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Analyze performance reference to inform character animation decisions
Assessment Strategies
Projects
Criteria
Reference footage captures the intended action and performance from a viewpoint that clearly communicates relevant body movement
Reference is analyzed to identify significant poses, timing, weight shifts, and changes in character action
Performance choices from reference are selected and adapted according to the needs of the animated character and scene
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Construct character poses that communicate action, weight, and performance intent
Assessment Strategies
Projects
Criteria
Poses clearly communicate the character's intended action and emotional state
Character balance and weight distribution are appropriate to the intended action
Line of action and silhouette contribute to the readability and visual appeal of the pose
Body relationships and asymmetry are used to create natural and expressive poses
Poses maintain believable weight and anatomical relationships when viewed from multiple angles
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Construct character performances using pose-to-pose animation techniques
Assessment Strategies
Projects
Criteria
Golden and key poses establish the significant actions, emotions, and storytelling moments of the performance
Breakdowns, extremes, contact poses, and anticipations define the intended movement between key poses
Timing and spacing support the weight, rhythm, and intent of the character's performance
Moving holds maintain character life and intent without distracting from the primary action
IK and FK controls are selected and switched according to the movement and control requirements of the animated action
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Animate character interactions using dynamic relationships between characters, props, and environments
Assessment Strategies
Projects
Criteria
Contact between characters, props, and environmental elements is maintained effectively throughout the interaction
Parent constraints establish the intended relationship between animated elements while preserving existing animation
Constraint influence is animated to create and release relationships at the appropriate moments in the performance
Transitions into and out of constrained relationships occur without unintended changes in position, orientation, or motion
Interacting elements maintain believable weight and coordinated movement throughout the animated action
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Create facial animation that communicates dialogue, expression, and character performance
Assessment Strategies
Projects
Criteria
Mouth shapes and their timing correspond to the audible sounds and rhythm of the dialogue
Facial expressions communicate the character's intended emotion and changes in emotional state
Eye direction, blinks, and facial movement support the character's attention and performance
Facial poses transition smoothly while maintaining recognizable expressions and appropriate facial structure
Facial animation complements the character's body performance without introducing distracting or unintended movement
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Construct cinematic shot sequences that support narrative and character performance
Assessment Strategies
Projects
Criteria
Shot size, camera angle, and composition direct the viewer's attention to the intended narrative information.
Camera placement and movement support the action and emotional intent of the scene.
Shot transitions and cuts maintain spatial clarity and continuity while supporting the pacing of the sequence.
Camera choices maintain clear presentation of significant character poses, actions, and interactions.
Shots are organized and assembled using camera sequencing tools to produce the intended cinematic sequence