Well, what do you know, another semester is over. Time just flies! Thank you very much for your patience throughout this semester, you've been a great class and I wish you all the best! And who knows, I might see some of you again in another class or as a fellow coworker. Take care!
Jean-Denis
pic source
Hey guys,
for next Monday, please bring your latest and greatest version for each assignment, since I will be grading you for this semester's work.
How it works:
- for each Blu-ray DVD your grade goes up by one letter.
JUST KIDDING!!
It's two Blu-rays.
Cheers
JD
Hey guys,
I've never gotten any email or comments about how I could improve this site. Since I want this to be a good resource for my students and anybody else who reads this, please let me know what you would like to change, add, remove, etc.
Please leave a comment to this post with any suggestions. Don't be shy, it's for your own good. :)
- image source
Sorry for the Norman Modification Tutorial delay. I thought I could just copy/paste what Nair wrote but it took a little bit longer. Again, sorry for the delay.
But now it's up and ready for you guys. Thanks again Nair for all the work! Head over to Animation Buffet, or directly to the "Norman" post.
Huh? Animation Buffet?
Well, this current version of Animation Buffet is a more stripped down one (the original idea would involve a lot more work and more manpower), but until then it will hopefully help you guys in terms of a centralized spot where you can find all the free rigs that are currently out.
I'm adding rigs on a daily basis from now on so this is not the full amount that's out there. If you find a rig online which is not on Animation Buffet, please let me know so I can add it. Same goes for Norman modifications. I'd like to have a library of wigs, clothes, props, etc. for people to use. So if you're willing to share, it will be highly appreciated.
Of course any comments and/or suggestions are always welcome.
Cheers
JD
I've gotten some email and verbal comments about my stance on not taking AM or Pixar classes while enrolled in my class and sadly the distilled opinion was that I don't like Animation Mentor or the Pixar classes. I guess my wording was poor so I just wanted to clarify a few things.
I have nothing against those two animation classes at all.
If you can enroll in Animation Mentor, then do it. I recommend it over the AAU because AM focuses strictly on animation. So if you're not going for a Bachelor's with a general art education, then AM is for you. No distractions, no other classes that take time away from your animation homework, just a focus on learning animation. I know Shawn and I can see how committed he is to make AM an awesome school, so you're in good hands (and that goes for Carlos Baena and Bobby Beck as well).
But if you're enrolled at the AAU then your primary goal should be to get into the Pixar class. Work as hard as you can in order to get accepted because it's worth it. The assignments of my last Pixar class got me my job as a feature animator. The wealth of knowledge you're exposed to in those classes is enormous, so make it a priority to get in there.
BUT.
Once you are enrolled at Animation Mentor or the Pixar classes, it's time for HARD work. You need every minute you can get to polish your shots. Which means surrounding classes at the AAU will suffer because of it, which is fine to me. I had an English writing class during my last semester and some other useless (for me) class. I spent about 5mins a week on it, the rest was focused on my animation. If you have any filmmaking classes, don't neglect those of course.
SO.
I understand that you want to spend as much time as possible on your AM or Pixar assignments and technically I'm all for that. But for every student that's putting 5% into my class, there's another who would spend 100% (ok, maybe 95%). The problem is that this student didn't get into the class because it was full. And this is where I say, don't enroll into this class if you can't/don't want to put in the required time, because you're taking up a spot of someone that would. It won't help you, it won't help the other student and it won't help me. All in all it's just a waste of time.
That's all.
Hey guys,
I forgot to mention something (because it seemed so obvious to me but that's because I'm retarded...).
Please render out your ball renders through a "side" view camera, not perspective. If you need reference check out this post. - pic source
After the bombardment of information yesterday during our first class I just wanted to mention a few things again.
First off, if you have any questions regarding the way this class is structured, or how to present your work, etc. please check out the Class F.A.Q. If you questions that are answered on there, let me know and I'll add the answers to that post.
I recommend that you browse through this site in general in order to figure out what is where and how this site works. In general you will have all the new posts on your left and relevant links on your right. The posts can range from silly stuff to class critique to lectures. Check out the first few pages (there's about a post a day I would, average, sometimes more, sometimes less). Two posts you should check out no matter what are the Spring 2007 and Fall 2007 Class Summaries, specifically the posts under the "To-Do List & Lectures" and "Animation Techniques, Tools, Notes & Examples" because a lot of useful notes are in there that you need to soak up. For a general reality-check of this industry, refer to "Time and Effort".
