CITS Multimedia Animation and Special Effects Trade Syllabus (English)
Overview
The CITS Multimedia Animation & Special Effects trade is a one-year program designed to train instructors to teach animation, visual effects, and multimedia production in ITIs. Divided into two semesters, the course covers Trade Technology (theory and practical), Training Methodology, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Soft Skills. It aligns with NSQF Level 5 standards, emphasizing advanced 2D/3D animation, special effects, and effective teaching methods. The syllabus adheres to the latest Directorate General of Training (DGT) guidelines for outcome-based learning.
Semester 1 Syllabus
Trade Technology - Theory
-
Introduction to CITS and Multimedia Animation & Special Effects Trade: Role of instructors, scope of the animation and VFX industry, and trends (e.g., AR/VR, real-time rendering).
-
Safety and Standards:
-
Workplace safety: Ergonomics, electrical safety in studios, and data security.
-
Compliance with industry standards for multimedia production.
-
Safe handling of high-performance computing equipment.
-
-
Animation Fundamentals:
-
Principles: Timing, spacing, squash and stretch, and anticipation.
-
Types: 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation.
-
-
Multimedia Tools:
-
Software overview: Adobe Animate, Blender, and Autodesk Maya.
-
Basics of storyboarding and character design.
-
-
Digital Imaging:
-
Raster and vector graphics: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator.
-
Color theory and image editing for animation.
-
-
Audio-Visual Integration:
-
Basics of sound design: Foley, background music, and voice-overs.
-
Video editing: Adobe Premiere Pro, timeline management.
-
-
Maintenance Basics:
-
Maintenance of animation workstations and rendering systems.
-
Troubleshooting software and hardware issues.
-
-
Quality Control: Review of animation sequences for consistency and quality.
Trade Technology - Practical
-
Apply workplace safety protocols in an animation lab (e.g., ergonomics, data backups).
-
Create 2D animations using Adobe Animate or similar tools.
-
Design characters and storyboards for animation projects.
-
Edit images and create assets using Photoshop and Illustrator.
-
Integrate audio and video elements in Premiere Pro.
-
Set up and maintain animation workstations (e.g., GPU, RAM checks).
-
Troubleshoot software glitches in animation tools.
-
Produce a short 2D animation sequence with quality checks.
-
Document animation workflows and asset creation processes.
Training Methodology
-
Instructor Role: Lesson planning, teaching strategies, and student evaluation techniques.
-
Communication Skills: Clear verbal and non-verbal communication for effective training.
-
Classroom Management: Engaging diverse learners and maintaining discipline.
-
Instructional Aids: Using projectors, digital tools, and e-learning platforms.
-
Practical Training: Demonstrating animation tasks, guiding practice, and providing feedback.
Semester 2 Syllabus
Trade Technology - Theory
-
Advanced Animation Techniques:
-
3D modeling, rigging, and animation in Autodesk Maya or Blender.
-
Motion capture and character rigging for realistic movements.
-
-
Special Effects (VFX):
-
Compositing and green screen techniques: Adobe After Effects, Nuke.
-
Particle effects: Fire, smoke, and explosions.
-
-
Real-Time Rendering:
-
Game engines: Unreal Engine, Unity for animation and VFX.
-
Basics of AR/VR content creation.
-
-
Advanced Multimedia Production:
-
Pipeline management: Pre-production, production, post-production.
-
Collaborative workflows in animation studios.
-
-
Automation in Animation:
-
Scripting for automation: Python in Maya/Blender.
-
AI tools for asset generation and animation.
-
-
Sustainable Practices:
-
Energy-efficient rendering and cloud-based workflows.
-
Digital asset management for reduced redundancy.
-
-
Entrepreneurship:
-
Starting an animation/VFX studio: Business plans, budgeting, and marketing.
-
Client acquisition and project pitching.
-
-
Industry 4.0 in Animation & VFX:
-
AI-driven animation and generative design.
-
Blockchain for digital rights management.
-
-
Legal and Ethical Issues: Copyright laws, intellectual property, and ethical content creation.
Trade Technology - Practical
-
Create 3D models and animations using Maya or Blender.
-
Produce VFX sequences with compositing in After Effects or Nuke.
-
Develop real-time animations in Unreal Engine or Unity.
-
Script automation tasks in Python for Maya/Blender.
-
Create AR/VR content for animation projects (if available).
-
Optimize rendering workflows for energy efficiency.
-
Produce a complete animation/VFX project with pipeline management.
-
Develop a business plan and portfolio for an animation studio.
-
Document compliance with copyright and ethical standards.
Training Methodology
-
Advanced Teaching Techniques: Micro-teaching, flipped classrooms, and blended learning.
-
Assessment and Evaluation: Designing tests, practical assessments, and grading systems.
-
Digital Tools: Using Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual labs, and e-learning modules.
-
Mentoring: Supporting trainees in skill development and career planning.
-
Project-Based Learning: Guiding trainees to complete animation projects (e.g., short film).
Additional Components
Workshop Calculation & Science
-
Calculations: Frame rates, rendering times, and file size optimization.
-
Science: Physics of motion, optics, and sound in animation.
Engineering Drawing
-
Drawing Basics: Storyboards and character sketches.
-
Schematics: Animation pipeline flowcharts and asset layouts.
Soft Skills & Employability Skills
-
Communication: Client consultations, project pitching, and presentations.
-
Leadership: Managing animation teams and production workflows.
-
Time Management: Meeting project deadlines and client expectations.
Assessment
-
Internal Assessment: Continuous evaluation through assignments, practicals, and tests.
-
Final Examination: Theory and practical exams conducted by NCVT at year-end.
-
Project Work: Complete an animation/VFX project (e.g., short animated film) and a teaching demonstratio