Assessor Resource

CUAANM501
Create 3D digital character animation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a range of industry-current software to create 3D digital character animation for film, television, interactive media products, stand-alone animated sequences and games.

It applies to individuals who follow a brief and refer to established designs, layouts and models when creating movements that will appear on screen. They may also be responsible for creating the 3D models that are being animated. They are members of a production team who plan and carry out their work autonomously.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Clarify work requirements

1.1 Determine requirements and purpose for 3D digital character animation with reference to production documentation

1.2 Determine work flow sequences to ensure production schedule deadlines are met in consultation with relevant personnel

1.3 Select software that best suits the type of production and delivery platform for which 3D digital character animations are being created

2. Prepare to create 3D digital character animation

2.1 Gather and analyse reference materials to assist in animating the characters

2.2 Examine models to be animated to determine most appropriate animation techniques

2.3 Identify and develop skills with the controls of character rigs

2.4 Analyse audio supplied for animations as required

2.5 Create thumbnail sketches of key poses required

2.6 Act out actions and facial expressions, and make notes on timing of actions or record to video for later reference

2.7 Select the most suitable combination of animation techniques

3. Create 3D digital character animation

3.1 Animate first pass, applying relevant animation principles and experimenting with techniques to produce required creative effects

3.2 Submit first pass to relevant personnel for comment on whether requirements have been met

3.3 Make adjustments as required and refine animation in passes until production requirements are met

3.4 Animate facial features and lip-syncing to match audio and design requirements taking into account animation principles

3.5 Create secondary animations as required

3.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using computer screens and keyboards for extended periods of time

4. Finalise animations

4.1 Submit final character animations in agreed output format to relevant personnel by agreed deadline

4.2 Make back-up copies of files, and save and store animations using appropriate output file formats and standard naming conventions

4.3 Participate in project evaluations and contribute ideas and suggestions about ways to improve future projects

Evidence of the ability to:

create 3D digital character animations that:

simulate physical gestures, expressions and actions

lip-sync facial features with audio

meet production requirements

use acting techniques to capture movement and facial expressions to apply to animated characters

select and apply various animation techniques in character creation

select and use proficiently appropriate animation software to create animated characters

save and store animations in appropriate file formats using industry naming conventions

work collaboratively with others in production team to achieve project outcomes

evaluate projects for improvement.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline typical challenges of creating character animations and how to handle these

describe animation techniques and principles as applied to the creation of 3D digital characters, including correct use of timing and weight, squash and stretch, movement in arcs, anticipation and follow-through, overlapping action and exaggeration

explain how acting contributes to design of facial expressions and body movements in animated characters, and how these are captured for use

identify relevant work health and safety standards which apply to working at screens and keyboards for extended periods of time.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

production documentation

animation software

interaction with others.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Clarify work requirements

1.1 Determine requirements and purpose for 3D digital character animation with reference to production documentation

1.2 Determine work flow sequences to ensure production schedule deadlines are met in consultation with relevant personnel

1.3 Select software that best suits the type of production and delivery platform for which 3D digital character animations are being created

2. Prepare to create 3D digital character animation

2.1 Gather and analyse reference materials to assist in animating the characters

2.2 Examine models to be animated to determine most appropriate animation techniques

2.3 Identify and develop skills with the controls of character rigs

2.4 Analyse audio supplied for animations as required

2.5 Create thumbnail sketches of key poses required

2.6 Act out actions and facial expressions, and make notes on timing of actions or record to video for later reference

2.7 Select the most suitable combination of animation techniques

3. Create 3D digital character animation

3.1 Animate first pass, applying relevant animation principles and experimenting with techniques to produce required creative effects

3.2 Submit first pass to relevant personnel for comment on whether requirements have been met

3.3 Make adjustments as required and refine animation in passes until production requirements are met

3.4 Animate facial features and lip-syncing to match audio and design requirements taking into account animation principles

3.5 Create secondary animations as required

3.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using computer screens and keyboards for extended periods of time

4. Finalise animations

4.1 Submit final character animations in agreed output format to relevant personnel by agreed deadline

4.2 Make back-up copies of files, and save and store animations using appropriate output file formats and standard naming conventions

4.3 Participate in project evaluations and contribute ideas and suggestions about ways to improve future projects

Evidence of the ability to:

create 3D digital character animations that:

simulate physical gestures, expressions and actions

lip-sync facial features with audio

meet production requirements

use acting techniques to capture movement and facial expressions to apply to animated characters

select and apply various animation techniques in character creation

select and use proficiently appropriate animation software to create animated characters

save and store animations in appropriate file formats using industry naming conventions

work collaboratively with others in production team to achieve project outcomes

evaluate projects for improvement.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline typical challenges of creating character animations and how to handle these

describe animation techniques and principles as applied to the creation of 3D digital characters, including correct use of timing and weight, squash and stretch, movement in arcs, anticipation and follow-through, overlapping action and exaggeration

explain how acting contributes to design of facial expressions and body movements in animated characters, and how these are captured for use

identify relevant work health and safety standards which apply to working at screens and keyboards for extended periods of time.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

production documentation

animation software

interaction with others.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine requirements and purpose for 3D digital character animation with reference to production documentation 
Determine work flow sequences to ensure production schedule deadlines are met in consultation with relevant personnel 
Select software that best suits the type of production and delivery platform for which 3D digital character animations are being created 
Gather and analyse reference materials to assist in animating the characters 
Examine models to be animated to determine most appropriate animation techniques 
Identify and develop skills with the controls of character rigs 
Analyse audio supplied for animations as required 
Create thumbnail sketches of key poses required 
Act out actions and facial expressions, and make notes on timing of actions or record to video for later reference 
Select the most suitable combination of animation techniques 
Animate first pass, applying relevant animation principles and experimenting with techniques to produce required creative effects 
Submit first pass to relevant personnel for comment on whether requirements have been met 
Make adjustments as required and refine animation in passes until production requirements are met 
Animate facial features and lip-syncing to match audio and design requirements taking into account animation principles 
Create secondary animations as required 
Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using computer screens and keyboards for extended periods of time 
Submit final character animations in agreed output format to relevant personnel by agreed deadline 
Make back-up copies of files, and save and store animations using appropriate output file formats and standard naming conventions 
Participate in project evaluations and contribute ideas and suggestions about ways to improve future projects 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUAANM501 - Create 3D digital character animation
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUAANM501 - Create 3D digital character animation

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: