Royal College Of Art Department Handbook 2009/2010

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK 2009/2010 DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

NAME DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

ANIMATION

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ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART KENSINGTON GORE LONDON SW7 2EU T : +44 (0)20 7590 4444 F : +44 (0)20 7590 4500 E : [email protected] W: www.rca.ac.uk

INTRODUCTION

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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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WELCOME

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PRODUCTION BUDGETS

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DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

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CONVOCATION

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DEPARTMENTAL AIMS

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MA COURSE DESCRIPTION

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FESTIVALS

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OBJECTIVES OF MA COURSE

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REFERENCES

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COURSE STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM

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EVENTS

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FIRST YEAR

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RCA ETHICS CHECKLIST

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TERM 1

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LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES

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FIRST YEAR PRESENTATIONS

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WORKSHOPS

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FIRST YEAR PROJECT

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

INDUCTION

AFTER GRADUATION

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

CONTENTS

MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS

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PERSONAL TUTORS

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TUTORIALS

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ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS

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COLLEGE-WIDE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

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FIRST YEAR PROJECT PRODUCTION

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INTERIM EXAMINATION

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INTERIM EXAMINATION

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MEMBERSHIP OF INTERIM EXAM BOARD

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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOW

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INTERIM EXAMINATION METHOD

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TERM 3 PLAN

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REFERRALS AND FAILURE

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EASTER VACATION

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FINAL EXAMINATION

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PRE-ASSESSMENT

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SECOND YEAR PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

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MEMBERSHIP OF FINAL EXAM BOARD

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REFLECTION TUTORIALS

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PRESENTATION AT FINAL EXAMINATION

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FINAL EXAMINATION METHOD

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MA RESEARCH CONNECTIONS

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REFERRALS AND FAILURE

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COLLABORATION

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ARRANGEMENTS FOR RETRIEVAL OF FAILURE

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CRITICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES

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ANIMATION STUDIES

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WRITING WORKSHOPS AND SCRIPT SURGERIES

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DRAWING STUDIO

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FIRST YEAR

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DIGITAL MEDIA STUDIO

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SECOND YEAR

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COMPETITIONS

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EXHIBITING YOUR WORK

TERM 2

TERM 3

PARALLEL ACTIVITIES

MPhil/PhD PROGRAMME RESEARCH STUDENTS WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS FOR MA ANIMATION

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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWS

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PRODUCTION FEEDBACK AND TUTORIAL SUPPORT

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FINAL SHOWS

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SUMMARY OF TUTORIALS DURING SECOND YEAR

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FESTIVALS

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PRE-ASSESSMENT

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INFORMATION PACK

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DISTRIBUTION AND SALES

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SECOND YEAR DEGREE PROJECT/S PRODUCTION

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

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CHRISTMAS VACATION

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SECOND YEAR

TERM 4

TERM 5

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COLLEGE REGULATIONS (SELECTED EXCERPTS) DEPARTMENTAL MONITORING AND FEEDBACK

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PRODUCTION

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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOW

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DEPARTMENT FORUM

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EASTER VACATION

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SCHOOL MEETING

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THE SENATE

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STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRES

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TERM 6 COMPLETION

DEPARTMENT REVIEW

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COURSE MONITORING COMMITTEE 2009/10

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DIGITAL COMMITTEE

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VALIDATION EVENTS

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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

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TIMETABLE INFORMATION

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THE ANIMATION DEPARTMENT STAFF

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INTRODUCTION WELCOME

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COLLEGE OPENING HOURS

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COLLEGE CLOSURES

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FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

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ANIMATION ACCOMMODATION AND EQUIPMENT

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ANIMATION FACILITIES

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PETTY CASH CLAIMS

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BLANK AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPES AND DISCS

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ANIMATION PAPER

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PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

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DESIGN WORKSHOP

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COMMON SERVICES WORKSHOP

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PHOTOCOPYING/PRINTING/PAPER

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RECYCLING

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USE OF TELEPHONES

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FAX MACHINE

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ADDRESS INFO

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INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL

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NOTICE BOARD

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COLLEGE EVENTS, PROJECTS, TUTORIALS, ETC.

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USE OF COMPUTERS

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E-MAIL AND INTERNET ACCESS

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TEA AND COFFEE

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NATIONAL FILM THEATRE AND BFI MEMBERSHIP

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

FREQUENTLY USED PHONE NUMBERS TERM DATES

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

ANIMATION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER

Welcome to the Animation Department at the Royal College of Art. This Handbook provides information about the academic aims and objectives of the Department, followed by practical information. If you need to know more please ask a member of staff or your Second Year Student Reps, Adnan Lalani and Emily Cooper. New reps will be elected from amongst the First Years in November.

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY The Animation Department has a commitment to broadening and deepening the future of animation in all its forms. We invite students to develop their distinctive voices with a hands-on approach to animation which represents how it feels to be alive in the world today. We take a broad definition of animation, including any moving image work that is mediated on a frame-by-frame basis, and accept and celebrate the blurring of boundaries between animation and other forms, such as live-action, documentary, architecture and sculpture. Interaction with and response to materials encourages students to transform their thought into a visible and audible experience. We embrace new technologies, and our teaching and conception of animation respects and is informed by established film and animation skills. The Department has a strong link with drawing, which is central to many students’ practice. It is essential to develop new forms and techniques to extend and inform ways forward for the subject area and to keep our art and industry vital. In addition to research and development of techniques and tools, the communication of ideas and development of content are central concerns. We welcome work that engages with and responds to contemporary issues.

DEPARTMENTAL AIMS The Animation Department aims to: • • • • •

provide a centre of excellence for the training of animation directors; provide a centre of excellence in the postgraduate study of animation and animated project production; meet both national and international requirements in the subject area for students from a variety of relevant graduate backgrounds; provide graduates who will lead the developing study and practice of animation and extend the boundaries of the discipline; foster collaborations and cross-fertilisation with other disciplines.

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MA COURSE DESCRIPTION

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM

OBJECTIVES OF MA COURSE

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

FIRST YEAR DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

On completion of the MA course students will have established their own individual style and abilities necessary for them to work as professional animated filmmakers in a variety of roles, in addition to reinforcing and extending their knowledge of animated film theory and practice. They will have: a) become versed in contemporary trends and techniques of animated film; b) developed skills of research and interpretation from both primary and secondary source materials; c) developed skills in the presentation of an animated project offered for development; d) acquired a working knowledge of the budgeting and scheduling of a short animated project; e) acquired a basic understanding of the legal responsibilities of a filmmaker, i.e. copyright clearance and contracts with project contributors; f) developed practical skills to a proficient level in key aspects of film, video or digital production relevant to their method of working, and become expert in some; g) had experience of working in a small team; h) been introduced to professional practice skills necessary to setting up a small business, studio or becoming a freelance director, animator or moving image artist; i) developed skill in recording, mixing and planning a sound track; j) developed skill in directing actors (if appropriate); k) developed skill in writing for the expression of an idea in text.

