Junior Animator – Higher Apprenticeship Level 4

Animation is the process of displaying still images in a rapid sequence to create the illusion of movement. The animation the Junior Animator is required to create may vary and can include dialogue or non-dialogue. These images can be created using various process including: hand drawn illustration, computer generation or 3D objects and imagery.

This is a junior level role. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation works closely with the Animator, Animation Lead, Supervisor and Director, along with clients and team members. They must be able to take direction and feedback, in order to create the actions of their animated character, according to the story and the director’s wishes. To support this, they must also be able to interpret a storyboard and any character layout/scene planning that has been done in advance.

This apprenticeship has core duties and four sections of additional option duties. Which option is applicable depends on the animation specialism of the employer. These are comprised of: 2D animation, stop-motion animation, 3D animation and interactive media and immersive reality.

Typical job titles:

Animator, junior animator

Duty 1: Research information, resources and tools such as real-world objects from the world around you and find appropriate visual, written, empirical and physical references in order to create credible animation.

Duty 2: Improve own knowledge and performance in animation by seeking out information about emerging practice in the animation industry such as new tools, software, data and other related technology.

Duty 3: Work effectively in collaboration with colleagues, partners and suppliers in the animation industry.

Duty 4: Work autonomously and communicate effectively with clients or customers in the animation industry, effectively prioritising and meeting deadlines in order to meet agreed production requirements.

Duty 5: Prepare to create animated characters/objects/creatures by assessing the requirements set by the brief by adapting to meet the required creative, narrative and technical demands of the production.

Duty 6: Plan and present ideas and tell stories to dramatise a narrative, plan shots and demonstrate action to meet animation production requirements to clients or colleagues in the animation industry.

Duty 7: Create animated assets in line with production requirements, ensuring output is correct and meets the requirements for the next stage of the process.

Duty 8: Follow your organisations policies and procedures to organise, store and retrieve animated assets.

Duty 9: Undertake basic compositing and rendering of an animation to meet organisational requirements.

2D Animation duties:

Duty 10: Create 2D Animated content by producing a series of sequential 2D images, which, when played back, produce the illusion of movement.

Duty 11: Test 2D animated sequences to confirm and check continuity.

Stop-Motion Animation duties:

Duty 12: Make characters move in stop motion animation in line with production requirements and ensure continuity throughout the shots.

Duty 13: Evaluate characters and sequences in line with feedback to ensure requirements are met.

3D Animation duties:

Duty 14: Create 3D Animation by producing accurate key frames and in-betweens, breathing life in to the character, object, creature where necessary.

Duty 15: Evaluate 3D animations created in line with feedback to ensure requirements are met.

Interactive Media and Immersive Reality duties:

Duty 16: Create animated assets for use in computer games, interactive media or immersive reality.

Duty 17: Evaluate animations created for use in computer games, interactive media or immersive reality in line with feedback to ensure requirements are met.

Knowledge

A junior animator will be able to understand and have knowledge of:

• how to use own surroundings and research of visual, written and empirical and physical references to inspire and inform animated creations

• the traditional and digital methods for producing animated sequences such as hand-drawn or computer-generated animation

• the brand guidelines or subject matter of the animation to be created

• the history and development of the animation industry and animation genres including, but not limited to, children’s, family, adult, experimental, information content

• the different animation styles, core techniques and technologies used such as 2D, 3D and stop motion

• the dynamics of the animation sector and current and future trends in animation

• how to identify and report risks relating to health and safety

• how to work effectively, both individually or as part of a team

• the context within the production of own role, the department they are working in, and the subsequent stages of the workflow process

• the animation production pipeline and how own role interacts with this

• the technical and production parameters and client requirements for the project, such as; the schedule, timelines, budget, animation medium, frame count, field size, aspect ratio and format

• the particular operational and technical standards of others departments and the challenges they face

• how good, timely communication can contribute to productive working relationships with clients and customers

• the brand, market position, departments, communication methods, financial processes, culture and ways of working for animation productions you work on

• how live action reference can influence your ability to animate characters/objects/creatures

• character/object/creature development and your role in that development

• the principles of anatomy and how these affect movement

• shot construction and composition, breakdown and continuity

• how to present ideas and information effectively using story/playboards or story telling

• how to use language which is clear, avoids jargon and is appropriate to the audience

• the effect your voice tone, pace, volume and body language can have on your audience during presentations

• how to encourage questions in both oral and written presentations

• the creative style, overall concept and level of animation required for the production

• any performance guidelines for the characters/objects/creatures they are working on, such as how they may react and behave in different situations

• the logic of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form

• character/object/creature movement and lip sync

• how to use the relevant graphics, animation and compositing software for an animation production

• how to maintain record systems of drawings and associated information

• the possibilities and constraints offered by the software you are using for the animation production

