Animation for Short Films

In this class, students will refine their animation and storytelling skills by focusing on the process of creating a single animated short, including story development, visualization, character development, shot-by-shot storyboards, keyframing, continuity, and animatics. All of the production steps required to complete a short animated film will be demonstrated and applied through exercises aimed at the production of a final one- or two-minute film by each student or team of students. Participants will develop and refine their personal style through exercises in story design and assignments directed at translating these into moving images. Live action, digitized hand-drawn images, and photographs will be assembled in sync to sound. Compositing exercises will cover a wide range of features. Green screen, keyframing, timeline effects, 2D and 3D space, layering, and lighting are some of the motion graphics techniques that we will use. Methods of digitizing traditional animation will also be included. Exercises will enable students with a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Flash, and After Effects. 4D Cinema is available for those already comfortable working in 3D platforms. Students with more advanced skills wishing to work independently are welcome to join the class.