The first year is divided into three main areas of focus. The first term comprises a series of workshops. The second term is spent producing your First Year Project, and in the third term you will undertake the research and initial writing of a dissertation and the development of your graduation project. There are many parallel activities throughout the year. TERM 1 On arrival, students will receive an outline of the schedule for the first term with a programme of the first year and the timing of the Interim Examination. The curriculum is discussed further at the Department Forum and students are invited to ask questions on any elements that are unclear. Induction In addition to the College-wide induction events, and the School of Communications boat trip, there will be a mandatory individual Induction tutorial where you will meet your Personal Tutor and discuss your aims and needs while on the course. First Year Presentations Each student presents a selection of their work to students and staff as an introduction to themselves, their ideas and their way of working. Workshops During Term 1 students will work individually and in small groups on four projects: a) Image. Uses film to explore photographic processes to devise and shoot a short sequence. This involves many filmic and non-digital techniques. b) Sound. The planning and recording of a short composition in sound only. This involves digital tracklaying and mixing of the laid tracks. c) Embodying Voice. The analysing frame by frame of a short piece of speech; animating a sequence of action either by drawing or with models, to embody the sound. This covers not only the technical aspect of lip synch but serves as a test of the student’s approach to character animation and/or interpretation of voice and sound. d) Structure. A workshop which develops directing skills, the mapping of ideas and the demonstration of one approach to storyboarding. Each project concludes with a joint criticism and discussion of the work by all the First Year students and the Workshop Tutors. The workshop material may also be looked at in the Interim Examination, and students are asked to keep a good copy for presentation and the Department Archive. Shorter workshops in Writing, Editing and Live Action Camera Direction follow. A

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TERM 2 First Year Project Production The majority of the second term is taken up with the production of your project. The execution of these projects forms the principal material for the Interim Examination, which takes place at the end of the second term. Access to specialist equipment not available within the Department may be arranged either by individual students or by staff. Students are normally expected to work in College; please notify your Personal Tutor if you plan to work away from the College for prolonged periods of time. Tutorials can take place away from the College if access to specialist equipment demands this. If working in collaboration, then the collaborating group should meet with the appropriate tutors. Cross-disciplinary projects may involve tutors from other Departments. Interim Examination The Interim Examination usually takes place at the end of Term 2 in Lecture Theatre 1. The First Year Project should be presented professionally and, where appropriate, with mixed sound and final edit of picture for this assessment. You need to pass this formal point in the course to proceed into the second year and it is important to present your work well. Please see the Interim Examination Criteria to be clear about the process. Your project should be complete and well presented for the Interim Exam. See the ‘Assessment and Examination’ section on page 19 of this Handbook for more information. Work-in-Progress Show A Work-in-Progress Show date will be announced at the beginning of the year. This is expected to take place in one of the College’s galleries. Prospective employers are invited to this exhibition and it is an opportunity to get their feedback and make contacts. Students are encouraged to take stills of their work-in-progress and finished artwork or sets. These are a valuable record of their progress and are necessary as publicity material for festivals and the Summer Show.

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

First Year Project The First Year Project brief is given out half way through Term 1. Students attend a series of short script workshops to provide insights into research and scripting. Story boarding, time management and budgeting can be discussed one-to-one or in group tutorials with the Department staff. Students may work individually or in collaboration. Collaborations with students from other departments are encouraged. Each student has a budget of £200 for their First Year Project. Students must prepare a Statement of Intent outlining their aims and objectives for the project. Guidelines for the Statement of Intent are included in the First Year Project Brief; see also page 23 of this Handbook.

First Year Projects can be sent to festivals, enabling students to travel to festivals in their second year. Students are expected to play an active part in sending their First Year Project work to festivals and to provide the necessary stills, biography and information to the Festivals Coordinator, Jane Colling. For additional information, see page 25.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

series of animation-specific drawing sessions run alongside other activities.

Term 3 Plan Towards the end of this term a plan for Term 3 should be prepared by the student, for discussion with their Personal Tutor and, where appropriate, with the Technical Instructor. A number of workshops designed to prepare for the second year will run in Term 3. All students are expected to attend and must take this into consideration when planning their Term 3 schedule. Students may also undertake one or more further short projects or begin to lay the groundwork for their final degree project. Easter Vacation The College is open for approximately 2 weeks of the Easter vacation for independent practice and for assisting Second Year students. First Year students are expected to have completed their projects by Easter and priority is given to Second Years for equipment, space and technician support. TERM 3 Second Year Production Assistant The first week or two of the Summer term is spent assisting a Second Year student with their graduation project unless they have agreed to help over the Easter vacation. Some First Year students have in the past assisted more than one Second Year student. Term 3 is intended to help prepare for the second year, and has an emphasis on self-directed study. Students will have handed in a written Term 3 plan, which will include a schedule (see above). You should follow this plan for the rest of the term. Workshops on scriptwriting, casting and directing actors and animation techniques are scheduled for this term to support your development. Visits to professional studios are arranged in this term. The research and writing of the dissertation is an important component of this term’s work (see below). Reflection Tutorials Reflection Tutorials at the end of the term are an opportunity to pause and take stock of your work. In a large group setting, students present work from before they started the course, work made during the first year, and ideas for the second year: a miniretrospective of your work. Students and staff contribute to a discussion of the student’s individual trajectory, strengths and weaknesses, and potential development. PARALLEL ACTIVITIES MA Research Connections A series of presentations for Research students may be of interest to some MA

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students and you are welcome to attend. Look out for the Research Methods Course sessions on Wednesdays. Details of the Research Methods Course presentations are available in the Research Methods Booklet available from the Research Office. Contact the Research Administrator for more information and to be included on their email list.

Critical and Historical Studies The RCA provides a unique environment for postgraduate art and design students to reflect upon their own practice, and to engage with students from their own and other disciplines. The role of Critical and Historical Studies (CHS) is to support the studio courses in enabling these critical engagements to take place. The courses offered by CHS to first year studio-based MA students propose an intellectual framework within which they can begin to establish a coherent relationship between theory and practice. In the Autumn and Spring terms there are a series of College-wide seminars and lectures. The Autumn Term series will relate to your particular discipline (though it is possible to elect to join a series being offered to other Departments) whereas the Spring term series will be more broad-based and cross-disciplinary in nature. In the Spring and Summer terms, a CHS tutor will give you individual tutorials to support the development of a dissertation which is submitted at the start of the second year. The dissertation should be between 6,000 – 10,000 words in length – this is a major piece of work and you will be not be able to submit for the Final Examination until you have passed this assessment. More information about the CHS programme is provided in the College-wide Handbook and information about the lecture series will also be distributed to you in a comprehensive brochure at the beginning of the Autumn term. Animation studies Students are expected to have already a basic knowledge of the discipline. A series of animation-specific lectures and screenings are arranged to explore some of the important themes in the study of animation. Gaps in students’ knowledge can be filled through personal research, viewing films in the College library, and from Al Rees, Research Fellow in the School of Communication. Visits to film festivals are a valuable way of developing an understanding of contemporary themes in animation, and students in the Department are encouraged to attend. A course trip to a festival is usually arranged in November each year.

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Script surgeries are offered to give you direct and individual feedback on your scripts at key points in the production process. DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Collaboration Throughout the course, students are encouraged to make contacts with other Departments within the College and outside. This has led to fruitful collaborations, particularly in the areas of sound design, music and cinematography. An introductory visit to a College specialising in sound design or music for screen in the Autumn Term is an opportunity to make contact with talented composers and to begin a dialogue.

Writing Workshops and Script Surgeries Throughout the two years, a number of innovative and demanding script workshops are offered to all students to support the development of your ideas, and to develop your confidence in writing and finding your persional voice.

