This unit requires the application of basic 3D animation skills to create animations for inclusion in interactive media products, short stand-alone animated sequences and basic games. At this level, animators are working with 3D digital models that have already been created. Animated sequences may include audio components.

Animations are created using a range of industry-current software that is constantly evolving, so it is essential that people working in this area keep up to date with the latest software.

This unit does not include techniques for stop-motion, cell-analogue and real time animation. Nor does it cover more sophisticated animation techniques used in film, television and high-end games. These are addressed in:

CUFANM501A Create 3D digital character animation

CUFANM502A Create 3D digital environments.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Clarify animation requirements

1. With reference to production documentation, clarify 3D animation requirements and design specifications in consultation with relevant personnel

2. Examine the models to be animated to determine the most appropriate animation techniques

3. Identify the file format and delivery platform for animated sequences

4. Identify factors that may influence animation design approach

5. In consultation with relevant personnel, clarify work flow sequences to ensure that production schedule deadlines are met

Plan approach

6. Research animations, artworks and other creative sources that may inspire visual design ideas

7. Generate a range of animation ideas that are technically feasible, respond to briefs and provide creative solutions to all design issues

8. Present animation ideas to relevant personnel using appropriate design techniques.

9. Adjust approach to incorporate feedback and agree on final design concepts

10. Discuss and select 3D animation software with relevant personnel to ensure that animated sequences meet specified outcomes

11. Analyse audio assets supplied for animations as required

Produce animated sequences for review

12. Create 3D animations using animation techniques to suit design requirements

13. Apply basic animation principles, screen principles, visual design principles and communication principles

14. Apply real world camera techniques to virtual cameras used in 3D animation

15. Render completed animated sequences

16. Save and store animated sequences using appropriate output file formats, standard naming conventions and version control protocols

17. Present 3D animated sequences to relevant personnel for evaluation by agreed deadlines

Finalise animated sequences

18. Review animated sequences to assess creative solutions to design briefs, appropriateness to users/audience and technical feasibility

19. Discuss and confirm with relevant personnel additional requirements or modifications and complete changes as required

Required skills

communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions

work as a member of a production team, both independently on assignment and under direction

respond constructively to feedback received from other team members

complete workplace documentation

conceptual and creative skills in the context of:

generating feasible ideas for animated sequences

having a feel for movement and timing in order to produce convincing animations

maintaining design integrity

technical skills sufficient to:

use industry-current animation software to develop digitally animated sequences

apply the principles of basic screen, visual design and communication to produce 3D animated sequences

output 3D animated sequences in appropriate file formats for a range of delivery platforms

manage files and directories using standard naming conventions and version control protocols

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

Required knowledge

roles and responsibilities of project team members in the relevant industry sector

basic understanding of the stages in the production process from initial design through to finished product

issues and challenges that arise in the context of creating 3D digital animations

basic 3D digital animation techniques

basic screen principles

principles of animation

principles of visual design and communication

features of a range of delivery platforms

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

creation of 3D digital animated sequences that:

demonstrate the principles of basic screen, visual design and communication

meet the technical requirements of specific platforms

satisfy the design brief and client requirements

collaborative approach to work

attention to detail

ability to meet production deadlines.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of resources, equipment and current industry-current software as listed in the range statement

where sound is integrated in animated sequences, access to a range of suitable software to support the integration of sound and visual elements

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence, authenticated show reels and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

critical analysis of a range of 3D digital animated sequences created by the candidate to determine ability to meet design requirements

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit

informal questioning and discussion, including response to feedback and diagnostics.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFANM303A Create 3D digital models

CUFDIG303A Produce and prepare photo images

CUFDIG304A Create visual design components

CUFSOU301A Prepare audio assets.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Production documentation may include

animatics

brief

storyboard

technical specifications.

3D animations may include:

3D elements

3D panoramas

basic games

buttons

characters

illustrations

logos

models

morphs/blend shapes

puzzles

simulated sequences

text

titles and credits.

Design specifications may include:

characters and objects

key frames

objects

references

samples

script

storyboard

technical specifications, including:

output file format

version control protocols

output file size

operating system

hardware specifications, including memory size, RAM

delivery platform

media form.

Relevant personnel may include:

3D modeller

3D producer

animation director

audio asset creator

director

graphic artist/designer

instructional designer

lead animator

matte painter

system support personnel

other technical and specialist personnel.

Animation techniques may include:

acceleration/deceleration

audio integration

dynamic simulation

hierarchies

hinges and pivot points

hybrid method

key frames

layered animation

looping backgrounds

morphing/object exaggeration

motion capture

motion paths

pose to pose animation

registration points

rotation

scripted animation

speed/motion blur

straight-ahead animation.

File formats may include:

AAS

ACT

ANI

ANM

ANS

AVI

AWA

AWM

CEL

CFT

CMV

DIR/DCR

FLA/SWF

FLC

FLI

FLX

GIF

HTML

IFF

JPEG

LWOB

M3D

MMM

MOV

MPEG

MWF

PNG

QTVR

SEC

TIFF

VAN

VUE.

Delivery platforms may include:

CD

DVD

film

games console

internet

kiosk

mobile phone or device

PDA (personal digital assistant)

video.

Factors may include:

budget

purpose of animation

resources

target audience

timelines.

Design techniques may include:

digitally generated illustrations of objects and/or characters

freehand sketches

fully rendered hand-drawn illustrations

story trees

storyboards.

Animation software may include:

3D Studio Max

Cinema 4D

Houdini

Lightwave

Maya

Motionbuilder

Soft Image - XSI.

Audio assets may include:

music

narration

sound effects.

Animation principles may include:

anticipation

asymmetry in body and facial poses

balanced poses

exaggeration

movement in arcs

overlapping actions and follow-through

pacing/timing

secondary actions

singularity of message

squash and stretch

staging

strong silhouette in poses

weight.

Screen principles may include:

camera techniques

editing, including basic transitions

framing

lighting

montage

narrative

story-telling

style/genre.

Visual design principles may include:

balance

composition

emphasis

movement

perspective

proportion

scale

unity.

Communication principles may include:

communicating the message

conveying meaning

meeting audience requirements

using functional components.

Unit sector

Visual communication - animation and digital effects

This unit contains employability skills.