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STUDY LEVEL
Diploma
TUITION
$67,050 CAD
DURATION
2 years
INTAKES
Jan/May/Sep
DELIVERY MODE
On campus
about the course
What will you learn?
The Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling Diploma program focuses on various specializations such as character and creature animations, rigging, 3D sculpting, and texturing. Students also learn industry techniques in the fields of hard surface modelling, sculpting, texturing, and surfacing.
This course will introduce students to traditional drawing and sculpting techniques, and will teach them how to translate these skills into 3D models, environments, and animations. Importantly, this is for students who have a demonstrated background in a creative or technical field. Some graduates may be eligible to bypass entry-level roles in the 3D Animation, 3D Modelling, Visual Effects, and Games Industries.
student gallery
Graduate with an outstanding portfolio
Use industry-standard software
Learn programs including Maya, zBrush, Substance Painter, and Blender.
Leave with a stellar portfolio
Leave with a body of work featuring shots, animations, and models.
course structure
term 1
Computer Animation Production
Students will learn the entire production pipeline from story idea and development to recording animations to tape. The language, processes and equipment of digital animation and its production environment are discussed. The focus of this course is on titling, image processing, compositing and 3D animation.
Cinematics for Animation
Cinematics focuses on language and techniques of filmmaking particularly how it relates to Animation and Visual Effects. The course covers such areas as story, shooting, editing as well as how to critically analyze film content as an education tool. Students will board, shoot, and edit a film as well as analyze examples of film production to understand why choices in filmmaking are made.
Introduction to Animation Principles and Techniques
This survey course provides the foundation for all future animation studies by introducing students to principles of animation through the art of experimental and stop motion animation. Students will gain hands-on experience with techniques including the media of clay, paper cutouts, found objects, pixilation, and stop motion puppets.
Perspective
An introduction to the essential principles of perspective used in the creation of artistic imagery. Students will apply perspective principles and develop skills in quick sketches, completed drawings and storyboards. Students will learn how to integrate figures into scenes and plot light, shadows and reflections to create believable environments.
term 2
3D Modelling I
This course covers the basic concepts of 3D polygon modelling. The fundamentals of computer geometry are taught by looking at the basic elements that make computer models. Modelling, lighting, texture mapping, and rendering are introduced in a production setting.
Preproduction Principles for Animation
This course will provide students with an introduction to professional preproduction with an emphasis on idea generation, concept design, visual development, and storyboarding. The latest techniques of preproduction as used in animation and VFX will be introduced to students.
3D Animation I
In this course, students will learn Character Animation in subjects such as pose thumbnailing prior to filming references, and how to build constraints. They will also learn how to determine the difference between COG and gravity-driven movements, and how to use smears to bridge wide spacing. Additional refinements to arcs while maintaining energy will be explored, in addition to picking great pivot points, and the setup of scenes. The final assignment for the term is completing a short animation from start to finish, which must integrate great timing and spline movements.
Clothed Figure Drawing
Students learn skills and tools that enable them to draw the clothed figure in any action or stance within the field of animation. Topics of study include physical flexibility in drawing, essential relationships of the body, ways to achieve three-dimensional form, proportion, foreshortening, and the construction and use of folds.
term 3
Careers in Animation
Students have an opportunity to step back and survey the body of their work. The student and faculty analyze and identify strengths, weaknesses and interests to set a course towards a clear and committed emphasis. This class is the first step in portfolio development to meet current standards in the industry.
3D Animation II
In this course, students will learn Character Animation, such as: why to use reference when animating, improve polishing skills, understand the proper workflow transition from blocking to spline, learn how to address feedbacks, and practice solid body kinematics. The final assignment for the term is completing a short animation from start to finish, this will include good physical acting and contacts. Throughout the course, every lab will be a review for the assignments of the week before.
3D Modelling II
This course provides a comprehensive survey of digital sculpting. Students will learn the methodologies to properly model and texture a creature asset fit for production in a VFX pipeline; Maya and Mari/Substance Painter will also be taught as they complement this workflow.