Drawing Studio Regular attendance in the Drawing Studio is expected. Students attend drawing workshops held by different visiting lecturers especially devised for Animation students to challenge and support their studio-based work. Other College-wide drawing workshops and courses are offered throughout the year and are a good way of meeting students from other Departments. More information on the Drawing Studio is available in the College-wide Handbook and on the College-wide timetable. Digital Media Studio (Stevens Building) The Digital Studio is a College-wide facility that offers short courses in Terms 1 and 2. Individual bookings for access to the workstations may be made after students have completed the introductory courses. In Term 2 students may also participate in the short courses offered by Printmaking, Photography or any of the other short course facilities. Students can sign up for introductory computer courses for some software (e.g. Flash, Final Cut Pro, Dreamweaver, etc.) via the College’s Intranet. See the Department Administrator if you need an introduction to using the Intranet. These are attended alongside other work. (See Animation notice board for details or contact the Computing Services Administrator, Michelle Richards, on ext. 4232). You should visit the Digital Media Studio on your Library Tour in the first week of term. It is important to check the Intranet regularly to make yourself aware of other events taking place in the College. Competitions Throughout the year students are encouraged to enter competitions such as The Folio Society, D&AD and Adobe Achievement Award. Information is posted on the notice board, or announced at Departmental meetings. At the start of Term 3, first year students’ completed personal projects are shown to one of our sponsors, Passion Pictures. They award the Passion Prize to one student in the first year. The Prize is a budget of £3,000 to make a second year film/s. Do make sure that Joan has a good copy on DVD of your first year work after the Interim Exam so that she can show it to the Passion Prize Jury. Last year the prize went to Jons Mellgren and was also shared with two runners-up, Tom Judd and Rafael Sommerhalder. In 2008, it went to Kristian Andrews. In 2007 the Prize was shared between Asya Lukin and Martin Ruyant.

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SECOND YEAR

An introduction to the role of Producer and discussion of the Producer/Director relationship will be given alongside more detailed analysis of the scripts, storyboards, schedules and budgets. Workshops in scriptwriting, editing and direction usually take place during this term and build on those undertaken in the Summer term.

The second year begins with students presenting their work to the incoming students. During the year, students are primarily involved in developing and producing one or more projects. Main production takes place in the Autumn and Spring terms, with the few weeks after Easter and before the Final Examination being taken up with postproduction.

Summary of Tutorials During Second Year At the first production tutorial each student should present: • Statement of Intent – see page 24 • Rough budget • Rough schedule and storyboard indicating style, content and technical resources required

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Second Year students are encouraged to maintain their drawing practice throughout their course. Christmas Vacation The College is open for approximately 1 week over Christmas for independent practice and study. TERM 5 Production This term is spent in production creating the content, working with composers and dealing with other elements of the soundtrack for the final degree project/s. Preparations for the summer show also take place in this term; see page 25. All image and principal sound should be completed by the end of this term, with the final term focusing on postproduction and further Summer Show preparation.

At the mid-production stage each student should present: • rushes or line tests or experimental footage/artwork • a written Self-Assessment (forms for this will be given out)

Work in Progress Show See page 25.

Pre-Assessment Students should have produced a rough-cut picture and sound (separate laid tracks) of their project nearing completion, a rough estimate of expenditure, and a written statement of intent for completion of the project.

Easter Vacation The College is open for approximately 2 weeks over the vacation for postproduction and other independent practice and study. Booking of equipment should be done well ahead of time to ensure access and availability of technical support if appropriate.

This deadline should be the met to allow considered time for postproduction and fine-tuning. The Pre-Assessment will include industry representatives, student representatives from the first year and tutors from other Departments who are all invited to give an objective view on the student’s work at a final stage. The timing allows enough space before final examination to address any issues raised. TERM 4 Second Year Project/s Production Preparation and initial stages of production of the degree project/s occur during this term. The scripts, storyboards and production planning, carried out in consultation with the Head of Department, tutors and Technical Instructor, should be completed by the mid-term. A formal production meeting, with the Head of Department and/or tutor, and Technical Instructor to discuss budget, schedule, equipment and room bookings, will allow students to begin production proper. Further contacts with musicians, composers, actors and scriptwriters are encouraged.

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Production Feedback and Tutorial Support At key points during the second year, tutorials will be scheduled to discuss your project progress. These may be individual or group tutorials. Staff present at year group tutorials will include your Personal Tutor, another tutor from the Department and possibly the Technical Instructor or other specialist. Sign-up tutorials with visiting filmmakers, the editing tutor, sound tutor and creative writing tutor will also be available.

A read-through and improvisation on written ideas can be arranged this term to assist with dramatisation, characterisation and casting.

TERM 6 Completion Second Year students have priority over equipment in the final term. Rough edits should be completed in good time for the Pre-Assessments. Final Examinations follow in mid-term (see page 20). In the interval, between Pre-Assessments and Final Examinations, final editing and mixing of the soundtrack takes place. It is advisable to allow enough time to rehearse the screening of your completed film in Lecture Theatre 1 ahead of the Final Examination so that any problems can be remedied in good time. Immediately after Final Examination, showprints and a DVD showreel are made to be ready for the Summer Show, and preparation for the Summer Show continues. Digital projects should have a high-resolution transfer to tape or DVD in good time for inclusion in the showreel DVD. A strict deadline needs to be respected by all students to ensure the DVD is ready in time for the show.

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Careers advice is available by appointment with the Head of Department and Department Tutors. Throughout the year, animation companies may give presentations and offer advice. FuelRCA is a central resource which includes online advice, talks, workshops, alumni experiences and mentoring to help you prepare for professional life. It is there to support and complement the Department’s specialist knowledge and answer queries about surviving in the world of work and money. This College-wide resource is open to all current students and for three years after graduation. More details can be found on the Intranet. It is vitally important that you develop your professional skills alongside your creative skills to enable you to support yourself through your talents. Production Budgets The budget for each project will be based on an approved script or detailed description of content and/or storyboard. The budget amount will be announced at the beginning of Term 1. The project should be of a minimum length of at least 3 minutes, and no longer than 6 minutes. The Department Administrator will record the spending by each student so that the Head of Department, Personal Tutors, Technicians and the student will have a clear idea of the state of their spending. Overspends must be repaid by the student incurring the costs, and any debts must be cleared before the Final Examination. Funds from outside are the College can be sought to fund ambitious projects. Students are encouraged to find sponsorship for specialist materials where possible and should ask for a discount for any purchases or services required. Convocation Convocation is the official graduation ceremony in which the students are awarded their degrees. Students and staff wear gowns and attend the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall. Graduating students can invite guests to attend, and refreshments are usually available in College after the ceremony. A special screening for parents is usually arranged in LT1 and is a chance to say goodbye to staff. AFTER GRADUATION Festivals Many of the student projects will be active at festivals and it is important to stay in

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Professional feedback sessions are arranged when your films/projects are complete, with a range of contributors from fine art, the animation industry, music and/or sound, and writing.

touch and provide support and time to assist with this when requested. An up-todate email address and contact phone number is essential for us to be able to pass important invitations/requests to you. An information pack must also be submitted (see page 25). Please inform us if you receive any awards or prizes.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Professional Practice Professional Practice is embedded in the tutorial advice given to students throughout their time at the College. Additionally, specific events addressing professional practice will be offered, such as Introduction to the Role of the Producer, funding, Intellectual Property and Copyright Advice, Introduction to Budgeting as well as scheduling visits to professional studios and galleries. Many presentations by visiting filmmakers and course staff will describe some aspects of professional life.

