About 2D Animation

Pre – Production
　
Scene : A scene or script is a numbered part of a film script, which may be broken down into parts in longshot, medium-shot, close-up, etc by the director when shooting. A master scene is a fairly long length of the script, all under one number, which the director will certainly break down later. He or she may, however, take the whole of a master scene first, then shoot closeups of the various characters to cut in with this later. In animation the basic unit of continuous action, usually shot on one background, from which a film is built up.
Script : The detailed scene-by-scene instructions for a film or television production, including description of setting and action with dialogue and camera directions. When the script also has full details of visuals it is termed a 'storyboard'.
Storyboard : A form of shooting script common for animated films for many years and now usually used for commercials, even live-action ones. It consists of a series of sketches showing key positions for every scene, with dialogue and descriptive notes below. Still used in animation.
　
Production
　
2D Animation : The creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cel animation or in computerized animation software. This is done by sequencing consecutive images, or "frames", that simulate motion by each image showing the next in a gradual progression of steps. The eye can be "fooled" into perceiving motion when these consecutive images are shown at a rate of 24 frames per second or faster. 3D
Animation : The creation of moving pictures in a three-dimensional digital environment. This is done by sequencing consecutive images, or "frames", that simulate motion by each image showing the next in a gradual progression of steps, filmed by a virtual "camera" and then output to video by a rendering engine. The eye can be "fooled" into perceiving motion when these consecutive images are shown at a rate of 24 frames per second or faster.
Character animation : The art of making an animated figure move like a unique individual; sometimes described as acting through drawings. The animator must "understand how the character's personality and body structure will be reflected in its movements.
Character model : A sheet of drawings defining the proportions, shape, clothing etc. of a character for the guidance of animators.
Computer animation : The technique of using computers to generate moving pictures. Some systems can achieve this in real-time (25 frames per second-or in the USA 30fps), but the majority of animation is created one frame at a time and then edited into a continuous sequence. Very sophisticated programs are required to perform the tasks of movement, fairing, perspective, hidden-surface removal, colouring, shading and illumination, and as the trend increases towards more realistic images, faster computers are needed to process the millions of computations required for each frame. The term "computer animation" covers a broad range of subjects, but overall can be defined as the creation of moving images through the use of computers. These images can be created in either a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, and can be applied to web design, user interface design, application development, video games, movies, special effects, cartooning, and many others.
Computer graphics : Charts, diagrams, drawings and other pictorial representations that are computer generated.
Effects animation : The animation of non-character movements such as rain, smoke, lightning, water, etc.
Go-Motion : Similar to 'Stop-Motion', but the animation is produced by rods attached to the pupet/creature, which can be programmed by a computer to perform the required movement. The advantage over stop-motion is that a lot more realistic movement can be created, because the puppet/creature blurs slightly between each frame. The disadvantage is that the rods attached to the creature need to be hidden from view (e.g. using the blue-screen process)
In Between : The paper drawing of a figure that lies in sequence between two key positions drawn by an animator.
Key frame animation : The animator 'draws' directly onto the CRT display and produces a basic picture or cell. A number of these drawings can then be superimposed on one another to form a composite cell or key frame. Many of these key frames can be made up and stored in the computer to be called up and used as required. The action of the film can be created by stringing together the series of key frames, and introducing the desired movements between one frame and the next. Each key frame can be used over and over again by simply calling it repeatedly from the computer score.
Stop-Motion Animation : Moving a special effects puppet or model/creature a small amount and recording a single frame (or small number of frames) so that when the film is played back at a normal speed it appears to move. The disadvantage with this form of animation is that it can sometimes appear to 'strobe', partly due to the lack of blur between the frames.
Three-dimensional (3D) modeling : Geometrical descriptions of an object using polygons or solids in three dimensions (x,y,z coordinates) for the purpose of creating the illusion of height, width and depth.
　
Post Production
　
Edit : The process of assembling video clips, audio tracks, graphics and other source marerial into a presentable package.
Off-Line Edit : A "draft" edit, usually prepared in an off-line edit suite (at a lower cost), then taken to an on-line facility to make the final cut.
On-Line Edit : The final version of an edit, prepared in a professional edit facility.
Non-linear editing : An approach to video editing made possible by digital video recordings. As in word processing, video segments can be inserted between two existing segments without erasing either. Unlike the approach required when editing analog video , segments do not need to "laid down" in the sequence in which they will later be shown.
Off-line editing : The steps during the edit process when a preliminary selection of usable shots and scenes is made, and the tentative sequence of these elements is decided. This process is typically done with lower cost, simpler editing equipment than is found in a professional edit suite (where on-line editing is done). Using off-line editing can significantly reduce the total cost of a producation.
On-line editing : The steps during the edit process when the compilation of final program is done. When affordable, this is done in a professional edit suite with high quality equipment. If off-line editing had been done, the edit decision list from that phase guides the on-line edit process, typically minimizing the time and cost in the professional edit suite.
Post Production : The phases of production that occur after the recording, filming, or taping. This includes editing, mixing, effects, dubbing, compression, mastering, etc.
Render Farm : A group of computers which work together to perform the computation-intensive tasks of 3-D rendering.
　
Motion Capture
　
Mocap : The process of recording the data from human movement so that it can be used for 3D characters created on a computer. Mocap can be used for 3D animations for film, TV and games, and for special effects work. There are wireless, magnetic motion capture systems, and optical systems, which track markers attached to the animator.
Performance Capture : The recording of a performance, either human or animal, using a Motion Capture system (or similar technology) - difference being that you can motion capture a table, but it is cannot give a performance. Special Effects Blue (or Green)
Screen : A system that replaces a specified colour (blue in this case) with images from another source. This can either be done optically (eg. using film) or electronically (eg. in video, also known as Chroma-Key in video). Some computer systems look at pixel in the scene and determine whether to replace that pixel with the other video source. Better computer systems allow 'some' of the colour of the pixel from 1 image and 'some' from another image. The better systems could be take transparent objects (eg. bottles) or smoke and combine these with the images from another source.
Chroma-Key : Keying out parts of an image which contain a particular colour (or colours). Eg. replacing a blue or green background with images from another source.
Composite : To combine two or more individual images onto one piece of film by photographic or digital means. Early compositing was accomplished in the camera by masking part of the scene when filming, rewinding the film and removing the matte and shooting again to expose the previously masked portion. Digital compositing is commonplace, in which multiple film images are scanned into the computer, combined digitally, and output to a single piece of film.
Motion Control : Controling the motion of a camera or special effects object (eg. model space ship etc), using commands from a computer, so that the exact moves can be repeated as many times. This makes it easy to composite it (ie.combine it with another shot).
Rotoscoping : Drawing around something in the frame so that an effect can be applied to that part of the film. If an animated creature has to go behind something in the live action piece of film, that object can be drawn around so a matte can be created, so that the createure will not show over the top of that object. If the camera is moving, then each frame of film would have to be rotoscoped. If the camera is still, then the same matte can probably be used for all frames in that shot. Rotoscoping was first used by the Fleischers for making cartoons. The Fleischers invented the Rotoscope, which is a device for projecting live-action film on to paper frame by frame, so that the outline could be traced and used as a guide for the animation. The Rotoscope consists of an animation camera and a light source (usually using a prism behind the movement and the lamp house attached to the camera's open door) that projects a print through the camera's lense and the projected image is then traced to create a matte. The lamp house is then removed and the raw stock placed in the camera and the drawings are filmed through the same lense that projected the image. The resulting image will then fit the original image if the two strips of film are run bi-packed in the same projector movment (using an optical printer). In digital film effects work, rotoscoping refers to any drawn matte, as both images can be seen compisited while the matte is being drawn, so good results can be achieved.
Virtual Sets : Sets which are generated (at least partially) from data within a computer. Mostly used for TV work, these systems replace the real set (eg. an empty studio) with a computer generated set, allowing the actor/presenter to move in the foreground. eg. the background is 'keyed out' and replaced with the set which has been created in a 3D package (eg. Softimage or 3D Studio Max), and any camera movements will be duplicated by the 'virtual camera'. This will require a powerful computer, especially if it is to be done in real-time, for example a Silicon Graphics machine. The method of keeping track of the camera movement (so that it can be duplicated in the 3D computer set) is different for the various sytems. Some systems use a blue grid painted on the back wall of a studio of a known size. A red LED is projected onto the cameras and the actor/presenter so that they too can be tracked throughout the set.
Visual effects (also called optical or photographic effects) : Special effects achieved with the aid of photographic or digital technology, occurring after the principal photography, or main shooting, of a film. Includes miniatures, optical and digital effects, matte paintings, stop-motion animation, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Wire Removal : Removal of unwanted wires, rods, etc. from a piece of film by replacing them with what would have been seen if they weren't there (eg. the background). This can be done by replacing them with the same area from another frame in which the wires/rods were not visible, or by averaging the colours on either side of the wire and replacing it with the average.
　
New Media
　
A generic term for the many different forms of electronic communication that are made possible through the use of computer technology. The term is in relation to “old” media forms, such as print newspapers and magazines, that are static representations of text and graphics. New media includes:
Web sites
streaming audio and video
chat rooms
e-mail
online communities
Web advertising
DVD and CD-ROM media
virtual reality environments
integration of digital data with the telephone, such as Internet telephony
digital cameras
mobile computing
Use of the term new media implies that the data communication is happening between desktop and laptop computers and handhelds , such as PDAs , and the media they take data from, such as compact discs.

