3D Animation in Cinema 4D
City University of New York, BMCC
ANI-401
Prof. Burt Miller
Course Description:
Students will learn to construct 3D motion graphics for video, film, game, multimedia and internet applications. Students will use an advanced CGI program to make original animations in a three-coordinate space. Students will learn to model three-dimensional objects and to choreograph scenes, controlling character movement, lighting, sound, and camera directions. Prerequisite: MMP 260 or VAT 301
Weekly assignments/homework:
In-class and/or homework assignments will be given throughout the semester, each will be due at the beginning of the next class. Late homework will have its grade reduced by one letter grade for each week late. All assignments should be uploaded to the class folder on Google Drive in the respective folder for your section.
Motion graphics piece: 
You will create motion graphics piece using the MoGraph tools. (10-15 secs.)
Final Project:
The final project will be a choice between a motion graphics piece or a character driven animation. More information to follow. (30 secs. minimum)
Evaluation and Grades:
Students will be graded on a numerical scale for all in-class, homework, and quizzes. Your final letter grade will be determined based on the following weighted areas:
Instructor evaluation and performance: 25%
Weekly assignments/homework: 25%
Motion graphics piece: 25%
Final project: 25%
GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES
Description Measurement
Communication Skills – Students will write, read, listen and speak critically and effectively. Student behaviors include being able to: Express ideas clearly in written form; Employ critical reading skills to analyze written material; Exhibit active listening skills; Give an effective oral presentation.Final project
Information & Technology Literacy
 – Students will collect, evaluate and interpret information and effectively use information technologies. Student behaviors include being able to: Conduct research using appropriate research strategies; Make effective use of technology.
FREE COPY OF CINEMA 4D R22
C4D SHORTCUTS
GET YOUR SYLLABUS HERE
12 ANIMATION PRINCIPLES
3D GLOSSARY
SURVEYING THE INDUSTRY
RESOURCES FOR LEARNING MOTION DESIGN
THE PROCESS OF MOGRAPH
GOOD ARTISTS TO FOLLOW
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
C4D MODELING SECRETS
Schedule:
Week 1
Course and class site overview
Intro to UI
What is Cinema 4D
2D vs 3D
Homework: Videos 1.0 – 3.0
Week 2
Parametric & Spline Modeling
Homework:
Intro Part #1 By GreyScaleGorilla. "A Simple 3D Animation from Start to Finish" 
Week 3
Polygonal & Box Modeling Part A
Homework: Videos 4.0 – 4.4

Week 4
Polygonal & Box Modeling Part B
Homework: Videos 4.5- 4.9 
& Modeling Secrets in C4D
Week 5
Sub-divisional modeling
Homework: Videos 5- 6
Week 6
Sub-divisional modeling con’t
Homework: Sci-fi Hallway
Homework: Videos 7

Week 7
Motion Graphics piece due
Intro to MoGraph, Key Frames
and F-curves
Homework: Luxo Lamp & Ball Animation

Week 8
Motion graphics workshop
Materials and Shaders:
Using Bump, Displacement and Normals
Homework:  Create Fan & Add Detail to Sci-fi Hallway
Week 9
Projections vs. UVs , Editing UVs
Selection Tags
Homework: Prepare Midterm In Class Presentation
Week 10
Motion Graphics Presentations
Homework: Create 6 Sided Polygon & Edit UVs for each face.
Write Final Project Proposal & Create Storyboard.
Storyboard Template  or use Storyboarder
Week 11
Final project proposal due
Modeling, Animation & Rendering Review
Homework: GSG Intro Part 17: Rendering 
Week 12
Dynamics in Cinema 4D
 Final Project Workshop (The Art of Storytelling)
Homework: Final Project
Week 13
Final project workshop (Review)
Homework: Final Project

Week 14
Final project workshop
Homework: Final Project Compositing & Rendering
Week 15
Final Project Presentations & Critique

WEEK 2: Homework: is the video to the right
Intro Part 1: By GreyScaleGorilla. "A Simple 3D Animation from Start to Finish"