Homework.
First off, please scan or take a picture of your school ID or any other picture that you have of yourself, as long as I can see your face, don't send me any pictures of your feet... :) and email it to me. Please use animate (at) jeandenis.net. Every now and then you might get an email from me through my work account, but please reply using the animate address, because I can check that account all the time. If you send me something to work in the evening I won't be able to look at it until the next day, also emails with attachments (like .zips) will get rejected. If you have any nicknames, let me know as well.
Second homework is a bouncing ball assignment. Yes, yes, boring old bouncing balls. No matter how good you are, I'd like to see them balls. A heavy one (bowling ball), a medium one (generic bouncy ball) and a light one (either super bouncy or balloon). I prefer to get one clip with all three balls in it (don't forget the frame counter). The complexity of the shot is up to you, over achievers are always welcome. :)
You can have all three balls fall and bounce straight down. Or you can have them bounce from left to right. Maybe treat the edges of the video clip as walls and have the balls bounce off those walls. And maybe as they bounce back they collide with each other. Want to add tails to all the balls? Feel free. No matter what you do, try to push yourself, never settle for the average. I'd like to see a final version by next week, so think about how much work you can fit into a week. Whatever you do, have it polished, no blocking.
If you have (separate) clips from previous classes, you can send me those of course (which is the only exceptions for the rest of the semester, I won't accept homework from other classes - if you think that you won't be able to put in at least 10 hours a week for this class (which is the minimum according to the syllabus), please consider switching classes. I really encourage you to work hard and 10 hours should be daily input, not weekly. ... I'm kidding! ... or am I?).
As mentioned yesterday, the moment you are done with your clip, feel free to email it to me (with a link or an attachment, again, check out the F.A.Q. for file requirements). There's no need to wait and waste time. It's not a requirement though. I don't expect you guys to show me work during the week. The minimum critique is once a week during class. But I want to give you the option to move on at your own pace, so if you're fast, take advantage of that.
Next week we will all sit together and have dailies. I actually wouldn't call the class "workshoppy" because you won't work on your assignments during class with me walking around ready for questions. We will critique each clip together and I will provide lectures, just like any other class. The only difference is that I will combine critiques with lectures. Instead of doing an hour lecture and then moving on to critiques and then running out of time (although I do anyway...), I will go right into critiques and then explain shot fixes through mini lectures. That way I can cover a wider range and save more time.
But again, if you have questions, suggestions, recommendations, complaints, bribes, blackmails, etc. let me know. I want you to get the most out of this class as possible. Speaking of bribes. Top of the line Blu-ray player will get you an A. :)
Alright, enough drilling. Welcome to the class!
Cheers
JD
pic source
Just wanted to post a quick update. I'm still without a PC but the new one is coming soon. A friend of a friend is helping me putting one together and we settled on all the different parts. Now I just have to order them and put it together (in other words, someone else has to help me :) ). The moment it's up and running you'll be the first ones to know.
So my computer-less existence (besides an old laptop), plus overtime at work means that critiques and updates will be minimal. For those who sent me animation shots, I got them and will post a critique (or email it) as soon as I can. For those emailing about the workflow, same thing, I'll get to it as soon as I got my new machine. Hang tight and sorry for the wait.
If anybody from our Fall 07 class wants a formal critique concerning their performance (as opposed to just getting a grade without explanation), feel free to email me and I'll do so.
Just like last semester I'll put up a Fall 07 post summary for quick browsing. Spring 08 students should start going through the Spring 07 Summary post, the class F.A.Q., the resource links, etc. etc. Get prepared, soak up every piece of information you can get. Check out the "recommended sites" links as well.
I will again ask everybody to submit bouncing balls (light, medium, heavy - in one shot, with frame counter, quicktime) at the beginning of this semester, so you might as well start now. Spread the word to people you know who signed up for this class. Tell them to visit this site, since it's an essential part of class.
I also want you guys to think about specific questions concerning this semester (animation related or industry related, etc.). Think about what you want to accomplish this semester. What are your goals? What areas need improvement? What type of shots do you want to do? What would you like to get out of this class?
