The Moving Image

Duderstadt Center, room 3336, TTR 130-430pm
Instructor: Cullen Stephenson, cullenst@umich.edu

Course Description:

This course examines how movement and animation are created through the use of sequential images, drawing, and software tools. Methods of hand drawn animation, rotoscoping, keyframe animation, and compositing will be covered. Students will develop filmmaking skills from concept to finished work through group projects, classroom workshops, and individual projects.

Objectives:

Course Expectations:

This class will emphasize learning through the act of creating. The development of technical skills (by software and by hand) will be expected, but this course focuses directly on making contemporary art and design. I expect your projects to showcase your ability to think critically and produce creatively.

I take sweat equity very seriously, and expect you to work hard for your own benefit. Know that your hard work will be instantly recognizable. The only way to rise above the flood of internet videos is to put in the extra hours to make your work undeniably awesome. There is no quick way to do this. You must believe in work and be prepared to invest plenty of time. So, guide the small decisions with big beliefs and come out with something you and your viewers are really excited about.

Guidelines:

Your engagement is paramount for your success in this class. You are expected to be on time, prepared, and courteous. Come ready to contribute to class discussions, and ask questions! The more questions you ask, the more positively it will reflect in your grade. Your participation is an essential part of the learning process. There is always more than one answer. And, there is always something new to learn.

Your attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at the start of every class session. The majority of your learning will occur while interacting with classmates and being active in discussions. You are allowed ONE excused absence, if you do the following:

If you find yourself arriving late or leaving early more than 3 times this will equal one absence. More absences will affect your grade (a B will drop to a B-) for each class missed. You must make every reasonable effort to avoid negative academic consequences in absences related to religious holidays. If you will be missing our class for a religious holiday during this semester, you should notify me by the second week of class.

Evaluation:

Success in this course will be measured by a combination of your work ethic, engagement, ability to think critically, and attention to craft.

Grades are determined by:
Projects-75%
Participation, effort, and ethics-25%

Supplies:

Many of your supplies will be provided for you. But, you will also have to purchase supplies for individual projects based on your own needs.

For now, you should get a binder hole punch. We will use these later for registration. They are sold at Staples and Walmart.

There are no required text books, and we will be doing plenty of in class tutorials. But, if you find yourself falling behind or wanting to go further, I recommend lynda.com or Video CoPilot for online tutorials, and either of these books:

After Effects Apprentice, Second Edition
By Chris and Trish Meyer
Focal Press, 2009

Logic Pro 8
By David Nahmani
Peachpit Press, 2008

Academic Dishonesty:

While academic dishonesty is unusual in art classes, any occurrence is unacceptable. You must execute all the work for this class. Double submission of work from another class, or work executed by someone else is academic dishonesty. All cases will be disciplined.

Cell Phone Policy

The use of cell phones, including texting, is prohibited during class. Please put your phones on silent, and quietly excuse yourself in the event of a call that must be taken.

Internet Policy

We'll be using the internet as a tool within the classroom. However, Facebook and Twitter are not allowed during class hours. If I find you using them during class, it will reflect in your participation grade. You may occasionally check your email during studio hours(not lectures etc.), but don't linger or it will also reflect in your grade. Streaming audio, Pandora, itunes, etc. are acceptable as long as you have headphones and it doesn't interfere with the quality of your work.