Animate your favorite quote with Adobe After Effects. Pick something that’s neither too long nor too short – between 6 and 20 words. Don’t forget to include the author of the quote in the piece. You may only use typographyand/or vector shapes (no character). Use at least 1 Effect, and 1 Mask or Track Matte. Your animation should also have sound (music, sfx and/or spoken word).
Your choice of fonts, colors, shapes, layout and the pacing of the animation are crucial in engaging the viewer – consider all these elements carefully.
The project will be divided into several steps. It is crucial that you complete each one by the stated deadline.
The grading rubric for the entire project can be found here.
Step 1 – Choice of quote + storyboard (due on week 10)
Choose your quote! You may pick a line from your favorite song, book, poem or look for inspiration on a quotes websitelike this one). For example:
“The past is always tense, the future perfect.” ― Zadie Smith
Create a storyboard for your animated quote. Use this template. Make sure you include all the information needed to clearly outline your plan:
- In the panel: Letters/words, movement within the frame, camera movement, colors.
- Under the panels: Sound effects and /or music, description (clarify anything that may not be obvious from what you drew in the panel)
The length of your storyboard will depend on the number of words in the quote and the overall mood/pacing you want to create (i.e: something very energetic/fast paced vs. meditative/mellow). You’ll probably need at least 6 panels. If you have more than 20, you might be overly ambitious for the time you have to complete this project. Don’t forget: your animation must include the author of the quote.
Deliverables (on Blackboard):
- Digital version of your storyboard (scanned at home or in class)
Step 2 – Animation (due on week 11)
Launch Adobe After Effects and translate your storyboard into an animation. Remember: you may only use typography and vector shapes (no character), and should include at least 1 Effect, and 1 Mask or Track Matte.
Deliverables (on Blackboard):
- Your animation should be at least 70% complete. Submit your .aep file.
Step 3 – Completed animation with sound and presentation (due on week 12)
Add sound effects and or music to your animation. Use sound to enhance your piece (i.e: make the actions of your character clearer/more dramatic, to add emotion, humor etc.). Freesound.org, Internet Archive: Audio Archive, and Creative Commons tracks on SoundCloud are good resources for CC licensed audio.
Finalize your animation and export it to Quicktime.
Deliverables (on Blackboard):
- Completed animation in Quicktime format (.mov)
- Finished .aep file in CC14 version
- Any Photoshop/Illustartor files used in After Effects (if applicable)
- A short statement (use this template)
Each student must come to class and present his/her work. Points will be deducted for failure to do so.