You should aim for 3 finished and polished pieces at the end of the semester. Organize your time so that you can submit clear blocking for your first critique in class. Next submission should be blocking-plus with major fixes done (depending on the shot this can take one week or two), last submission should be polish. Give yourself one week per pass, maybe two for blocking-plus depending on the complexity of the shot. Towards the end of the semester you can use the time to either attack a new shot or to revisit your shots and keep polishing. Just like the previous semesters you can of course email me during the week for more critique, you're not bound to just the class time. Links to your clips are preferred, but if you don't have your own website, then start the process of getting one now and email me your clips until your site is up and running.
I've been pretty loose when it comes to deadlines but it's obviously not good to see students who've only worked on one clip during the whole semester. There can be various reasons for that, please refer to this post when it comes to my thoughts about time management and class commitment. So for this semester I am going to re-structure the class a bit. I'm all for being pro-active and self-motivated, but it looks like a few people need firm deadlines in order to keep the creative juices going.
But more about that during the first class. Get some questions together and let's all talk about the semester in about two weeks!
Cheers
JD
Wow, tempus fugit!
This Thursday is the last class for this semester. Please bring and drop off the latest and greatest of all your assignments and if you want to share, the characters and props you built during this semester. I'm sure future students will thank you for it.
One more session of useless rants and violence filled animation notes. ;)
[YET ANOTHER UPDATE] Got this from the AAU:
There will be no more printed syllabi for on-site classes. Syllabi will be available for students – and yourselves – in the Student Pickup drive.
[ANOTHER UPDATE] So far we will meet in room 805.
CA3D 686.02 MS: Character Animation for Grads, Monday 7-10pm
Sounds like the class is already full, but will have more details soon.
[UPDATE]
For those students who signed up (and if you didn't but know people who did, please pass this message along):
I HIGHLY recommend that you DON'T take this class if you are:
- enrolled in Animation Mentor at the same time
- taking any Pixar class at the same time
- working or somehow too busy to attend and/or complete the assignments given in class
Due to recent experiences with students being too busy because of above mentioned reasons I highly discourage you from taking this class, because it's unfair to the other students if you're taking up a spot and then are not doing any work for that class, while other people would gladly work their butt off but can't because the class is full.
Sorry to be harsh but slackers are not welcome.
Hey guys,
so here a quick recap about the homework and new info for the class ditchers and Pixar attendees :)
For Friday and no later than Saturday, think about a topic or technique or anything else that you need to know about your shots, animation, work flow, etc.
I got a question before about moving holds, or how do you keep them once you go from stepped to linear/spline, how do you keep something alive during holds, how many keys do I set during blocking, etc.
So instead of doing a demo about one little thing, I wanted to hear from all of you guys first so that I get an overview of what you are missing. That way I can prepare little movies and demos for next class.
Depending on the amount of questions, critique might get a bit shorter in class, but bring all your work and drop it into the usual folder. I'll take it home and will continue the critique that night so that everybody gets feedback Thursday night/Friday morning.
Thanks!
JD
Try to keep your movie file sizes small (especially when you send them to me).
Once you did the playblast in Maya, open that .avi movie in quicktime. Then go to File>Export..., choose Movie to Quicktime Movie, then Options. Under Settings use H.264, Key Frames: Every 100 Frames, Quality around 65. OK all that and save the file. Voila.
Audio clips. Please do not use clips from other animated movies and other students (especially in your class), make an effort to be original.
Tata
JD
Midterm is closing in, so please bring all the work that you have to class, starting with the bouncing ball (at least the ball and one more finished assignment needs to be handed in).
Also, email critique will resume tomorrow (Tuesday) night.
Tata
JD
I'm using Quicktime 7. 2 - Firefox 2.0.0.7 - Flash 9,0,47,0 - on 4 different systems (different configurations), Firefox 2.0.0.3 and Mozilla 1.7.7 at work, nothing happens. If anybody finds any solution, please let me know.
UPDATE: Jeff (THANKS!!!!) posted this in the comment section:
...actually there's a new quicktime bug that crashes all browsers, that happens every time it updates itself. try this...go into..
quicktime
quicktime preferences
advanced
direct X
disable enable directDraw accelleration, secondary monitors, and video accelleration.
all should be well.
They can try emptying their cache.
MAC
Clearing Cache on Firefox 2.0 for Macintosh
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the Firefox menu and select Preferences.
