Apprenticeship training course

Junior animator (level 4)

Create animated assets and content, by producing the motions, gestures, expressions and performance of two or three dimensional characters and inanimate objects.

• Qualification level: 4 ; Equivalent to higher national certificate (HNC).
• Typical duration: 18 months
• Apprenticeship category: Creative and design
• Maximum funding: £11,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Determine what is required for their own work as a junior animator by analysing briefs, specifications, visual references, technical and production parameters.
  • Research ideas and information for the animation being created.
  • Read and interpret the relevant sources of information for the production, such as; the script, animatic, x-sheet or dope-sheet, character/object/creature, colour and model reference and soundtrack.
  • Continue to update own animation skills, use new tools, software, data and other related technology.
  • Adapt and be able to meet the requirements of the animation style or genre specified for the production.
  • Use reliable information to keep-up-to date with the laws, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidelines that govern animation and how they affect your work.
  • Maintain an awareness of the current priorities, constraints and opportunities of your work as junior animator at all times.
  • Comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures such as health and safety.
  • Work methodically in an organised and concentrated manner, paying particular attention to detail.
  • Identify the information you need to carry out your work to expected standards on each animation production.
  • Work effectively both individually and as part of a wider animation team.
  • Operate within and adhere to agreed organisational policies, standards and procedures.
  • Maintain an awareness of the current priorities, constraints and opportunities of the client's budget or production requirements at all times.
  • Move characters/objects/creatures in whatever style is required to meet the creative, narrative and technical demands of the production.
  • Respond to feedback about the animated material you create in a positive way, making refinements as requested by clients or supervisors.
  • Deliver good customer service in a creative environment.
  • Develop an animated character/object/creature through its movement and timing.
  • Contribute ideas to aid the creative development of the character/object/creature, shot and overall production.
  • Create animations using given camera angles, or make adjustments to camera animations according to the production demands and schedule.
  • Create the assets that meet the requirements of the animation department.
  • Plan story/playboards to communicate key ideas with the team or clients.
  • Create story/playboards that depict the script and narrative.
  • Present work in progress, or completed animations to colleagues or clients.
  • Respond carefully to questions, making sure you provide the information the audience is asking for.
  • Animate primary and secondary characters/objects/creatures and elements.
  • Interpret the personality and traits of the character/object/creature, conveying the emotions, behaviours and actions within a scene.
  • Ensure that animations are in sync with the soundtrack.
  • Create animation in line with production demands, and ensure the output is correct for the next stage of the process.
  • Select and use the industry standard software package required by the particular animation production.
  • Adapt to the various styles, techniques, procedures and software that may be required by the animation production.
  • Prepare and store files in line with production requirements, to enable the next stage of animation production to run efficiently.
  • Undertake test renders at appropriate times to determine the length of time required for rendering and check for errors.
  • Establish the render settings that gain the required appearance and create sufficient flexibility for compositing.
  • Apply render settings that enable the required degree of realism.
  • Prioritise renders in accordance with production priorities.
  • Calculate render times and storage space required to meet production requirements.

Full information on Junior animator (level 4) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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