Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
- Specialising in 3D animation and Visual FX

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The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media comprises 2 years of full time training for students who want to work as animators in film, TV or other related 3D industries.

 

Year 1

Year 1 is designed as a foundation year to introduce students to the skills required to produce industry standard 3D modelling and animations. During this course, students are introduced to the elements of the production process involved in making a short animated film.

At the successful completion of Year 1, students not choosing to continue their studies can exit with a Certificate IV in Screen and Media.

*July mid year intake is delivered at an accelerated pace allowing students to progress into Year 2 the following February.

Areas of Study

Aesthetics
Students learn colour theory and fundamentals of design, focusing on animation and anatomy. This also allows students to develop a greater understanding of proportion and perspective.

3D Foundation
Students are introduced to the elements and tools of 3D animation programs and gain fundamental training in user interface & controls, simple building methods commonly used in 3D art and the basics of modelling, texturing and animation.

Environment Creation
Students design and create their own virtual environment fully furnished with 3D modelled and textured elements.

Introduction to Character Animation
Students create an animated 3D character; the process begins with the development of concept art, followed by character modelling, texturing and the animation of their character. This module also covers the theory and practice of animation anatomy and movement morphing, facial animation and Inverse Kinematics (IK) Animation techniques.

Texturing and Lighting
Students create photo-realistic images by combining 3D modelling with textures created in 2D software. Students will learn how to create atmosphere and shading through the implementation of CG industry lighting effects.

Final Animation Project
The final project is to produce a short animation with characters, background scenery, lighting and effects. Students start by planning their animation with concept art and storyboards, modelling and animating their designs throughout the production process, and finish by compositing sound/music and effects into the final product.

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Year 2

In Year 2, students learn advanced high poly modelling, realistic lighting and texturing and the skills required to create highly detailed animation. By the end of the year, students have developed skills in specialist areas such as character modelling or animation. Students also gain experience and skills in production planning, scriptwriting and production management.

Students are required to complete two major projects over the year:

Project 1 is the commercial production and utilises the skills of all class members. The project relies on teamwork; with class members working rotationally through all roles including: animator, texture artist, producer, director and supervisor. This project benefits students by developing communication and teamwork skills whilst allowing them to demonstrate an affinity with a specialised aspect of 3D animation.

Project 2 is the individual project, where students are required to produce an individual short animated film with characters, background scenery, lighting and effects. Students start by planning their animation with concept art and storyboards, modelling and animating their designs throughout the production process, and finish by compositing sound/music and effects into the final product.

On completion of these projects, students will have produced their own showreel that demonstrates competency in all aspects of animation production, ranging from animatic and character modelling to post-production. The showreel forms the basis of an industry standard portfolio that they can take to prospective employers or demonstrate to animation studios at our end of year Industry Day.

Areas of Study

Concept Art and Production Planning
Students develop storyboards, and undertake character development and concept art in preparation for their short animations.

Aesthetics
Students learn colour and lens theory and fundamentals of design, focusing on animation and character design. This also allows students to develop a greater understanding of proportion and perspective.

3D Modelling and Animation
Students learn the advanced principles of 3D modelling for film & television, including hard surface and organic modelling.

Lighting and Visual Effects
Students learn lighting techniques for film & television to create mood and atmosphere and are introduced to visual effects (VFX) and animating element effects such as water, fire and smoke.

Editing, Compositing and Post Production
Students digitally edit (including sequencing and compositing) their film project to industry standards.

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Course Costs

Please see this link for the advanced diploma tuition fee for 2010. You can also contact the campus of your choice for more information or available flexible payment options.  This is a VET FEE-HELP approved course.

Career prospects

On completion of the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, students have access to a wide range of careers in the film, television, games and CGI industries.

Application Procedure

Applications for February 2011 intake are now open.  Applications for the July 2011 intake open in April. Contact your nearest campus for more information.

1. Download and send (email, fax or post) us the application form
2. We arrange an interview time with you and you gather your portfolio of art work or programming work
3. You drop in for your interview and show us your portfolio
4. We'll let you know if you're accepted and organise enrolment

Visit this page for more information about applying.

 

International Students

A score of 5.5 is required for IELTS.

Note for International Students: Please notice that international students who study this course in the Melbourne Campus will receive the qualification of Advanced Diploma of Screen (CUF60101) instead.