAILURE for the class.
Expect to spend from three to six hours a week on your working outside of class. Lab hours will be available and posted by the end of the first week.
Students are responsible for any material missed due to tardiness or absence. Readings, and assignments, and projects are expected at the beginning of class on their due dates.
Late submissions will be lowered one grade per class day late.
student may be able to re-submit any assignment for an improvement grade. The policies are specific to each assignment. Check specific project descriptions for more details.
Late assignments, or absences due only to emergency or illness may be granted leniency only per the instructor's discretion.