Compositing animation

URN: SKSANIM17
Business Sectors (Suites): Animation
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 01 Mar 2017

Overview

This Standard is about producing the final animated sequence by digitally assembling individual components. You may be assembling digitised drawings or individually rendered assets to create an animated sequence; or you may be adding titles, credits or overlays to a video sequence; or you may be merging animation or visual effects into live-action footage. This standard is for you if you composite animation.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. determine requirements that affect your work by analysing briefs,

    scripts, visual references and technical and production

    parameters

    1. manage and co-ordinate the required assets in line with

    production requirements

    1. make decisions about where and how to position assets that meet

    the directors intentions and the aims and objectives of the shots in

    the sequence

    1. layer and position assets to compose each shot in line with

    production requirements

    1. match, grade and adjust colour in line with production

    requirements

    1. apply effects and transitions in line with production requirements

    2. apply appropriate compositing techniques in line with production

    requirements, ensuring that shot continuity is maintained

    1. evaluate the quality of the sequence against production

    requirements, making any refinements needed

    1. output the finished sequence to an appropriate media format

    2. remain flexible and adaptable to new directions, creative

    requirements and technical developments on an ongoing basis

    1. get regular and useful feedback on your performance from those

    who are in a good position to judge it and to provide objective and

    valid feedback


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the creative style, overall concept and level of animation required

    for the production

    1. the directors intentions

    2. the aims and objectives of the shot

    3. the technical requirements of the project, such as the aspect ratio,

    frame-rate and format

    1. the range of assets that will combine to create each shot and

    sequence, such as characters, backgrounds, effects, transitions,

    titles, overlays

    1. traditional and digital compositing techniques, including adjusting

    image resolution, cleaning up rigs and wires, improving

    appearance of renders

    1. matte techniques such as blue-screen and green-screen

    2. the use of timecoding logs

    3. principles of photography and lighting, such as reflection,

    shadows, textures and colour balance

    1. colour theory including complementary colours and harmonies

    2. principles and techniques of image resolution

    3. image composition and atmosphere

    4. the importance of shot continuity

    5. how to use industry-standard software to import, layer, manipulate

    and composite elements

    1. the possibilities and constraints presented by the software you are

    using

    1. stereo and stereo conversion

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2020

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative skillset

Original URN

sksanim17

Relevant Occupations

Arts, Media and Publishing, Animation Professionals

SOC Code

3416

Keywords

Compositing; Animation; Animated; Sequence; Digital; Assembling; Components; Digitised; Drawings; Rendered; Assets; 2d; 3d; Sequence; Titles; Credits; Overlays; Video; Merging; Visual effects; Live action; Footage