COURSE GUIDE

CUF60107
Advanced Diploma of Screen and
Media
(Animation & VFX)

Table of Contents
Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3
Delivery Mode .............................................................................................................. 3
Contact Hours .............................................................................................................. 4
Assessments................................................................................................................ 4
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer ...................................................... 4
Course Structure .......................................................................................................... 5
First Year, Semester 1: Animation 1 ........................................................................ 5
First Year, Semester 2: Animation 2 ........................................................................ 6
Second Year, Semester 1: Animation 3 ................................................................... 7
Second Year, Semester 2: Animation 4 ................................................................... 7
Course Completion ...................................................................................................... 8
Course Evaluation........................................................................................................ 8
Course Software .......................................................................................................... 9
Careers in Animation and Visual Effects...................................................................... 9

International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

Overview
The International Screen Academy delivers the Advanced Diploma of Screen and
Media (CUF60107) tailored for animators and VFX artists and providing graduates
with the skills and knowledge required to:

work independently on small to medium screen and media productions,

across different genre and content types, and performing a range of tasks in
animation and visual effects

work in specialist areas of character animation or visual effects animation on

large screen and media projects, and

build a sustainable career in the animation and visual effects industries.

The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media is offered over four semesters, with a
total duration of two years of fulltime study.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO):
RTO ID No:
CRICOS No:
ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand
Standard Classification of Occupations) Code:

ASCED Code (Field of education):

National course code:

International Screen Academy

40725
03361F
212100 Artistic Directors, And
Media Producers And Presenters
212311 Art Director (Film,
Television or Stage)
232413 Multimedia Designer
261211 Multimedia Specialist
1007 Communication And Media
Studies
CUF60107

Delivery Mode
Delivery will be mainly workshop based and through face-to-face training in small or
large groups (i.e. 6, 12 or 24 individuals). The delivery method is designed to be
flexible and may change according to particular project or participant requirements.
The concept of contract-based learning is used as an educational support in all units
of competency. Contract-based learning simulates the real world obligations of
animators, creative artists and filmmakers in production contracts, industry protocols
and employment contexts. In a training environment contract-based learning
promotes management and negotiation skills that are critical to fostering effective,
collaborative creative work.
Many areas of the course include collaborative work and where appropriate
assessment activities will be undertaken in groups in a manner designed to reflect
actual industry practice. Particular emphasis will be placed on the need to articulate
personal creative goals within a collaborative undertaking, with a strong focus on
flexible work processes in project-centred, self-organising teams.
Participants will create four substantial projects throughout the course, one per
semester. Each project is designed to develop knowledge and skills while simulating
industry protocols. These projects provide a framework for assessment against units
of competency, but artistic merit is not assessed and creative risk-taking is
encouraged. The projects are supported with a production budget, as well as access
to ISA's state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

In the first three semesters of the course the relationship between trainers and
participants will be one of guidance. In the final semester of the course the
relationship will be one of mentoring. Mentoring will be undertaken as participants are
encouraged to become more independent in working on group projects and other
activities leading to the completion of a graduation/showreel production and a
portfolio of work and concepts for presentation to industry. At this stage a range of
specialists and guests will supplement contracted trainers e.g. producers, directors
and high-level specialists. This is designed to encourage mature and professional
behaviours between participants that align with the day-to-day protocols and
practices of the industry.

Contact Hours
The full-time study program comprises four semesters of 20 weeks duration delivered
over two years.
Each semester has a mid-semester break. The program is vertically integrated and
requires satisfactory progression in all units of competency before proceeding to the
next unit of study.
The week is based on 21 contact hours and 23 plus hours of contract-based
learning per week over the two-year course.

Assessments
A range of assessment activities are incorporated into the course including:
written and oral questioning
observation of performance during practical work/presentations
review of documented logs maintained by candidates
effective participation in groups/teamwork
workplace simulations
third party reports regarding operations in specialist facilities and resources
Assessment will be based on activities carried out over a period of time. Assessment
will ensure access to a range of specialist facilities and resources, written
documentation and industry documents. Simulations will be based on industry
practice and/or include instruction from working professionals. Even though
production activities provide the context for many of the assessment tasks, the
artistic merits of projects are not judged. Some specialist and guest trainers may
participate in assessment teams.
The completion of all assessments is compulsory and they must be completed in the
format requested by trainers. Assessments allow trainers to evaluate competency for
a unit of the course. If a student does not complete the required assessment they
may be assessed as not yet competent for a unit of competency. To be awarded the
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media students must have successfully completed
all sixteen units of competency delivered and assessed.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

Participants may be able to have skills and knowledge they have gained through
work or other learning recognised against units of competency in the Advanced
International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

Diploma of Screen and Media. Participants are encouraged to review the Recognition
of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer policy and procedures, available on the ISA
website (www.isasydney.com.au).

Course Structure
The two-year Advanced Diploma is structured across four semesters and participants
progress through units of study, each comprising four units of competency. Each
semester includes a project around which learning and assessment activities take
place.