Sculpting I
In this course, students will start by studying anatomy with traditional drawing and sculpting mediums. As the course progresses, students will transition this knowledge to digital sculpting in Z-Brush.
term 4
Character Rigging
The purpose of the course is to offer a foundation in the concepts of character design and 3D character set-up for the animator. This foundation offers methodology and strategies for designing and creating readily revisable characters for maximum flexibility in a 3D environment.
3D Animation III
This course expands on previously taught animation principles and introduces new advanced animation techniques. Students will learn how to properly utilize facial controls, become masters at filming reference, and have a firm understanding of body mechanics.
Texturing and Lighting for Animation
This course grounds students in the artistic and technical fundamentals of texturing and lighting, providing a solid foundation for further study in the field.
Storyboarding: Camera Language and Animatics
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of professional storyboarding. Topics covered include story development, camera language, stages in storyboarding, preproduction packets, and pitching. The basics of compiling and editing animatics and story reels are also addressed.
term 5
Previs and Postvis
Previs is the creation of animated shots that will guide the shooting of action and visual effects scenes in live-action movies. Postvis is the creation of temporary visual effects shots using live-action plates and animated characters and creatures. This class explores the skills needed for jobs in previsualization.
3D Modelling III
This course is a continuation of 3D Modeling II, where techniques and skills in hard surface 3D modelling will continue to be refined in Maya. Students will also explore Marvelous Designer for cloth creation and design.
Lip Sync and Facial Performances
This is an advanced character animation course focusing on creating strong facial performances. Students will learn how emotions and thought processes are expressed in the face and eyes as well as the importance of subtlety in performances. Students will use the mechanics of lip-sync and apply them to their character animations.
Sculpting II
In this course, students will explore characters and creatures and their topology in relation to being animation-ready. This course will build upon the Introduction to Rigging and Sculpting I courses. Techniques will be reviewed to enhance models and speed up the modelling process.
term 6
3D Animation and 3D Modelling Industry Project I: Preproduction
The first of four sequential final project courses for 3ADP, the goal of this class is to begin developing a professionally marketable reel comprised of the student’s best work. The student will select an appropriate framework for their assembly and will work with the instructor to tailor their portfolio toward employment opportunities. As in all final project courses, the student will hone client/artist relationships by practicing the art of presentation and behavioral skills, and will develop consistent identity, resumé, reel packaging and stationary systems.
3D Animation and 3D Modelling Industry Project II: Production
The second of four sequential final project courses for 3ADP, the goal of this class is to establish and adhere to a portfolio production schedule akin to industry standards. In the continued aim of developing a professionally marketable reel, the student will create effective employment outreach and promotional materials. As in all final project courses, the student will hone client/artist relationships by practicing the art of presentation and behavioral skills, and will develop consistent identity, resumé, reel packaging and stationary systems.
3D Animation and 3D Modelling Industry Project III: Industry Presentation and Critique
The third of four sequential final project courses for 3ADP, the goal of this class is to enhance the student’s professional communication skills with a particular focus on resumés, networking, and giving presentations. As in all final project courses, the student will hone client/artist relationships by practicing the art of presentation and behavioral skills, and will develop consistent identity, resumé, reel packaging and stationary systems.
3D Animation and 3D Modelling Capstone Project: Review, Post-Mortem, and Portfolio
The last of four sequential final project-based courses for 3ADP, the goals of this class are to synthesize outcomes from the previous final project courses to create their final version of a professionally marketable reel and to finalize preparations for job applications. The course also covers such pertinent topics as labour law, creating a professional website, and marketing oneself to prospective employers. Throughout this course students will engage with an industry partner to create a marketable version of a professional reel that meets their needs.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
How to apply to this course?
- Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent
- Portfolio submission of 15-20 pieces of artistic work
- English language proficiency
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