LCAD-Catalog-2016-2018

character. Instruction focuses on a very traditionally
oriented approach to 3D character animation, making
use of pose-to-pose methods to achieve clear staging
and acting. Starting first with simple characters, students
will progress to more complex rigs, creating character
animation with dialogue. By the end of the semester,
students will have a clear methodology and approach to
creating character animations on the computer, as well
as a solid understanding of the basic Maya animation
tools.
Course prerequisites: Fundamentals of Maya and
Fundamentals of Animation
LAYOUT
(AN310)
3 Units
In this class, students learn the role of layout in the
filmmaking process, with an emphasis on feature films.
The course covers the basics of film cinematography;
planning camera mechanics; and how to plan and use
creative perspective, lighting and visual storytelling.
Students have the opportunity to plan and create a
layout workbook and to develop a series of key layouts
during the semester. The emphasis is on creative
solutions for staging and designing the worlds that
animated characters inhabit. The principles taught can
be applied to traditional animation, 3D animation or
games.
FIGURE DRAWING FOR ANIMATORS 1
(AN217)
3 Units
This figure drawing course is geared specifically for
animators and focuses on both gesture and how to
capture the essentials of movement, dynamic expression
and the individual model’s attitude. A variety of drawing
media are introduced.
Course prerequisites: Foundation courses
ANIMATION 3
(AN349 )
3 Units
Students develop an animation reel with assignments
intended to build on the class assignments that were
introduced in earlier classes. These advanced exercises
are also specifically designed to simulate animation
challenges that are regularly encountered in a
professional studio. Budding animators learn to work
with musical beats, more complex dialog situations and
even to co-animate scenes with other students in the
class.
Course prerequisites: Animation 2 or Animation 3
FIGURE DRAWING FOR ANIMATORS 2
(AN317)
3 Units
A figure drawing course for animators that focuses on
gesture and capturing essentials of movement, dynamic
expression and the individual model’s attitude. A variety
of drawing media are introduced.
Course prerequisites: Foundation courses and Figure
Drawing for Animators 1
CG ANIMATION 2
(CA450)
3 Units
This course offers continued work with Maya. Areas
of study include modeling tools, 3D morphing and
intermediate animation techniques. Also covered in the
class are compositing, hierarchical motion and targeting,
camera tracking, lighting, rendering, shading techniques
and surface textures. Students learn to import and
export animation routines/cycles and to apply them to
3D character models.
Course prerequisite: CG Animation 1
DIRECTING FOR ANIMATORS
(AN325)
3 Units
The purpose of this class is to finalize a three-minutemaximum
film idea that is completed during the senior
year in traditional or 3D animation. This course provides
experience in the process of choosing a short film idea,
pitching it and developing it into a story reel that is
clear, compelling and entertaining. While analyzing a
variety of classic and contemporary films, students
learn filmmaking techniques and disciplines such as
screenwriting, directing actors, editing and sound
design.
SENIOR PROJECT 1: FILM
(AN418)
6 Units
In this course, students complete a short animated
film by the end of the year. They are guided through
the film process and continue to develop their stories
begun in Directing for Animators. This course covers the
process of creating animation that is clear, compelling
and entertaining. During their first semester, students
will be evaluated on their visual development, character
designs, background layouts, models and environments.
Students learn exciting new filmmaking techniques
along with industry-standard production skills to keep
them on schedule.
ANIMAL DRAWING 1
(AN220)
3 Units
In the studio and on location, students study and draw
a variety of domestic and zoo animals. Emphasis is on
3D form analysis: proportion, scale, foreshortening and
weight. Using an economy of line and value, students
strive to capture emotion and expression of animal
forms by depicting gesture, manner, attitude and
rhythm. Comparative studies of animal and human
anatomy empower students with strong, imaginative
drawing skills.
Course prerequisites: Foundation courses and
Fundamentals of Animation
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT 1
(AN313)
3 Units
An advanced class designed to push the student’s ability
to give vision to a concept and to convey emotional story
beats. Emphasis is placed on visual communication with
the use of value, design, color and composition. Artistic
growth is encouraged through a series of critiques and
demonstrations.
Course Prerequisite: Layout
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
(AN412)
1 Units
Professional Studies concentrates on preparing students
to enter team-based creative environments with
emphasis on digital portfolio and reel development,
communication skills, industry networking opportunities
and success strategies for collaborative projects.
Course Prerequisite: Senior status
SENIOR PROJECT 2: FILM
(AN419)
6 Units
A continuation of Senior Project 1: Film, this course is
taken during the semester prior to graduation. Students
are required to complete the animation of their film
projects as well as to prepare a professional portfolio.
Course Prerequisite: Senior Project 1: Film
SENIOR PROJECT 3: FILM
(AN420)
3 Units
A continuation of Senior Project 1: Film, this course is
taken during the semester prior to graduation. Students
are required to complete the animation of their film
projects as well as to prepare a professional portfolio.
Course Prerequisite: Senior Project 2: Film
BACKGROUND PAINTING
(AN311)
3 Units
Background Painting teaches students to take their
drawn environments and background layouts to full
color. The course emphasizes the skills and tools needed
to emulate traditional painting techniques using Adobe
Photoshop.
Course Prerequisites: Layout, Fundamentals of
Composition + Color, Fundamentals of Digital Imaging
1: Photoshop
CATALOG
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