COMM 454/654 (001) MOTION GRAPHICS AND EFFECTS 1 (3 CREDITS)

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1 COMM 454/654 (001) MOTION GRAPHICS AND EFFECTS 1 (3 CREDITS) Instructor: Brigid Maher Office Hours: Tuesdays 10:30 to 12:30, Wednesdays 10:30am to 12:30pm, Thursday 2 to 4pm Phone: Office: MGC Rm bmaher@american.edu Course Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:10 to 4:50 Room: Phillips Lab COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the creation of motion graphics using Adobe's After Effects program. Through the discussion of concepts and design, students will learn techniques to creatively use software tools to achieve dramatic and artistic effects. Students will be introduced to current software and concepts used for cutting edge motion graphics and compositing in motion pictures, television, commercials, and music videos. Examples of outside work will be presented and analyzed in class. Students will be encouraged to learn from each other s examples, problems, and solutions. Students should expect to spend additional time in the lab outside of the scheduled class time. Prerequisite: COMM-350/650 Digital Imaging READING MATERIAL Required: Recommended: Adobe After Effects CS4 Professional Classroom in a Book by Adobe Creative Team (Author). ISBN: (Available at the American University Bookstore) After Effects CS4 Professional for Macintosh and Windows (Visual QuickPro Guide) by Antony Bolante. ISBN: MTIV: Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer (Voices That Matter) (Paperback) by Hillman Curtis. ISBN: (Available at the American University Bookstore) Suggested: Motion Graphic Design and Fine Art Animation: Principles and Practice by Jon Krasner. ISBN: (Available through Amazon) Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Volume 1: The Essentials by Trish and Chris Meyer, 4th Edition. ISBN: (Available through Amazon)

2 MAJOR LEARNING GOALS (BY THE END OF THE COURSE): GRADING Student will understand (body of knowledge, historical context, theory, or concepts): 1) Basic history and theoretical context of animation and motion graphics 2) Digital design techniques and motion graphics trends 3) How motion graphics are used in the motion picture and commercial industry 4) Basic level compositing software 5) The role of higher end software and how it is used in the industry Student will be able to do (skills, proficiencies, techniques): 1) Work in After Effects at an intermediate level 2) Use graphics, such as, titles and logos in editing programs 3) Use computer graphics in a variety of computer programs other than After Effects, such as, Photoshop and Illustrator Student will be able to create: 1) Network IDs and lower-third graphics for television and film 2) Titles for motion pictures 3) Motion design packages for Clients 4) Composite multiple images for use in projects 5) Short animations using graphics Grades for this class will depend heavily on the projects assigned. A small portion will depend on your in-class participation. No late assignments will be accepted. Grading Scale Grade Breakdown % % 90-92% % 80-82% % % or less A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D F CIB Tutorials Creative Exercises Professional Conduct Visual Sketchbook Presentations Final Project Pre-Production and Test Render Final Project Motion Graphics Reel Written and Practical Exam % 2

3 Grading Policy: Evaluation The grade of A is awarded for excellence, the very best work in the class. An A student turns in all work on time with consistently very high standards of quality, creativity, and original thinking. This person produces outstanding products and performs exceptionally in presentations and critiques A final grade of A is earned when tests and assignments average at least A-/B+ The grade of B is awarded to students who have turned in all work on time, and consistently completed work in a high quality manner. The work shows creative thinking, extra effort, and care in presentation. This person has demonstrated knowledge that surpasses the basic material and skills of the course. A final grade of B is earned when there is an average of B on tests and assignments. The grade of C is earned when all class work is turned in and the student has mastered the basic material and skills of the course. This person participated in class and demonstrated knowledge of the basic material and skills. This is the average grade in the class. The D or F is given for work that is incomplete, late, and/or does not demonstrate mastery of the basic material and skills of the course. A grade of D or F may also be given to students with more than three unexcused absences. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT: 10% Professional conduct means showing up on time, turning your work in on time and conducting yourself professionally in the classroom (being respectful of your fellow class members, paying attention when people are presenting, not closing your eyes or doing outside work on your computer while class is in session, etc). Any time you are absent, late, or fail to behave in a professional or collegial manner, your professional conduct grade will take a hit. If at anytime throughout the semester you want an estimate of how you are doing in this areas all you need to do is me a request for a to date estimate. ASSIGNMENTS Visual Sketchbook: 5% You are responsible to keep a visual sketchbook of your ideas for your exercises and final projects. The sketchbook will be checked periodically during the semester and is due on the last day of class. 3

