Module 3 (13 Days) – Animation Assignments
Students will study a variety of animation techniques and models during the term. Examples will be demonstrated through the use of a variety of tools, video, and online resources. Students will work with still images, video – stop motion, and clay animation using iPads and the iMotion app, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Flash to create their projects.
First Round Student Assignments:
Assignment #1: Photoshop Animation (Optional – May skip)
Students will use the Sponge Bob graphic file (or find one similar to the one used in the tutorial from the web – white background is key) with the Puppet Warp animation tutorial to learn how to use this basic animation feature in Photoshop. After successfully completing the tutorial students will upload the resulting animation to their ePortfolio
Make sure to save the original file with all the layers as a .PSD file. Use the “Save for Web and Devices” option in the File Menu to save the final animated .GIF file. This file needs to be uploaded to a Page (as a Kid to the Parent Page – Animation) on the student’s ePortfolio.
Points – 10
Puppet Warp Animation Tutorial
Assignment #2: Flash Animation Exercise 2 – Four Corners
Students learn the basic tools and use of Flash timeline, frames, key frames, and tweens to create a 120 frame (10 second) animation. The animation must have at least 5 layers (1 layer for each ball, and a layer for an object that will appear, spin and disappear, the show up again at the very end), and use tweens to create synchronized animation that has 4 different colored balls or objects positioned in the 4 corners of the canvas that close to the center either individually or at the same time, then pause and split back out to the original 4 corners position. When the balls split away at the end, an object will appear, spin, disappear, and show up again at the end.
Students who finish early, are challenged to add additional layers, objects, backgrounds and animation to their exercise. Images can also be brought in from the web using this process: JPG images found on the web should be in approximate size to the canvas, opened in Photoshop, manipulated if necessary, backgrounds masked, and then the remaining areas other than the image made transparent. The file must be saved as a PNG, then Imported to the Library in the Flash file, a new layer created for it, then dragged from the library, and finally sized and positioned on the canvas to work with the rest of the design. Files are saved as native Flash files and exported as either .mov files when completed.
Points -10
Assignment #3 Stop Motion Intro: (2) Stop Motion “Play” Exercises.
Students use the skills acquired from creating previous animation stories – iPad app iMotion will be the primary tool to learn basic stop motion animation; adjusting frame rates, creating scenes and settings, using tripods, stands, iPad Cases for fixed frame views, etc.
Students use found objects, white boards, paper drawings, etc., to create (2) 10-15 second stop motion animation “story”, frame rate at a speed to make the motion relatively smooth. Export iMotion footage, and import to iMovie on the iPad, add sound and export to upload to Vimeo and then to their ePortfolios.
Points – 5 points each = 10 Points
Assignment #4: Stop Motion Clay Animation Project
Students use the skills acquired from creating previous stop motion animation stories – iPad app iMotion will be the primary tool to learn basic stop motion animation, along with iMovie and other apps that can include making 3D objects to be used as props. Students will use Play Dough as a primary tool to tell their story. Students can work individually or in teams (max 3) with assists to complete this project. Students will concept and script their story, create sets and other props. Animation will be 30-60 seconds in length, and include title, credits and a soundtrack.
Storyboards must be approved prior to working with Play Dough.
Story Board: Points – 5
Check Point #1: Points – 5
Check Point #2: Points – 5
Clay Animation: Points – 35
Advanced Student Assignments:
Advanced students can also choose to work individually or as a team (no more than 3 students) to create an clay animation project using iMotion. Stories must be approved concept, scripted with all supporting materials and props specified in advance. Projects must be minimum 30-60 minutes in length, and include title, credits and a soundtrack.
Points – 50
Claymation Videos
The History of Claymation Parts 1 & 2 – Will Vinton Studios
Claymation Documentary – Will Vinton
“Walkies” – Claymation Short Video
How Claymation Animations Are Made
Morphing Claymation
Sammy Squid