References Personal Tutors must be contacted in advance to establish whether they are prepared and available to write you a reference. Email the request directly to the Tutor and inform them clearly about the position you are applying for and an up-todate CV at least 2 weeks before it is required. Events Occasionally there will be Animation or College-wide events to which you will be invited, and so an up-to-date postal address and email address are essential.

RCA ETHICS CHECKLIST The Royal College of Art aims for the highest possible standards within the disciplines of art and design, and you are expected to demonstrate professional integrity and discipline in all areas of your work. The College has a Code of Practice for Research Ethics that equally applies to the work you will undertake as part of your MA degree. Should any of the following elements be involved in your work, advice from the RCA Research Ethics Committee must be sought before the work is undertaken: Active involvement of other participants Passive involvement of other participants Colleagues and staff within other higher education institutions Members of the public Children, young and other vulnerable persons Animals External bodies. Potential influencing factors: Potential adverse impact on the environment Moral obligations Legal liabilities Insurance Health and safety If any of the above elements are present in your work, you are required to complete the Research Ethics Checklist and Consent Form (RE1) (available on the RCA Intranet: http://intranet.rca.ac.uk/pages/research/researchrelated_forms_3325.html), providing details. This form should be returned to the Research Office, where it will in turn be submitted to the Research Ethics Committee for consideration.

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LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES

To show the depth of their understanding the students are required to write a dissertation and to be able to discuss their work, and that of others, in depth in seminars, tutorials, critiques and assessments. Creative writing workshops and tutorials assist students in developing their confidence in writing, and tease out the relationship between visual and textual aspects of their work. Special techniques workshops introduce students to other ways of working. Camera and lighting workshops or tutorials enable model-animators to achieve convincing atmosphere and composition in their work. Directing workshops encourage animation students to gain understanding of movement and motivation for actors. Casting Actors workshops give students confidence to work with professional actors and therefore work towards a professional end result. Sound workshops encourage the creative design of soundtracks and teach skills in achieving those ideas. It is very important, as part of the learning process, that students are open to change and new experiences. We expect good attendance at all tutorials, workshops and Visiting Lecturers’ presentations.

MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS PERSONAL TUTORS: GUIDANCE, MONITORING, SUPPORT A Personal Tutor is allocated to each student at the beginning of the first term of each year. Personal Tutors may be changed if there is a valid reason, and in discussion with the Head of Department. Usually, Personal Tutors are reallocated after the first year to take into account any changes and developments in students’ work or in staff changes.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Practical guidance takes the form of workshops, lectures, screenings, group tutorials and one-to-one tutorials.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

The main teaching strategy of the Department is for the students actively to develop as animation directors by the practice of making animated projects with the guidance of experienced practitioners. This is supported by students widening their viewing and critical experiences by attending lectures and seminars.

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Provide advice and guidance on academic issues, referring the student to other colleagues, if necessary. • To provide pastoral support, referring the student to other areas of the College or external agencies for support, if necessary. (iii) To provide regular documented reports on progress. (In the second year, students participate in this process by writing a short self-assessment statement ahead of the formal tutorial in each term. Students receive their termly reports via email, and a signed copy is filed. Students have access to their files and any reports should be discussed with the Personal Tutor and future actions agreed and documented). (iv) To represent the student’s interests in staff discussions and at the Final Examination Board. The student should inform Personal Tutors of any mitigating circumstances that may affect the outcome of their examination. Student Responsibilities We expect students to be well prepared for their tutorials and to attend on time and with the appropriate materials. Students are expected to make notes of advice given, and to conduct self assessment at specific points. TUTORIALS There are a number of different types of tutorial timetabled over the two years. Individual Tutorials One-to-one tutorials with your Personal Tutor. There are also opportunities for one-toone tutorials with other Animation tutors, Visiting Lecturers and editing/sound professionals. It is also possible to arrange tutorials with staff from other RCA Departments. Tutorial Group Timetabled at key points throughout the year, group tutorials encourage peer review in a small group setting with your Personal Tutor. Year Group Tutorials Half-year group and year group tutorials usually involve students presenting new ideas or work in progress to the rest of the group. Following the presentations, other students from the group lead the feedback discussion. Feedback on your work is also given at workshop crits, reflection tutorials, preassessments, and a professional feedback session. See the Curriculum Outline (pages 8 – 15) for more details.

Role and Responsibilities of Personal Tutors (i) To maintain an overview of the student’s academic progress – monitoring and recording progress throughout the period of study or research. (ii) To meet with the student on a regular basis (a minimum of once a term) to:

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ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS

INTERIM EXAMINATION METHOD

While the assessment criteria used by Examination Boards will be common to all studio-based MA courses, the actual procedures employed for Interim and Final Examinations will vary to an extent from course to course. The sections below outline our assessment procedures in Animation.

INTERIM EXAMINATION In the Animation Department, this Examination usually takes place near the end of the second term of the first year. It is conducted by the Head of Department and course tutors. Progression to the second year depends on the result of the examination. To help students prepare for the examination, a Pre-Assessment is arranged as a rehearsal and a valuable feedback session. Staff, Second Year students and representatives from outside the course will respond to your work so far. This is particularly useful just before the final drawing together of your projects ahead of your exam presentation. Each student is seen individually in the examination. Though the main focus will be the First Year Project, the entire programme of work so far completed is considered. Also, some idea will be sought from the student of their intentions for their final year project and dissertation, the First Text of which is required by this point. This written piece should be no less than 1,000 words and should include a dissertation bibliography by a date given to you by the CHS Department. Details of this submission will be given to you in the Autumn Term. You cannot proceed to the second year without completing this submission. Written reports on each successful student are also submitted at the same time to the Academic Board for Concessions and Discipline (ABCD) for ratification. Students receive a copy of this report. MEMBERSHIP OF INTERIM EXAM BOARD Head of Department or Deputy Head of Department (Chair) Department Tutor and/or Personal Tutor

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

The College-wide assessment scheme (introduced for studio-based MA Interim and Final Examinations in 2006) provides criteria for the evaluation of student achievement which can be applied across all studio-based MA courses. The scheme is intended to ensure consistency in assessment across the College and from year to year. Details of the scheme are provided in the College-wide Handbook. It is very important that students read these so that they understand the basis on which they will be assessed at Interim and Final Examination.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

COLLEGE-WIDE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

A Statement of Outcome should be written (approximately 400 words). This should contain: • Development of ideas/subject • Creative problem solving • New knowledge gained, including self-learning • Particular successes with the process • Suggested ideal context for exhibition, anticipated audience and why The Statement of Outcome will be compared to the Statement of Intent and the final result, to chart your work’s development. The aspects of the work examined are: • Key attributes. The quality of the set project, the technical competence of the execution, as well as the success in communicating the idea • Intellectual engagement within the subject • Technical Skills • Postgraduate Studentship • Professional Orientation Attendance will also be taken into account. REFERRALS AND FAILURE Please see the College Regulations.

