With recent advancements in software and technology, computer animation has rapidly evolved in the last decade. You can see this in no better place than the computer gaming and movie industry. The quality of graphics has evolved to such an extent that in some cases it can difficult to distinguish whether something is real or computer generated on your screen.
CGI stands for Computer Generated Imagery. It is becoming more common in movies and television today. CGI animators are able to create scenes, characters, and special effects that were near impossible less than ten years ago.
Some of the marvels in CGI animation can be seen in today’s movies that use special effects. CGI is not confined to film and television though. It’s used in advertising, education, and sports. For instance, CGI allows sports commentators to analyse games and illustrate their commentary. One of the biggest and most lucrative fields we see it in however is the computer gaming industry. Animators have stretched the boundaries of human imagination by creating some of the weirdest, most dazzling creatures found in gaming.
Through this course you’ll learn a great deal about animation from lighting, 3D effects, layering, colouring, and texturing. Several of the modules are dedicated to character animation, one of them focuses on how to create creatures. Some of the software programs you’ll be taught on include Mental Ray, ZBrush, Maya, ActionScript, 3ds Max, and Flash Animation.
Our CGI animation course is part of our total training series – designed as a rich learning experience which includes full video presentations, sound, and interactive tasks. You can pause a lesson, rewind, fast-forward and jump to another stage. The system will even record your progress and scores when taking a test. Best of all, because the course is online, you can do it anywhere in the world, anytime of the day as long as you have an internet connection. It’s the total training you’re looking for.
If you would like more information on this course or want to find out about career opportunities in the CGI animation field, feel free to give us a call.
This is an online Total Training Series course package. Read our FAQs for more details.
Adobe Flash CS3: ActionScript 3 Animation & Games
Presenter: John Ulliman
Platform: Windows & MAC OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 9.7 Hrs
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Project Files: Included
Description
Advance your knowledge and use of ActionScript 3 by taking a specific look into Animation and Game Design. Instructed by John Ulliman, this series which is available online and on DVD-ROM, goes step-by-step through the new ActionScript 3 structure and classes. You’ll also get some hands-on experience by building several typical games using Flash CS3 and ActionScript. Plus, you will also learn how to build your own ActionScript 3 custom class files.
Course Outline
Chapter 1: The New Display List
1. Getting Started
2. Introducing the New Display Hierarchy
3. Working with Display Objects
4. Making a Text Field Object
5. Creating a New Container
6. Using the Shape Class
7. Adding Graphics to the Shape Object
8. Creating an External Class
9. Using the Sprite Class
10. Working with the Movie Clip Class
Chapter 2: Animating with the Enterframe Event
1. Understanding Timeline Animation
2. Using the enterFrame Event
3. Controlling a Nested Movie Clip
4. Using enterFrame with a Sprite
5. Adding Limits to an Animation
6. Animating the X, Y & Rotation Properties
7. Creating Animation in a Class
8. Completing the Class
9. Adding Graphics to a Class
10. Changing Speed Variables
11. Changing a Sprite Class to a Movie Clip
12. Setting Up Another Movie Clip
Chapter 3: Animating with the Timer Class
1. Introducing the Timer Class
2. Creating a Running Timer
3. Controlling a Running Timer
4. Loading an External Bitmap
5. Creating a Mini Slideshow
6. Using a Timer to Animate
7. Controlling the Animation with Buttons
8. Controlling the Delay
Chapter 4/1: Using Copy & Paste Animation
1. Setting Up a Basic Animation
2. Copying & Pasting Basic Animation
3. Copying & Pasting with ActionScript
4. Turning Copied ActionScript into a Class Deffinition
5. Applying a New Class
6. Copying & Pasting a Complex Animation
7. Animating Using a Timer Object
8. Setting Up a Random Method
Chapter 4/2: Using Copy & Paste Animation
1. Setting Up Buttons to Go from Black & White to Color
2. Building Custom Buttons Using Movie Clips
3. Add a gotoAndPlay Method to Move a Playhead
4. Adding Frame Labels
5. Setting Up Additional Buttons
6. Adding a Click Event Handler
7. Reusing Click Events
8. Adding “If” Statements
9. Setting Up a Function to Control Visible Properties
10. Adding an “Else If” Statement
11. Using Arrays
12. Using a “For Loop” Structure
13. Using Arrays to Set Up Thumb Clicks
14. Using Arrays to Set Up Thumbnails
15. Final Comments & Credits
Chapter 5: Using the Tween Class
1. Exploring the Document
2. Structuring a Tween
3. Introducing the Easing Class
4. Setting Up Multiple Tweens
5. Looping a Tween
