Unit 11

Personal Statement

Animation has played a vital role in the history of many films, games and tv shows. Creating life from a still image and object is something I am eager to take on in university. I have always been fascinated with cartoon animations and how there is no limit in what you can create. This course would help me explore my creative side whilst also giving me the skills and knowledge needed to create different motions of 3D characters. It would also help my future career plans, as I would love to animate for a movie or show in a company like Pixar. Whilst studying this course I would develop my modelling skills by learning the introduction to production tools, as well as developing my timing by learning about moving image theory. These two skills as well as more individual creative/learning skills will prepare me for a future in animation. I would like to use Maya and animate cc software’s whilst on this course. I think I am suitable for the course as I have a lot of patience which is key for animation as well as having a passion for movement which is great when animating any object or character. For my final major project last year, I created an animation for a Pink Floyd music video which was inspired by Bill Plympton’s flickering style of animation. I enjoyed this project a lot, as I managed to develop my 2D animation by using a technique that was new to me. I did run into some problems, the main one being that I couldn’t quite grasp drawing a very realistic character in my sketches. To overcome the problem, I decided to rotoscope myself which meant instead of drawing a realistic character from my imagination, I drew one over myself. I also created a road safety animation using keyframes on animate cc, I learnt to be more responsible by having to create the whole animation myself and therefore be responsible for every part of it. I also developed better time management as I decided to plan out my project using storyboards before I started it, therefore giving me a good amount of time for each scene. I managed to learn many new animation techniques, how to create 3D models of characters or buildings as well as learning how to animate on Maya and how to sculpt a character’s face on Sculptrtis. In my spare time I have created short Lego and clay stop motion animations which has helped improve my patience and timing due to controlling and taking every photo for each frame. I have also attended a Z-brush tutorial which taught me the main basics on sculpting a face. I have worked as a dance assistant teacher and as front of house at a theatre selling programmes, both have helped me work on my communication skills. I also attended Ncs which was an amazing experience where I learned to work as a team and meet deadlines which is great for university as I would be on time with work/deadlines. I play video games whilst at home, games like Halo 3 or Batman Arkham City will have animated story line cut scenes. By watching these, I learn how they use body language and movements to keep the character in role which I could apply to future animations. I enjoy watching short animated films on YouTube which helps inspire me and understand how to structure these short films. I am very fond of acting which is great for paying attention to facial expressions and minor body language details, therefore I will make sure an animated character uses the facial/body expressions well. I also used to dance, this helps with understanding movement which in succession helps me animate characters movements and balance to a higher standard. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to study this course as I think this would only be the beginning to a whole world of different animation styles and learning techniques that I would acquire a knowledge of. I would enjoy the different programmes and love to explore more in the 3D animation course as it will help steer me in the direction to become a 3D animator.

 

Uni Choices

*Bournemouth university BA (Hons) Computer Animation Art and Design

*Arts university of Bournemouth Animation production BA (Hons)

*Falmouth university Animation & Visual Effects BA(Hons)

*Nottingham Trent university Ba (Hons) Animation

*Norwich university of the arts BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects

Why I decided to choose the universities

Arts university of Bournemouth (Firm choice)

The reason I chose this university as my firm is because when I went to the interview I found that I instantly felt at home in the workspace as well as taking a liking to the layout of the course in which we will be practising a lot of drawing skills in the first year which not only will help with my drawing skill but will also focus on each individual frame of animation since I would be drawing it this will help get used to time flow and smoothing the animation.

Falmouth University

The reason I chose Falmouth university is yet again because the course seemed like it was appropriate to me. My mother recommended this university as she knows someone who has gone and has had to say positive things about this university. I also liked the area which I think would help with me becoming more creative which is key for animation.

Bournemouth university

The reason I chose Bournemouth university is because It came up as a good university for my course and I got recommended  by many teachers. I also liked how the course was set up as well as the show reel I saw for the previous year. I could see myself creating similar animations to the ones I had saw so I felt excited and inspired.

Nottingham Trent University

The reason I chose Nottingham Trent university is because yet again the course seemed well fit for what I wanted to do. On top of this I had heard good things about Nottingham Trents university and when I went to see the university for an interview they seemed to have a nice amount of very updated equipment.

Norwich University of the arts

Similar to the other universities I also chose Norwich university of the arts due to its well planned out course which enticed me to go. I felt quite confident that I would put it down as an option as it seemed to have a lot of positives and awards coming its way. I also enjoyed the place itself Norwich.