FINAL EXAMINATION PRE-ASSESSMENT This formal tutorial with at least two members of the Department staff takes place a few weeks before the Final Examination. The Pre-Assessment is an opportunity to get formal feedback on your project from Department staff and those from other disciplines, First Year students and industry representatives, before the final mix (dub) of your sound tracks and the Final Examination. At Pre-Assessment each student should present: • Rough picture cut of project with separate laid tracks/music either digital or analogue • Rough estimates of expenditure • A written Statement of Intent for the completion of the project, with particular emphasis on sound and music MEMBERSHIP OF FINAL EXAM BOARD Head of Department or Deputy Head of Department (Chair) 2 Department Tutors and/or Personal Tutor External Examiner Internal Moderator

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PRESENTATION AT FINAL EXAMINATION

graduate in the following year.

For the viva, students should present: • a finished project with a final mix of sound, picture edit complete • a written Statement of Outcome. The Statement of Outcome should include: – an evaluation of your work, its weaknesses and strengths; – comment on how your work contributes to the development of the subject; – evaluation of your readiness to enter the professional world. A form is sent out to assist with this Statement. • other work completed in the second year

The general regulations for the Final Examination are to be found in the College Regulations.

As in the Interim Examination, a comparison between original intention and final outcome will be made, and the student’s self-assessment of the project in the Statement of Outcome will form an important part of the Examination. Students should be prepared to discuss the progress of the project and their own development and influences that have impacted on their body of work. Supporting material to illustrate these points may be presented at the viva. A copy of the student’s dissertation must be made available for the examination. FINAL EXAMINATION METHOD NB. Work not shown for Examination may not be shown in the Summer Show. The actual work to be shown must have been submitted for the Final Examination and must be agreed by the Head of Department. The work is shown, usually in the College’s Lecture Theatre One, to the Examination Board. An alternative venue can be arranged by the student if the work is best seen in an alternative setting. The members of the Examination Board have an equal voice in the recommendation of an award but the award cannot be made without the agreement of the External Examiner. Department staff may intervene to clarify or suggest some aspects not elucidated by the student. Every member of the Examining Board is required to sign a form recommending the award of a degree. These recommendations are then presented to Academic Board for Concessions and Discipline for ratification. Students receive a copy of this report.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

These arrangements are set out in the Regulations. Where re-submission occurs it should be within one year. DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

The moving image work should be presented professionally, with the student being responsible for liaising with Audio Visual support in good time and checking that their material is properly cued and to a good standard for projection.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR RETRIEVAL OF FAILURE

MPhil/PhD PROGRAMME Research into the creative process of filmmaking and an informed reflection of this process is an important part of the Department’s development. Artist research and practice helps place the creative process in context and drives new forms of image making forward. See the Research Handbook for details of research aims and objectives. RESEARCH STUDENTS Research students may take part in the normal projects and activities of the first two terms of the MA course if appropriate to their research topic. During these terms each Research student is also required to attend the Research Methods Course. Details of this will be published at the start of the year. A supervisor is also assigned to his or her research. In the remaining time an even balance is struck between researching and writing the thesis, and, if relevant, completing a practical project for the final submission. Details of subject-specific lectures and seminars relating to Moving Image Research will be published separately. If a Research student wishes to study by-thesis then no practical projects are needed, but a longer, more in-depth, thesis is required. A special Examination Board is convened for the examination of Research students. The Research Handbook describes the awards of MPhil/PhD in more detail. Please contact the Research Office Administrator for more information (x4126).

REFERRALS AND FAILURE Should any students fail to satisfy the Examiners they may be referred. This procedure is outlined in the College Regulations, and can result in an invitation to the student to re-submit an improved programme of work. Such work is normally specified in detail and a fixed term is set for its completion. A second Examination Board must be assembled for the re-submission. Successful students usually

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WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS FOR MA ANIMATION

SECOND YEAR TERM 4

FIRST YEAR DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

First Year Project a) Treatment. A written description of the project idea and background information with the aims and objective of the project and possible references (1 page A4). b) A written 'Statement of Intent' that should address the questions: – What challenge am I setting myself in this project? – Who is my audience and what will they experience from watching the work? – What is the ideal setting for screening this work? The statement will form part of the criteria by which you will be assessed at the Interim Examination.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

TERM 1

Second Year Project a) Treatment. A written description of the project idea and background information, with the aims and objective of the project and possible references (1 page A4). b) A written 'Statement of Intent' that should address the questions: – What challenge am I setting myself in this project? – Who is my audience and what will they experience from watching the work? – What is the ideal setting for screening this work? TERM 5 Film Treatment Update Film Treatment prior to the External Examiner’s visit Self-assessment Form TERM 6

TERM 2 Interim Examination – First Year Project A Statement of Outcome (of approximately 400 words) should include: – Development of ideas /subject/changes from your original treatment outline – Creative problem solving – New knowledge gained, including self-learning – Particular successes with the project – Suggested ideas context for exhibition, anticipated audiences of work Dissertation First Text Refer to ‘Interim Examination’ section, page 19. Term 3 Plan A schedule of the work you plan to achieve over the next term. – What areas do you intend to investigate (experiments/tests/short films)? – Other area of research, collaborations, visits to archives/studios/external resources – Development of your new project idea, in terms of content and technique

Pre-Assessment A written Statement of Intent for completion of the project, with particular notes on sound and music. Self-assessment Form Final Examination Prior to examination, you should submit a Statement of Outcome (of approximately 400 words): – Examination of your work, its weaknesses and strengths – Your personal progress – what are your achievements? – Comment on how you have contributed to the development of the subject – Evaluation of your readiness to enter the professional world and events intended to prepare for this

TERM 3 Dissertation/research/writing A full draft of between 6,000 and 10,000 words will be required towards the end of the Summer Term (see page 11). SUMMER 2nd Year Project Development

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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWS

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All students, MA and Research, full time and part time, are expected to prepare a work-in-progress show for display in one of the College’s galleries. The design and organisation of the exhibition is primarily done by the student group, usually coordinated by a nominated leader. Prospective employers and curators are invited to this exhibition and it is an opportunity to get their feedback and make contacts.

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FINAL SHOWS Students need to co-operate with each other in the planning of their Summer Show, and we encourage liaising with Communication Art and Design, Curating Contemporary Art and/or Architecture students for the design of the Show, intertitles, DVD cover and postcards. This process starts in Term 5 (see page 14). The Final Animation Show is integrated into the Part 2 RCA Show and benefits from the wide publicity and extensive public interest that this event stimulates. There is a Private View for friends and ex-students, and a Debut Evening to which industry professionals are invited.

FESTIVALS The Department enters your work into an agreed list of festivals and competitions around the world on a year-round basis. (List available in the Animation office). The process requires a lot of administrative time, and it is not possible to send work to all festivals worldwide that may approach us for entries. Jane Colling works one afternoon a week to organise the communication and distribution of the tapes and prints. Students are encouraged to enter additional festivals themselves, especially once they have produced their First Year Project. Most festivals are entered using the graduate showreel; if you wish your film to be active in festivals before the showreel is released then it is only possible if you provide individual tapes and the information pack (as described below) to the Department Administrator as well as being proactive yourself. Information regarding festivals being entered is available in the Administrator’s office. If you need any advice regarding entering festivals then feel free to talk to a tutor or the Administrator. Information Pack For each film you make while a student at the College you are required to provide the following information: •

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A master Digibeta of the completed film with mixed sound, titles and credits, including copyright assertion for Royal College of Art and the year of production

