Modeling and Animation
IMA 780.46
Sec. 001 
Intro to Digital Media
Thurs. 5:30 - 8:30pm 470HN
Film and Media Department 
Hunter College
Spring 2006
Instructor: Tim Portlock
Office:402a (I will be moving to  at some point during the semester)
Office Hours: Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 or Weds 3:30 - 4:30 by appointment.
Email:  tim.portlock@hunter.cuny.edu


Course Description and Objectives:

3D digital animation is often used to create imagery that simulates the visual and physical aspects of the “real world”. This hands on production course will examine essential concepts and practices that form the basis of 3D animation. Through critical readings, discussions, viewing and critique this class will also address how realism is constructed and perceived through an underlying set of aesthetic conventions via computer graphics. While this course will primarily focus on the use of 3D animation for linear video output we will also explore the possibilities of this digital framework for other media and expressive forms such as print, graphic novels, film making and net based art.

 

 

 

Course Policies

Prerequisites: Tools and Technique.

Grade Policy: Student's grades will depend on the TIMELY completion of all homework assignments and readings, lab exercises, midterm, a final project, attendance and participation. If a student has any emergencies or difficulties in completing an assignment, THEY SHOULD CONTACT ME AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

Grades will be awarded using the standard grading scale:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
below 60% F


Attendance:

Attendance to all classes is required. Part of your final grade will be determined by class attendance. If a student misses a class section, it is the student's responsibility to make up any work missed. More than three absences will result in an 'F' (failure). Lectures will be held at the beginning of class so you must be punctual. Two late arrivals equal one absence.

Make-ups:

If a student finds they will not be able to hand in a midterm or final on the scheduled day, it is the student's responsibility to notify me prior to that day. Under no circumstances will I accept the work if I have not been notified and arrangements made prior to that day.

Participation:

Lecture must be interactive. To this end, I encourage an open atmosphere where back-and-forth communication is the norm. Students are free to speak up when they need clarification or wish to make observations. Always let me know if you are having difficulties mastering a technique presented in class and I will help you. Plus, you will be expected to work several hours outside of class time each week. You will not be able to finish your assignments during class.

 
Homework:

Homework assignments will be collected at the beginning of class (when attendance is taken). Any homework not turned in at this time will be marked late. Points will be deducted from late homework. There are several labs at Hunter that are available for students to use outside of class to complete homework assignments. The computer lab schedule will be made available.
 


Required Text and Materials:

 

Sketch book.

Blank CD’s or DVDs as needed.

 

One of the following books:

Maya 6.5 Visual Quick Start. Peachpit Press.

Maya 7 Visual Quick Start. Peachpit Press. (when it is published in March)

Learning Maya 7: Foundation. Alias Learning Tools.

 

Additional text and vieweings will be provided by the instructor. 

 

Maya and 3D resources online.

Highend 3D http://www.highend3d.com/maya/

3dbuzz http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_home.php

Maya learning resources from the company: http://www.alias.com/glb/eng/community/about/index.jsp

 

Course Outline

This syllabus is subject to change.

week 1: Jan 26

Principles of the class .Working in 3D space. Conventions of realism.

week 2: Feb 2

Basic Polygon modeling.

Homework: Create a model based on a simple real world geometric object.

week 3: Feb 9

Basic Nurbs modeling.

Homework: Create a model based on a simple real world organic object.

week 4: Feb 16

Hypershade: Shaders, materials , texture and UV’s.

Homework: Take one of the previous week assignments and shade the geometry.

week 5: Feb 23

Hypershade: Shaders, UV’s and rendering continued.

Homework: Create  3 rendering of the same scene that each take advantage of the

week 6: March 2

Modeling topics creating a head. Advanced lighting rendering intro to basic key frame animation and cameras. Video output. Storey boarding.

Homework: Create a self portrait.

week 7: March 9

Present midterm project proposal. Review.

week 8: March 16

In class development of mid term project. Bring all the materials that are needed for the development of your midterm project.

Week 9: March 23

MIDTERM PRESENTATIONS

week 10: March 30

Skeleton hierarchy, rigging and IK.

Homework Create a rigged articulated figure.

week 11: April 6

Character Animation: Creating a walk cycle.

Homework: Create at least 3 sets of cyclical human movement. E.g. walking, eating, smoking.

week 12: April. 13

NO CLASS. SPRING BREAK.

week 13: April 20

NO CLASS. SPRING BREAK.

week 14: April 27

Particles. Final project proposal presentation which should include storey boards and one page summary.

week 15: May 4

Mel scripting and review. Bring all the materials that are needed for the development of your midterm project.

week 17: May 11

In class development of final project

week 18: May 18

Final Project Presentation