DIG 4394 : Section 61: Motion Graphics : Advanced Compositing
School of Visual Arts and Design, College of Arts and Humanities
3 Credit Hours
Table of Contents
Instructor Information
- Instructor: Hannah Huffman
- Office Location: OTC 500 Room 155 or Zoom
- Office Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 12:00PM - 2:00PM or by appointment
- Phone: 307-287-1766
- Email: hannah.huffman@ucf.edu
Course Information
- Term: Spring 2021
- Course Number & Section: DIG 4394 Section 61
- Course Name: Motion Graphics: Advanced Compositing
- Credit Hours: 3 Credit Hours
- Class Meeting Days: Thursdays
- Class Meeting Time: Lecture 10:00AM – 11:50 AM, Lab 1:00 PM – 3:50PM
- Class Location: OTC 134
- Course Modality: M
Enrollment Requirements
Prerequisite(s): DIG 4359C, successful portfolio review, or C.I. Corequisite(s): None. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): None
Course Description
Advanced techniques including 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, particles, and compositing to create motion graphics. Manage and navigate objects, images, and other media in visual narratives, as pertaining to 3-D Content. Spring
This course builds upon previous Character Animation courses to continue the creation of a narrative short film in a production environment. We will focus on rendering and the post-production process in Nuke.
Course Materials and Resources
Required Materials/Resources
-
- Personal Headphones
- Personal Notebook for critique and general production notes
- External Hard Drive for back up
- A computer capable of running intensive programs such as Maya, Harmony, Nuke
Optional Materials/Resources
-
Finish Your Film by Kenny Roy, Routledge, ISBN: 9780415661812
-
Nuke 101: Professional Compositing and Visual Effects Edition 2 by Ron Ganbar, Peachpit Press, ISBN: 9780321984128
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to….
- Develop specific rendering and compositing strategy to create a specific style or look to suit a narrative scene
- Apply knowledge of compositing from earlier courses through the use of appropriate compositing operations to suit the production
- Experiment with render passes and compositing software to create a consistent look throughout the film
- Follow appropriate naming conventions for assets, renders, and files in an organized fashion
- Collaborate with teammates in writing, designing, and editing various aspects of an animated short.
- Critique effectively their individual work as well as the work of teammates in a meaningful and respectful manner.
Course Activities
Students will achieve learning outcomes through:
- Weekly critiques in class, alternating each team, starting at 2:30PM on Thursdays with other faculty
- Creating a goal for a specific completion percentage of each film for each team (animation team, compositing team, etc) by March 8th. (Our full rendering deadline)
- Instructor demonstrations of relevant compositing practices
- Bi-weekly WIP check-ins for each team based on Dailies critiques.
Activity Submissions
Assignments will be submitted through WebCourses.
Course final is April 29th, 10AM. We will review film progress and add finishing touches for the Zoomluck.
Attendance/Participation
Class attendance is mandatory as well as arriving on time and not leaving early. This course’s in-class portion will take place synchronously via Zoom meetings with one face to face meeting each month. Students have the option of attending through Zoom or in-person in the lab.
Students are allowed TWO unexcused absences per semester. Arriving late or leaving early three times will count as one absence. More than two unexcused absences will equal one letter grade reduction in your score per extra absence.
Please communicate with the professor via email if you will be absent for any reason. The Undergraduate Catalog states, “Reasons for acceptable absences may include illness, serious family emergencies, special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips, professional conferences), military obligations, severe weather conditions, and religious holidays.”
Make-up Exams and Assignments
Late Work Policy:
Projects are due the day and time of class unless otherwise noted. Late work will lose 10% of the project grade per class missed, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that has been communicated with the professor.
Make-Up Assignments for Authorized University Events or Co-curricular Activities
Students who represent the university in an authorized event or activity (for example, student-athletes) and who are unable to meet a course deadline due to a conflict with that event must provide the instructor with documentation in advance to arrange a make-up. No penalty will be applied. For more information, see the UCF policy at <https://policies.ucf.edu/documents/4-401.pdf>
Assessment and Grading Procedures
The table shows the weight distribution for each assignment.
|
Assessment
|
Percentage of Grade
|
|
Pre-Quiz
|
1%
|
|
Class Attendance and Participation
|
19%
|
|
Assignments
|
45%
|
|
Dailies WIP Critiques
|
35%
|
|
Total
|
100%
|
Grading Scale for the course:
|
Grading Scale (%)
|
|
94-100
|
A
|
|
90-93
|
A-
|
|
87-89
|
B+
|
|
80-86
|
B
|
|
77-79
|
C+
|
|
70-76
|
C
|
|
60-69
|
D
|
|
0 - 59
|
F
|
Assignments are graded based on the following criteria:
- Successful execution of assignment goals and objectives
- Creativity in solving problems and making unique design choices
- The effort shown through time spent working outside of class with assignment turned in on time
- Professional attention to craft, work is presented well with well-managed files (history deleted as necessary, file naming conventions followed for the project)
- Attention to the production’s unique style, assets created meet the desired look for the film
Resubmission Policy:
Resubmissions of any materials must be approved in writing prior to resubmission. A formal written request can be submitted via e-mail. Be advised that a resubmission can garner nothing higher than a “B”
Extra Credit Policy:
There is no extra credit.
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Appropriate documentation must be provided to your instructor when requesting an incomplete.
Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.
(Click the link above!)
University Services and Resources
Academic Services and Resources
A list of available academic support and learning services is available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Academic Support and Learning Services" on the right-hand side to filter.
