Animation Challenges: 1

Here it is! The first of our Animation Jumble challenges has begun.
There will be new challenges every three months. Have a go at all the challenges if you have the time or focus on one particular test to challenge yourself. The idea is to set more unusual and challenging challenges that push you to think and plan more. I deliberately didn't choose simple challenges like ball bounces, yawns and walk cycles for the 'beginner' challenges because I know everyone here has done them many times before.

So here they are;

Beginner: ROWING
(the technical challenge)
Animate a character rowing in profile or any other angle you like. The test can be a loop just like in a walk cycle. This test was chosen for the changes in weight and resistance as the oars come in and out of the water. It is a specific action which should require some research.

Intermediate: HIDE AND SEEK
(the performance challenge)
Animate a character hiding or seeking, or both. Focus on character. Think about why they are hiding or seeking to inject story into the performance.

Advanced : DIALOGUE SCENE
(the acting to audio challenge)
Animate to this short audio clip. Just like the 11 second club.
Female character; 'You know you're sweet. You really are!'
MP3 is recommend for best quality.

Right click and download here

If you have any questions or technical problems just comment to this post.
Any form of animation is fine.

The next challenges start 1st January.


... And remember you can still post any animation you have unrelated to the challenges.

Discussion: Animation Software

Hi everyone

As we lead up to our first challenges I thought it would be good to discuss what you use to animate.
Which digital 2D, CG or linetest software do you use and what do you think of it?

Would you like topics?

Hi everyone
This is a bit of a test to see how many people are following this blog, so please comment if you're here and let me know what you think.

I was wondering if you would be interesting in having monthly, weekly or seasonal topics. They could be short audio/dialogue tests, little acting shots or just plain techincal practice. Similar to that on the aibjumble and the 11second club blog's mini challenges, they could be something like; gravity, surprise, wildlife, sport etc. I think the audio challenges would be most interesting, similar to the 11 second club but short clips maybe 2 to 4 seconds long.

I also think it would be nice to leave the blog as it is, allowing anyone to post any animation they have. The challenges could be mixed in with the usual posts.

And if you are currently at the AUCB please spread the word about this blog.
After speaking to AUCB interterns at work I was also wondering if you would like to discuss or ask questions about animation things, timing charts, dopesheets, cleanup, bits and pieces. It seems not much has changed over the years and many of us leave without this basic kowledge. There are quite a few experienced alumni on this blog willing to take time to help you out.