Project 1 Description

Description:

We've seen and will be looking at many low-tech devices that display moving images. Each device we look at has its own inherent characteristics. Some require manual manipulation, others depend on a motorized mechanism. Before we begin stop-frame animation it will be helpful to understand frame by frame animation as demonstrated by these early devices.

For your first project you will create one of the devices that we have discussed in class. You also have the option of proposing a hybrid or completely new device that demonstrates your understanding of frame by frame animation.

Please choose one of the following:

1. Create a flip book. The book must contain at least 125 individual pages of animation. The book can be as small or as large as you like. The book must be bound in some fashion. You may draw, scan, use frames from photos or video you take.
2. Create a praxinoscope. Your praxinoscope must be hand built. You may repurpose existing materials, but you cannot take an existing praxinoscope and only create the graphic wheels. You need only create one graphic wheel.
3. Create a zoetrope. Again, your zoetrope must be hand built. You only need create one graphic wheel.
4. Propose another device. It can be one that we have looked at, or you may propose something entirely new or a variation.

Deliverables

You will turn in your device in proper working order. Your device should not feel klunky or difficult to operate. If more complicated, please provide written instructions.

Grading Criteria

Conceptual Interest: 50%. Is your device thought provoking? Does the content captivate the viewer?

Craftsmanship: 50%. Is your device designed well? Does it feel finished?

Due Date: Wednesday September 16, 2009.

Syllabus

ARS260 - Introduction to Time Based Media

Professor Christopher Lowther

Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. HB 104

Schedule

August

Wed.	19	Intro. to class-Requirements-Classroom Info.-Personal Info. cards-Introductions
Mon.	24	Project 1 Description/Introduction-Devices of Wonder and Early Imaging Toys and Pre-cinematic devices-Artists-Conceptualizing
Wed.	26	Toy/Device Construction
Mon.	31	Toy/Device Construction

September

Wed.	2	Toy/Device Construction
Mon.	7	Labor Day-No Class
Wed.	9	Toy/Device Construction
Mon.	14	Toy/Device Construction
Wed.	16	Project 1 Critique
Mon.	21	Project 2 Description-Early Pioneers of Stop Frame Animation-Screenings
Wed.	23	Storyboarding and Narrative-Open Discussion: Generating Ideas
Mon.	28	Camera Basics-Set Design-Lighting
Wed.	30	Editing

October

Mon.	5	Editing
Wed.	7	Sound & Music
Mon.	12	Work Day
Wed.	14	Work Day
Mon.	19	Progress Report-Midterm Consultations
Wed.	21	TBA
Mon.	26	Project 2 Critique
Wed.	28	Final Project Description-Video Screening

November

Mon.	2	Video Camera Basics-Composition-Framing
Wed.	4	Green Screen & Keying-After Effects Introduction (i.e. special effects)
Mon.	9	Video Art Concepts-Installation and Space
Wed.	11	Video Art Concepts-Interactivity
Mon.	16	TBA
Wed.	18	Screening
Mon.	23	Progress Report-Individual Meetings
Wed.	25	Work Day
Mon.	30	Work Day

December

Wed.	2	Work Day
Mon.	7	Final Critique

Requirements

1. Attendance: attendance and participation are mandatory. Roll will be taken at all meetings. After three unexcused absences the final grade will be lowered 1/2 letter. Three absences before mid-term will result in a failure grade. It is strongly recommended not to miss any class during the first two weeks. Two occasions of lateness/early departure are considered one absence. It is the student's responsibility to make up material missed due to absence.
2. Projects: All work is due at the beginning of the class for critique. Work turned in late will be lowered one letter grade for each period until turned in--no exceptions without medical or appropriate written excuse. Re-doing the assignment to improve your grade is accepted with the exception of the final project.
3. Preparedness: You are expected to have covered the material before coming to class. You will receive full participation points each class if I see that you are prepared for class and have covered the material. You will only receive an average grade if you are never prepared. Your success is contingent on how much you are willing to work outside of class.
4. Critique: Critique is essential to an artist's growth. Actively participating in critique (this means offering constructive advice and perspective/insight) will significantly help your participation grade. A good rule of thumb is to first offer positive feedback about the things you like and perceive to be successful, and follow-up with constructive criticism regarding the things that are less successful.
5. Classroom Rules: The computer facilities are open 24 hours a day except when scheduled classes are using them. Do not give your room combination to anyone. The lock mechanism is outfitted to remember specific combinations and the time they were used. If you do not want to be responsible for someone else's actions, do not give your combination out. When you leave the room be sure the door closes completely behind you--this is also for you own safety. Do not eat or drink around the computers. Report any problems immediately via email to walrus@uab.edu, or phone 934-4941. Be sure to leave a detailed message and your contact information if you have questions. The number one rule of Mac problem solving is to restart your computer.

Means of Evaluation

Project 1: 30% | Project 2: 30% | Project 3: 30%

Class Participation: 10%

Materials

You will need a storage device for this class--I suggest buying an external hard drive capable of storing at least 40 gigs.

Recommended Books:

Devices of Wonder: From the World in a Box to Images on a Screen by Barbara Maria Stafford and Frances Terpak, Getty Publications, 2001.

Revolution: A Flip Book by Santiago Melazzini, La Marca Editora, 2002.

The Animation Book: A Complete Guide to Animated Filmmaking--From Flip-Books to Sound Cartoons to 3- D Animation by Kit Laybourne and John Canemaker, Three Rivers Press (Rev Sub edition), 1998.

The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams, Faber & Faber, 2002.

Stop Motion: Passion, Process and Performance by Barry J C Purves, Focal Press, 2007.

Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation, Second Edition, by Susannah Shaw, Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation, 2008.

Art of the Digital Age by Bruce Wands, Thames & Hudson, 2007.

The Power Filmmaking Kit: Make Your Professional Movie on a Next-to-Nothing Budget by Jason Tomaric, Focal Press, 2008.

Americans with Disabilities Act Policy

It is the policy of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, to make its services, facilities programs, and accommodations accessible to employees, students, visitors to campus, qualified applicants for employment and qualified applicants for enrollment, including people with disabilities. If you have a documented disability that might require course modification/accommodations, special materials, services, or assistance, please contact me as soon as possible. If you need classroom accommodations, contact Disability Support Services and meet with me to discuss a solution that will accommodate you.