Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

Production research centres upon the production development work. You will continue to develop your approach to communicative narrative paying particular attention to the range of ways in which animation communicates its stories and meanings.

There are many choices for you to make in this unit, e.g. you may choose not to present a film proposal but elect to work with a colleague by applying your specialist animation skills. It is important here to recognise that ‘Animation’ compromises a multiplicity of specialist applications. These cover writing for animation, applying 2D drawn stop motion or computer generated animation, concept design, layouts and backgrounds, character design and the work of the director and producer.

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

Dedicated workshops leading to guided research, development and pre-production work for graduation productions.

Method of Delivery

• Independent learning 
• Seminars
• Practical workshops 
• Self evaluation
• Group and individual tutorials 

Aims

A1 To develop knowledge and understanding of specialisms required for planning and pre- production.
A2 To develop the planning and time management skills required for production development.
A3 To research and develop different animation styles and genres which will inform the development of your ideas for animation productions

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

LO1 Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, understanding of specialisms required for planning and pre-production
LO2 Demonstrate the ability to apply the planning and time management skills required for production development
LO3 Demonstrate the ability to evidence the research and development of animation styles and genres informing the development of ideas for animation productions.

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
Alias. (2005). The art of Maya - an introduction to 3D computer graphics, 4th Edition. Toronto: Alias learning Tools.
Johnson, O and Thomas, F. (1981) Disney animation: the illusion of life. New York: Hyperion.
Faber, Liz & Walters, Helen (2004) Animation unlimited. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Pilling, J. (2001) Animation: 2D and beyond. Crans-Pres-Celigny.

Recommended
Culhane, Shamus, (1989) Animation from script to screen; London: Columbus. 
Fowler, Mike S (2002) Animation background, layout from student to professional, Fowler Cartooning Ink, Ontario. 
Furniss, M (1998) Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics. London: John Libbey. 
Gibbs, J. (2003) Mise-en-scene. Wallflower Press. 
Scott, J (2002) How to write for animation, Overlook Press.

Journals, further web links and other reference specific to your particular topics will be provided by your tutor.