ANIMATION PRINCIPLES & BODY MECHANICS "fundamentals of Locomotion)
This level establishes the core physics of motion by combining the "12 Principles of Animation" with biological mechanics. Students transition from theoretical concepts—such as squash and stretch, timing, and arcs—to the practical execution of locomotion. The focus is on "Body Mechanics," where students master walk and run cycles, jumps, and weight shifts. By studying the center of gravity and the relationship between the hips and limbs, students learn to create movement that feels grounded, weighted, and physically believable in a 3D environment.
Instructor Profile
Prerequisites
Description
The 12 Principles: Master squash and stretch, anticipation, and follow-through to create fluid, professional motion.
Physics Logic: Understand "weight" and "arcs" to ensure movements feel grounded and natural rather than robotic.
Performance Planning: Use "pose-to-pose" and "straight-ahead" methods to block out complex character actions.
Cycle Mastery: Create seamless, looping walk and run cycles that can be integrated into game engines.
Weight Shifting: Coordinate the movement of the hips and spine to reflect a character’s physical mass.
Environmental Interaction: Animate characters stepping over obstacles or navigating uneven terrain.
Course Rules
· Attendance Policy: Participation is mandatory; exceeding a 15% absence rate will result in an automatic failure of the course.
· Grading Criteria: Final grades are calculated based on a combination of consistent attendance, completion of practical assignments, and the quality of the final project.
· Punctuality & Professionalism: Arriving late or leaving early frequently is often penalized as a partial absence. Students are expected to treat the classroom like a professional studio, maintaining high standards of conduct and communication.
· Submission Deadlines: Late submissions for assignments or the final project are generally not accepted or are subject to significant grade deductions unless an official medical excuse is provided.
· Originality & Academic Integrity: All motion assets, animations, and project files must be the student's original work. The unauthorized use of AI-generated assets or "stealing" project templates without significant modification is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate disqualification.
· Hardware & Software Requirements: Students must ensure their personal workstations meet the 2026 technical specifications for rendering (typically requiring high-end GPUs and 32GB+ RAM) to prevent project delays during the final rendering phase.
· In-Class Engagement: Active participation in peer critique sessions is often a mandatory component of the "Attendance" grade, requiring students to provide constructive feedback on others' work.
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