Weekly Overview

Weekly Project Supplies:

• iPads – one for each 2-student team
• Animation Bays
• Paper puppet papers
• Background base
• Markers
• Colored pencils
• Grommets and tools

Help students choose a reference character and find a seat.

Show each student their pencil and markers. Provide a stack of copy paper so they can get started drawing their character. They can choose any character, and change their minds if they want a new one.

While they work, hand out the name cards and have them draw/write their name and if they want, their favorite animation show or movie.

Once everyone is settled, and is finished, get their attention and show the credits at the end of “Spiderverse” movie (long!).

Introduce yourself (teacher and assistant teacher), and then go around the room, having everyone share their favorite animation character and tell their name.

We expect everyone to act like professionals in this camp. If you mistreat anyone or any item in any way, you may be sent home for the rest of the day. Also, never take an iPad from someone. Always ask, and always give it back and forth.

Introduce the concept of the animation film project.

1. Animation takes zillions of people and sometimes over a year of everyone working non-stop.
2. We have 2 people per project and 15 total hours. So it has to be short.
3. All animation is collaborative, so we’ll be working in teams. You will be assigned into teams by the teacher.
4. Main Goal – to learn as many basic animation principles as possible this week, so you can go home and make better animations on your own.
5. Also to create a cool animation short with your team partner, to have and show friends and family.
6. Because we have so much to do, we need everyone to cooperate – and make sure we don’t get distracted. Follow instructions and be willing to switch to another step when told.
7. We will make paper 2D characters that are puppets – can be repositioned like claymation, but far more easily and quickly.
8. biped char – we have to limit expression because this is learning the process – for the future – instead of creating your dreams now.
9. We’ll be using an animation bay, with camera and software on iPads
10. Each team partner will be assigned different tasks and will take turns animating and directing.
11. Each film will have a title and opening, an ending, credits, and the animation sequence in the middle.
12. Every film needs one character, and one background.
13. No one will be the sole creator of the character or story. We will combine our work. You have to be willing to work with others.

Show the demo animation sample on the tv.

Show a second time, and go over the PROMPTS:

– char appears
– walks
– uses prop or two
– leaves by way of opening up or down
– balloons float, hole, ladder, jump, cliff, stairs, flying
– extra time – reemerge and close up front of face with expression change

“I am in charge and you must jump when I say jump, or we won’t get done. If you are more concerned with goofing off and impressing your classmates than with working on your animation, you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FINISH THE PROJECT.”

Character design guidesheet:

• How to design, simplify, and exaggerate to create fun characters.
• How the puppet parts must fit together.

Explain:

Each student creates 2 – 3 character ideas – All original characters!

• RULES
  Biped or wheeled characters only
• no skirts or dresses
• no quadrupeds
• ponytail or short stiff hair
• side-view only (can be slightly turned towards camera)

Students will draw 2 or 3 characters during 20 minutes. Call for a change to new drawing/character 10 minutes into it, so there are at least 2 per student.

While students work:

1. Select teams
2. Explain that having a team, means you are not the leader and the other person is not your minion. You’re not batman and robin. You’re both a spider-person. Each person has strengths and ideas you will need.
3. While they work, they can think of team name ideas, but keep drawing characters.

“Don’t worry about merging right now. Just choose best designs.”

Option: teams can select a team name

1. Line up
2. Walk to back around side of building
3. Devour snacks
4. Walk back

Students set up their drawings so each can see both of them.

Each student draws their idea of a combination.

Talking about it is good. BE NICE.

Students decide what character elements will work together.

BE NICE.

Students both draw their version of combined character.

BE NICE.

Students work on ideas and draw their scene changes and layouts.

Make sure they are thinking about the background and props!

Walk through the main features of the app.

Students set up and try some pictures and making the ball move.