City Lit animation: fast track

About this course

Participants develop short animated sequences using drawn, cut-out and model stop-motion, alongside digital animation and special effects. The course covers planning, storyboarding, asset preparation, character and narrative animation, compositing and editing using Dragonframe, Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere Pro. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical workshops, short lectures, individual and small-group guidance, presentations and critiques. Learners are introduced to contemporary international animation practice and are encouraged to test both traditional and digital approaches while developing their own mini-projects.

What you'll learn

• Apply drawn, cut-out and model stop-motion techniques using Dragonframe
• Prepare assets in Photoshop for digital animation
• Create narrative and character animation sequences
• Composite traditionally and digitally produced animation
• Edit animated sequences with special effects and sound in Premiere Pro
• Evaluate personal and peer work in relation to contemporary animation practice

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Beginner but follows a fast-track format. It is intended for learners who can commit significant time to independent practice, research, asset preparation and project development outside class, as well as taking part in group discussion and critique.

• Basic computer competence, including managing files, is expected
• Learners should be able to follow written and spoken instructions, demonstrations and safety information
• The course includes independent project work between sessions
• Simple measurements and calculations form part of the required working approach

Before you go

• Apple Mac computers are used on the course.
• Access to a computer and the required software outside class is needed for practice and project development.
• Course DSLR cameras and professional software are available for use during the course.
• An external hard drive formatted for Mac is needed if learners want to keep and continue developing work produced in class.
• Course tasks, notes and resources are provided through Google Classroom, which learners need to access before sessions.