MCCCD Program Description

Cinematography and Directing for 2D/3D Animation

Course: AVC240

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lec + Lab 3.0 Credit(s) 6.0 Period(s) 6.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Essential skills, concepts and the use of virtual cameras in 2D and 3D animation environments: planning, pre-production, storyboards and pre-visualization using real-world camera principles is combined with rendering, sound and post-production in a nonlinear environment.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Compare and contrast the visualization process in traditional arts vs. directing a shot in a digital environment. (I) 2. Manipulate aperture, depth of field, lenses, and attributes needed to control a virtual camera in various environments. (I-II) 3. Create conceptual sketches, plans and storyboards for a project. (III) 4. Apply lighting and compositional concepts to create a mood in a digital environment. (IV) 5. Determine appropriate camera attributes and shot flow using plans and storyboards. (IV-V) 6. Apply shot flow and directing techniques to a project. (V) 7. Stage a scene for a character and/or product shot. (VI) 8. Apply the appropriate lines of action to virtual cameras in various environments. (VII) 9. Select appropriate sound for the shot. (VIII) 10. Render a project using appropriate project specifications and output methods. (IX-X) 11. Use post-production techniques to edit in a nonlinear environment. (X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Directing a shot in a 3D environment II. The digital camera A. Aperture B. Depth of field C. Lenses and focal length D. Aspect ratios III. Storyboards A. Conceptual sketch B. Planning C. Storyboard process D. Thinking like a filmmaker E. Thinking like an editor IV. Lighting A. General lighting concepts B. Light as a subject C. Computer-generated lighting D. Light as a tool V. Digital directing A. Shot flow B. Composition C. Types of shots VI. Staging A. Character staging B. Product staging VII. Lines of action and the camera A. Camera angles B. Framing C. Continuity D. Lines of composition VIII. Sound IX. Resolution, compression and rendering X. Editing and post-production

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 28, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.