Non-Academic Services and Resources
A list of non-academic support and services is also available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Support" on the right-hand side to filter.
If you are a UCF Online student, please consult the UCF Online Student Guidelines for more information about your access to non-academic services.
Policy Statements
Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct. According to Section 1, "Academic Misconduct," students are prohibited from engaging in:
-
Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
-
Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
-
Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
-
Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
-
Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
-
Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
-
Helping another violate academic behavior standards.
For more information about Academic Integrity, students may consult The Center for Academic Integrity.
For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”.
Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating
Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a "Z Designation" on a student’s official transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade.
The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need specific access in this course, such as accommodations, should contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss various access options. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (Ferrell Commons, 7F, Room 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone (407) 823-2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be reasonable.
Fully online course sections (W, V)
Though most emergency situations are primarily relevant to courses that meet in person, such incidents can also impact online students, either when they are on or near campus to participate in other courses or activities or when their course work is affected by off-campus emergencies. The following policies apply to courses in online modalities.
- To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to https://my.ucf.edu and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
- Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
Sections with face-to-face components (M, RA, RV)
Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.
- In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
- Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location and review the online version at http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.html.
- Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency.
- If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first-aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see https://ehs.ucf.edu/automated-external-defibrillator-aed-locations.
- To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to https://my.ucf.edu and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
- Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
- To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider viewing this video (You CAN Survive an Active Shooter).
Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.
This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.
During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.
Zoom Sessions Because of the continued remote instruction requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this course will use Zoom for synchronous (“real-time”) class meetings. Meeting dates and times will be scheduled through Webcourses@UCF and should appear on your calendar. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with Zoom by visiting the UCF Zoom GuidesLinks to an external site. [https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/zoom/]. You may choose to use Zoom on your mobile device (phone or tablet).
Things to Know About Zoom: • You must sign in to my Zoom session using your UCF NID and password. • The Zoom sessions are recorded. • Improper classroom behavior is not tolerated within Zoom sessions and may result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct. • You can contact Webcourses@UCF SupportLinks to an external site.[https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/] if you have any technical issues accessing Zoom.
The equipment in the lab has been provided for your use in class and for class projects. Without them, you will find doing your assignments can get quite expensive. Please be kind to the furniture and equipment. Let the instructor know right away if anything is not working properly so that we can get it repaired.
NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOMS. A BREAK ROOM IS PROVIDED FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE. PLEASE USE IT! PLEASE DISPOSE OF FOOD RELATED TRASH IN THE GARBAGE CAN NEAR THE ELEVATOR. CLASSROOM TRASHCANS ARE ONLY FOR PAPER THAT HASN’T TOUCHED ANY FOOD. Remove any unwanted foods from the refrigerator before Friday afternoon or it will be thrown away. Leave a dated note on your food if you want it to remain.
Email: All class correspondence must utilize knights email address. The instructor expects notification by E-mail if a student cannot attend class or misses class. E-mail can also be used to ask specific questions about material covered in class. The instructor will respond as soon as possible.
One Drive, Dropbox, and Google Drive: Students are required to use One Drive, Dropbox and Google Drive for file sharing when necessary.
Legal Lab Use: Computers in the labs should not be used to illegally stream or download copyrighted material. Any student caught using the lab equipment for illegal downloads can be removed from class.
Internet: The Internet can only be used for research during class. No games allowed during class time. Facebook and email can only be checked first thing in the morning, at lunch, and 15 minutes before the end of class. No streaming music or video AT ANYTIME, unless it's for reference, and I would prefer that you download any reference that you may use using keepvid.com. If you want to listen to music, you must bring it in on your own device and use headphones. .
University-Wide Face Covering Policy for Common Spaces and Face-to-Face Classes
To protect members of our community, everyone is required to wear a facial covering inside all common spaces including classrooms (https://policies.ucf.edu/documents/PolicyEmergencyCOVIDReturnPolicy.pdf.
Students who choose not to wear facial coverings will be asked to leave the classroom by the instructor. If they refuse to leave the classroom or put on a facial covering, they may be considered disruptive (please see the Golden Rule for student behavior expectations). Faculty have the right to cancel class if the safety and well-being of class members are in jeopardy. Students will be responsible for the material that would have been covered in class as provided by the instructor.
Notifications in Case of Changes to Course Modality
Depending on the course of the pandemic during the semester, the university may make changes to the way classes are offered. If that happens, please look for announcements or messages in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email about changes specific to this course.
COVID-19 and Illness Notification
Students who believe they may have a COVID-19 diagnosis should contact UCF Student Health Services (407-823-2509) so proper contact tracing procedures can take place. Students should not come to campus if they are ill, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID, or if anyone living in their residence has tested positive or is sick with COVID-19 symptoms. CDC guidance for COVID-19 symptoms is located here: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html)
Students should contact their instructor(s) as soon as possible if they miss class for any illness reason to discuss reasonable adjustments that might need to be made. When possible, students should contact their instructor(s) before missing class.
In Case of Faculty Illness
If the instructor falls ill during the semester, there may be changes to this course, including having a backup instructor take over the course. Please look for announcements or mail in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email for any alterations to this course. Course Accessibility and
Disability COVID-19 Supplemental Statement
Accommodations may need to be added or adjusted should this course shift from an on-campus to a remote format. Students with disabilities should speak with their instructor and should contact sas@ucf.edu to discuss specific accommodations for this or other courses.