Computer Animation Arts

Just a reminder that the cancelled Careers Advice class from last week has been rescheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 29th May), kicking off at 10.30am in the CAA Baseroom.  Alison Branagan has agreed to extend the session too, so there'll be a bit of extra stuff after lunch.  Spread the word! Many thanks.

... and this news just in!  Redline International Film Festival have just announced that CAA's Red & The Kingdom Of Sound is the winner in their 'Best Animated Short' category!  Well done to the Kingdom team! Our official laurels! We've got a certificate!

Unfortunately, Alison's workshop at 2pm today has been cancelled due to emergency engineering works (trains heading to Rochester from St.Pancras have been cancelled). Alison sends her apologies. Todays talk from at 10am with Jan will still go ahead as normal.

    Toon Boom are Canadian animation software makers, that have for the last 20 years, been 'changing the animation world one production at a time.' The world’s leading 2D animation software will be hosting a series of free training webinars aimed at professional animators hoping to upgrade their skills in Harmony and learn tips and tricks from top industry experts like YouTube star Stylus Rumble, Tony Ross, Chris Cartledge and more. From May 18 to June 08, Toon Boom’s webinar series will cover the fundamental skills in Harmony to help animators elevate their creative output, craft and careers. Among the topics are creating cut-out rigs, particle emitters, parameters and functions, drawing and transitioning from different software. The first webinar   'Creating a Production Cut-Out Rig in Harmony Essentials' ran on the 18th, but you can catch up with it HERE . The schedule for the remaining webinars is as follows -  May 24th ...

Another day, another festival announcement!  We've just learned Red & The Kingdom Of Sound is a nominee at the Redline International Film Festival in two categories - Best Animated Short and Best Music (though we can't really take the credit for Britten's score!).  Congratulations to the whole team.   More updates as and when!

Call for Entries!  KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival is accepting entries up until the 1st June, or the 1st July for students. 'Looking for an opportunity to show your work to animation professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world? Submit your animation to our action-packed, edgy, international festival!' No entry fee!  Find out more  HERE

I'm just browsing the shelves of the library (as you do!) and I have come across a really useful and accessible study skills book, that would be particularly useful for students that struggle with critical thinking, drafting essays and methods of analysis. It is called 'Study Skills for Art, Design & Media Students' and is written by Stewart Mann (707.1 Mann)  If you have struggled this year with the writing aspect of the course, I would encourage you to have a look at this book...There are currently 6 copies available, on the bottom shelf by the window! 

Call for entries! Ars Independent Festival in Katowice, Poland is now accepting submissions...will you win the coveted Black Horse (and 500 Euros!) ? Animations up to 30 minutes in length - no entry fee!  Find out more  HERE Entries close 31st May 2018

I've uploaded UCA's official suite of logo assets for the credits of your films - some of you have been asking for these elements as a means of finishing of your opening/closing credits.  You'll find a zipped folder of assets on myUCA/Major.  Let your classmates know - thanks!

Welcome. Q: Which software will I use on Computer Animation Arts? A: Autodesk Maya 2018 & Arnold (included with Maya), Mudbox 2018, and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate/Flash, After Effects, & Premiere). Q: What is Autodesk Maya, Arnold, and Mudbox? A: Autodesk Maya is virtual studio / workshop that allows you to create 3D films. It is the same software that Disney, Dreamworks, and Pixar use to make animations, and it is the same software used to make VFX work like in the Marvel films. Arnold is a rendering ‘plug-in’s for Maya that transform basic 3D objects into the lit images you see on screen. Finally, Mudbox is a virtual ‘high poly’ sculpting tool, which allows you create detailed models. Q: Can I get the software at home? A: Yes. A free student version of Maya (with Arnold) and Mudbox are available to download once you have enrolled onto the course. The Adobe Creative Suite can be purchased as a subscription. These...

I've heard from Pete, and he is going to be able to make it, but will be here a bit early, at around 4.30! Leave a comment below if this will be a problem for you...

Pete Wallace may have to cancel the meeting this afternoon at short notice due to a personal issue, so please watch this space - I'll try and let you know as soon as possible if he can't make it!

Calling all budding film-makers! Alumnus  Will Huntley has brought to our attention a super opportunity for any aspiring film-makers out there - the if24 London film festival, which includes a short film competition offering the chance to win a $2.4 million dollar budget to make your short into a feature film, with the support of a recognised film production company!  The competition is open now for entries, and closes on 31st May, so grab your mobile phones and get filming!  This is what the organisers have to say about the festival and competition... 'Welcome to if24, the first of its kind global competition that opens up the world of filmmaking to anyone and offers the ultimate prize along with an exciting free ticketed London film celebration. Over a single, thrilling day of free screenings and Q&As with the great and good behind and in front of the camera we are celebrating the world of film with the if24 London Festival on Saturd...

You may have read in the last Post With The Most that Red & The Kingdom Of Sound had made the official selection for Le Petit Cannes Film Festival and our animated adaptation of Benjamin Britten's The Young Person's Guide Of The Orchestra had earned some laurels! We've just learned Red is a finalist in the festival's animation category - congratulations to the whole team!

A quick reminder that Pete Wallace from Butch Auntie, is coming in on Friday 11th at 5pm, to talk to those students that are going to undertake work experience with him. Make sure that you are in the base room by 4.50 at the latest, so that you are looking good and eager when he arrives!

Year 2: End of year 'exit' tutorials  Tuesday 22nd May. To help you to prepare for your third year you are asked to attend a final 'exit' tutorial. In this tutorial we will discuss your progress during your second year, how your Premise project can become your Minor project, and how you can improve further in year three.  The tutorials will take place after all of your work has been assessed on Tuesday 22nd May. Morning:  Jen 10.00am / Jess 10.15am / Laura 10.30am / Krissy 10.45am / Michael 11.00am / Ruth 11.15am / Michaela 11.30am / Alexis 11.45am / Rhia 12.00pm / Graeme 12.15pm / Almu 12.30pm / Aureo 12.45pm. Afternoon: Noah 2.00pm / Polly 2.15pm / Rachael 2.30pm / Paris 2.45pm / Greta 3.00pm / Alex 3.15pm / Ellie 3.30pm / Jack 3.45pm / Anabel 4.00pm / Douy 4.15pm  / Anastasija 4.30pm / Karolina 4.45pm / Joe 5.00pm. Note: If anyone is unable to attend their time slot (for a valid reason) please see me to rearrang...

Here are a few links with tips about putting your showreels together.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKchlSGxsp0 https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/motion-graphics/13-tips-for-creating-best-animation-showreel/ https://www.creativebloq.com/inspiration/4-of-the-best-animation-showreels-to-inspire-you https://www.creativebloq.com/audiovisual/perfect-showreel-top-tips-9134570 http://blog.animationmentor.com/6-tips-from-recruiters-who-look-at-your-animation-demo-reel/ I'd like to see your best pieces tastefully edited together into a demo / showreel. I'd also like to have a compiled list in with your showreel post with links to all of the sessions from my classes so I don't have to try and search through all of your blogs looking for tasks that might or might not be there. Below is a detailed checklist of your tasks through the year. On your blogs I'd like to see them clearly labelled with the session number and containing your final animation...