CA2439 Introduction to 3-D Animation

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Rotation with Forward Kinematics- File: Crane_2009.max
Due Date: WEEK 04, 2nd class meeting, at the beginning of class for group critique.
 

Instructions:

The Crane will pick up all of the balls in turn and have a different, strong emotional reaction to each one.

It will place each ball in it's own cup.

One ball is a metal bowling ball.

One ball is a rubber playground ball.

One ball is a water balloon.

Each time, the crane will interact with the ball and one of the other fine Acme products in the scene.

The weight of each ball must be clearly shown.

You may move, scale or rotate any of the geometry, but do not add any other objects to the scene unless otherwise directed.

Personality is the key to success. Give these characters appeal.

 
some hints:

1. If necessary, change the rotational controller.

2. If necessary, change the pivot point position and orientation for the objects.

3.Explore the use of the Link Constraint tool in binding objects at keyframes. Remember to use 'hold frames' to maintain an objects' position until you want it to move.

4. Don't waste any time on lighting, or texturing. Get the quality of your animation down well, (appropriate, gorgeous, and following the principles of animation) first.

5. Apply the principles of animation to your animation including: anticipation, follow through, overlapping action, transfer of weight, slow-in slow-out, and maybe even some character or personality.

6. You will turn in a 800X600 QuickTime movie, with H.264 compression) and the 3ds max file into a folder labeled with your first and last name in the drop off drive : / Intro to 3Danimation / Finished crane folder
Grading: will be based on how successful you were at demonstrating the following:
  1. Successfully demonstrating the minimum using the fundamental principles of animation as described by John Lasseter.
  2. You have successfully animated the crane and balls in a believable manner.
  3. Your crane motion shows personality.
This Assignment: will address the following course competencies:
  • Begin to apply the principles of animation throughout your animation.
  • Identify the fundamental animation features and function devices in the 3D animation software package used.
  • Begin to expand your understanding of setup requirements for animating.
  • Transform (meaning rotation) of a 3D model using motion and time.
Tips:
  1. Animate the crane objects via rotation only.
  2. Animate the balls via position first and then rotation.
  3. Do not animate the camera.
  4. Do not add objects to the 3ds max file.
  5. You may change the camera angle or add your own camera(s)
  6. Do not add lights or materials to the 3ds max file.
Group Critique Form: (Crane Crit Sheet as a Word .doc)
Grading Rubric:

Check items listed below that have been successfully demonstrated by the student’s work being critiqued. Do nothing if an item has not been addressed at all in the student’s work.

1. Fails to Meet= F grade

  • Failed to demonstrate the following animation techniques: Anticipation, Follow through, Overlapping Action, Appropriate timing, and Exaggeration.
  • The crane and/or balls do not move in reaction to physical world physics.

2. Inadequate= D grade

  • Met all of category #1 from above.
  • Inadequate or poor demonstration of the following animation techniques: Anticipation, Follow through, Overlapping Action, Appropriate timing, and Exaggeration.
  • Your crane and balls movement is barely believable and still needs a lot of work.

3. Meets = C grade

  • Met all of category #2 from above.
  • Successfully demonstrating the minimum use following animating techniques: Anticipation, Follow through, Overlapping Action, Appropriate timing, and Exaggeration.
  • Your crane and balls movement is somewhat believable and starting to become consistent.

4. Exceeds = B grade

  • Met all of category #3 from above.
  • A fairly successful demonstration of the animation principles Anticipation, Follow through, Overlapping Action, Appropriate timing, and Exaggeration.
  • Your crane and balls are believable based on real world observations and move in a consistent and believable manner.

5. Exemplary = A grade

  • Met all of category #4 from above.
  • A high level of mastery of the animation where little or no improvement is needed.
  • Clearly successful and concise animated sequence showing a high level of control & purposeful direction of your crane and balls movements and performances.