4 Final Exam: 10% The final exam will be made up of a short answer quiz (5%) and a short project (5%) to be completed in class. Final Project: 15% Students will work in groups of two or three and design a 30 second interstitial for Chesapeake Week a series on Maryland Public Television to be broadcast in April. The interstitials will provide in depth information and stories based on the three documentaries produced in the Environment and Wildlife Production class. The best three interstitials will be used within the body of the program. Portfolio/Reel: 5% You will also be responsible to cut together your best work for the semester (at least three exercises) including your final project and burn it to a DVD. You can learn how to use DVD Studio Pro using the DVD SP Tutorial Pod casts offered by AU s New Media Center. Pre-Production, Animatic and Test Render: 10% You will be required to complete a preproduction package with your final project. The package includes a visual treatment and timeline. You will also be required to show an animatic and test render in class. This is an addition to the requirements for the Presentation to the Creative Director for Eco-Views. Project Pitch Presentation: 5% Your group will pitch your final project idea. You are responsible to create a design brief and show boards as well as examples of professional work that reflects your design and creative intentions. Presentations are 8 to 10 minutes. EXERCISES: 40% Storyboard Breakdown You will write a one-page paper on an opening to a TV show, film title sequence, or commercial spot. The example should have the following media: text, stills and film/video. You are further required to break the example into storyboards using the format provided. Animation: Space Girl Using the footage and project file from the Basic Animation folder, you are expected to animate a 15 second bumper for an episode of Space Girl. Title Sequence Using color, typography and elements from Illustrator, students will design a short title sequence for a motion picture of your choice. 4

5 Production Bumper Using a variety of techniques learned in class, you will create a 10 second production bumper for a production company of your choice. You are also required to provide an original soundtrack built in FCP Soundtrack Pro or equivalent program. Grading Evaluation for the Exercises For each of the animation exercises (other than the final) you have the possibility of making a revision providing you turn the assignment in on time. Initially you will turn the assignment in on the date due as indicated on the syllabus. Your first grade associated with the assignment will be based on the initial thought and effort evident at the first viewing of the project as well as an evaluation of the aesthetic, techniques and technical execution. Your input into your visual sketchbook will also be considered. Because I believe it is more important that you walk out of here with work you can be proud to show to a potential employer, you will have the opportunity to receive criticism from class members and myself before turning in the same project in it s final form in your final portfolio. Your final portfolio will consist of all of those assignments already turned in (modified based on feedback and presented as a group in a DVD). Projects will receive a revised grade based on this final version. Graduate Student Additional Requirement Graduate students are required to complete three additional tutorials on AE located on Layers Magazine (layersmagazine.com). These tutorials must be completed by Wednesday December 2, Late Assignments All assignments are due at the beginning of class and must be loaded into the designated folder on the teaching computer. Late assignments will accrue a penalty of 10% a week until turned in. Extra Credit Students may attend screenings at American University (in particular screenings sponsored by SOC and the Center for Social Media) or investigate motion graphics on the web and write a one-page paper describing how the media uses motion graphics. Students are encouraged to bring extra credit ideas to the instructor. Information regarding the motion graphics industry will be posted for students on All course related assignments will be posted through the university s blackboard system. Students may also post motion graphics reviews of on the site as well for extra credit or participate in the Digital Flicker Blog. 5