3. Click the Advanced icon and click the Network tab.
4. Click Clear Now under the Cache section.
5. Click the "X" in the top left corner to close the Advanced window.
6. Exit and re-launch the browser.
Winblowz
Clearing Cache on Microsoft® Internet Explorer 7.0
1. Click Start and select Settings, then Control Panel.
2. Double-click Internet Options.
3. Click the General tab.
4. Click Delete under the Browsing History section.
5. Click Delete Files in the Delete Browsing History dialog box.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Close.
8. Close and relaunch your browser.
Clearing Cache on Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0
1. Click Start and select Settings, then Control Panel.
2. Double-click Internet Options to open Internet Properties.
3. Click Delete Files.
4. Click OK on the Delete Files dialog box.
5. Click OK.
Clearing Cache on Firefox 2.0
1. Click Tools and select Options.
2. Click the Privacy icon.
3. Click Clear Now in the Private Data area.
4. Click Ok.
5. Exit and relaunch the browser
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Also try flushing your DNS cache.
open a command line in windows. Start > Run > (type: CMD)
in the DOS terminal type:
ipconfig /flushdns
Or Blockbuster, whatever you prefer. But either way, you should be watching at least one new movie a week. I'm using the 3-at-a-time version with Netflix and I love it. I got to see "Haven", "In the Mouth of Madness" and "Zodiac" last week-end and in all of them I noticed sweet little character details that you can use in your animation.
Watch as many movies as you can. It trains your eyes in terms of acting, composition (click here and scroll down for some basic tips), editing, all that good stuff. Plus you can build your audio clip library as well.
Hey guys,
my mail was down yesterday and this morning I was able to send off one email. I'm looking into it and apologize for the delay.
"I'm working on it!"
I got this email and was asked to let my students know. So here it is:
Greetings!
The Fall 2007 Animation Town Hall Meeting will take place on Thursday, September 20, in Room 400A. 3pm to 4pm. If you are able to attend, please do. This is where the students get a chance to ask their questions, air their concerns, and float new ideas.
Also, please tell your classes about this. We can never have enough students turn out.
Cheers,
Brian
A few people have sent me a scan or a photo of their ID and it'd be cool if everybody else could do the same. That way I have everything on the computer. Same goes for your email, just email me quickly so that I have your email on file as well.
Tata
Jean-Denis
Hey guys (and girls!),
I hope you had a good time yesterday, I know I did. Everybody seems to be motivated to animate the crap out of this semester, good times! :)
There were still a few students that didn't show up, so if you have friends that are among them, please let them know about the new classroom and this site, so they can get up to speed and know what needs to be done homework wise.
Speaking of which:
- read through all the posts on this site (the ones that look helpful at least, like tutorials, lectures, Splinedoctor synopsis - I'd recommend critiques as well)
- check out www.11secondclub.com and go through all the entries. Grab a drink, put on some music and make yourself comfortable, it will take you a while. But like I said, it's good to see what's out there and you'll get to see all the overused and cliched acting choices as well as the more polished and subtle ones.
- look for a web hosting service and get your site up and running. Since you are graduating you NEED an online portfolio.
- use rigs that you can modify so that they look unique. Stay away from Generi, PackageMan and those guys. I recommend Lowman, but especially Norman. Check out Simon Christen's site and go through his links site. Check out all the animators and go through each animator's link page as well and so on. Again, take a few hours on the week-end check out all the amazing stuff. It's great to see how you can create unique characters and make your clip stand out.
- please show me a light, medium and heavy bouncing ball. If you have clips like that from another class, show me those. I just need to see that you mastered the basics and that you are able to show weight. Don't wait til next week if you have them already, shoot me an email and move on.
- please use a frame counter in your clip, keep the codec simple (sorenson 3 or something like that), quicktime (not windows media), movie size big enough so I can see what's going on but don't exaggerate, try to keep the file size small when you send me the movies per email (a direct link to the movie would be great, because on day I'll run out of space)
- if you don't want to follow the school syllabus and do your own thing, go ahead. If you have an idea of what type of clips you want to do and how many, you can always send me an email with that outline and I'll take a look at it.
- everybody please send me an email anyway, so that I have all of them on file (for mass emails in case of class updates). If you have a picture of yourself, attach that too, so that I can start remembering who you are (take a picture of your ID or some head shot). :)
I think that's it. If I remember something I'll add it here, if you have questions don't hesitate and send me an email.
Tata
Jean-Denis
