AA4D09 - Animation Exploration 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: AA4D09
Module Title: Animation Exploration
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Culture and Animation
Faculty Sub Group: Animation
Module Leader:
Module Team: Matthew Gravelle, Stan Evens, Leon Dexter, Jonathan Edwards, Brian Fagence, Graham Griffiths, Leonie Sharrock, Nick Hood, Sarah Llewellyn, Brian Fagence, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

Enable students to:

Deepen their understanding of current and emerging opportunities in the creative industries.

Generate ideas and proposals to an advanced level through recognised industry practices.

Capitalise on present skills through extensive independent research and critical analysis of their work.

Content Summary

The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to investigate current potential career pathways available in the following animation departments:

· Project Management
· Development
· Pre-Production
· Production
· Post-Production
· Distribution
Lectures will establish an advanced level of specialist craft requirements and professional working practices associated with animation production.

Further guidance and support will be provided during a series of seminar sessions, demonstrations and individual tutorials with relevant tutors.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 12
Tutorial 6
Project supervision 2
Practical classes and workshops 6
Independent Study 160
Directed Study 202
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Create a body of practical work that explores and identifies potential areas of further professional development.
LO2 Evidence the relationship between research and practice in furthering knowledge and informing the advancement of practical work.
LO3 Appraise a broad range of techniques and processes applicable to contemporary animation practices.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 A portfolio of work that explores a range of industry phases and specialised roles in an animated production. This may include the development of scripts, animatics or character designs. All work submitted should include evidence of in-depth research activity and an iterative approach to exercises set. The full content of the portfolio will be negotiated and agreed at the outset between the student and module leader. 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Portfolio 1

Reading List

• Anderson, K., Cady-Lee, D., Carre, C. and H, Mengert. (2018) Creating Characters for the Entertainment Industry: Character Design for Animation, Illustration and Video Games. 1st edn. Worcester: 3D Total Publishing.
• Beiman, N. (2017) Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animation Features and Short. 3rd edn. Florida: CRC Press.
• Bishop, R., Boo, S., Cruz, M. and L, Gadea. (2020) Fundamentals of Character Design: How to Create Engaging Characters for Illustration, Animation and Visual Development. 1st edn. Worcester: 3D Total Publishing.
• Cristiano, G. (2008) The Storyboard Design Course: The Ultimate Guide for Artists, Directors, Producers and Scriptwriters. London: Thames and Hudson.
• Glebas, F. (2009) Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation. Oxon: Focal Press.
• Jew, A. and Paez, S. (2013) Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb. Oxon: Focal Press.
• Lewis, M. (2018) Creating Stylized Characters. 1st edn. Worcester: 3D Total Publishing.
• Mercado, G. (2010) The Filmmaker’s Eye: Learning and Breaking the Rules of Cinematic Composition. Oxon: Focal Press.
• Pallant, C. and Price, S. (2015) Storyboarding: A Critical History. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Santucci, W. (2009) The Guerrilla Guide to Animation: Making Animated Films Outside the Mainstream. London: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
• Silver, S. (2017) The Silver Way: Techniques, Tips, and Tutorials for Effective Character Design. 1st edn. London: Design Studio Press.
• Su, H. (2011) Alive Character Design: For Games, Animation and Film: For Games, Animation & Film. London: CYPI Press.
• Sullivan, K., Alexander, K., Mintz, A. and Besen, E. (2013) Ideas for the Animated Short: Finding and Building Stories. 2nd edn. Oxon: Focal Press.
• Wells, P. (2007) Basics Animation: Scriptwriting. 1st edn. Switzerland: AVA Publishing.
• Wright, J. A. (2013) Animation Writing and Development: From Script Development to Pitch. 2nd edn. Oxon: Focal Press.