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

•

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

EXHIBITING YOUR WORK

• • • •

Up-to-date contact information for you, including current email addresses and mobile and home contact numbers Info sheet containing all the technical data for your film as well as credits, a synopsis and a Director’s statement 4-8 stills. The minimum requirement for each still is 300dpi, approximately 4x8cm and saved as a JPEG. You can provide these on either a CD or send via email 1 still of yourself. Many festivals require this for their catalogue A copy of your script if needed. Please provide this in a digital format, i.e. a Word document 10 DVD copies of your film with a case. The DVDs are stored in the Research Office and are used to submit to festivals Contracts and agreements for your film. Everyone who has been credited on your film (excluding yourself and anyone credited as “thanks to”) must sign a contract or agreement. The various forms are as follows: • Composers/Musicians Contract • Voice Artist Agreement • Contributors Agreement (for all areas not covered by above contracts, i.e. Assistant Animator or Director of Photography) • Music Cue Sheet (time from the first blip or first frame of picture depending on whether the music starts before the picture or not. Each piece of music in the film needs to be timed. This information is crucial when we’re selling your film as the composer/musician may be entitled to royalties based on per second of play)

All of the necessary forms listed above can be found stored in the photocopier, or you can request a digital version to be emailed by the Department Administrator. Without the complete set of information we cannot enter your film in to any festivals. It is best for you that you get contracts and agreements signed as you work. It can often be quite challenging to track someone down months after you have worked with them. Distribution and Sales From time to time the Department is contacted by various distributors and companies to buy the rights to a film. The negotiations are handled by the Head of Department and the final contracts are signed by the Registrar. Under no circumstances can you make a deal or sign a contract with a potential purchaser. As stated above the College owns the rights to the film and only the College can make any sales. For some films there are various contracts in place based in different distribution areas of the world. It is not always possible to make a sale due to previously standing agreements but where possible, and where it will benefit the film and the director, we will make the sale.

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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES The Student Reps represent you, the student body. You can discuss any problematic issues to do with the Department with the Student Reps who, if unable to suggest a solution, may bring the issue to the Department Forum to be discussed. Issues of space, equipment, health and safety, access to the other Departments and curriculum are just some areas of discussion at the Department Forum. Your opinions are valued and welcomed by the Department staff as they rely on your feedback to improve and develop the area of study.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

DEPARTMENT FORUM

COLLEGE REGULATIONS

Who attends? Staff and students of the Department.

(selected excerpts)

5 RIGHTS IN STUDENTS’ WORK 5.1 The rights, property and title in and to and the copyright, design rights, patent rights, performing rights, rental rights and all other rights of a like or similar nature anywhere in the world (the IPR) in all work in any dimension, form, or medium howsoever and whatsoever executed or produced by the student in the course of his or her studies or deriving there from (the Work) is herby assigned to and owned by the College absolutely. 5.2 The student acknowledges, having prior to his or acceptance of a place at the College accepted the terms and conditions of offer thereof, that the work shall be owned by and vested in the College absolutely. 5.4 In respect of students enrolled on the Animation course, the College has the right to be able to exploit commercially Works produced by such students. In simple language: • By accepting your place at the Royal College of Art you agree that all and any work produced while a student here is owned by the Royal College of Art. • The Animation Department has the right to sell your films commercially. • The student retains the Intellectual Property Rights (the IPR) of their work after graduation. This means that while we own the copyright to your film you are free to develop characters and stories and concepts you have created without needing permission or clearance from the College. • You do not have permission to sell your film or make deals regarding your College-created work. If you have any inquiries regarding this then please direct

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them to the Department Administrator. The copyright will transfer to the student director five years after graduation.

DEPARTMENTAL MONITORING AND FEEDBACK DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

This year, for the first time, the agreement with new and future students will be that the College will hold the copyright for five years only and then the rights will be transferred to the student director. Any existing agreements will need to be honoured. Students should contact the Department after five years to confirm the transfer.

•

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

The monies involved are rarely significant. The Department attempts to cover the administrative and staff time, materials, and couriers required to complete any distribution deals. Once the costs have been covered, and this may take several sales (or may never happen), then any other monies made are split between the Department, the College and the student. If this occurs then you will be contacted and the payment will be made. The usual split of net income is 15% to the College (for the Student Hardship Fund) then the remainder is split 50:50 between the Director and the Department. For this reason, it is important to remain in contact with the Department and update contact details, email, phone and postal address on a regular basis.

When? Normally Department Forums take place at the beginning of each term. Purpose of Meeting The purpose of these meetings is to bring the entire Department together in one place to exchange information and allow discussion as a group on important changes or plans for the future of the Department. The Student Representatives will have an agenda for the meeting and can be approached by any student who may wish to make a comment on a particular issue.

SCHOOL MEETING Who attends? Head of School, Heads of Departments, Department Tutors, Technical and administrative staff, and Student Representatives. Purpose of Meeting The purpose of a School Meeting is to discuss issues at School level, to share information and good practice, and to exchange ideas. Representatives of the students attend and not the whole student body. The Head of School, Dan Fern, usually chairs this meeting. Student Reps can suggest items for the agenda via the Head of the Animation Department.

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Who attends? Rector Pro Rector Director of Administration Registrar Director of Finance Director of Research Heads of Schools Elected Members of the Academic, Technical and Administrative Staff

Professor Joan Ashworth Tim Webb or Joe King David Crowley Lucy Neville David Dixon or sound technician Anne King Adnan Lalani and Emily Cooper Tereza Stehlikova TBA Invited others

When? The Senate meets once or twice per term. Purpose of meeting The Senate is the body responsible for the academic work of the College including: the conferment of awards, monitoring the academic standards of taught courses and research degrees, and the education, welfare and discipline of students. School issues, highlighted at the School Meeting, are discussed at the Senate and a response or action is minuted and delivered back to the Department via the Head of School.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

COURSE MONITORING COMMITTEE 2009/10

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

THE SENATE

Head of Department (Chair) Senior Department Tutor (deputy Chairs) CHS Representative Library Representative Technical Representative Adminstrative Representative Student Representatives 2nd year Research Representative 2 x 1st year reps to be appointed

DIGITAL COMMITTEE The Digital Committee discusses equipment needs for the whole Department. Staff and students can make requests and suggestions for development of the Department, and the Digital Committee will co-ordinate and prioritize these requests with advise from other Departments to ensure compatability and future proofing where possible.

Students are asked to fill in anonymous feedback questionnaires at the end of the course, and to submit them to the Academic Development Office. The content of these questionnaires is recorded, discussed and responded to in the Annual Departmental Review.

Tim Webb Chair David Dixon Digital Instructor Guy Nesfield Digital technician TBA Sound Technician Jonathan Warner College Computing Services Manager Adnan Lalani Student Representative Emily Cooper Student Representative Invited others: Reps from Communications and Moving Image Group and Technicians Group if available and appropriate.

DEPARTMENT REVIEW

VALIDATION EVENTS

All Departments conduct an annual critical appraisal for discussion within the School and for inclusion in a report to the Academic Standards Committee and the Senate. The report should include an analytical and evaluative commentary on progress made in meeting the aims and objectives of the Department and any developments or events that may have effected its operation or the progress of the students’ studies.

On a periodic basis, at least once every six years, the Department will undergo a validation event. The purpose of the validation process is to ensure that the standards of the College’s courses are maintained and enhanced and that the course content is relevant and appropriate. The process is based on critical and analytical peer review by a panel of professors or tutors and practising artists, both internal and external. As part of the process the Panel will meet privately with a cross-section of the student cohort to hear your views on the content, delivery and organisation of the course. Further details can be found in the College Regulations.

STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRES

Students also have the opportunity to contribute to the appraisal process through regular discussions with staff, an annual meeting chaired by the Student Representatives (without staff present), and through the questionnaire.

The Department is scheduled to be validated in 2009/10.

Departments conduct the appraisal through a series of meetings, including staff and Student Representatives, which usually meet once a term.

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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

runs Animus Films Ltd and is developing research and projects in West Africa.

TIMETABLE INFORMATION

Professor Joan Ashworth is the Head of Department and is responsible for the overall running of the Department and its strategic planning. Joan is in College 4 days per week, with an additional day for research. Joan is founding partner of 3 Peach Animation, directing commercials and title sequences for cinema and television including the opening titles for Tim Burton’s Batman, for Warner Brothers. She directed the award winning film The Web based on Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast. She now runs her own studio, Seed Fold Films, in Camberwell where she has completed How Mermaids Breed, a short film funded by The Film Council. She recently completed her role as External Examiner at Maidstone, Kent and Science Media Production MSc, Imperial College, London. Joan is currently in postproduction of a short film Mushroom Thief, which uses pixilation and stop frame, and is Animation Advisor to the Animation in Therapy project funded by NESTA. Tim Webb is the Senior Tutor and is responsible for organising Visiting Lecturers to the course and for developing the course curriculum. He is in College 2.5 days per week. He is the director and animator of the multi-award winning A is for Autism and 15th of February. He has since completed a 12 minute film, Six of One, for Channel 4 and Mr Price for Channel 4 and the Arts Council of England. He has taught at The Surrey Institute (now UCCA) and has acted as External Examiner for the University of Gwent, Newport, Westminster and, currently, the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. Joe King is a Course Tutor and is in College 1.5 days per week. Joe has directed and animated several films as well as commercials, music videos and projections, including the award winning film Sea Change. He is a director for Slinky Pictures, London, and External Examiner at Middlesex University. He is currently working on a new project. Sylvie Bringas is one of our Visiting Lecturers and a tutor for Second Year students. After studying animation filmmaking, she joined forces with documentary and animation producer Orly Yadin to establish Halo Productions Ltd. where she coproduced the comedy animation series Treasure for BBC2. In 1997 they jointly wrote, directed and produced short documentary animation Silence, which won the Golden Hugo in 1998 and was short-listed for the Academy Award Nominations in 1999. In 2002, Sylvie was awarded an Animate! commission for which she made Room Service, winning Best Experimental Film at Imaginaria in 2005. Currently she

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

THE ANIMATION DEPARTMENT STAFF

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Notices and events are displayed on the Animation notice board. An online timetable is being explored for the coming year and details will be given out at the start of the Autumn term.

Marina Warner, our Visiting Professor, is a prize-winning writer of fiction, criticism, and cultural history. Her works include studies of myth, literature, and art (for example, Alone of All Her Sex: The Myth and the Cult of the Virgin Mary), and she has also written on fairy-tales and folklore (From the Beast to the Blonde; No Go the Bogeyman). Recent books include: The Leto Bundle (2001), Signs & Wonders: Essays on Literature and Culture (2003), Fantastic Metamorphoses, Other Worlds: Ways of Telling the Self (2004), and Phantasmagoria: Spirit Visions, Metaphors, and Media (2006). For more see www.marinawarner.com David Dixon is the Technical Instructor and gives technical support and guidance to students. David is in College 4 days per week. Anne King is the Department and Production Administrator. She Is responsible for the administration of the Department and distributes the films to festivals worldwide. The Department Administrator is a full-time member of staff. Guy Nesfield, the Department Digital Technician, works for 4 days per week Jane Colling is our Festivals Co-ordinator and she is a freelance producer working with many filmmakers and production companies. Jane is in College 1/2 day per week. A new Sound Technician is to be appointed this year. The Sound Office is located in the lower basesment of the Stevens Building. ANIMATION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER FREQUENTLY USED PHONE NUMBERS To call from outside of College dial: 020 7590 XXXX Joan Ashworth Anne King Guy Nesfield David Dixon Tim Webb Joe King Jane Colling

4511 4512 4513 4513 4509 4509 4519

Department Fax Basement Editing Room Basement Camera Room, Rostrum Final Cut Pro Editing, Stevens Building Sound Studio 3D Studio, Maya Suite, Stevens Building Research Room Studio/Students

4510 4517 4518 4529 4530 4553 4519 4516

Gill Dibben (CA&D Computer Tech.) Al Rees (CA&D Film & TV) Simon Taylor (AV) Lecture Theatre 1

4235 4526 4218/4130 4128

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Lecture Theatre 2 Len Massey, Drawing Studio Stuart Croft. Moving Image Studio

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

4129 4563 4527

ANIMATION ACCOMMODATION AND EQUIPMENT

TERM DATES

COLLEGE OPENING HOURS Term Times Monday – Friday Weekends

8.00 am – midnight 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

There are no circumstances under which students will be permitted to work in the College beyond these hours. Vacation Monday – Friday

8.30 am – 6.00 pm

Bank Holidays 10.00 am – 6.00 pm The College is not open at weekends during the term breaks. COLLEGE CLOSURES Christmas Easter May Day Spring Bank Holiday

24 December 2009 – 3 January 2010 1 April – 6 April 2010 3 May 2010 31 May 2010

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DARWIN BUILDING Monday 28 September 2009 – Friday 18 December 2009 Monday 11 January 2010 – Friday 26 March 2010 Monday 19 April 2010 – Friday 2 July 2010

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Fourth Floor Accommodation: Staff Offices Animation Studios Digital Editing Room Digital Lab Digital Linetest room Dark Room Store Fourth Floor Equipment: Portable equipment Sony DVCAM progressivescan camera Sony HD DV cameras 1080i DSLR digital cameras DSLR Stopframe PC’s systems 6 Bolex cameras 6 Aardmotors for Bolex cameras Various light boxes, drawing discs, etc. Main Studio: 2 cel and paper punches available to all students. To be used in the animation studio Linetest Room: 1 x Linetester using DV camera, etc. Mac Linetester using DV camera or HD using Dragon capture system 4th Floor Digital Studio: 5 x PC’s with Maya, Photoshop, Aftereffects, Audition, Adobe Premier, Flash 2 x Mac with word-processing, eg Word 2007, Excel, Powerpoint, Internet access and B&W A4 printing 1x PC with Photoshop,Toonboom, A4 flatbed and sheetfeed scanning Tape and Digital Transfer: Beta transfer between digi beta and beta SP, VHS and DVD 4th Floor Digital Editing: 2 x G5 Quad Final cut Editing machine connected to Digital beta and Beta SP G5 Quad Final cut and Shake compositing and Editing machine

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PETTY CASH CLAIMS Money spent on materials outside of the College can be reclaimed (provided it is within your agreed budget) against your materials allowances by filling in a Petty Cash Form (available from the photocopier) by the end of the month of purchase.

