TDAN 1104 - Animation 1

Course Description

This course is designed for students to gain a solid understanding of animation fundamentals. Assignments explain and explore the principles of motion based on physics. The principles studied include persistence of vision, path of action, timing, squash and stretch, lead and follow, all resulting from an initiating force. Believable motion with implied force and weight can only be created through an understanding of these principles. Industry standard terms such as keys, break downs, in-betweens, timing, and layout are introduced in the first week, and remain a part of the student’s production related vocabulary throughout the program. Animation technology, aesthetic planning, and workflow are also introduced.
Assignments begin with animating simple, passive objects of various weights and materials such as balls and pendulums. Moving to active characters, such as a ball with legs, allows for the introduction of personality through timing referred to as thinking time. The course concludes with animating a full bodied character, to deal with body mechanics and personality through posture, pose, and motion.
Workflow begins with assignment planning, which is reviewed by the instructor and must be approved before animating begins. Simplified structural drawing or short hand drawing is taught so that assignment planning emphasizes posture, pose, and force creating motion.
Creating or finding reference is essential and is supported by lectures on reference analysis and interpretation.

Relevant Programs

• 2D Animation Diploma : Required
• 3D Animation Diploma : Required