Happy New Year, 2015

Greetings and best wishes for the New Year!

There's a lot coming in the next few weeks. You can take a look at the outline for the semester here (pdf): It lays out the production and post-production timeline for the coming semester.  Especially important is the Scene Workflow test, which is due in Week 2. I'll explain this one in our first lecture on Wednesday January 14.)

You can also take a look at the Lecture and Workshop schedule here. Please note that many of the bookings are still tentative and subject to change.

================================

For now, please take a look at this list from Joshua Dennenberg at U of T.  It lays out the partnerships between Sheridan animators and U of T composers, as understood from their end. (Note that the list is not entirely complete because two students did not respond to Joshua's inquiry.) If your name is missing or in the wrong place please let me know ASAP so I can try to clear things up with Joshua.

COMPOSERS	ANIMATORS->
Alex Chang	Valerie Ng
Adrian Ling	Terra Zhang
Alex Lambermont	Yolanda Liu	Raymond LaFebvre	Ken House
Babak Taghinia	Huifang	Mara Soriano
Cara Tors	Alex Biasutti	Chelsea Tierney	Richard Kosner
Dinuk Wijeratne	Jane Li
Eleanor Hart	Kelsey Ryan
Fintan Quinn
Joshua Denenberg	Daniel Fountain	Nicole Turner
Kirk Russell	Mara Soriano	Dan Fountain	Yanjun
Kenzie Yango	Andrew Bromfield	Ann WG	Steph Garth	Maria Nguyen	Victoria E -	Koko	Maria Nguye	Ben Szabo	Nathan Alcee
Kristina Orel
Liam Gallagher	Jordan Ruttle	Claudia Tanjung	Cody Forkes
Liam West	Anna hau yin Chan	Ashley Adams	Kaitlin Sutherland	Peter Holland
Michael le Ruggiero	Margaret Perrie	Jonathan Chan
Mouna Benhadjtahar	Darik Smith	Kaitlin Sutherland
Ross Au	Khoebe Mangsaysay	Yanju Liu	Xiying Zhai
Sarah Basciano	Kat Purificato	Didi Wang
Sae Lon Lee	Alison Chan	Helen Bohee Seong
Xintong Wang	Melody Wang	Sam Lloyd

WEEK 14 - ANIMATIC SCREENING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM WEDNESDAY IN S235

Mario has now had a chance to total the running time of the animatic screening submissions, so we will begin our screening at 10 am on Wednesday morning, in SCAET 235.

Note that the presentation order is randomized and will be different from the order of the Leica Reel screening in October.

Due to the length of the screening there will be no workshop this Wednesday. Workshops will resume next semester on Wednesday, January 14 with "Advanced Colour Design" by Mike Hitchcox.

-------------------------------------------------Bruno Degazio, 

Professor, Academic Advisor

Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design,
Sheridan College, Oakville, ON

degazio@sheridancollege.ca

website: http://www-acad.sheridanc.on.ca/~degazio 

ANIMATIC SCREENING FOLDER NOW AVAILABLE

Just got this in from Mario Positano. The HANDIN folder for next week's Animatic Screening is now available on  the HANDIN server.

The folder is entitled: LeicaReel_DueDecember8_8am

Don't be confused by the phrase "Leica Reel" in the name; it's the correct folder for the Animatic Screening (note the deadline date embedded in the folder name.)

It's located in G drive, 4thYear_SCREENING folder.


- Bruno

INDUSTRY DAY PRIMER and TWO EVENTS TO FOCUS ON YOUR SOUNDTRACK

1. Industry Day Primer - Tony Tarantini
Tony Tarintini will first give us an overview of the preparations for Industry Day 2015, including times and places, what to expect and how to prepare for it. There'll be some important news regarding the scheduling, so be sure to there.

Many of you know Tony Tosti from the 3rd Year Sound Design course. Tony is with us this week to help you with two aspects of the sound design for your film. 

2. Collaborating with Your Composer - Tony Tosti

The first is the Wednesday Lecture, at the usual time, 11 am. Tony Tosti will give a talk entitled "Collaborating with Your Composer." He'll attempt to walk with you through the process of effectively communicating your musical intentions for your film to your composer, avoiding the common pitfalls and misunderstandings.