6. Using Tween Events
7. Setting Up a TimerEvent
8. Setting Up a showPhoto Function
9. Setting Up the photoCounter
10. Using the Transition Class
Chapter 6: Creating a Physics-Based Keyboard Control Game
1. Setting Up the Moon Lander Animation
2. Understanding Keyboard Response
3. Programming Keyboard Response
4. Adding Vertical Acceleration
5. Adding Horizontal Movement
6. Building the Crash Sequence
7. Setting the Landing Sequence
8. Setting Up Start & Replay Functions
Chapter 7: Creating a Shooter Game with Mouse Controls
1. Creating a Duck Class
2. Using the Duck Class
3. Set Up a Timer Animation to Make More Ducks
4. Incorporating Additional Duck Graphics
5. Adding the Duck-Hit Animation
6. Replacing Cursor Graphics
7. Setting Up the Score
8. Tracking the Score with a Class
9. Adding Sound Effects
Chapter 8: Using Arrays & Custom Classes in Games
1. Introducing the Game Layout
2. Drawing the Game Pieces
3. Positioning the Game Pieces
4. Setting Up a Symbol Array
5. Shuffling the Symbols
6. Clicking the Spinners
7. Distinguishing between Clicks
8. Checking for a Match
9. Setting Up the Score
10. Controlling the Spinners with the Class
11. Using Tweens for the Spinners
12. Adding Sound Effects
Chapter 9: Creating a Title-Based Game
1. Getting Started with Tile-Based Games
2. Laying Out the Tiles
3. Setting Up Tile Types
4. Clicking the Tiles to Set the Types
5. Adding the Pirate Icon
6. Tracing the Location of the Pirate Icon
7. Completing the Engine & Saving Level Data
8. Building the Game Application
9. Moving the Pirate Character
10. Responding to Map Tiles
11. Moving the Pirate in Different Directions
12. Adding the Player Controls
13. Player Control Functions
14. Setting Up Trigger Tiles
15. Final Comments & Credits
Adobe Flash CS3 Professional: Flash Animation
Presenter: John Ulliman
Platform: Windows & MAC OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 9.2 Hrs
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Project Files: Included
Description
Go beyond the basics with this in-depth look into timeline animation in Flash CS3. With your host John Ulliman, you’ll learn how to create nested MovieClip animations, techniques for setting up and controlling a Shape Tween, how to build and control your characters including facial animation and walk cycles, and how to apply animation practices to your characters. Plus, you’ll explore features and settings in the Flash toolkit and discover all the different ways you can animate using the timeline.
Course Outline
Part 1: Flash Animation Fundamentals
Chapter 1: Animation Basics
1. Exploring Icon Panel Mode
2. Exploring the Properties Panel
3. Using the Timeline
4. Working with Keyframes
5. Using Guides
6. Exploring the Rules of Motion Tweens
7. Working with Motion Tweens
8. Adding Depth to an Animation
9. Adding an Alpha Channel to a Symbol
10. Dividing a Tween into Multiple Tweens
Chapter2: Creating Shape Tweens
1. The Role of a Shape Tween
2. Setting Up a Shape Tween
3. Using Shape Hints
4. Adding More Tweens & Using a Blend Option
5. Creating Complex Shape Tweens
6. Tweening Fill Gradients
Chapter 3: Nesting Animations
1. Planning Your Animations
2. Comparing Movie Clips & Graphic Symbols
3. Grouping Items that Move Together
4. Using Symbol Timelines
5. Comparing Symbol Playback
6. Animating More Layers
7. Nesting inside of a Nested Animation
Chapter 4: Easing Keyframes
1. Setting Up a Simple Motion Tween
2. Using the Onion Skin Controls
3. Creating a Copy of an Animation
4. Setting Up Basic Easing
5. Copying & Pasting Motion
6. Using the Paste Special Command
7. Nesting for Complex Animations
8. Working with Advanced Easing Controls
9. Working More with Advanced Easing
Chapter 5: Controlling Speed
1. Understanding Speed in Animation
2. Creating a Blur Effect
3. Using Motion Blur
4. Setting Up for the Animation
5. Enhancing the Animation
6. Creating the Impression of Movement
7. Completing the Animation
8. Adding a Sound Effect
Chapter 6: Tweening along a Path
1. Animating a Path with Basic Keyframing
2. Setting Tweens along a Path
3. Animating a Symbol to a Path
4. Using the Orient to Path Property
5. Setting Up Wheel Rotation
6. Using the Moving Matte Technique
7. Working with Masks
Adobe Flash CS4 Professional: New Animation Techniques
Presenter: John Ulliman
Platform: Windows & MAX OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 5 Hrs
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Project Files: Included
Description
This series introduces you to the new and enhanced Flash CS4 animation features; Motion Tween, 3D properties, and the new IK animation tool so you can begin using them in your Flash projects. The enhanced Motion Tween will change the way you work in Flash forever. It’s much easier to work with and more powerful, plus it includes the new Motion Editor Panel. This series guides you through the new 3D properties, which will let you control your objects in full 3D space in both the timeline and using ActionScript 3. Plus, learn how to use the new Inverse Kinematics (IK) animation tools for both MovieClips and Shapes.
