104807 - ANIMATION AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

Subject type: Optional

Coordinator: Maddalena Fedele

Trimester: Second term

Credits: 6

The course consists of an introduction to animation and special effects made mainly with the most important current tool, the Adobe After Effects software. Pieces of motion design, motion graphics as well as the application of visual effects to video post-production processes are made. However, the creative function of animation and visual effects in the context of art, the communicative function in the context of the media and commercial in the world of advertising are studied. It addresses the creative processes of animation and special effects take into account the evolution of image technologies, communication technologies, the cultural paradigm and the imaginaries of the society in which it is inscribed and the relationship between culture and economy.

At the end of the course the student must have acquired advanced knowledge and understand theoretical, practical and methodological aspects in the field of animation and post-production of special effects. 

Will be able to recognize the needs to produce a piece of animation and / or special effects and to solve problems specific to the specialized professional field. You will need to be able to conceptualize and produce a short piece of motion graphics using Adobe After Effetcs as the main tool. You must be able to gain technical knowledge about the main tool, Adobe After Effects

You will be able to contribute creative and innovative ideas, so you will need to understand the importance of art direction in this area.

You will be able to understand that the creation of animation products are in social, scientific and ethical processes and it must be possible to elaborate reflections around this condition.

They must be able to conceptualize and produce the application of special effects in post-production and beyond, they can be developed in complex situations that need new solutions both in the academic field and in the work or professional.

You will be able to communicate to all types of audiences your knowledge, methodologies, ideas, problems and solutions in the world of animation and special effects.

You will have the ability to identify self-learning needs and training needs to continue advancing and improving in the field of animation and special effects.

The theoretical contents will be presented in sessions with the whole group of students. The most practical parts will be developed in the laboratory in small groups. Throughout the course, short and punctuated exercises will be solved for both the practical and the theoretical part. In the scheduled sessions, the necessary tools will be given to be able to solve these activities, although it is expected that the student will finish them beyond the laboratory hours, therefore, in the necessary time of autonomous learning. Within the hours of autonomous learning are considered the hours that the student dedicates to the reading and research of the theoretical contents proposed in class, the realization of exercises and works proposed inside and outside the classroom, the study of manuals necessary to be able to do the practices, the writing of the reports-memories of the practices and works, the resolution of questionnaires of self-learning and the study and preparation of the examinations. Whenever deemed appropriate, activities and tools of a completely optional nature will be made available to students to help them prepare and prepare for those of a compulsory nature. 
 

Technicals d'animation

Dedication: 6h Large group: 6h

Description:

This module addresses the different animation techniques located in the social and artistic contexts where they are developed. Concepts already worked on in the previous animation subjects will be reviewed and the reason for choosing the technique behind each piece will be seen in more detail, above the way in which the technique itself is used. We will see, with examples, the different possibilities it presents and the different styles that exist.

Production process

Dedication: 6h Large group: 6h

Description:

The aim is to provide a basis for artistic and creative direction of all the steps to be taken to produce different types of animation; what is the necessary documentation, how it is complemented and managed between the work teams and production roles, what phase each element and person enters, etc. It will be the module that will serve the student to start making decisions, see the results and analyze the possible consequences that this would entail if working in a studio or producer.

Applications

Dedication: 6h Large group: 6h

Description:

It is the point where the student will see the commercial and artistic aspects of the animation sector. Animation and special effects are present in advertising, both for TV and the internet (motion graphics) in the media (from chyrons to journalistic infographics), in cinema (open tittles) and in the art world. (video creation)

Address ofart

Dedication: 6h Large group: 6h

Description:

This module works on the part to be performed by the person in charge of art direction. From the methods of search and location of references for the conceptualization of the piece, the aesthetic treatment and the necessary techniques.

On the other hand, the aspects of the production were worked on, such as the choice of tools, the organization of the calendar, the technical and human team.
 

Visionat

Dedication: 6h Large group: 6h

Description:

This is a module that will be worked on throughout the course. It is about exemplifying through viewings and debates the work and knowledge acquired in class in everyday life.

Small and practical exercises: introduction to technical tools

Practical exercises: introduction to artistic direction

Realization of animation pieces and special effects applied to cinema, communication, advertising and video creation 

Search for artistic references and exhibition in class

Making a dossier, report and storyboard of a motion graphics animation project

The evaluation consists of three parts:

- Participatory exercises, assignments in the classroom, and small format deliveries: 30% of the grade
- Practice exercises: 30%
- Individual project: 40%

Given the content of the subject, the realization of the pieces will be valued:
-conceptualization
- research and the search for references
-the capacity of technical resolution
-formalization and creativity

Byrne, Bill. 3D motion graphics for 2D artists [Electronic resource]: conquering the 3rd dimension, 2012

http://cataleg.upc.edu/record=b1424786~S1*cat

Brarda, Maria. Motion Graphics Design. Creative direction in TV branding. Barcelona. Gustavo Gili, 2016

Meyer, Trish. After Effects apprentice: real-world skills for the aspiring motion graphics artist / Trish & Chris Meyer, 2013

http://cataleg.upc.edu/record=b1441518~S1*cat

Hernandez Martinez, Irene, Redesign of corporate image and videography of a local TV. Project / Final project, 2009

Meyer, Trish. Creating motion graphics with After Effects: [essential and advanced techniques] / Trish & Chris Meyer, 2010

http://cataleg.upc.edu/record=b1442300~S1*cat

Wright, Steve. Compositing visual effects: essentials for the aspiring artist. Waltham, Massachusetts, United States: Focal Press, 2011.

Betancourt, M. The History of motion graphics: from avant-garde to industry in the United Estates. Rockville, Md .: Wildside Press, 2013

Crook, I., & Beare, P. Fundamentals of Motion Graphics. Principles and practices of graphic animation. Barcelona: Promopress, 2017.

Welles, P. Fundamentals of animation. Editorial Parramón, 2009

VVAA. Aesthetics of animation, Maia Editores, 2010

Selby, A. Animation, Editorial Blume, 2013

Cotta Vaz, Mark; Barron, Craig. The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting. California: Chronicle Books, 2004

Mattingly, David B. The Digital Matte Painting Handbook. Chichester, United Kingdom: John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 2011.