6 ADDITIONAL NOTES ABOUT THE CLASS: Phillips Lab Due to budget constraints After Effects CS4 is only loaded in the Phillips Lab in SOC. If you need to work while class is in session in the lab, you can work in the New Media Center Lab in Hurst Hall or in other computer labs on campus. Additional Training Students needing additional assistance in DVD SP, FCP, etc. are invited to make use of the New Media Center s FCP Pod casts located at Also, you can seek additional information about motion graphics at Equipment and Class Protocol Computers are for educational purposes only; no net surfing, or messaging during class unless required for a project. No disruptive behavior during class or lab time. Leave cell phones on vibrate and use only for emergency. Lab use is limited to students enrolled in the class. No food or drink in the lab. Do not give out your ID card or password to log onto the machines. Backup all files and work to your own media. Do not install software on any lab computer. Do not change a computer s desktop settings, screen savers or preferences. Do not turn computers off. Report computer problems to your professor, the graduate assistant or lab manager. Hardware The lab and the edit rooms are equipped with Apple G5 PowerMacs. The advanced lab is equipped with Apple Intel IMacs, etc. Students are entitled to use the edit rooms and advanced lab to edit or capture video or audio from Mini- DV or any other means. Note: Apple Final Cut Pro & DVD Studio Pro are not installed on Windows based platforms. There are several labs available to you for the completion of projects and homework assignments. There is this class (Phillips lab), the Advanced Lab down the hall, and the New Media Center in Hurst Hall. Digital Storage (Required) Students are responsible for all data storage. Each student should purchase writeable CDs and DVD-Rs. Assignments will be turned in on a non-returnable CD or DVD-R. Digital Storage (Recommended) An external FireWire hard disk 6

7 drive with a storage capacity of at least 50Gb and speed of Firewire 400 or 800 is recommended. Additionally, a USB Flash Drive is a wonderful device for multimedia. They are tiny (about the size of a car key), durable and relatively inexpensive. Digital Still/Video Camera (Recommended) It is expected that students will use either the media provided to them or, preferably, media of their own creation. Free your creative possibilities with your own digital camera or Mini-DV movie camera. As with most electronic gadgets these days, the prices have dropped dramatically. Please Note: If you bring your own equipment to campus, be certain to guard it carefully as American University will not replace any lost or stolen equipment. Availability of Instructor Individual meetings outside of class times are very much encouraged. The instructor is available for extra help in the course subject areas or just to chat with you about your aspirations, the motion graphics and postproduction industry, or anything else that you might want to discuss. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, or are confused by any assignment or class instruction, please do not hesitate to let me know. Keep in Mind The Motion Graphics and Effects 1 class is one of the most intensive offered in the Film and Media Arts Division. The course is design to be top heavy meaning most of the work load is assigned during the first half of the semester, please prepare your schedule accordingly. This is a time consuming class and you must be able to determine your own capacity for absorption of material and adjust your schedule to meet the needs of the class. As this is a studio class expect to spend a minimum of 5 to 7 hours outside of class PER WEEK to complete all work and become proficient in the software and techniques taught. Students, who have the ability to work on their projects outside of school, may do so with the understanding that it is At Your Own Risk. Facilities and assistance are provided for you at the school. Any problems that arise outside these facilities are the students, not the instructor s responsibility. No special treatment will be given in these situations. Syllabus Adjustments This syllabus is subject to change at anytime throughout the semester. If there are any changes, the instructor will issue a new and revised syllabus for the students the same week. If you have any questions, please bring them to the attention of your instructor. 7

8 Emergency Preparedness In the event of a declared pandemic (influenza or other communicable disease), American University will implement a plan for meeting the needs of all members of the university community. Should the university be required to close for a period of time, we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our educational programs will be delivered to our students. These may include altering and extending the duration of the traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional format and/or use of distance instructional methods. Specific strategies will vary from class to class, depending on the format of the course and the timing of the emergency. Faculty will communicate class-specific information to students via AU and Blackboard, while students must inform their faculty immediately of any absence due to illness. Students are responsible for checking their AU regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies. In the event of a declared pandemic or other emergency, students should refer to the AU Web site (www. prepared. american.edu) and the AU information line at (202) for general university-wide information, as well as contact their faculty and/or respective dean s office for course and school/ college-specific information. DO NOT EAT IN THE TEACHING LAB AS PART OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES. Going Green In an effort to be environmentally sensitive, all assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Each week I will go over the assignment in class and you are required to view and download the assignment description sheet as well as other pertinent material from Blackboard. The syllabus will be the only printed copy of course material that you will receive unless there is no other alternative but to provide a printed copy of the material. Academic Support Center If you need assistance with writing or composing the required class assignments the Academic Support Center has a Writing Lab for undergraduate students. The Center also offers study skills workshops, individual instruction, tutor referrals and services for students with learning disabilities. ( , MGC 243). The Writing Center This center is an additional resource for students in need of writing assistance. ( , Battelle-Tompkins 228). Disability Support Services This office provides technical support and assistance with accommodations for students with physical or psychological disabilities. ( , MGC 206) Counseling Center: If you are experiencing emotional stress or personal problems which are impeding your ability to function in and/or outside of the classroom the counseling center can provide confidential assistance. The Center 8