DreamWorks TV – Animatic Editor

49085BR

Animation Production

Filmed Entertainment Group

Responsibilities

Title: Editor (Animatic)
Department: Editorial
Reports To: Line Producer

Position Summary:
DreamWorks Animation Television has an exciting new opportunity for an Editor (Animatic) to join its in-house team in Glendale, CA. Our Editors (Animatic) create animatics from storyboard images that serve as final animation reference.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities:

  • Create an animatic from rough assemble to final lock by implementing well timed edits and incorporating the appropriate dialogue, sound effects and temp music
  • Incorporate notes from the show’s creative directors, producers, and executives during edit sessions and offer creative suggestions when needed
  • Participate in storyboard pitch sessions and animatic screenings
  • Responsible for timely execution of deliverables
  • Work closely with production staff to ensure timely and appropriate implementation of dialogue, music, sound effects, and storyboards
  • After the final screening assist production staff in importing the locked animatic into Adobe Premiere for shipping and tracking purposes

Qualifications/Requirements

Qualifications/Requirements:
● Previous Animation editing experience
● A strong understanding of filmmaking
● Knowledge of Adobe Premiere and Storyboard Pro
● Strong verbal and written communication skills
● Proven ability to manage time and meet deadlines
● Able to edit quickly in a fast-paced environment

Desired Characteristics

Desired Characteristics:
● Television animation editing experience preferred
● Working knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects
● Ability to work in a high-pressure environment under tight deadlines
● Understanding of CG animation principles
● Film enthusiast
● Highly organized and detailed oriented
● Bachelor’s degree preferred

LEAD ANIMATOR – ILM TV

CG Artist  London, United Kingdom

Position Summary

The Lead Animator is responsible for designing and creating the motion of computer graphics characters within a shot while overseeing the animation of a sequence of shots on a specific production.  Determines the creative and aesthetic approach to animation. Decides the character performance direction and leads the animation crew to deliver the expected and desired performance.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Works closely with the film’s director in determining the creative and aesthetic approach to the animation.
  • Assists in crewing the best talent for the project.
  • Responsible for insuring the quality of the character performance and acting continuity across the film.
  • Using a variety of software packages, creates animation for cg characters within a series of shots of significant complexity; steps in as needed to assist animators and troubleshoots as needed.
  • Mentors and trains lower level animation crew in performing tasks relative to the overall professional development of the animators.

Education/Experience

  • Proven track record for delivering high end VFX across a range of episodic television genres.
  • Strong understanding of the pace and production process of episodic television.
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Traditional Animation working in cel, stopmotion or computer animation working on feature films.
  • Proven track record of successfully working in a supervisory capacity on several animation productions.
  • Must have an advanced awareness of animation principles, including acting and action.
  • Must have an extremely creative and critical eye for guiding the quality of the animation.
  • Must be a skilled decision maker, problem solver and an exceptional communicator.
  • Expert knowledge of various software applications. Technical expertise is a plus.

Framestore

Animator

  • Animation
  • 28 Chancery Ln, London WC2A 1PF, UK
  • Contract

Animators produce the motions, gestures and expressions of three-dimensional computer graphic characters and objects for high-end VFX films.

Hear more from Brad, Lead Animator, and Marion, Senior Animator.Responsibilities:

  • Working closely with the Animation Lead and Supervisor to produce high quality animation which creates compelling, story-driven and action packed moments that fit within the style and pacing of the film
  • Working closely with the Rigging and Pipeline departments providing suggestions and feedback to improve character setup, visual quality, rigs and tool functionality
  • Animating both primary and secondary characters and elements
  • Meeting schedules and show deadlines
  • Ongoing communication with Production and Lead regarding schedules and deadlines
  • Working efficiently as part of a team, or independently, to complete assigned shots
  • Submitting shots for review and follow through with notes and feedback if required
  • Continuing to become familiar with new tools, software, data and other related technology

Essential Skills:

  • Previous experience in a similar role
  • A thorough knowledge of Maya
  • An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
  • An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
  • The proven ability to work under pressure
  • Being open to direction and able to embrace change
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
  • Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills

Desirable Skills:

  • A working knowledge of Modeling, Rigging and Mel/Python scripting
  • Previous experience working with motion capture data
  • A traditional animation and/or art background
  • Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills

PLEASE NOTE: we expect intermediate level reels to demonstrate at least 1-2 years experience in VFX or commercials and/or personal work including material from courses such as Animation Mentor or iAnimate.

Framestore is proud to employ extraordinary talent across all genders, races, nationalities, religions, ages, abilities and sexual preferences. We aim to encourage and support all of our current and future employees to achieve their potential. No job applicant will receive less favourable treatment on any basis when applying for a career with us.