California Career and Technical Education Standards

• AME.FS.10.10 Use technical applications in the creative process, where appropriate.
• AME.FS.5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.

• Introduction - Hooks / Set

  Sequencing an animation is similar to sequencing a video. The student must consider shot composition and shot order to tell the story. The purpose of this assignment is to help students setup individual shots, render them, and create an animation sequence without the added work of developing all the models and materials for the scene.

  Across the top a piece of paper, have students write down the names of the shot types. Tell the students that they are to make tally marks for each shot type they see in the sequence. Have them total the tallies at the end to get the total number of shots, and have them write one observation each for camera angle/placement, lighting, and composition. (Instead of paper, you could use small white boards and have them write answers to your questions as you check for understanding.)

  Show the Shrek sequence (you may need to show it 2-3 times) and discuss shot composition, shot types, number of shots, camera angles, and lighting. (This should all be review.)

   

  Shot 1: Wide shot, Shadow of Gingy on wall being tortured. push in to king low angle
  
  Shot 2: Medium shot, Fast zoom in to Gingy with executioner holding him
  
  Shot 3: Extreme Close-Up, Executioner slams Gingy down on the cookie sheet
  
  Shot 4: Wide shot, Push in to king as he approaches the table. High angle
  
  Shot 5: Close-up shot, Gingy on cookie sheet with King playing with legs
  
  Shot 6: Close-up shot, King mocking Gingy
  
  Shot 7: Close-up shot, Gingy on cookie sheet
  
  Shot 8: Medium shot, King framed on left by Gingy
  
  Shot 9: Medium shot, Over the shoulder of the King. King moves to other side of the table.
  
  Shot 10: Close-up shot, King reaching toward Gingy’s buttons and moves light in.

  • SHREK sequence [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ]
• Planning & Models - Guided Practice

  Teacher Directions:

  1. Describe the assignment to the students and show them a couple examples from past student work.
  2. Distribute the scene and  models to the students’ computers.
  3. Pass out storyboards with shots 1 and 2 completed.
  4. Provide them time to plan and storyboard their story line. (You may want to put a limit on the number of shots.)

  Shot 1: Wide shot of scene with dragon fly coming in from the left.

  Shot 2: Medium shot of tray on table as dragon fly circles around and lands on burger.

   

  Assignment:
  Setting up A Scene: Planning
      In this exercise, you will be planning a sequence around the interaction within a scene. You will be provided with the basic layout and most of the models. You will need to develop a story and create a storyboard covering each shot. The first two shots are done for you and will be used to show you how to set up and render a shot. The rest of the shots are up to you.

  • Park Scene [ Download ] This is a compressed file containing the park scene in a C4D file, a 3DS file, a DXF file and all the materials.
  • Storyboard [ Download ] Storyboard with first two shots.
• Creating the Sequence - Demo / Modeling

  Review the following terms :

  Animation: A series of still images shown to create an illusion of motion.
  Shot: A continuous view from one camera.
  Sequence: A series of shots.
  Scene: The location / the set.
  
  Four Main Areas within Animation
      1. Modeling: creation of the models
      2. Materials: creation and application of materials
      3. Lighting: placement of lights and cameras
      4. Animation: creating an illusion of motion
  
  Assignment:

  Setting up A Scene
  In this exercise you will be setting up a scene with multiple objects; planning a sequence around the interaction within the scene; setting up individual shots; and rendering and combing the shots into a final sequence.
  
  Modeling- Most of the models are already created for you. Make sure to do the following:

  • Create one to three of your own models (Number depends on the complexity.)
  • Position all models
  • Check the models to make sure the axes are set correctly for the motion you are planning

  Materials
  Create appropriate materials for your models
  Modify materials of given models, if desired.
      
  Lighting
  Use three point lighting system provided
  Add filler lights, to individual shots, as needed
  
  Animation
  Save shots individually
  Set up animation
  Render / Batch render
   

  Notes and Hints:

  • Plan your shots carefully; Close-ups with dramatic lighting and shadows add interest and depth.
  • Cameras can move ANYWHERE! to help tell your story.
  • You can still have TOO much camera motion; make sure it has a purpose.
  • Consider using 'match action' edits as you would in video.

  Teacher Directions:

  As students are setting up their shots, walk around and help them as necessary.

  • Assignment [ Download ] Assignment sheet in PDF format.
  • Setting Up Shots [ View Flash ] [ Download ] This is a tutorial using MAXON Cinema 4D to setup and render shots.
• Finishing Touches - Guided Practice

  The final task is to import the individual shots into a video editing program, edit, add sound effects, add background music, and output as a final project. If students need review on using the video editing program, have them reference past tutorials. As they are editing their sequence, walk around and help as needed.

  At the completion of the project, have each student present their sequence to the class.

  • Student Sample [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ]
  • Student Sample [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ]