Introduction to Frame-by-Frame Animation

Techniques for animated visual creation.

This introductory course explores the creative possibilities of frame-by-frame animation. It covers two basic techniques: graphic tablet animation and puppet and volume animation.
Each technique begins with an introductory exercise. The following three classes are devoted to the realization of a mini-project, during which the various stages of production are covered.
Each technique comprises four lessons. The first is dedicated to an introductory exercise and the following three to a practical workshop, during which a personal mini-project is carried out and the stages of realization are discussed.
The equipment used for animation is a graphics tablet and TVPaint or Adobe Photoshop applications. For volume animation, images are captured using a digital camera and the Dragonframe application. All equipment is supplied.

Target audience
This course is primarily aimed at people familiar with the fields of art and/or design, who wish to strengthen their professional integration in fields linked to emerging technologies.

Targeted skills 

  • Gain an overview of the practice of frame-by-frame animation.
  • Know the tools needed to create an animation.
  • Know the steps involved in making an animation.
  • Be able to produce a small animation independently.
  • Be able to create personal and original animations.

Prerequisites
No technical skills are required, apart from a basic command of computer operation (word processing, file management, etc.).

Dates :
8 half-days
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025

Schedule : from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm 
Cost: CHF 1500 / Alumni HEAD - Geneva CHF 1200
Language: French / English
Course format: lectures and workshops
Title awarded: Continuing education certificate
Credits : 2 ECTS credits
Location: HEAD Campus, Bâtiment A, salle H – S.12 (cinéma d’animation), Route des Franchises 2, 1203 Genève

Program

Teaching methods
Teaching is based on examples, theory, exercises and mini-projects. Projects can be carried out individually or collectively, and subjects are free. A discussion takes place after each project.

Day 1
Cartooning on the graphics tablet, individual introductory exercise 
Theory, use of the graphics tablet, basic cartooning with TVPaint or Photoshop and film export.

Day 2
Animated drawing on graphics tablet, individual mini-project
Examples, storyboard drawing, character design and set design.

Day 3
Animated drawing on graphics tablet, individual mini-project 
Examples, key drawings, creating an animatic and drawing the animation.

Day 4
Animated drawing on graphic tablet, individual mini-project. Examples, coloring, finalizing the animation and exporting the film. Exchange of work.

Day 5
Volume animation, collective introductory exercise. Theory, basic lighting, camera settings, basic object animation and film export.

Day 6
Volume animation, collective mini-project. Examples, storyboard drawing, preparation of characters and objects to be animated.

Day 7
Volume animation, group mini-project:
Examples, lighting, framing and character animation.

Day 8
Volume animation, collective mini-project 
Examples, finalization of animation and film export. Exchange of work.

Course led by :

Olivier Riechsteiner

Graduate of ESAV (Option expression média mixte). Has been active as a freelancer in animation, graphics, special effects design for theater, documentary film and training. His animated film “Les Haricots Savants” won a prize at the Journées Cinématographiques de Soleure in 1990. He joined HEAD - Geneva in 1999 as a teacher of animated film. Since 2009, as part of his teaching, he has been collaborating with Geneva's ANIMATOU international animation festival to produce the festival's trailers. In 2022, in partnership with Atelier Schnegg+, he co-created the website tohu-bohu.studio, which aims to promote the work of young talent in corporate communications.
For further information, visit the website of the Atelier de cinéma d'animation at HEAD – Genève

Information and registration / admission
Contact: fc.head@hesge.ch 
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