Computer Animation Course Orientation

Computer Animation Course Orientation

What will we be doing in the computer animation class this year and how will we be completing projects?

Definition: Characteristics: Computer animation is the art of creating moving pictures (motion) through the use of computer technology. Digital Artwork 2D or 3D Motion Computer Animation Flash animation Animated Gif/Png Hand-drawn movie Movies Games Examples: Non-Examples:

Vocabulary 2D Animation- 2D artwork or image that has movement 3D Animation- 3D models, cameras, lamps to show movement Computer-Generated-Imagery (CGI)Another title for computer animation Real-Time Animation- controls movement through animation. Free control

History and Evolution How has computer animation changed over the years?

1971- MetaData 1st 2D key frame animation software short movie 1973- Westworld 1st 2D raster graphics to represent point-of-view 1977- Star Wars First use of an animated 3D wireframe graphic (trench) 1981- Looker First CGI human character, Cindy. 1st to use modern shading 1982- Star Trek 2-Wraith of Khan 1982- Tron First film to use Particle Effects 1984- The Last Starfighter Uses CGI for all space ship shots, replaces traditional models 1985- Young Sherlock Holmes 1986- Labyrinth Lucas film creates 1st photorealistic character 15 min of full CGI animation, light cycle 1st realistic CGI animal

1988- Willow 1st photo realistic use of morphing effect in a feature film 1989- The Abyss 1st digital water effect 1990- Total Recall Use of motion capture for CGI characters 1993- Jurassic Park First photo realistic creatures 1995- Toy Story First CGI feature length film 2001- Jimmy Neutron- Boy Genius 2001- Lord of the Rings 1st film to use “off the shelf” software 2004- The Polar Express 1st film to use motion capture for all actors 2009- Avatar 1st film to use photo realistic characters in a fully CG 3D world 1st use of AI (artificial Intelligence) for actors

Vocabulary Stop-Motion Animation- Frames are saved one at a time with animator creating motion on every frame. Like claymation. Key-Frame Animation- Key animation is made at intervals (seconds) while the computer creates all the between movement. Motion-Capture Animation- Actors wear sensors that record their motion and animate the characters automatically.

Programs and Options What tools will we be working with this year?

2 D A n im a t io n S o f t w a r e : In L a b : 3 D A n im a tio n S o f tw a r e : In L a b : Pivot, Flash Blender, SolidWorks In In d u s tr y : In In d u s tr y : Flash Photoshop Toon Boom Maya 3D Studio Lightwave Cinema 4D Blender 2 D G a m e S o ftw a re : GameMaker Platform Studios Flash Pivot 3 D G a m e S o ftw a r e : C o m p u te r A n im a tio n C la s s Blender DarkBasic 3D Game Studio S u p p o r t in g S o f t w a r e : Photoshop SolidWorks DVDStyler GIMP Voodoo CamStudio SoftPlan Converters