9 offers counseling and consultations regarding personal concerns, self-help information, and connections to off-campus mental health resources. ( , MGC 214) Creative Rights By enrolling in this course, you grant the University permission to have your work, which you created in conjunction with this course, copied and distributed (in print, electronic, and/or any digital medium) and to incorporate your work, in whole or in part, into derivative works for educational, research, archival, promotional, and other purposes consistent with the mission of American University. Plagiarism And Copyright All students are governed by American University's Academic Integrity Code ( The Academic Integrity Code details specific violations of ethical conduct that relate to academic integrity. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the code. All of your work (whether oral or written) in this class is governed by the provisions of the Academic Integrity Code. Academic violations include but are not limited to: plagiarism, inappropriate collaboration, dishonesty in examinations whether in class or takehome, dishonesty in papers, work done for one course and submitted to another, deliberate falsification of data, interference with other students' work, and copyright violations. The adjudication process and possible penalties are listed in American University's Academic Integrity Code booklet, which is also available on the American University web site. Being a member of this academic community entitles each of us to a wide degree of freedom and the pursuit of scholarly interests; with that freedom, however, comes a responsibility to uphold the high ethical standards of scholarly conduct. Students are forbidden to use any images from the web for class purposes without written authorization from the maker/artist/owner and permission from the instructor. Academic Integrity Code "Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University's Academic Integrity Code. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will not be treated lightly, and disciplinary actions will be taken should such violations occur. Please see me if your have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for this course." 9

10 CLASS SCHEDULE Week 1: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 In Class Class description. Introduction to motion graphics, animation, Topics and compositing. How To: Storyboards Read Krasner Chapters 1 and 2 (Hand out) and CIB Getting Started Assignment Storyboard Breakdown Week 2: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Due Storyboard Breakdown In Class Photoshop Review and Introduction to Adobe After Effects (AE). Topics Interface, Transform Controls, Switches, Key frames, Motion Paths and Rendering Read Photoshop Hand outs Assignment CIB Lesson 1 Week 3: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Due CIB Lesson 1 In Class Introduction to Adobe After Effects (AE). Interface, Transform Topics Controls, Switches, Key frames, Motion Paths and Rendering Assignment Lesson 2 and Introduce Space Girl Week 4: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Due Lesson 2 In Class Introduction to the Principles of Animation. Working with Text Topics and Illustrator for AE Assignment Lesson 3 and Finish Space Girl Week 5: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Due Lesson 3 and 4 and Space Girl In class Nesting Compositions, Pre-composing, and Parenting. Topics Critique Space Girl. Assignment Lesson 4 and 6 and Week 6: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Guest Lecture Due Lessons 4, 6 Topics Examining Title Sequences. Assignment Lesson 7 and work on Title Sequence 10

11 Week 7: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Due Visual Sketchbook, Lesson 7 Topic Activity Assignment Blending modes. Effects. Final Exam Overview Lessons 11 and 12 and Finish Title Sequence Week 8: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Due Title Sequence Topic Critique Title Sequences, Creating a Design Brief and Working with Clients Activity More Effects, Presets, Manipulating Frame Rates. Reading Design Brief Hand Out Assignment Study for Final Exam and Visual sketchbook Week 9: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Due Visual sketchbook Topic Introduce Final Project Activity In class exam. Introduce Production Bumpers Assignment Production Bumper and Final Project Treatment Week 10: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Due Final Project Treatment Post on Blackboard Activity Field trip to Motion Graphics Firm Assignment Finish Production Bumper Week 11: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Due Production Bumper Topic DVD Menus and Reels Presentations Assignment Presentations 11

12 Week 12: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Due Presentations Activity Presentations Assignment Animatics Week 13: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Due Animatics Activity Open Lab: Work in Class Assignment Revised Rough Render and work on final portfolio Week 14: Wednesday, November 25, 2009: NO CLASS. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Week 15: Wednesday December 2, 2009: Last day of classes Due Activity Rough Render of Final Project Critique Rough Renders of Final Project Week 16: Wednesday, December 9, 2009: No class. Study Day Week 17: Monday, December 14, 2009: Exam Day Activity Critique of final portfolio and final project 12