The subject commences with students devising and developing a production plan for a short (approximately 45 – 60 seconds) animation screen project.
The subject gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to produce an animated screen project in a format appropriate for the intended delivery platform and with production values at a level acceptable by industry. Students are responsible for producing, directing and substantially animating their own film. In addition each student must crew on other student films in minor roles. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to effectively manage a project of their own, which includes directing the work of several crew members, plus take direction and effectively work in a subordinate role on other student projects.
The subject examines the theoretical and practical application of teamwork and collaboration skills with particular focus on the screen industry. Students research and explore current theories on team building and work group dynamics and are introduced to conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques.
Effective communication is emphasised as an important aspect of collaboration. In workshops students are presented with interpersonal communication theories and techniques, including verbal and non-verbal communication, listening skills, and the difference between aggressive, passive and assertive communication styles. Students examine various screen production work environments and investigate appropriate stress management skills and methods for decision making under pressure.
Issues surrounding racism, sexism and bullying in the workplace are raised and critically examined. Students are introduced to cross-cultural communication styles and social etiquettes relevant to a multi-cultural team-based work environment. Notions of professional conduct are explored. Using case studies students examine typical interpersonal issues and areas of conflict that arise during the production of a film and apply conflict resolution and decision-making skills during role-play.
Through close examination of a typical screen production work group, students develop an understanding and respect for the importance of each role and team member in production. Using case studies the sequential and interconnected nature of jobs and phases of a screen production and the importance of time management are discussed and analysed. Students explore and apply time management and contingency-planning strategies.
During workshops and production journal writing, students examine and apply notions of responsibility and accountability for their own role in a production. In workshops students are presented with activities and provided with opportunities to develop and demonstrate their ability to reflect on and critically review their own and others professional conduct and collaborative skills.
Throughout the subject students identify, develop and apply theoretical, creative and technical knowledge and skills in producing an animation screen project. In specific activities students fulfil the major roles of Producer, Director and Animator in the production and are given the opportunity to demonstrate the application of the following:
• knowledge of phases of production and ability to manage time and resources in order to complete production by required date;
• production techniques to ensure industry standard production values and an efficient production pipeline;
• interpretation of the narrative requirements, including all related documentation e.g. script, storyboards and director’s statement in the creation of various audio visual elements;
• understanding of the requirements for non-linear editing and post-production techniques in order to deliver elements suitable for use in a broadcast quality animated screen production.
An important aspect of the subject is focused on developing knowledge and skills in archiving screen project materials. Asset and file management concepts are consolidated and students develop practical skills in labelling and storing hard copy and digital screen production files and materials in order to ensure preservation and easy retrieval. Files and documents may include: script; pre-production documents (script breakdown, script amendments, shotlist, storyboard, concept art, model sheets, timing charts, tracking sheets, production schedule, release forms/actors and crew agreements/contracts, contact lists etc); production and post-production documents (call sheets, shooting schedules and logging sheets); DVDs, CD ROMs, video tapes, film (motion or still); rendered images and image sequences, including multiple passes of single shots; photographs; and sound recordings; physical assets such as puppets, props, sets; and digital model and animation files.Duration: One Semester – 14 Teaching Weeks
Contact Time: 84 hours (6 hours per week). Contact hours are comprised of timetabled teacher-directed sessions, which may include lectures, screening sessions, tutorials, practical workshops and studio sessions as appropriate to the subject content.
Self-Directed Learning and Independent Study: 168 hours