3. Adobe Audition Refresher and Soundtrack Discussion - Tony Tosti

At 2 pm, we have our workshop in A150. Tony Tosti is again on hand to give you a refresher course on the how to use Adobe Audition, and how to mix for effective presentation in the SCAET Theatre. Bring your work-in-progress soundtracks (in Premiere, Audition, or already mixed in a Quicktime file) for specific advice from Tony.

Here’s how the Internet helps artists make a living...

An interesting short article by science fiction author Cory Doctorow explaining the many alternative ways that artists today can use the internet to make a living from their art.

The creative class is not screwed:  Here’s how the Internet helps artists make a living - Salon.com

Two events focusing on Acting & Performance in animation

To assist you with the coming Action Analysis and Performance Milestone, this week we have two events focusing on Acting & Performance in animation.  

Wednesday 11 am S235 - Stephen Barnes, Inspired Acting: A Study of Great Moments From Great Actors

First up is the Wednesday lecture, where Sheridan's Stephen Barnes will offer his insights into acting as applied to animation. Stephen does this in a way that might be new to you - carefully studying the subtle cues used by actors in live-action film and television. Steve's talk is essential viewing. It's also very entertaining, as Steve peppers the talk with many fascinating and unusual film clips.

Wednesday 2 pm, A361 (4th Year Studio, Video Area) - Using Video Reference for Animation

This is followed at 2 pm by an introduction to the Video Reference system that we have set up in the 4th Year studio. Stephen Barnes is again in charge, showing us the basic usage of video reference for animation. It would be great to have someone perform a character action scene from their film for the purpose of demonstration. Any volunteers?

Future Crisis: A Brief History of Graphics

Here's a very good short documentary about the evolution of computer graphics as used in video games, from Pac Man to Crysis and beyond. The sections on sprites and polygons (80s and 90s style graphics) discusses the role of traditional artists and animators. 

In five sections: 

Pixel Pioneers: A Brief History of Graphics, Part One

Sprite Supreme: A Brief History of Graphics, Part Two

Polygon Realm: A Brief History of Graphics, Part Three

Voodoo Bloom: A Brief History of Graphics, Part Four

Future Crisis: A Brief History of Graphics, Part Five

Interstellar and the continuing influence of Kubrick's "2001"

If you're interested in the evolution of the science fiction film genre here's a very interesting article on the inescapable influence on Christopher Nolan's Interstellar of Kubrick's 1968 classic,  2001, A Space Odyssey. 

Kubrick’s indestructible influence: “Interstellar” joins the long tradition of borrowing from “2001″ - Salon.com

Voice-over Actor & Singer available

I just received this email from a young lady named Michele Kaye who is interested in gaining some experience doing animation voice work. She is also a singer. You can reach her at: 

michelemkaye@gmail.com

"My name is Michele, I am a vocalist and actor and I am interested in getting into animation voice-over... I am new to voice-over and so am looking for experience, not pay.

I've done some animation voice-over workshops, and have a small amount of experience doing commercial voice-over. I am a professional vocalist with 10 years of experience, and an professional actor with about 5 years experience. I do not have a demo yet."

Latest news about Guru Animation Studio - Netflix orders a "Justin Time" spinoff series.

Some great news for our friends at Guru - Netflix has ordered 13 more 1/2 hours episodes of Justin Time, Guru's popular pre-school series, for worldwide distribution.  Netflix already streams the first two seasons of Justin Time.

All the more reason to be at tomorrow's Guru event at 5:30 pm in J102.

For more information:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-orders-justin-time-spinoff-747776

Next Week's Trip to University of Toronto Faculty of Music

Here are the directions and other instructions relating to next week's trip to the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, Film Composition Class. Please read carefully  the directions and instructions relating to Stage 1.

Note that there will be no lecture or workshop on Wednesday because of this trip.

DATE: Wednesday, November 12m, 11 am - 3 pm

PLACE:  Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, 80 Queen’s Park Crescent  (behind the Royal Ontario Museum)

The easiest way to get there is by TTC. Take the University subway line to the MUSEUM Subway stop. The Faculty of Music is behind (i.e. southwest of) the Museum.  
Don't confuse the Faculty of Music with the Royal Conservatory of Music! (The Royal Conservatory is on Bloor St., while the Faculty of Music is on Queen's Park.)  

There is a Go Train from Oakville to Union Station every 1/2 hr between appr. 8 am and 10:26 AM. The 9:56 am or earlier train will get you there with enough time to find your destination. 

