CUA51020 - Diploma of Screen and Media: 3D Animation & Visual Effects

Diploma of Screen and Media: 3D Animation & Visual Effects

OVERVIEW

Have you ever wanted to create your own superhero in an original 3D animated movie, design breath-taking special effects, or make your own animation? The New York Film Academy Australia's 3D Animation and Visual Effects program offered at our Gold Coast location gives students the chance to learn how to make animation using industry standard 3D animation software, that you will use to create and animate 3D models and immersive 3D animation. New York Film Academy Australia delivers the nationally recognised training program CUA51020 - Diploma of Screen and Media with chosen coursework focused on 3D animation.

In the program, students study in state-of-the-art facilities to learn the essentials of 3D animation and learn how to become an animator, starting from sketches, to creating 3D models, to making their own 3D animated movies. Over the course of two semesters, students acquire the technical and aesthetic know-how required to bring their imagination to life.

In addition to working with state-of-the-art equipment and the best animation software, students also get the benefit of studying under NYFA Australia's world-class faculty of accomplished and professional 3D animators and special effects artists who remain active in the industry. Each faculty member boasts a unique amount of professional experience and specialties that will help students develop into well-rounded 3D animators and master the art of how to become an animator.

Students interested in this program do not need to have previous experience with 3D animation, though students with a background in studio art and computer programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop are encouraged to apply. However, regardless of experience level, the pace of the program is intense and extremely hands-on, so students will quickly find themselves on level with one another.

The New York Film Academy Australia’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects program is the ideal choice for those who desire to make their own animation, create original 3D models, and ultimately complete an original 3D animated film. The skills learned in the 3D animation program can be applied to a host of other industries, including architectural modeling, game design, and much more. Furthermore, students graduate with a reel of their completed projects to show to prospective employers. In addition, students get the added benefit of working with their fellow students to create a collaborative network that can last long after completing the program.

Courses

Over the course of two semesters, students will take a varied and intensive curriculum that will cover a wide variety of animation courses and topics in order to learn how to become an animator. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of animation and how the 3D animation production pipeline works. Ultimately, students will complete the program with a professional body of work of original 3D animated films.

Students enrolling in the New York Film Academy Australia’s 3D Animation program will be expected to complete the following learning goals and fully understand the following topics:

1. Design
2. Storyboarding
3. 3D Modelling
4. Texturing / Shading
5. Rigging
6. 3D Animation
7. Compositing
8. Rendering
9. Crafting original visual effects

CUA51020 - DIPLOMA OF SCREEN AND MEDIA - 3D ANIMATION AND VISUAL EFFECTS: APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested students are invited to complete the application form, with a statement of purpose, and attend an interview to determine entrance to the program.

Course Descriptions

3D Essentials Character Animation I Character Animation II Drawing and Anatomy Modelling I

Modelling II Texturing & Look Development VFX Grad Tour Safety on Set

3D Essentials   ICTDMT501 - Incorporate and edit digital video, BSBCRT501 - Originate and develop concepts

In this subject, students will learn to originate and develop multimedia concepts that they will then produce into finished projects, utilising a range of approaches and technology, including Photoshop, After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro. As part of this process, students will learn computer graphics terminology, to utilise motion graphic technology, to manipulate and create composite still images, and to edit digital video and sound that will be incorporated into a multimedia or animation project. Students will also learn about experimental video animation, and create original animation pieces using visual and storytelling techniques learned in class.

Character Animation I   CUAPPM407 - Create storyboards, CUAANM302 - Create 3D digital animations

Students will begin with a survey course in performance and animation fundamentals. The course will be guided by the 12 basic principles of animation, focusing on the tools an animator will need to bring a 3D character to life. This will follow the process of animation from clarifying initial project design briefs and technical and creative requirements, to the development and delivery of storyboards, the use of animation software, the application of basic animation, screen, visual design, camera techniques within a 3D space, and the completion, delivery and finalisation of projects, meeting scheduled deadlines.

Character Animation II   CUAANM501 - Create 3D digital character animation, CUAIND502 - Maintain and apply creative arts industry knowledge

This class will focus on the production of a polished final portfolio piece as a fully 3D animated short film. Students will research and plan, create thumbnail sketches, storyboard, workshop, record and edit audio, create an animatic, schedule, and animate their final project for the course. Guided by the 12 basic principles of animation, students will animate their first pass. In the final phase of the class, students will create their final scene of at least two animated characters.

Drawing and Anatomy   CUAACD503 - Select and refine a specialised drawing technique

The purpose of this course is to explore and become familiar with the human form. Students will gain a deep and intimate knowledge of the human form on a perceptual and anatomical level. The classes will be focused on direct observation from a live model, focusing on gesture and accurate proportions. This course covers advanced drawing concepts as they relate to figure drawing, character modeling, and animation. Topics include basic human and animal anatomy and form as it relates to the surrounding environment and spatial relationships. In this course, students will continue to develop the figure by using the basic understructure for animation. Rotation of poses, simple motion studies, sense of weight, gesture studies, action line, and the use of light and shadows will be incorporated into the development of the figure studies.

Modeling I   CUAANM303 - Create 3D digital models, BSBDES402 - Interpret and respond to a design brief

In Modelling I students will seek to acquire the skills and knowledge required to create 3D digital models. This will involve interpreting and creatively responding to a design brief, planning, and communicating production strategies required to create 3D digital models that meet technical and design specifications. In this subject, students will also learn and utilise basic 3D modeling concepts, software, and tools. Students will apply principles of polygonal modeling to the creation of animation props and simple characters.

Modeling II   CUAANM401 - Create advanced 3D digital models

Students will learn and utilise 3D modeling software concepts, workspace, and tools. Students will apply principles of polygonal modeling to the creation of animation props and simple characters. Students will be able to render models for presentation. In their final project, students will create a mid- to advanced-level model of their own choice. They will also develop a rudimentary rig for animation testing purposes.

Texturing & Look Development   ICTGAM525 - Apply digital texturing for the 3-D environment in digital games, CUAANM502 - Create 3D digital environments

Texturing & Look Development will introduce students to the basics of texturing and shading models to achieve photorealistic results. The subject will focus on the creation of 3D digital environments using appropriate software, reference material, and established designs. As part of this process, students will gain the knowledge to research, select techniques, and apply industry-standard graphic software tools to digital texturing for the 3D environment.

VFX Grad Tour   CUAANM503 - Design animation and digital visual effects, CUAANM402 - Create digital video effects

This course will introduce students to the basics of the visual effects pipeline. Students will take a visual effects shot from conception to previs, asset creation, compositing, and render. This is a survey class aimed at giving students a bird’s-eye view of VFX generalists, and will guide students as they start to specify into their roles.

Safety on Set   CUAPPR505 - Establish and maintain safe creative practice

The purpose of this subject is to teach the film and performance practitioner to determine work health and safety requirements in a given environment and occupation, identify hazards and assess and manage risks, and to monitor and enhance safety of their practice. Having sound practical knowledge of safety is paramount for film sets and sound stages.