Production planning workshop for 3D animation

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Matthew Tovar

University of the Incarnate Word, USA

: J Comput Eng Inf Technol

Abstract

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The 3D Animation and Game Design program at the University of the Incarnate Word requires students to produce complete 3D narrative animations or video games. Although students know this is coming, the specifics of how to plan the production, and make the specific design and story decisions that provide a successful piece seems to come as a surprise when students are actually in the class. We have therefore, implemented a one credit planning course: Senior Thesis Workshop in which students produce no digital assets, but propose multiple projects with various teams and work them up to a pitch state. Then, still within this course, the students do initial concept design and planning work in preparation of the upcoming production cycle. In this presentation, we will show the course structure of the workshop, and the results created there. We will share lessons learned in the process and how it has strengthened the output of the production courses.

Biography

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Matthew Tovar is an Assistant Professor in the 3D Animation & Game Design Department at the University of the Incarnate Word. He worked and continues to work professionally in the film and game industry with top studios such as Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Infinity Ward, and Naughty Dog. His most notable recent projects include The Last of Us, Call of Duty: Infinte Warfare and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.