KNB305 Animation Studio
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KNB305 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 60cp of completed study from Animation (KNB%) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Experience applying animation principles and workflows to create animations, supported by an understanding of animation theory, character construction, real-time/ 3D production, and the integration of motion, character, environment and performance. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KNB305 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 60cp of completed study from Animation (KNB%) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Experience applying animation principles and workflows to create animations, supported by an understanding of animation theory, character construction, real-time/ 3D production, and the integration of motion, character, environment and performance. |
Overview
This unit focuses on the collaborative production of a narrative-driven animated short film within a simulated studio environment. Building on the foundations established throughout the course, you will work as part of a production team to develop and complete a cohesive outcome within contemporary animation workflows. Through studio-based production processes, you will engage with current practices and ideas in animation, applying creative, technical and conceptual approaches to the development of your project. The unit emphasises planning, iteration and problem-solving within a shared production pipeline, reflecting the structure and expectations of professional animation studios. Working collaboratively, you will develop project proposals, test and refine ideas, and contribute to the production of an animated short. The studio environment supports the coordination of roles, workflows and creative decision-making, preparing you for industry approaches to animation production.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Develop and communicate animation concepts and production proposals, demonstrating clarity of narrative, visual approach and production strategy.
- Collaborate effectively within a studio-based production environment, demonstrating initiative, leadership and contribution to team-based workflows and outcomes.
- Synthesize motion, character, environment and performance into a cohesive animation project, applying creative, technical and conceptual knowledge in a production context.
- Apply production pipelines and iterative workflows, including planning, testing and refinement, to develop animation projects in a studio environment.
- Evaluate and refine creative work through critique and reflection, demonstrating ethical awareness, cultural sensitivity and professional standards in animation production.
Content
The content of this unit focuses on collaborative animation production within a simulated studio environment, emphasising the integration of motion, character, environment and performance in contemporary animation practice. It includes the development of project concepts, production planning and the coordination of workflows within team-based pipelines.
The content explores current production methods and approaches used in animation, including real-time animation, performance capture and hybrid production workflows. It also examines how these methods influence creative decision-making, production processes and the construction of animated outcomes.
The unit engages with iterative development processes, including testing, prototyping and refining animation through feedback and collaboration. It includes the study of production roles, pipeline structures and communication strategies required to support collaborative project development.
Practical components focus on the development of a substantial animated project, including concept development, visual planning, technical testing and production strategy. The content also addresses post-production considerations such as compositing, colour and final output for different formats.
The unit supports critical and creative thinking in collaborative animation practice, including problem-solving within production contexts, adapting workflows and considering ethical, cultural and inclusive approaches to animation content and production.
The ethical and practical applications of Gen-AI are openly discussed with you as part of content delivery. In this unit, you will explore the methods and considerations involved in using Gen-AI as part of an evolving academic writing toolset, as well as emerging approaches to the use of Gen-AI with Animation production.
Learning Approaches
Learning is facilitated through lectures and studio-based sessions within a simulated animation production environment. Lectures introduce key theoretical and contextual frameworks related to collaborative animation production, including production pipelines, workflows and contemporary studio practices. Studio sessions focus on the application of these concepts through the development of a collaborative animation project.
The unit emphasises practice-led learning, where you will engage in production processes such as planning, testing, iteration and refinement within a team-based workflow. You will present work-in-progress for critique and participate in group discussions, supporting the development of your project through feedback and collaboration.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will gain progressive feedback in this unit by participating in regular reviews and critiques with academics and peers, discussing how theoretical concepts are applied to animation work in development. You will also be encouraged to critically reflect on your own work as it develops and you will receive summative assessment in the form of rubrics and written feedback on your assessments.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will develop collaborative animation production skills within a simulated studio environment. The three assessments guide you from project conception through to the delivery of a completed animated work. In the first assessment, you will work in a team to develop and present a project proposal, defining your creative concept, production approach and collaborative workflow. This task is informed by research into contemporary animation practices and production methods. In the second assessment, you will participate in the studio environment throughout the semester. This includes contributing to production meetings, engaging in critique sessions and supporting the ongoing development of your project through collaboration and feedback. In the final assessment, you will work collaboratively to produce a completed animated work within a studio-style production environment. You will apply your creative, technical and conceptual skills to achieve your planned outcome, and communicate your individual contributions through a professional portfolio of your work. Throughout the semester, you will receive formative feedback during studio workshops and project reviews to support your development of collaborative production practices and portfolio-ready outcomes.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Project Pitch and Production Plan
In this assessment, you will work as part of a production team to develop and present a proposal for a collaborative animation project. The proposal should outline the project concept, narrative direction and visual approach, supported by research into relevant animation practices, practitioners and production methods. Your team will define the production pipeline, identify roles and responsibilities, and outline the technical and creative strategies required to realise the project.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Studio Participation and Production Contribution
Throughout the semester, you will participate in in-class studio activities that support the development of your collaborative animation project. This includes contributing to production meetings, presenting work-in-progress for critique, engaging in group discussions and actively fulfilling your role within the production pipeline during scheduled studio sessions. Participation reflects your in-class contribution to the team, your responsiveness to feedback and your ability to support the iterative development of the project within a collaborative studio environment. You are expected to be prepared for each session, actively contribute to discussions and critiques, and demonstrate ongoing engagement with the production process.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Collaborative Animation Project
You will work collaboratively to produce a completed animated work within a studio-style production environment, applying creative, technical and conceptual skills to achieve the planned outcome. You will communicate your individual contributions using a professional portfolio of your work.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement). Tier 2 and 3 induction may be required, depending on project requirements.
This unit involves substantial computer-based work. You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Costs
In this unit you may be required to use a WACOM CINTIQ tablet pen (approx. $170). (Staff will advise on suitable version/model in Week 1.) There are a limited number of pens supplied but students are advised to purchase their own.
It is highly recommended that students undertaking animation units acquire a high-speed, portable solid-state drive with USB-C connectivity and at least 500 GB. Cost can range from $150 to $500 you should discuss with the teaching staff before purchasing.
Resources
Additional resources are also available through the Canvas site for this unit. 24-hour labs are accessible - on campus – during term time.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Bousquest, M. (2022). The Animation Field Guide v1.2. Epic Games. https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/animation-field-guide
Kadner, N. (2019). The Virtual Production Field Guide Volume 01. Epic Games. https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/vpfieldguide
Kadner, N. (2021). The Virtual Production Field Guide Volume 02. Epic Games. https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/Virtual+Production+Field+Guide+Volume+2+v1.0-5b06b62cbc5f.pdf
Mitchell, B. (2017). Independent Animation: Developing, Producing and Distributing Your Animated Films (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315363974
Recommended text(s)
Animation: an interdisciplinary journal - http://journals.sagepub.com/home/anm
Animation Studies - https://journal.animationstudies.org/
Animation Practice, Process & Production - https://www.intellectbooks.com/animation-practice-process-production
Roda, Chris. 2022. Real Time Visual Effects for the Technical Artist. First edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Sawicki, Mark, and Juniko Moody. 2020. Filming the Fantastic with Virtual Technology : Filmmaking on the Digital Backlot. Abingdon, Oxon ;: Routledge.
Software
You will make use of a vast array of software depending on the medium and methods of production you undertake for your project.
Risk Assessment Statement
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement).
You will be advised if you are required to complete a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio, or a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.
This unit involves substantial computer-based work. You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO5, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO5, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO5, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Project Pitch and Production Plan, Studio Participation and Production Contribution, Collaborative Animation Project