6B034E - Major Project: Planning 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B034E
Module Title: Major Project: Planning
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design
Module Leader: Jonathan Edwards
Module Team: Gustavo Arteaga, Tomos Hooson, James Kimm
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100057 - animation
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

  • To support students in developing an original animation project from concept through to a resolved pre-production package. 

  • To develop students’ ability to research, plan and design a feasible project, demonstrating awareness of audience, context and professional production practices. 

  • To encourage independent decision-making, critical reflection and iterative development in preparation for major project production. 

Content Summary

This module marks the beginning of your major project, guiding you through the development and planning of an original animation from initial concept through to a resolved pre-production package. Through a series of studio-based research, design and development activities, you will explore idea generation, visual development and narrative direction while planning a project that is both ambitious and achievable. 

The module emphasises independent decision-making, critical reflection and progressive development, encouraging you to test, refine and strengthen your ideas through research, feedback and analysis. You will define the creative direction, production approach and workflow appropriate to your chosen specialism while engaging with professional pre-production practices such as concept development, storyboarding, animatic creation and production planning. You will determine the focus, scope, specialist pathway, production methodology and intended outcomes of your major project, allowing you to shape the project in line with your individual interests, creative ambitions and professional aspirations. 

By the end of the module, you will have established a clear creative vision and a comprehensive pre-production package that provides the foundation for your final major project. As a Level 6 module, Major Project: Planning supports the transition to independent professional practice and prepares you for the production and delivery stages of your final-year project

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Tutorial 4
Project supervision and Mentoring 4
Formative Assessment (Scheduled) 6
Practical Classes and Workshops 18
Demonstration 24
Guided Learning 10.5
Summative Assessment and Preparation 60
Independent Learning (including self-directed study and support) 173.5
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Conceptualise and develop an original animation project through research, visual development and critical evaluation, demonstrating awareness of audience, context and professional practice.
LO2 Plan and present a resolved pre-production package that demonstrates creative intent, technical feasibility and appropriate production strategies for realisation.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Creative Portfolio Major project proposal portfolio demonstrating concept development, research, visual exploration, audience consideration, creative intention and project feasibility for an independently negotiated animation production. Submission to include critical evaluative commentary reflecting on research processes, concept development, creative decision-making and project rationale. ONLINE. Individual (with opportunities for collaboration and specialist consultation where appropriate) . 0 1500 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio Production planning portfolio demonstrating scheduling, asset preparation, pipeline organisation, technical planning and project management strategies for animation production. Submission to include evaluative commentary reflecting on production planning methodologies, pipeline management and project feasibility processes. ONLINE. Individual (with opportunities for collaboration and specialist consultation where appropriate). 0 1000 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Creative Portfolio
Portfolio

Reading List

Week 1: Project Development and Concept Generation 

 

Essential Reading 

Glebas, F. (2009) Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation. Abingdon: Focal Press. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

McKee, R. (1997) Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting. New York: ReganBooks. 

 

Week 2: Research, Audience and Industry Context 

 

Essential Reading 

Milic, L. (2006) The Animation Producer’s Handbook. Maidenhead: Open University Press. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Dowlatabadi, Z and Winder, C. (2020) Producing Animation. 3rd edn. Boca Raton: CRC Press. 

 

Week 3: Visual Development and Design 

 

Essential Reading 

Mateu-Mestre, M. (2010) Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers. Culver City: Design Studio Press. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Gurney, J. (2010) Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC. 

 

Week 4: Storyboarding and Narrative Planning 

 

Essential Reading 

Beiman, N. (2017) Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts. 2nd ed. Oxford: Focal Press. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Mercado, G. (2022) The Filmmaker’s Eye: Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge. 

 

Week 5: Animatics and Pre-Visualisation 

 

Essential Reading 

Katz, S. (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen. Studio City: Michael Wiese Productions. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Hart, J. (2008) The Art of the Storyboard: A Filmmaker's Introduction. 3rd edn. Abingdon: Focal Press. 

 

Week 6: Production Planning and Pipelines 

 

Essential Reading 

 Laybourne, K. (1998) The Animation Book: A Complete Guide to Animated Filmmaking. New York: Three Rivers Press. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Wyatt, A. (2010) The Complete Digital Animation Course: The Principles, Practice and Techniques of Successful Digital Animation. London: Thames & Hudson. 

 

Online Resources: 

Animate Projects: https://animateprojects.org 

Animation Journals: https://journals.sagepub.com 

BFI – British Film Institute: http://www.bfi.org.uk 

British Film Council: http://film.britishcouncil.org 

Screen Skills: https://www.screenskills.com 

Society for Animation Studies: http://www.animationstudies.org 

The Big Cartoon Database: http://www.bcdb.com 

Toonhound: http://www.toonhound.com