DIRECTIONS 

BY PUBLIC TRANSIT- take Go Train from Oakville station to Union Station- take University Subway line north to Museum Station ( 5 stops)- exit from station to west side of University Ave (Queen’s Park Crescent).- the EJB will be straight ahead, adjacent to the R.O.M. and behind the formerPlanetarium building.- once inside the main lobby of the EJB, take the elevator or stairs to Walter Hall in the lower basement level.

BY CAR- QEW to Gardiner Expressway- Gardiner Expressway to Spadina exit- Spadina Ave. north to Harbord St.- turn right (east) on Harbord St.- paid street parking is available on Devonshire Place and in paid lots in the vicinity.

SHERIDAN / UT MUSIC COLLABORATION

2014-15  IMPORTANT DATES:

STAGE 1) Composer Demos and Meet & Greet - November 12, 11-3 pm 
University of Toronto, Faculty of Music (Edward Johnson Building), Walter Hall

This is the opportunity for Sheridan student animators to meet with the UT student composers. Each UT composer will present an example of their recent music that gives a sense of musical style. Sheridan animators will then have a chance to meet them individually and present their project in the form of their Leica Reel. Sheridan students, please bring the following to this session: • pen & notepad (for noting names and contact info) • your Leica reel on memory stick, tablet, etc. • your laptop if you prefer • headphonesNote that you must commit to a working partnership within one week! You will stay in contact with each other via email.

STAGE 2) Music Spotting Session - January 2015 (precise date & time TBA) Sheridan College, 4th Year Studio

This is the time for Sheridan animators to sit down with their UT composer and carefully discuss all the musical requirements for the film. Sheridan students, bring your updated Leica reel with temp music carefully laid in. Be prepared to discuss the following:• where in the project  music is required• general mood and expression• special sync points that the music should 'hit'• character driven musical themes if appropriate• extra music for titles and/or end credits• desired musical style• desired instrumentation• possible changes to length/timing of your project

STAGE 3) Demo track delivery deadline (via internet) - week 7,  2015

UT composers will deliver a demo recording of the musical score to their Sheridan animator by this date.
An ftp site is available to facilitate exchanging large files. Speak to Technologist Mario Positano - Mario Positano <mario.positano@sheridanc.on.ca> - about how to access the ftp site. Commercial/free services like DropBox.com also work well.

STAGE 4) Track Delivery Deadline (via internet) - week 13, 2015

UT composers will deliver finished music recordings by this date.

Week 9 - Layout Artist Terry Lenko

This week's lecture and workshop are both provided by renowned layout artist Terry Lenko.

Terry's work includes the layout for TV series and theatrical films such as Sidekick (2010-11), Curious George (2006), and Ann of Green Gables (2000). He has also been a production designer for  Backyardigans (2006) and worked for studios such as Nelvana and Yowsa.

Terry has taken some time away form his busy schedule at Nelvana to talk to us about the topic of Professional Design for Layout (Wednesday, 11 am, S235). He'll also be on hand to assist you with your own layout design in the workshop (A150 at 2 pm.) The layout lecture and workshop are very timely because of the upcoming Animatic deadline (Milestone 6, Week 10) which is mainly about layouts and character poses (for 2D projects.)

Note that I will also be giving some important information about next week's trip to the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, so be sure to arrive on time!

The Music of "How to Train Your Dragon 2"

Here's a good honest interview with John Powell, composer of How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon 2. 

He makes several points that should be of interest to you in working with a composer, especially the importance of establishing a musical theme for each character. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YkLOxMilnA

(thanks to James Caswell for providing this link)

Semester 8 Milestones now available

I've had a few requests from students this week for a look at next Semester's Milestones, so here they are, revised (slightly) for the 2014-15 academic year:

http://sheridan4thyear.blogspot.ca/p/4th-year-student-handbook.html

Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

-------------------------------------------------

Bruno Degazio, 

Professor, 4th Year Academic Advisor

Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design,
Sheridan College, Oakville, ON

degazio@sheridancollege.ca

website: http://www-acad.sheridanc.on.ca/~degazio 

Week 8 Deadlines & Reminders

LEICA REEL SCREENING 

I'm sure few of you need to be reminded that tomorrow morning at 8 AM is the deadline for submission of your Leica Reel. There is a big penalty for not participating, so be sure to put it in the correct folder!