First Year, Semester 1: Animation 1

Animation 1 guides participants in the journey from ideas and concepts to a finished
screen project. Ongoing work will be presented as dailies to peers and mentors,
and the finished project will be screened to an audience.
Participants will develop a range of concepts into narratives and visuals targeted to
specific audiences, taking one of these through to production as a 6-second short
film or animation. Throughout the semester participants will learn the underlying
technical skills and knowledge required for creating animation, 3D and visual effects
for a short film, while also practising the industry protocols for working in a production
pipeline and in creative teams. Work health and safety matters that confront
animators and effects artists will be considered throughout. Students will be guided
through issues of copyright and intellectual property as they develop work which will
form part of their showreel and portfolio.
To facilitate effective teaching/learning outcomes the timetable is structured with the
units of competency grouped into subjects. In Animation 1 the Units of Competency
and relevant Subjects are:
Unit of Competency

Subject

BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts

Concept Development for

Animation

CUFANM503A Design animation and digital visual effects

Principles of Animation

CUFLGT501A Conceive and develop lighting designs

3D Form, Space & Lighting

CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments

Short Form Video Project

Animation 1 Short Form Video Project

Participants will be encouraged to bring a wide range of project concepts for
presentation and development at the beginning of the semester. Throughout the first
half of the semester these concepts will be researched, tested, and refined, with
some being developed into narrative treatments and storyboarded. One concept will
be taken further to a pitch, script and schematic for production. In the second half of
the semester students will complete pre-visualisation, production and post-production
on the project, regularly presenting their work-in-progress for review and feedback.
This review process simulates industry standard dailies, and is essential to
developing a positive culture of peer review and learning to work in a collaborative
environment. Each final project will be shown as part of a screening to an invited
audience.
This process, along with the portfolio of work including the finished project, provides
the framework for assessment of the four units of competency delivered in the
semester.
International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

Animation 1 Outcomes
By the end of Animation 1, students should have completed all learning and
assessment tasks for these units of competency:

BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts

CUFANM503A Design animation and digital visual effects
CUFLGT501A Conceive and develop lighting designs
CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments

First Year, Semester 2: Animation 2

Animation 2 emphasises continued development of a peer culture, creative
collaboration and innovation, leading to a project which allows exploration of
concepts developed through research, testing and review.
Participants will examine the creative works and processes of landmark artists,
animators and filmmakers as a basis for reviewing and challenging their own
approaches to work and to project development. They will focus on collaborative
practice in production environments and extend their technical skills in compositing,
3D and animation, while being encouraged to take creative risks and test new
techniques of visual storytelling. Participants will enhance their creative skills through
learning more about idea generation and the process of creating and refining
characters. They will examine how well-developed characters contribute to
successful narratives that keep an audience engaged and entertained.
To facilitate effective teaching/learning outcomes the timetable is structured with the
units of competency grouped into subjects. In Animation 2 the Units of Competency
and relevant Subjects are:
Unit of Competency

Subject

BSBDES501A Implement design solutions

Character Design

CUFANM402A Create digital visual effects

Compositing

BSBCRT601A Research and apply concepts and theories of

creativity

Creative Project

BSBPMG510A Manage projects

Creative Project

Animation 2 Creative Project

Participants will develop and create a project based on an enquiry into creativity and
innovation. The project will draw on historic influences and be inspired by the work of
todays leading digital artists and visual storytellers. Participants will be challenged to
turn their thinking toward the future of storytelling while keeping character and
narrative central. By examining and testing new modes of production and creation,
participants will prepare themselves for changing and increasingly complex work
processes in an industry that is constantly moving in new directions.
The creative research process and the development and production of the project will
contribute to assessment of the four units of competency delivered in the semester.
Animation 2 Outcomes
By the end of Animation 2, students should have completed all learning and
assessment tasks for these units of competency:

BSBDES501A Implement design solutions

CUFANM402A Create digital visual effects
BSBCRT601A Research and apply concepts and theories of creativity

International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

BSBPMG510A Manage projects

Second Year, Semester 1: Animation 3

Animation 3 develops creative leadership skills and continues to stress innovative
practice as participants work to produce a character-based narrative project.
Participants will work with producers and actors in the creation of characters and use
these to develop character-driven narratives. As they interpret these narratives for
the screen they will take charge of their production environment and processes in a
way that allows them to develop leadership skills, while also supporting the learning
and collaboration of all team members. Throughout this process participants will
continue to advance their technical skills in compositing, 3D and animation, as well
as learning about voice recording, dialogue editing and sound design.
To facilitate effective teaching/learning outcomes the timetable is structured with the
units of competency grouped into subjects. In Animation 3 the Units of Competency
and relevant Subjects are:
Unit of Competency