Course Outline
Chapter 1: Motion Tweens & The Motion Editor
1. Creating a Screen Build Animation
2. Using Motion Presets
3. Modifying a Motion Tween & Creating a Static Frame Span
4. Creating a Motion Tween from Scratch
5. Adjusting Frame Properties
6. Introducing the Motion Editor Panel
7. Editing Property Keyframes in the Motion Editor
8. Creating Property Keyframes
9. Controlling Color Effects
10. Using Filters in the Motion Editor
11. Finishing Up the Animation
Chapter 2: Working with Easing Curves
1. Using the Easing Property
2. Working with Easing in the Motion Editor Panel
3. Creating Easing Curves
4. Applying Multiple Simple Eases
5. Using a Start and Stop Easing Curve
6. Editing Bezier Motion Curves
7. Using Periodic Easing Curves
8. Using the Sawtooth, Square & Random Easing Curves
9. Creating Custom Easing Curves
10. Modifying a Motion Preset in the Motion Editor
Chapter 3: Working with 3D Animation
1. Basic 3D Properties
2. 3D Rotation & Translation Tools
3. Creating a 3D Motion Tween
4. Working with 3D in the Motion Editor Panel
5. Creating & Using a 3D Motion Preset
6. Finishing Up the Animation
Chapter 4: 3D Animation Using ActionScript
1. 3D Properties in AS3
2. Animating in 3D
3. Setting up Button Controls for Each Axis
4. Using 3D in a Tween
5. Exploring the Photo Viewer App
6. Using 3D for the Viewer Animation
Chapter 5: Animating with Inverse Kinematics
1. Introducing the Bone Tool
2. Animating the Armature
3. Editing Bones
4. Adjusting Armature & Bone Properties
5. Constructing Bones to Animate a Character
6. Modifying Bone Joint Properties & Arranging Stacking Order
Chapter 6: Using IK to Control a Shape Tween
1. Setting Up an IK Shape
2. Binding Points to the Bones
3. Animating Multiple Shapes
4. Credits
Character Animation: Fundamentals
Category: Animation
Presenter: Chris Kirshbaum – The Gnomon Workshop
Platform: Windows & MAC OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 2.8 Hrs
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Project Files: Included
Description
In this training, you’ll learn the basics of feature film style character animation. Starting with the bouncing ball and then moving on to using a character rig, this series gives you a guided tour of the inner workings of Maya, covering the interface and how to develop good workflow habits. It explores the basics of acting and emotion and demonstrates how to setup the always challenging walk cycle, from blocking in and smoothing out the animation to refining it by adding attitude and feeling.
Introduction to 3ds Max: Tools and Workflow
Category: Animation
Presenter: Jeremy Engleman – The Gnomon Workshop
Platform: Windows & MAC OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 7 Hrs
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Project Files: Included
Description
3d Studio Max is an industry leading application for design visualization, game development and visual effects. 3ds Max is powerful and flexible enough for professionals, but intuitive enough for the beginner. Whether new to 3ds Max or new to 3D, these lectures provide ample discussion of the tools needed to create visually rich imagery and animations. User interface foundations are presented, focusing on 3ds Max’s ease and simplicity. Learn core concepts as well as efficient, professional modeling, animation, texturing and lighting techniques.
Introduction to Maya: Interface and Workflow
Category: Animation
Presenter: Alex Alvarez – The Gnomon Workshop
Platform: Windows & MAC OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 5 Hrs
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Project Files: Included
Description
Over the past many years, Maya has become the leading 3D application used in the film, broadcast and game industries. Hailed for its diverse toolset, Maya excels due to its integration, flexibility and performance in regards to modelling, texturing, lighting, rendering, animation, rigging and effects. Designed for the individual new to Maya, this DVD contains over five hours of lecture. The essential UI (user interface) is discussed, focusing on the work- flow of an experienced user. Learn how to efficiently create, manipulate and organize hierarchies, objects, components and cameras. Many concepts are introduced including the use of Polygons versus NURBS, tesselation, antialiasing, UV Layout, projects, preferences and MEL scripts. Customization of the UI is also addressed in order to dramatically improve efficiency and workflow.
Introduction to ZBrush 3: Tools and Workflow
Category: Animation
Presenter: Ryan Kingslien – The Gnomon Workshop
Platform: Windows & MAC OS
Format: Online
Running Time: 7.4 Hrs
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Project Files: Included
Description
Introduction to ZBrush 3 covers everything you need to know to get started working in ZBrush. ZBrush 3 is the industry standard application for digital sculpting and has been used in nearly every recent blockbuster film and video game that has visual effects. This course covers ZBrush’s essential features from a practical and accessible point of view. In addition, this training provides a detailed understanding of how each ZBrush feature builds upon the others to allow artists to sculpt without limitations. This series is just what you need to get up to speed on ZBrush fast.
Highlights:
Get an overview of Sculpting Fundamentals
Learn about Zspheres
Find out all about Polygroups and SubTools
Learn all about Displacement Maps
Prospective Job Titles: CGI Animator, Developer
Average Salary: 50,000 p.a. for CGI Animator with experience
Source: ITjobswatch.com
Previous Experience Required: None
Related Areas of Employment: Film and Television, Advertising, Consultancy, Freelance work,Game Designing
Where do I do my exams? Contact us to find this out.
