DIPLOMA IN ANIMATION (DA)
Course Modules
The Diploma consists of 7 subjects which can be completed in 12 months on a Full-Time or Part-Time basis. All Full Time students must participate in a compulsory MAGES Guided Project while undertaking their course modules. Part-time students are provided with an option to participate in MAGES Guided Projects.
- History and Principles of Animation
- Drawing and Composition Skills
- 2D Flash Animation
- 3D Modeling in Maya
- Essential Skills in Adobe Photoshop
- After Effects and Adobe Premier
- Animation Final Year Project
Module Description:
(1) History and Principles of Animation
Course length: 30 hours
Credit: 10
Year: 2012-13
This subject introduces students to use media literacy through a comprehensive exploration of history and traditional animation techniques. This module will utilize the twelve principles of animation as a springboard will help build a strong foundation. Lessons will be illustrated with animated and live action films with break downs and explanations so that students not only get a deeper insight into animation basics, but also gain a better understanding of character designing , storytelling and emotion of animation from simple movement. This will prepare students with the needed fundamentals of designing and producing creative content and Animation.
(2) Drawing and Composition Skills
Course length: 60 hours
Credit: 20
Year: 2012-13
This subject introduces students to the various aspects of Drawing and Composition techniques which will help them to learn about the process of concept development in pre-production of Motion Picture, TV Broadcast and Games. This module also looks at the Color Theory, Character Developments and Props Design skills developments. Students will learn about Perspectives, Framing, Form-Context Proportion, Drawing Concepts, Structuring and Visual Perception. With step by step guided practices, students will proceed to master various techniques for Drawing and Composition. At the end of the module, students will introduce to character and storyboards for their own demo reel project according to the industry standards.
(3) 2D Flash Animation
Course length: 90 hours
Credit: 30
Year: 2012-13
This subject introduces students to the skills required to create a Flash animation creatively and efficiently. Students will explore various features of Flash Action-scripting and creation of Vector art assets. This module also looks at the animation processes in Flash platforms and challenge students to modify animated sequences with new effects and variables. With step by step guided practices, students will proceed to master various techniques in the creation of an original Flash video. At the end of the module, students will be able to gain knowledge in Flash production and to explore the distribution of created videos through Internet channels.
(4) 3D modeling in Maya
Course length: 120 hours
Credit: 40
Year: 2012-13
This subject introduces students to the skills required to create 3D Models in Maya creatively and efficiently. Students will explore foundation Maya software skills and continue with classroom practical assignments before incorporating skills into a simulated production scenario. These modules also look at the 3D modeling, lighting and texturing techniques in the creation of animated sequences with different models and effects. With step by step guided practices, students will start fulfilling scheduling and pre-production requirements on their project, such as modeling, texturing, character testing, and look development.
(5) Essential Skills in Adobe Photoshop
Course length: 90 hours
Credit: 30
Year: 2012-13
Photoshop skills are an essential skill requirement in Media industry. It covers wide range of applications from photography to motion picture.
Student will learn how to use Photoshop tool-set effectively in various production settings and learn about Tools and Commands, Photo Re-touching, Special Effects, Concept Art and 2D Matte Painting. At the end of the module, students will be able to gain experience in using industry standard design software to create a captivating content suitable for Animation.
(6) After Effects and Adobe Premier
Course length: 120 hours
Credit: 40
Year: 2012-13
This subject introduces students to tools and techniques in basic digital composting & editing. Utilizing industry standard software, students will deals with the process of integrating images from multiple sources into a single, seamless imagery. This module also looks at integrating 3D elements with a live footage, develop the final look, and explore Matte creation, 2D tracking and keying Green and Blue screen. At the end of the module, students will be able to gain good knowledge in the design, animation and publishing of a complete project.
(7) Animation Final Year Project
Course length: 90 hours
Credit: 30
Year: 2012-13
Succeeding as video producers or content animators requires that designers must plan for original concepts, complete projects on time, finish within budget and sustain a high level of viewers’ interest. The Animation Project tasks the student to review the animation fundamentals mastered from the various modules and apply the necessary skills in the creation of a short animated video. Students are expected to monitor all aspects of the project, ensure that proper knowledge and resources are harnessed to create the desired outcome in a timely, cost-effective manner. Students will also devote most of their time in the research and production of the creative video.
To do this successfully, a wide range of skills will be applied throughout the full life cycle of the production. This practical and hands-on project expertly distill knowledge from studies and put it to the test in a simulated real world production cycle as students follow the animation production from its inception to completion, combining the fundamental principles, disciplines and people management skills that contribute to long term project success.
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