WEEK 3: Character Acting 1: Quiz + Applying Mocap Data

(no, not really)

Quiz time!
Assignment 1: 10%
Quiz on basic anatomy and the XSens motion capture system
You'll have an hour to write it.
The link will appear here:  http://bit.ly/OvA8Ux

Next up:
Applying Motion Capture Data to a Rig
Dan Maendel is going to show us the basics of MVN's proprietary tools for cleaning up raw data. Next we'll export the files to Motion Builder for further editing. Finally, we'll export FBX's to Maya to finesse the animation.
I strongly recommend the 55 min Digital Tutors course "Introduction to Motion Capture in MotionBuilder".

Assignment 2: 20% 

Animate 2 contrasted actions using Motion Capture

Due Sunday, October 21st before midnight <--new extended deadline

Now it's time for you to record and clean up some of your own data. Using the pipeline established in class (MVN->Motion Builder->Maya) create a polished piece of animation. Animation should consist of 2 contrasted actions (ex, push/pull, reach up/down, catch/throw)

Motion capture data should be used as the basis for the performance. 

You may create the mocap data yourself or have someone else record it for you. You may also download mocap data from the internet. Please credit all sources. 

Recording short sequences using mocap and, ideally, live action video

Export and edit data in Motion Builder
Utilize live action reference to augment mocap data
Combine actions seamlessly

Apply all animation principles to create fluid, well-timed movement with lots of weight, clean arcs, and strong overlapping action.

Please book a time with Dan to record your actions.

Please submit all work to our shared DropBox folder using the following naming conventions and settings:

Filenames: 
tdonovan_mocap_001.ma
tdonovan_mocap_001.mov

File Format: QT
Encoding: H.264
Quality: 100
Image Size: Custom
Width: 560
Height: 316 


Rubric:

Exemplary - Highly polished piece showing  mastery of the principles of animation. Fluid motion, strong posing and timing, and lots of appeal.
Excellent - Well animated piece with strong grasp of the principles of animation. Motion is mostly smooth with very good posing and timing.
Acceptable - Good animation with most of the principles of animation. Motion may have a few areas that need improvement but the overall timing is good and the posing clear.
Not Acceptable - Animation has many problems in timing and posing showing a lack of control of tools or knowledge of the animation principles.

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Assignment 3: 10% Drop-In Acting Class

Find out what this idea means at Improv!

Due: October 31st 

By popular demand, here is a better description of the "Drop-In Acting Class" assignment:

Attend at least 1 drop-in class in Improv Acting or equivalent such as a Stage Combat class at Rapier Wit. 

Venues like the Black Swan, Bad Dog, Impatient Theatre, Second City, and many more venues have drop-in classes as well as courses. 

Write or present a brief summary of your experience including the following details:

The location, teacher's name, date, time, and duration. 

Did you go by yourself or bring friends? 

How many people were there, what kind of a mix was it (all guys, young, old?), how much did it cost? 

What was the structure of the class? Describe a couple of the activities such as games, exercises.

How did you like it? Would you go back? Do you think it could help your animation?

If you are so inclined, it would be awesome to share some of the skills you've learned with the class.

*We COULD get a bunch of people together some night and maybe have a drink after, jus' sayin' ??