Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Set up production pipeline and complete key-pose blocking
3–4 weeks (3 hrs/day)
Establish your animation production pipeline: configure scene files, import approved character rigs or assets, and block in key poses for all primary scenes. The blocking pass should define the timing and major positions for the full animation, suitable for a director review before in-betweening.
Proof required
Submit your blocking pass as a playable video covering all scenes, plus a one-page pipeline document showing scene file structure, naming conventions, and software setup. Note the total shot count and planned animation duration.
What gets checked
- Blocking pass is a complete video covering all scenes — not just selected shots
- Key poses clearly communicate intended timing, weight, and character intention for each action
- Pipeline document demonstrates organised file management with consistent naming conventions
Common mistakes
- Blocking is a rough guide only — key poses do not establish timing and weight clearly enough for director review
- No pipeline documentation — project organisation is only in the animator's head
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm blocking pass is a complete video covering all scenes — not selected shots
- Verify key poses communicate timing and weight — animation intent is readable at blocking stage
- Check pipeline document shows organised file management with consistent naming
Complete in-between animation, secondary motion, and rough composite
4–6 weeks (3–4 hrs/day)
Advance from blocking to a polished animation pass: add in-betweens, smooth spline curves, secondary motion (hair, clothing, accessories), and lip sync where required. Composite all elements into a rough-cut video with placeholder backgrounds showing the complete performance at near-final quality.
Proof required
Submit your completed rough-composite video covering all scenes at near-final animation quality. Include brief scene-by-scene notes (one sentence per shot) identifying technical or performance issues you are aware of before the director review.
What gets checked
- Animation is smooth throughout — in-betweens are present, no strobing or jerky motion in primary actions
- Secondary motion is present on relevant elements — clothing, hair, or accessories do not remain static
- Self-notes demonstrate technical awareness — the student identifies their own weaknesses before being told
Common mistakes
- Blocking pass submitted as final animation — no in-betweens or secondary motion added
- Lip sync absent where dialogue exists — character mouths are not synchronised to audio
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm the animation shows complete in-betweens — not a blocking pass with occasional tweens
- Verify secondary motion is present on appropriate elements
- Check self-notes demonstrate the student can identify technical issues in their own work
Director review: document feedback and deliver final animation
1–2 weeks
Screen your completed rough composite in a director or tutor review session. The reviewer examines specific shots for timing, performance, and technical quality, posing challenges about choices made. Document who reviewed, what was flagged, and what you changed. Deliver the final animation after addressing feedback.
Proof required
Submit: (1) the final completed animation as a video file; (2) review documentation — reviewer name and role, date, list of specific shots or issues flagged with your written account of changes made. If any feedback was not actioned, explain why.
What gets checked
- Final animation is complete — all scenes present, composited, with audio
- Review documentation identifies specific shots or moments by name or timecode
- Student response addresses every piece of feedback with changes made or a clear reason for deferral
Common mistakes
- Review documentation is vague — 'a few tweaks' with no specifics about which shots or what changed
- Final animation submitted without addressing review feedback — reviewer notes ignored
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm a live review session occurred with the director or tutor — not just written notes
- Verify review documentation identifies specific shots or moments, not general impressions
- Check all feedback is addressed in the final animation with reasons given for any deferred changes
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