Film Cutting Room 16mm and 35mm editing. Open to any student throughout the year. 1 Six-plate Steenbeck, 35mm 1 Six-plate Steenbeck 16mm 2 Four-plate Steenbeck 16mm Cutting bench and 2 picture synchronisers STEVENS BUILDING Basement Sound Recording Studio: 2 x G5 Quad Final cut Editing machine connected to Digital beta and Beta SP G5 Quad Final cut and Shake compositing and Editing machine Pro Tools sound recording/mixing facilities Video and sound transfer bay Digital line test (B42) Digital sound creation / pre mixing Digital Editing (B37; tel: 4529) Digital 3D (B35; tel: 4553) Green/Blue Screen Studio

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

ANIMATION FACILITIES

Rostrum Camera Room (tel: 4518) 1 rostrum camera (16/35mm) 1 rostrum camera (16mm/digital) 1 aerial image projector (16mm/35mm) 1 multiplane camera (digital) Aardmotor for Bolex camera x6. DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Basement:

No claims will be accepted in subsequent months. Only Joan can sign the Petty Cash Form, so you need to submit the completed form (with the receipts plus a copy of the receipts paper clipped) to the Department Administrator’s office for approval. Claims under £50, once approved, can be collected from the Cashier (Finance Department, Ground Floor, Darwin Building) between 10.30–11.30 am and 3:00–4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Amounts over £50 will be reimbursed directly into your bank account by bank transfer. BLANK AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPES AND DISCS See David Dixon. ANIMATION PAPER You are expected to use photocopy paper (which you have to punch yourselves). This is very cheap (£4 for 500 sheets A4 and about £8 for A3). Please see the Department Administrator if you need several packets – a few days warning is necessary. Professional animation paper can be purchased using your budget. PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT You need to use a special form, curiously called a ‘chit’, if borrowing equipment. A member of staff must sign it. The chits are in the Department Administrator’s office.

Stop frame Studios Basement Equipment: Lighting for stopframe or live action: 3 Red Heads 800w 9 Dedos 300w, available in kits of three 6 Gullivers, 300w available in kits of three 2 Iris, 1000w 2 1K light, 1000w 1 2K, 2000w 6 Stage lights, 50w Further equipment is available via other Departments. Please see information on the online Resource Guide (on Carbon) for what is available and how to access it. Second Year students are requested to nominate useful equipment in other Departments and how to access it. Please forward information to the Department Administrator for inclusion in next year’s Handbook.

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DESIGN WORKSHOP Use of the spray booth for spraying paint or solvents can be requested. See the Workshop Manager, 2nd Floor Darwin Building, or appropriate technician. For certain processes you may need special training or a technician may need to carry out the work for you. If you need to use this facility for a more sustained project please see Joan who may need to clear the use with the Head of the Architecture and Design School. COMMON SERVICES WORKSHOP This workshop has facilities for cutting and drilling sheet materials. The workshop is run by Rick Brown. Some materials can be purchased through Rick. Some hand tools are also available on loan. All students of the College have a right to use this facility. Be patient and polite but don’t be put off. PHOTOCOPYING/PRINTING/PAPER You will each have your own card to operate our photocopier. You need to purchase

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copies in advance from the Department Administrator. The cost is 5p a copy and you can purchase as much or as little as you like. There are also copiers in the Library: one colour, one black and white. These are operated by cash or a card, which can be purchased and topped up in the library. There is no colour printing available in the Department. You will need to use the College-wide Digital Media Studio facility in the Stevens Building to print in colour. There is available in the Department Digital Studio a black and white printer. The Department does not provide paper for this printer and students will need to use their own paper. Paper can be bought from the Department Administrator. The Rapid prototype and 3D scanning facility can be found at RapidformRCA. Rapidform provides a range of digital manufacturing (DM) solutions for use throughout the product development cycle: design verification and communication; form, fit and function models; rapid manufactured components; high quality models which can be finished and shown at the final Show. Rapidform is located on the 2nd Floor of the Darwin Building next to the Workshop. RECYCLING Special bins are provided for paper, cardboard, batteries, CDs and other items. These can be found next to the photocopier. No cel, envelopes or coloured paper please.

INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL Each student has a pigeonhole for messages and post. PLEASE EMPTY REGULARLY. Personal letters can be left stamped for collection in the Administrator’s office in the post tray. Internal mail is collected once a day. If you have urgent post to go out after the collection then you should take it to the Post Room in the Darwin building basement yourself, or it will be collected the following day. NOTICE BOARD The weekly board shows important Department and College events, projects, tutorials, etc. A termly timetable is displayed to give an overview of the current term. Any changes to the timetable will also be displayed here so it is important to check this regularly. Tutorials with Visiting Lecturers can be signed for here.

USE OF TELEPHONES You may use the College telephones for internal calls. A list of extension numbers is available on the Intranet.

COLLEGE EVENTS, PROJECTS, TUTORIALS, ETC The College Intranet and the platform RCADE are both valuable electronic notice boards and should be checked regularly. There you can find information from other Departments, including short courses that you can sign up for, price lists, awards, scholarships, jobs, etc. On RCADE you find information about lectures, films, music, etc., that are going on and other notices of a more general nature.

Urgent external calls about your work (or very urgent personal calls) can be made from the studio telephone. Ask the Department Administrator to call the switchboard to arrange permission. There are various pay phones around the College for other calls. The student extension number in the studio is 4516. This can be dialled directly from within the College, but from outside the College callers must dial the switchboard +44 (0)20 7590 4444 and ask for the extension. Students must answer the students’ extension.

USE OF COMPUTERS Word processing is available in the College Library for scripts, essays, etc. If you are unfamiliar with computers then sign up for the College introductory course via the Intranet. Please use disks to store and back up your work, do not use the hard drive of the computer unless it has been specially set up with the Digital Technician. Do not install other software onto College or Department machines. Not only is this illegal, but it may introduce viruses and other corrupt software.

The phones in the tutors’ offices and the phone in the Department Administrator’s office are not to be used by students.

EMAIL AND INTERNET ACCESS Access to email and the Internet are available in the Library and in the Department (on specific machines). Additionally, there is wireless Internet access across the College. Contact Computing Services (extension x4232) for details. Basic Collegewide Internet courses are available.

Please familiarise yourself with the procedure for transferring calls to another extension: To transfer calls to another extension press ‘R’ then extension number. When extension is answered hang up. If there is no reply or line is engaged press ‘R’ * 1 and you can speak to caller again to take a message etc. FAX MACHINE There is a fax machine in the Department Administrator’s office that students may use. The fax number is +44 (0)70 590 4510. Any incoming faxes should be clearly addressed to you and will be placed in your pigeonhole.

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ADDRESS INFO It is very important that staff are able to contact you! Please keep your contact details (including mobile phone numbers and email addresses) updated with the Department Administrator, even if you are based elsewhere for a short period or on a placement.

TEA AND COFFEE The tea and coffee area must be kept clean otherwise the facility will be removed. A washing-up rota has to be allotted. Please give £5 to the Milk Monitor if you want to partake. First Year students should get together as soon as possible and arrange a rota for the milk. When it is your turn to supply the milk it is expected that you will be in reasonably early on that day.

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A microwave is also provided for students’ use. Please wipe it clean after use or cover food before heating. (Baked beans tend to explode!). No metal food containers please, plastic or ceramics only. If you take any cutlery or crockery from the canteen, Artbar or RCAfé please remember to return to their rightful owners. The cost of lost cutlery and crockery is recovered through canteen prices, so help keep them low. NATIONAL FILM THEATRE AND BFI MEMBERSHIP You can sign up for student membership. Membership entitles the holder to use the British Film Institute library, £1 off all tickets to the National Film Theatre and priority bookings for NFT screenings amongst other benefits.

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DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK