Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

Animators have to animate action within a scene or setting. Animated filmmaking requires a confident approach to concept and production design. Designing for Layout develops your animation research and technical aptitude essential for successful understanding of background art for animation. Traditional hand painted and computer generated applications will be taught in parallel. Equally, location and studio assignments will develop designing and painting techniques required for expressive and cinematic background art.

Outline Syllabus
(An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit).

• Instruction on context and techniques required for the production of layout design. 
• Research to underpin and inform decision making. 
• Developing design skills to express cinematic ideas and storytelling through layout design and background art.

Method of Delivery
A series of practical workshops, lectures, seminars, guided research and independent study.

Aims

A1 To develop specialist research skills required for background design.
A2 To develop an understanding of the range of appropriate materials and technical resources.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to: 

LO1 Demonstrate specialist research skills required for background design.
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the range of appropriate materials and technical resources

Reference Material
The selection of books will vary according to your individual interests and chosen area of study. Unit tutors will provide you with guidance regarding key and recommended reference material.

Key
Birn, J. (2000). Digital lighting and rendering, Indiana New Riders. 
Byrne, Mark. (1999). The art of layout. Lexlip, Co. Kildare: Mark T. Byrne
Fowler, Mike S. (2002). Animation - background, layout from student to professional. Fowler Cartooning Ink. Ontario. 
Johnson, O. and Thomas, F. (1981). Disney animation: the illusion of life. New York: Hyperion. 
Wells, P. Quinn, J and Mills, L. (2008). Drawing for animation. AVA Publishing

Recommended
Barnwell, J. (2003) Production Design-architects of the screen. Wallflower Press 
Finch, C, (1995). The art of Walt Disney. London: Virgin. 
Rebello, S, (1997). The art of the hunchback. Hyperion Press.