Note that we might have to start earlier if the running time of all the Leicas is longer than three hours so keep your eye on this blog and email list for notification of changes.  We're currently planning to start the screening at 10 am on Wednesday, S235.

MILESTONE 5 

There is also a Milestone deadline this week - Milestone 5 - which is comprised of a Production Plan, Shot Breakdown, and Production Schedule.  (Or alternatively, depending on your Mentor, using Maury's famous Excel worksheet, available here. The Milestone also includes a Design Package (ungraded.)

ZBRUSH WORKSHOP

Last but not least, tomorrow (Monday Oct. 27) there is also a special workshop for those of you interested in the latest 3D modelling and design tools. The software is ZBrush, and we're very lucky to have a resident expert in the person of Florian Jacot. He'll demonstrate some of the features of this amazing 3D sculpting software. In Lab A151 at 6 pm.

Big Week Ahead! - Senior Animation Project Week 7

A big week is ahead of us as we get our Leica Reels ready for the screening in Week 8.

GUEST CRITIQUE

This week every Mentor Group will have a special guest who has been invited to view and critique your Leica reel. This will take place during your usual Mentor Group meeting time (or by special arrangement, at another time; stay in touch with your Mentor for details.)  This event is an important step in the development of your film; be sure to take advantage of it. Note that participation in this event is required and a penalty may be applied to your grade for non-participation.

LECTURE - Maury's Production Planner and a visit from Tinman Creative Studios

The lecture this week offers two highlights.  Firstly, mentor Maury Whyte will demonstrate and distribute an updated version of his Excel "Production Planning Worksheet", a valuable tool for organizing  and scheduling your production. (Many mentors will also accept the worksheet in lieu of some of the production forms for Milestone 5- Production Plan: Asset Estimate, Shot Breakdown, Production Schedule. Talk to your mentor for details.)

Secondly we look forward to a visit from Tinman Creative Studios, specifically creative director Brett Jubinville and a recent Sheridan graduate (TBA) who has recently been working at Tinman. They will discuss, among other things, the challenges of production planning in a creative environment, and the transition from Sheridan Animation to the "real world" of Web and TV animation production.  For more information about Tinman Creative Studios, go to tinman.tv

WORKSHOP - postponed to October 27

Due to scheduling complications related to the Monday holiday there will be no workshop this week. The planned workshop - ZBrush Tutorial with Florian Jacot - will instead take place on Monday October 27 in A151.

The Trouble With Dreamworks Animation

Here's an interesting and fairly in-depth article describing the current situation at Dreamworks:

It concentrates mainly on the business situation the company finds itself in rather than on the art and craft of animated storytelling. But the two are closely connected in Dreamworks' case, because the company's business model of making only two films a year requires each one to be a box office success. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peterlauria/the-trouble-with-dreamworks-animation#4gpcma6

This Week's Lecture & Workshop - Wed. Oct. 8 - GUERRILLA DESIGN

GUERRILLA DESIGN
This week we have two events to address the design phase of the animation pre-production process. Our guest is Peter Bielicki, whose credits include Mulan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Atlantis. Peter will speak at the 11 am Lecture on "Guerrilla Design Workbook Development for Short Animated Films."

Peter will also be on hand to review and discuss your design work at the 2 pm Workshop,  "Animation Design & Workbook Critique", taking place as usual in A150.

Animator vs. Animation , Episode 4

Some of you may be familiar with the series of web animations by Alan Becker about an animator battling with his own creation, a stick figure called "The Chosen One."

Episode 4, the latest (and longest) in the series was released yesterday. Although the live-action portions are a little plodding,  the animation itself hilariously fun, especially to those of us who use computers a lot. The final result is oddly supportive of the art of animation.

The film is also an interesting example of a Kickstarter-funded creative venture.



You can watch it here or at the original Youtube location below:

(
original Youtube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUbKWv2x9t6u8yZoB3KcPtnw&v=VufDd-QL1c0
)

New Link for Milestone 3 (Storyboard & Script) Examples

Some of you may have been unable to download from the link in yesterday's posting about Milestone 3 - Script and Finished Storyboard.  Due to the high volume of traffic, Dropbox has  suspended Public Access to the account hosting these files.

To remedy the problem I have copied the files to a secure server here are at Sheridan. The new link is:

http://www-acad.sheridanc.on.ca/~degazio/4thYearBlog/FallMilestone3_Examples/

This should work in any browser that supports FTP.


- Bruno