Character Animation: Fundamentals

Instructor:
Chris Kirshbaum

Formats: (Mac or PC only)
DVD-ROM

This is Chris's first lecture in a series on character animation using Maya. In this lecture Chris introduces the basics of feature film style character animation. Starting with the bouncing ball and then moving on to using a character rig, Chris gives you a guided tour of the inner workings of Maya, covering the interface and how to develop good workflow habits. He discusses 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.

Product Code:CKI01

Duration: 170 minutes

Topics Covered:

• Maya Animation Interface
• Timing and Spacing
• Bouncing Ball
• Preferences
• Blocking in the Walk Cycle
• Smoothing the Walk Cycle
• Problem Solving
• Adding Drag
• Opposing Action
• Adding Attitude
• Refining the Animation

Chapters:

1. Maya Interface / Tangents and Curve Types

2. Bouncing the Ball / Squash and Stretch

3. Refining the Bouncing Ball

4. Blocking the Walk Cycle

5. Breakdowns / Smoothing the Curves

6. Finaling the Walk Cycle

7. Adding Feel / Adding Drag / Opposing Action

8. Adding Attitude / Unpinning

9. Final Touches

Instructor BIO:

Character Animator
Dreamworks

Chris Kirshbaum is an alumnus of CalArts Character Animation, and has a BA in fine arts (drawing) from Arizona State University. He is currently a Character Animator at Dreamworks. Chris's film credits as a character animator include Shark Tale, Flushed Away, Over the Hedge, Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens. In addition to teaching in the Dreamworks internal artistic development and training programs, he currently teaches character animation at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects. When not ensconced in the world of animation, Chris can usually be found either on a football field or behind a drum kit.

“Chris is very fluent in the art of animation. Whether it is animating very subtle emotions or commandeering an extremely complex scene with multiple characters performing Kung Fu moves, Chris has the talent, patience and perseverance, assuring every scene he animates is of the utmost quality. In addition to his skill set, Chris has the remarkable ability of presenting his knowledge and experience to many others in a clear, concise and constructive forum. He "Can do" and "Can teach". Any student would greatly benefit from the tutelage of Mr. Kirshbaum. ”

- Dan Wagner
Head of Character Animation,
Kung Fu Panda

DVD-ROM Requirements:

• 1GHz or faster processor
• 512 MB RAM
• 64 MB Video RAM
• DVD-ROM Drive
• 5 GB of hard disk space
• 1280 x 1024 display

DVD-ROM and Digital Download Requirements:

Minimum Operating System:

• Microsoft® Windows® Vista®
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• Apple® Mac® OS X 10.2

Software:

• QuickTime Movie Player (Version 7.0 or higher)
• Acrobat Reader (Version 5.0 or higher)