3D Animation

Diploma of 3D Computer Animation (NZQA Level 6, 160 credits)The modern world offers a kaleidoscope of 3-Dimensional content, from television advertising, to films, games and the Internet. The expansion of 3D content over recent years is primarily attributed to advancements in technology and software. The Diploma of 3D Computer Animation is a highly-specific course with significant focus on students developing animation capability that is fundamental to this industry. Under expert tuition of industry practitioners, students on the Diploma of 3D Computer Animation learn to conceptualize, develop, model, texture, animate and render complex animations based on industry techniques and processes utilising industry-standard software application, Autodesk Maya.The course begins with a 6-week stop-motion animation project introducing you to a real-life practical study of production right from the outset. Going forward skills developed during the Diploma include modeling, texture mapping, rigging, lighting, and character animation. Other techniques such as inverse and forward kinematics, morph targets, facial animation controllers and particles will be covered as well as post production techniques.During the last section of the qualification, students work individually on their 3D production and their final showreel.New from 2007: Graduate Fast Track - As 3D imagery becomes more sophisticated and complex, many graduates chose to build on their diploma level skills and increase their career opportunities and their value to the industry. 3D Graduates can apply to cross-credit their diploma components onto the final academic year of the Graduate Diploma of Advanced 3D Productions. Please refer to the course page for further details. Graduate Destinations
Graduates gain specialist 3D skills as modellers, lighting and rendering specialists, texture artists, animators for industries such as entertainment (film, gaming, television), advertising, engineering, and in new areas such as informational and reconstruction design in the medical, scientific, architectural and forensics fields. Graduate career industry positions can include 3D Animator, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer, Modeller, Lighting Artist, Texture Artist, 3D Artist.
Graduates of the Diploma of 3D Computer Animation may apply for study on the graduate programmes of game development (game art stream), advanced 3D productions, creative technologies (industry research and projects) or broaden their skills through further study on MDS diploma programmes. Graduates may apply for cross-crediting onto the advanced graduate diploma and commence at the qualification’s final year MDS 3D computer animation graduates have been employed by a range of companies including Sidhe Interactive, Animal Logic, Weta Digital, Right Hemisphere, Oktobor, La Luna Studios, Binary Star, Fat Animation. Media Design School reserves the right to modify or amend the curriculum and/or software applications without written notice.

Learn HTML / CSS / XML

Learn HTML / CSS / XML
By Jennifer Kyrnin, About.com Guide to Web Design / HTML
Once you start building Web pages, you will want to learn the languages that build them. HTML is the building block of Web pages. CSS is the language used to make those Web pages pretty. And XML is the markup language for programming the Web. Understanding the basics of HTML and CSS will help you build better Web pages, even if you stick with WYSIWYG editors. And once you're ready, you can expand your knowledge to XML so that you can handle the information that makes all Web pages function. The information on this page will help you learn the languages that make up the Web.
What is HTML?
HTML Tutorial
HTML Tag Library
Reviews of HTML Editors
What is CSS?
CSS Tutorial
Style Properties
What is XML?
XML Tutorial
XML Specifications
What is HTML?
HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the basic building block of a Web page. These articles start with the basics of HTML. Even if you have very little experience with computers, if you're willing to take the time, you can learn HTML and start building your own Web pages.
Building a Web Page for the Totally Lost
What is HTML?
8 Cheap and Easy Ways to Learn HTML
How to Build a Basic Web Page
Five Easy Steps to Starting Your Web Page
Why are There Different Versions of HTML?
HTML Glossary
HTML Tutorial
If you want to learn HTML, you can take an online course or follow the steps in this tutorial to learn HTML.
Write HTML in Windows Notepad
Write HTML in Macintosh TextEdit
Basic HTML Tags
HTML Tags for Text
How to Add Headings, Bold, and Italics in HTML
Using HTML to Make Lists
Linking to Other Pages
Adding Images to Web Pages with HTML
Uploading Your Web Pages to the Internet
Free HTML Course
HTML Tag Library
HTML tags are the basics of HTML. Once you understand how HTML works, you'll want to know more about the tags and elements that you can use in your Web pages. The About.com HTML Tag Library provides information about HTML 4.01 tags and XHTML 1 elements as well as tags outside the specification. The HTML attributes covers all the attributes you can use in the tags. And the HTML codes let you put special characters into your Web pages.
HTML Tag Library
HTML Attributes
HTML Codes and Special Characters
HTML Tag References and Information
Reviews of HTML Editors
While many people use text editors to write their HTML, there are a lot of great software programs out there to help you write HTML.
Choose an HTML Editor
Before You Buy an HTML Editor
Business Case for Editor Types (WYSIWYG vs. Text)
The Best Text Editors for Windows
The Best Text Editors for Macintosh
What is CSS?
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, lets Web designers affect the look and feel of their Web pages. CSS is the way that you implement most design features in your Web pages. These articles explain the basics of CSS and how you can start learning to add style to your Web pages.
What is CSS?
Your First Style Sheet
CSS Step by Step
10 Tips to Learning CSS
CSS Tip of the Day
CSS Glossary
CSS Editors
More Beginning CSS Articles
CSS Tutorial
There is a free short course on learning CSS. This course takes you through the basics of CSS in 5 days. But if you want to go deeper into CSS or at a faster or slower pace, use this tutorial to walk through all the elements of Cascading Style Sheets.
Learn CSS in 5 Days - Free Class
The Basics of CSS
CSS Syntax
How to Add Styles to Web Pages
Modify Fonts with CSS
Adjust Text with CSS
The CSS Box Model
Backgrounds and CSS
CSS and Lists
CSS Positioning and Layout
Styling Tables, Frames, and Forms
Advanced CSS Topics
More CSS Help
Style Properties
Style properties are like tags in HTML. They are what make CSS do what it does. Once you understand how to put CSS in your documents, then you can start learning the many different properties in CSS versions 1, 2, and 3.
CSS 1 Properties
CSS 2 Properties
CSS 2 vs CSS 1 - What's The Difference?
CSS 2 Selectors
What is CSS 3?
CSS 3 Selectors That Work Right Now
CSS Pseudo Properties
CSS Selectors
What is XML?
XML, or eXtensible Markup Language, is a way to bring your HTML skills to a whole new level. By learning XML you learn how markup languages work. These articles explain the basics of XML and take you through why you might want to learn more about the eXtensible Markup Language.
What is XML?
Frequently Asked Questions about XML
Write Your First XML Document
Who Uses XML?
Origin and Design Goals of XML
XML Resource Center
XML Tutorial
The free XML class teaches you all about XML in a weekly email course over ten weeks. Or you can go through the articles here to learn more about XML at your own pace.
Free XML Class
Elements in XML
Attributes and XML
Making an XML Document Well-Formed
What is a DTD or Document Type Definition?
How do you use DTDs in Markup
XML Glossary
XML Articles
More XML Tutorials
XML Specifications
XML specifications are how XML is implemented in the real world. One XML specification you might recognize is XHTML. This is HTML re-written to be XML compliant. But there are also a lot of other specifications that you may have seen that are actually XML.
What is XHTML?
Write for Cell Phones and Handheld Devices with XHTML Basic, a Sub-set of XHTML
Introduction to XSL
What is XSLT?
The Difference Between CSS and XSLT
Start Learning XSL Formatting Objects (XSL-FO)
RSS - Really Simple Syndication is the Easiest XML Language to Learn
Learn to Write Privacy Policies with the P3P Specification
What is SOAP?
Write XML that Talks with VoiceXML
Introduction to XPath
Learn How to Use CDF to Push Your Content Out to Your Readers
More XML Specifications

Create Your Own WebPage

C reating pages for the World Wide Web takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun. The first step is to decide what you want to publish in your Web page. If you've been working on the Shoemaker-Levy 9 activity, you've already collected lots of astronomy-related facts and images. Or maybe you want to publish a story you've written, or share reviews of books you've read, or create an electronic magazine related to one of your hobbies... Whatever you want to put in your Web page, the directions in this step-by-step guide will show you how to do it.
(Last update: October 27, 1999) -->


Links2Go Key ResourceDesign Tools Topic
Step 1: Create a Text Document Step 2: Learn Basic HTML Tags Step 3: View a Sample Web Page Step 4: Get Electronic Images Step 5: Insert HTML Tags Step 6: View and Edit Your Page Step 7: Go Public!
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Small Planet Home Page

How to build a simple Webpage

To Use the Free Web Template:
Copy the CSS into a document named styles.css
Copy the JavaScript file into a document named scripts.js
Copy the HTML into a file in the same directory
Change the images in the list to your images
Don't forget to add a title to the page
Publish all documents (HTML page, CSS file, and JavaScript file)
If you want to add design changes - create another CSS file or add it to styles.css
The JavaScript:
The gray out effect was generated from a script from Hunlock.com. The popup effect is done based on Eric Meyer's Pure CSS Popups.
The Thumbnails:
One of the easiest ways to create thumbnails is with Fookes Easy Thumbnails (Windows) or CocoThumbX (Macintosh). Sue, the Graphics Software Guide explains how to use Easy Thumbnails.
The Web Site Template Data:
The XHTML
The CSS
The JavaScript

WEB DESIGNERS