Video Graphics and Visual Effects I (2D Animation and Key Framing) Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

FLMC-1331-001 Video Graphics and Visual Effects I (2D Animation and Key Framing)

Prerequisites

Course Description

A course in the applications of computers for video production. Design of computer graphic workstations and development of rationale for selecting software, hardware, and peripherals.

Introduction to fundamental principles of motion through the exploration of traditional animation processes, including key framing and graph editor animation techniques. Emphasis will be on creating expressive movement with meaning through the principles of animation.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book (2021 release)

By Lisa Fridsma, Brie Gyncild

Supplies

Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription

 

Minimum system requirements for After Effects

Windows

	Minimum specifications
Processor	Intel or AMD Multi-Core Processor
Operating system	Microsoft Windows 10 (64 bit) versions 1903 and later. Note: Win version 1607 is not supported.
RAM	16 GB minimum (32 GB recommended)
GPU	2GB of GPU VRAM. (4GB or more recommended) Adobe strongly recommends updating to NVIDIA driver 451.77 or later when using After Effects. Drivers prior to this have a known issue which can lead to a crash.
Hard disk space	15GB of available hard-disk space; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on removable flash storage devices) Additional disk space for disk cache (64GB+ recommended)
Monitor resolution	1920x1080 or greater display resolution
Internet	Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*

macOS

	Minimum specifications
Processor	Intel and Apple Silicon (Rosetta2 Supported) Multi-Core Processor
Operating system	macOS versions 10.14, 10.15 or macOS Big Sur 11.0 and later. macOS Big Sur is supported in After Effects version 17.5.1.
RAM	16 GB minimum (32 GB recommended).
GPU	2GB of GPU VRAM.
Hard disk space	15GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case- sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices) Additional disk space for disk cache (64GB+ recommended)
Monitor resolution	1440x900 or greater display resolution
Internet	Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Introduction to VFX compositing incorporating multiple elements into the compositing workflow. Topics such as color correction, plate integration, green-screen lighting, rotoscoping, and advanced keying for traveling mattes. 3D animation, shaders, lights and materials will be discussed. Programs used: Photoshop, Nuke

Student Learning Outcomes:
• Students will be able to light live action elements and pull a high quality key from green screen footage.
• Students will be able to successfully composite various image sources into one professionally-integrated, composited image.
• Students will be able to build or create professional quality, production-ready 2D assets with external matte channels.

Grading Criteria

There are 11 Explorations the student is required to submit. 
Each assignment should be uploaded to the individual student folder on Google Drive.

Each assignment is worth 10% of the final grade, with the lowest of all assignments dropped.
Individual assignment rubrics we be available in the Module.

Attendance

You are expected to watch the weekly class videos during the week they are assigned and complete the assigned homework. Often this involves finishing the course demonstrations. However, if you are not able to keep up with the work, contact the instructor before the week. Missing class for unexpected emergencies will be taken into account. Please discuss it with the instructor.

Calendar

Additional Information

Your journey in VFX Animation begins here in Adobe After Effects. Learn about the secrets of how to make amazing and engaing animation, the most common tools and industry-standard techniques, and get your vision to the screen. We dive into graphics, motion, editing, keyframing and a lot more!