Subject

CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions

Advanced Compositing

CUFWRT601A Write scripts

Visual Storytelling

CUSSOU501A Develop sound designs

Sound Design

SCRPSF610A Produce a short film

Short Film Project

Animation 3 Short Film Project

Participants will develop a narrative project through collaborative processes involving
producers, actors and other members of the production team. The project will act as
a vehicle for exploring how creative leadership and the daily review process
encourage innovation in a team production environment. Participants will be required
to demonstrate strong visual storytelling skills in support of a substantial narrative
work.
The project development process, the finished script, portfolio of pre-production
materials and production of the project will contribute to assessment of the four units
of competency delivered in the semester.
Animation 3 Outcomes
By the end of Animation 3, students should have completed all learning and
assessment tasks for these units of competency:

CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions

CUFWRT601A Write scripts
CUSSOU501A Develop sound designs
SCRPSF610A Produce a short film

Second Year, Semester 2: Animation 4

In Animation 4 participants create a major project and portfolio aimed at showcasing
their talents and strengths, and which they will use to launch their career.
In this final semester participants will be expected to work with a high degree of
autonomy while being mentored by teaching staff and industry experts. They will
create a fully resolved film or animation to industry standard. Participants will also
conduct market research to inform them of industry opportunities and to set their
individual career goals. This research will assist them in selecting and developing
International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

appropriate work for their portfolio in a way that showcases their skills and talents,
aligned with their career aspirations.
To facilitate effective teaching/learning outcomes the timetable is structured with the
units of competency grouped into subjects. In Animation 4 the Units of Competency
and relevant Subjects are:
Unit of Competency

Subject

CUFDRT604A Devise camera coverage

Advanced Digital FX

CUFDRT502A Direct performers

Major Project

CUFPPM602A Plan and manage film and media postproduction

Major Project

BSBMGT616A Develop and implement strategic plans

Career Strategy (Portfolio)

Animation 4 Major Project

Participants will use market research to identify specific industry opportunities that
match their career goals, and then create a fully resolved major project (film or
animation) showcasing their skills and knowledge. This research will continue to
serve as a clear point of focus throughout the projects development and production,
and underpin the final visual realisation of the film or animation. The finished project
will sit alongside other work in each participants portfolio, highlighting their unique
artistic voice as well as their talents and abilities as animators and/or visual effects
artists.
The market research, project plan, storyboard, previsualisation materials and the
finished project will contribute to assessment of the four units of competency
delivered in the semester.
Animation 4 Outcomes
By the end of Animation 4, students should have completed all learning and
assessment tasks for these units of competency:

CUFDRT502A Direct performers

CUFDRT604A Devise camera coverage
CUFPPM602A Plan and manage film and media post-production
BSBMGT616A Develop and implement strategic plans

Course Completion
On successful completion of all sixteen units of competency participants will be
issued with the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUF60107). Students who
do not complete the entire course of study will be issued a Statement of Attainment
for individual units of competency successfully completed.

Course Evaluation
At the end of every semester ISA will evaluate the course as part of ISAs continuous
improvement process. This is done with participants completing a Learners
Engagement Survey and trainers completing an Employer Satisfaction survey. The
survey gives ISA staff valuable feedback from participants and trainers.
ISA will provide participants and trainers with a response on the feedback from the
surveys and outcomes they can expect from ISA staff to continually improve ISAs
education, training and participant support services.
International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx

Course Software
All training and assessment at ISA is conducted using current and industry relevant
software and equipment. The exact software tools may vary from time to time
according to industry practice, but training is currently based on these applications:

Photoshop (Adobe) Concept art and surfacing/texturing

Illustrator (Adobe) Concept development and storyboarding
After Effects (Adobe) VFX, motion graphics, compositing, keying, tracking,
rotoscoping and animation
Premiere Pro (Adobe) Film and video editing
NUKE (The Foundry) Compositing and match-moving
MODO (The Foundry) Modeling, sculpting, painting, animation
MARI (The Foundry) 3D painting
RenderMan (Pixar) Rendering animation and visual effects
Houdini (Side Effects) Modeling, rigging, animating, lighting and rigging
Maya (AutoDesk) Modeling, rigging, animating, lighting and rigging
MotionBuilder (AutoDesk) Motion capture and character animation
Mudbox (AutoDesk) Digital painting and sculpting
Pro Tools (Avid) Sound editing, mixing, recording, design

Careers in Animation and Visual Effects

The industry is changing rapidly, but potential job roles include:

Compositor
Digital environment artist
Digital matte painter
Special effects artist
Texture/lighting technical
director
Roto artist
Stereoscopic artist
2D animator
3D animator
Stop motion animator
Character designer
Character animator
Previz artist
Digital media designer

Production designer
Game artist
Layout artist
Storyboard/concept artist
CG Modeler
Environment Modeler
Model maker
Surface artist
3D tracker/match mover
Rigger
VFX producer
VFX supervisor
Simulation/visualisation
designer

Industries and employers that actively use visual effects artists and animators
include:

Film production
TV production
Animation studios
Online entertainment
Advertising
Architecture
Medicine
Fashion
Game design
Interactive design development

Military
Education

International Screen Academy CUF60107 Animation & VFX Course Guide - Correct as at 15 April 2015
Version 1
Approved by: Head of Film and Animation
Data:General:Animation:ISA Course Guide CUF60107 Animation-VFX Apr 15.docx