SPRING 25 - Capstone Development TUE 1p - 3p 15 Weeks
Professor Frederick Gardner (University of Texas at Dallas)
Course Information
Course Number/Section: Class 29252 / Course 000
ATCM 4398.010.25S
Course Title: Capstone Development (Independent Study) Spring Term 25S 1/22/25 - 5/7/25 TUE 1P - 3P
Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions:
Some ability to draw traditionally on paper with pen or pencil and ability to draw digitally on Photoshop CC & Toon Boom Harmony using a stylus and Cintiq or graphic tablet. Drawing for Animation ANGM 2309 with a grade of B or better, and Instructor consent with Portfolio Review.
Course Description:
ATCM 4398 - Capstone Development (3 semester credit hours) Capstone Development introduces students to the concept of developing a successful Senior Capstone Foundation before the normal Capstone start time. This is a personally guided/mentored story and visual development of your idea from Log Line to FInal Presentation in the form of a Printed Storybook/Portfolio or Animated Storyreel, Model Sheets, Beat Board, Color Script and Style Guide. Traditional 2D digital animation techniques using pencil/paper/paint, Photoshop CC, Harmony, stylus, WACOM Cintiq and other experimental media will be used to set a solid foundation for your project. A stong understanding of animation principles and theories will be developed before exploring more advanced topics like story script, story reel or short film with basic Character Model Packs and Style Guide. Prerequisite: ANGM 2309 with a grade of B or better.
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes:
Students will experience a professional studio environment, using the current software, tools and techniques to develop the story and development of characters, props, environments and World Building from traditional pencil thumbnail sketch through to rough Story Reel or Short Animated Film (Digital Animation or Traditional). Story Structure, Character Development, Shape Language and Color Theory will be studied and referenced as foundational skills are demonstrated in a studio setting in preparation for your Senior Thesis/Capstone Presentation.
Your Senior Capstone Project is an opportunity to show your skill level and expertise developed over years in a University setting. This is a serious presentation and could afford you the ability to land a job at a top Animation, Visual Effects or Game Studio in the Entertainment Industry or enter your short animated film in festivals worldwide. Please use this valuable time to your advantage.
Meeting Times are fluid and may be rescheduled if needed. Notes may be given online and the discussion will continue throughout the week on Teams (online/phone app). It is your responsibility to take detailed notes everyday.
Required Textbooks and Materials:
The Animators Survival Kit (ISBN 978-0571238347) by Richard Williams (2012)
Required Materials:
Computer (MAC or PC) w/ Webcam, Microphone
Photoshop CC & Toon Boom Harmony
Stylus & Tablet or WACOM Cintiq
Portable Drive or USB Drive
Moleskin Sketchbook (Unruled)
Fine Point (or Extra Fine Point) Black Sharpie
Prismacolor Verithin & Prismacolor Pencils in Indigo Blue, Sepia or Black w/ Pencil Sharpener
Kneaded Eraser
Smartphone w/ Camera
Microsoft Teams software (for phone & computer)
** You are REQUIRED to use the PC, Cintiq and Software provided in the classroom
Suggested Course Materials:
The Illusion of Life (ISBN 0786860707) by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston (1995)
The Nobel Approach (ISBN 1452102945) by Tod Polson (2013)
Drawn to Life (ISBN 978-1032104416) by Walt Stanchfield (2023)
Suggested Course Films:
Steamboat Willie (1928) Walt Disney
What’s Opera Doc? (1957) Warner Bros
A Bear For Punishment (1951) Warner Bros
Robin Hood Daffy (1958) Warner Bros
Sleeping Beauty (1959) Walt Disney
Muybridge Motion Studies (1884) Pennsylvania University
Get A Horse! (2013) Walt Disney
Mickey Mouse Series (2013-2018) Walt Disney
Primal (2019) Cartoon Network
Wall-E (2008) Pixar
Up! (2009) Pixar
Frozen (2013) Walt Disney
15 WEEK LECTURE OUTLINE (Lecture Topics may change at any time):
- LOG LINE - Foundations of Animation/Bouncing Ball
- MAIN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - Character Model Sheet/50 Circles
- HERO'S FAMILY/PROTAGONISTS - Design Character Turn/Size Comparison
- VILLAIN/ANTAGONISTS - Pose to Pose Animation Ball, Rolling Coin, Timing Brackets
- WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY? - Hammer Strike, Film Personal Walk Cycle, Timing, Muybridge Walk Cycles
- LOCATION SCOUTING/GENRE - Animate Character Turn in PS/Harmony
- CHARACTER SIZE COMP - Character Walk (Single & Double Bounce), Western & Japanese Walk, Timing, EX Sheets
- LOCATION REFERENCE STUDIES - Animate Character Run, Jump & Land, Stagger, Anticipation, Overlap
- SHAPE LANGUAGE/COLOR THEORY - Animate Various Expressions, Acting, Turn
- HERO'S HOUSE/WORLD - Dialogue Tracks, Music & Timing, Phonemes, Stylized Mouth Shapes, Whistle
- VILLAIN'S LAIR/WORLD, GOOD vs EVIL - Straight Ahead FX Animation: Fire, Electricity, Water, Smoke
- STORY BEATS/COLOR THEORY - Create Depth with 3 Planes, Ratio, OLs, ULs, OL/ULs & Pan BGs
- STORY EDIT/DEVELOP THEME/MEANING - Characters Holding Each Other/Fighting, Multi Interaction, BG Interaction (Props)
- LOCATION DEVELOPMENT/MAP/INTERIORS - Muybridge Animal Motion, 4 Legs, Fins, Wings and No Legs
- LOGO & POSTER - Final Pitch of Animation Portfolio to Jury Final Grade, Portfolio
Assessment, Assemble a Portfolio Reel, Online Presence
- ADVERTISING/MARKETING - Final Pitch Cards, Posters, Displays to Promote Short Concept Possibilities
- PRESENTATION BOOK/REEL/WEBSITE- Final Pitch of Animation Portfolio to Jury Final Grade, Portfolio Assessment, Assemble a Portfolio Reel, Online Presence, Children's Book, Art of Sketchbook
LIFE DRAWING, GESTURE & PLEIN AIR SKETCHING:
Life Drawing
is available on Wednesdays in the Life Drawing Studio (4th Floor)
10-1115a at Standing Easels based on Availability. Live Model provided.
Bring Newsprint (18x24") & Vine or Willow Charcoal w/ Chamois.
Gesture Sketching
is always available at the Student Union Mon - Fri. Take advantage of
the students lounging in the area and try capturing 2 or more students,
sharing the same space. Bring Moleskin Sketchbook, Ultra Fine Point
Sharpie and 20% Gray Marker (Tombow Brushpen Cool or Warm Gray 2).
Plein Air Sketching
is offered several times a semester at the Texas State Fair, Tiger
Refuge, Dallas Arboretum or Zoo. At these locations, you will be given
the opportunity to Gesture Sketch animals in a semi-natural environment
and study their motion and biomechanics. Schedule to be announced in the
first weeks of the semester. Gesture Sketching done in Moleskin
Sketchbook, Ultra Fine Point Sharpie, 20% Gray Marker or pencil.
Children's Books, Lore & Legends, Historical Reference, Parables & Poetry, Music & Jokes can all serve as inspiration for your Capstone Concept. I highly recommend that if you are signed up for a Travel Abroad Course over the Summer, you use that Cultural Exploration as an ingredient to creating the foundation for your capstone. Avoid copying or being influenced by current or recent Pop Culture references, films, games or music. You can add a small bit of that at the end if needed. Base your initial concept on something familiar or personal in some way.
