Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to animate simple 3D models and create 3D animations.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the application of basic 3D animation skills to create animations for inclusion in interactive media products, short stand-alone animated sequences and basic games. At this level, animators are working with 3D digital models that have already been created. Animated sequences may include audio components.

Animations are created using a range of industry-current software that is constantly evolving, so it is essential that people working in this area keep up to date with the latest software.

This unit does not include techniques for stop-motion, cell-analogue and real time animation. Nor does it cover more sophisticated animation techniques used in film, television and high-end games. These are addressed in:

• CUFANM501A Create 3D digital character animation
• CUFANM502A Create 3D digital environments.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Clarify animation requirements

1. With reference to production documentation , clarify 3D animation  requirements and design specifications  in consultation with relevant personnel 

2. Examine the models to be animated to determine the most appropriate animation techniques 

3. Identify the file format  and delivery platform  for animated sequences

4. Identify factors  that may influence animation design approach

5. In consultation with relevant personnel, clarify work flow sequences to ensure that production schedule deadlines are met

Plan approach

6. Research animations, artworks and other creative sources that may inspire visual design ideas

7. Generate a range of animation ideas that are technically feasible, respond to briefs and provide creative solutions to all design issues

8. Present animation ideas to relevant personnel using appropriate design techniques .

9. Adjust approach to incorporate feedback and agree on final design concepts

10. Discuss and select 3D animation software  with relevant personnel to ensure that animated sequences meet specified outcomes

11. Analyse audio assets  supplied for animations as required

Produce animated sequences for review

12. Create 3D animations using animation techniques to suit design requirements

13. Apply basic animation principles , screen principles , visual design principles  and communication principles 

14. Apply real world camera techniques to virtual cameras used in 3D animation

15. Render completed animated sequences

16. Save and store animated sequences using appropriate output file formats, standard naming conventions and version control protocols

17. Present 3D animated sequences to relevant personnel for evaluation by agreed deadlines

Finalise animated sequences

18. Review animated sequences to assess creative solutions to design briefs, appropriateness to users/audience and technical feasibility

19. Discuss and confirm with relevant personnel additional requirements or modifications and complete changes as required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to:

• interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions
• work as a member of a production team, both independently on assignment and under direction
• respond constructively to feedback received from other team members
• complete workplace documentation

• conceptual and creative skills in the context of:

• generating feasible ideas for animated sequences
• having a feel for movement and timing in order to produce convincing animations
• maintaining design integrity

• technical skills sufficient to:

• use industry-current animation software to develop digitally animated sequences
• apply the principles of basic screen, visual design and communication to produce 3D animated sequences
• output 3D animated sequences in appropriate file formats for a range of delivery platforms
• manage files and directories using standard naming conventions and version control protocols

• self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

• prioritise work tasks
• meet deadlines
• seek expert assistance when problems arise

Required knowledge 

• roles and responsibilities of project team members in the relevant industry sector
• basic understanding of the stages in the production process from initial design through to finished product
• issues and challenges that arise in the context of creating 3D digital animations
• basic 3D digital animation techniques
• basic screen principles
• principles of animation
• principles of visual design and communication
• features of a range of delivery platforms
• OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• creation of 3D digital animated sequences that:

• demonstrate the principles of basic screen, visual design and communication
• meet the technical requirements of specific platforms
• satisfy the design brief and client requirements

• collaborative approach to work
• attention to detail
• ability to meet production deadlines.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to a range of resources, equipment and current industry-current software as listed in the range statement
• where sound is integrated in animated sequences, access to a range of suitable software to support the integration of sound and visual elements
• access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
• use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence, authenticated show reels and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
• critical analysis of a range of 3D digital animated sequences created by the candidate to determine ability to meet design requirements
• written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
• informal questioning and discussion, including response to feedback and diagnostics.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• CUFANM303A Create 3D digital models
• CUFDIG303A Produce and prepare photo images
• CUFDIG304A Create visual design components
• CUFSOU301A Prepare audio assets.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Production documentation  may include

• animatics
• brief
• storyboard
• technical specifications.

3D animations  may include:

• 3D elements
• 3D panoramas
• basic games
• buttons
• characters
• illustrations
• logos
• models
• morphs/blend shapes
• puzzles
• simulated sequences
• text
• titles and credits.

Design specifications  may include:

• characters and objects
• key frames
• objects
• references
• samples
• script
• storyboard
• technical specifications, including:

• output file format
• version control protocols
• output file size
• operating system
• hardware specifications, including memory size, RAM
• delivery platform
• media form.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• 3D modeller
• 3D producer
• animation director
• audio asset creator
• director
• graphic artist/designer
• instructional designer
• lead animator
• matte painter
• system support personnel
• other technical and specialist personnel.

Animation techniques  may include:

• acceleration/deceleration
• audio integration
• dynamic simulation
• hierarchies
• hinges and pivot points
• hybrid method
• key frames
• layered animation
• looping backgrounds
• morphing/object exaggeration
• motion capture
• motion paths
• pose to pose animation
• registration points
• rotation
• scripted animation
• speed/motion blur
• straight-ahead animation.

File formats  may include:

• AAS
• ACT
• ANI
• ANM
• ANS
• AVI
• AWA
• AWM
• CEL
• CFT
• CMV
• DIR/DCR
• FLA/SWF
• FLC
• FLI
• FLX
• GIF
• HTML
• IFF
• JPEG
• LWOB
• M3D
• MMM
• MOV
• MPEG
• MWF
• PNG
• QTVR
• SEC
• TIFF
• VAN
• VUE.

Delivery platforms  may include:

• CD
• DVD
• film
• games console
• internet
• kiosk
• mobile phone or device
• PDA (personal digital assistant)
• video.

Factors  may include:

• budget
• purpose of animation
• resources
• target audience
• timelines.

Design techniques  may include:

• digitally generated illustrations of objects and/or characters
• freehand sketches
• fully rendered hand-drawn illustrations
• story trees
• storyboards.

Animation software  may include:

• 3D Studio Max
• Cinema 4D
• Houdini
• Lightwave
• Maya
• Motionbuilder
• Soft Image - XSI.

Audio assets  may include:

• music
• narration
• sound effects.

Animation principles  may include:

• anticipation
• asymmetry in body and facial poses
• balanced poses
• exaggeration
• movement in arcs
• overlapping actions and follow-through
• pacing/timing
• secondary actions
• singularity of message
• squash and stretch
• staging
• strong silhouette in poses
• weight.

Screen principles  may include:

• camera techniques
• editing, including basic transitions
• framing
• lighting
• montage
• narrative
• story-telling
• style/genre.

Visual design principles  may include:

• balance
• composition
• emphasis
• movement
• perspective
• proportion
• scale
• unity.

Communication principles  may include:

• communicating the message
• conveying meaning
• meeting audience requirements
• using functional components.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Visual communication - animation and digital effects

Co-requisite units