• the importance of maintaining data security and following your organisation’s guidelines and file structures for storage

• the legal and regulatory requirements which apply to animated assets such as copyright and intellectual property rights

• the rendering requirements for the production

• the intended appearance and required degree of realism of the finished image you are working on

• the factors affecting render speed, such as size of texture map, ray and reflection depth, global illumination, ambient occlusion, anti-aliasing, blurry reflections or area shadows

• rendering techniques, such as: ray tracing, texture mapping to define the colour, texture and reflectance of objects and environments, exposure depth of field to alter the sense of depth or focus on objects and environments, toon rendering and stereo rendering

• how to use z-buffering techniques to simulate a sense of perspective to describe the distance between objects and environments

• how creative blurring and transforms give the appearance of live-action

• the surface properties and how shading models can be applied to represent variations in different materials

• how to save and duplicate render settings across multiple files

• the principles of 2D animation

• how to use interpolated morphing to make animation more fluid

• how rotoscoping is used in 2D animation

• the concepts of key animation and in-between animation

• how to recognise the drawing skills needed for the animation or artwork being produced

• the traditional and digital methods for producing animated sequences

• how to use industry-standard 2D animation software

• the use of 2D vector graphics and manipulation of images

• why it is important to evaluate progress and seek feedback on your work in animation

• the principles of stop motion animation

• the media and techniques used in stop motion animation

• the materials used and how they are resistant to movement, such as: joints, stability, plasticine preservation

• how to improvise rigging and when it is appropriate for you to do so

• the capabilities and limitations of models

• the importance of lighting, camera angles and frame rates for stop motion

• the development of the animated character/object/creature through its movement and timing

• the need to work methodically in an organised and concentrated manner, paying attention to detail

• the principles and techniques of digital animation, such as high and low resolution modelling, meshing, colouring, matte making, digital sculpting of 3D animation

• the physics of motion and resistance

• the techniques, issues, costs and output of motion-capture, and when it is appropriate to use it

• how to use industry-standard 3D animation software

• how to achieve different looks in computer generated assets including shininess, reflectivity, texture, roughness

• the physical properties and mechanics of objects – for example, particle systems, structures, cloths, fluids, and crowds – and how they react and respond to different stimuli

• how to create renditions of naturalistic physical or magical phenomena such as fire, water, clouds, smoke and physical destruction

• the requirements and expectations of other team members who will use the animations you create

• the relevant standards and conventions relating to user-interface design

• the principles of interaction design, especially regarding usability and accessibility

• when and why an animation might be cut-off prematurely, and how to minimise the risk of this adversely affecting the user’s experience of the product

• the impact on own work of technical parameters such as the processing power, memory, bandwidth, screen size, resolution, colour depth or physical user interface of the target platform(s)

• which of the events or user interactions will trigger your animations

• how each animation will be used in the product such as whether it will play once, loop several times or indefinitely

• the purpose and target users for the animated assets being created

Skills

A junior animator will be able to demonstrate the following skills within the context of your organisation:

• Determine what is required for their own work as a junior animator by analysing briefs, specifications, visual references, technical and production parameters

• Research ideas and information for the animation being created

• Read and interpret the relevant sources of information for the production, such as; the script, animatic, x-sheet or dope-sheet, character/object/creature, colour and model reference and soundtrack

• Continue to update own animation skills, use new tools, software, data and other related technology

• Adapt and be able to meet the requirements of the animation style or genre specified for the production

• Use reliable information to keep-up-to date with the laws, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidelines that govern animation and how they affect your work

• Maintain an awareness of the current priorities, constraints and opportunities of your work as junior animator at all times.

• Comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures such as health and safety

• Work methodically in an organised and concentrated manner, paying particular attention to detail

• Identify the information you need to carry out your work to expected standards on each animation production

• Work effectively both individually and as part of a wider animation team

• Operate within and adhere to agreed organisational policies, standards and procedures

• Maintain an awareness of the current priorities, constraints and opportunities of the client’s budget or production requirements at all times

• Move characters on set in whatever style is required to meet the creative, narrative and technical demands of the production

• Respond to feedback about the animated material you create in a positive way, making refinements as requested by clients or supervisors

• Deliver good customer service in a creative environment

• Develop an animated character/object/creature through its movement and timing

• Contribute ideas to aid the creative development of the character, shot and overall production

• Create animations using given camera angles, or make adjustments to camera animations according to the production demands and schedule

• Create the assets that meet the requirements of the animation department

• Plan story/playboards to communicate key ideas with the team or clients

• Create story/playboards that depict the script and narrative

• Present work in progress, or completed animations to colleagues or clients

• Respond carefully to questions, making sure you provide the information the audience is asking for

• Animate primary and secondary characters/objects/creatures and elements

• Interpret the personality and traits of the character/object/creature, conveying the emotions, behaviours and actions within a scene

• Ensure that animations are in sync with the soundtrack

• Create animation in line with production demands, and ensure the output is correct for the next stage of the process

• Select and use the industry standard software package required by the particular animation production

• Adapt to the various styles, techniques, procedures and software that may be required by the animation production

• Prepare and store files in line with production requirements, to enable the next stage of animation production to run efficiently

• Undertake test renders at appropriate times to determine the length of time required for rendering and check for errors

• Establish the render settings that gain the required appearance and create sufficient flexibility for compositing

• Apply render settings that enable the required degree of realism

• Prioritise renders in accordance with production priorities

• Calculate render times and storage space required to meet production requirements

• Create a series of key frames to structure the animation that are appropriate to the animation production

• Provide the key frames and check they meet the needs of the production with the director

• Work in line with shot breakdown ensuring continuity

• Create the movement and performance required by the production to in-between the animation, adding frames or cleaning up as required

• Test animated sequences to confirm the effects and continuity meet requirements

• Use the appropriate software for the techniques and procedures required

• Use rotoscoping to produce animated frames

• Create animation according to the production demands

• Review output with relevant people and offer suggestions to assist others with the production

• Respond positively to feedback about the animations you create, making refinements as needed

• Remain constantly flexible and adaptable to new directions, creative requirements and software developments

• Adjust lighting and camera equipment to meet production and aesthetic requirements of specific scenes throughout the production

• Plan and block through shots under direction, where appropriate recording real life videos to try out the performance as a reference

• Create pop through or rehearsal movie and agree with the director an appropriate series of key frames to structure the animation

• Time out each shot that is appropriate to the production and agree these with the director

• Prepare for and re-animate individual shots according to the director’s notes

• Move characters on set in whatever style is required to meet the creative, narrative and technical demands of the production

• Review models with relevant people and offer suggestions that assist others with the animation production

• Test the stop motion animation characters and sequences you have created against the production specifications

• Review animations created with the relevant people, offering suggestions to assist others with the production

• Respond positively to feedback about the stop motion animations you create, making refinements as needed

• Remain constantly flexible and adaptable to changes in the creative requirements of the production

• Prepare and store assets and files in line with production requirements to enable the next stage of production to run efficiently

• Block animation using stepped or spline techniques, structuring the animation appropriately for the production and in agreement with the director

• Create the movement and performance required by the production to in-between the animation, adjusting the curves and adding extras keys as appropriate

• Ensure rigging techniques and references create credible animation with movements that are realistic for the type of object being modelled and the style of animation required

• Ensure that animations maintain continuity of character/performance with other shots in the sequence and/or other animators work

• Test the 3D animations you have created against the production specifications

• Review animations created with the relevant people, offering suggestions to assist others with the production

• Respond positively to feedback about the 3D animations you create, making refinements as needed

• Design animations within specified parameters and constraints relating to the target platform and medium

• Create animations that are attractive, easy to use and fit for purpose

• Save your animations in appropriate formats so that they can be easily incorporated into the product

• Provide clear documentation for others to incorporate your animations into the product

• Organise animations using appropriate filing and naming conventions so that they can be located easily by others

• Liaise with colleagues, such as designers and developers, to ensure your animations are appropriate and meet requirements

• Test the animated assets you have created against the production specifications and to ensure they are easy to use and fit-for-purpose

• Review assets created with the relevant people, offering suggestions to assist others with the production

• Respond positively to feedback about the assets you create, making refinements as needed

Behaviours

A junior animator will be able to demonstrate the following behaviours:

•  Self motivation – a self-starter, with a proactive approach to tasks and managing own development, punctual and reliable

• Adaptability – adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring productions deadlines continue to be met

• Flexibility – a positive approach to working independently and collaboratively as part of a team

• Ethical – maintains company and customer confidentiality, acting as an ambassador for their employer

• Passionate – shows a keen interest in improving animation and creative media skills

• Positive attitude – constructive thinking and motivated to succeed

What are the entry requirements?

Individual employers will set their own entry requirements for their apprentices. Typically candidates will have achieved a grade C or above in at least 5 GCSEs including English and Mathematics, or Level 2 Functional Skills Equivalent, and hold a minimum of 48 UCAS points, or equivalent.

How often do I have to attend college?

College attendance where required will be communicated post-application and enrolment.

Qualifications

During the apprenticeship, apprentices will be required to achieve Level 2 qualifications in English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment (EPA) if not already achieved. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

How is the apprentice assessed?

An end-point assessment (EPO) takes place at the end of the apprenticeship with an independent organisation and apprentices must successfully complete this to pass the programme. The end-point assessment is designed to enable apprentices to demonstrate that they are fully conversant in the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected of individuals at this level.

The end point assessment will consist of two parts.

• Presentation supported by a portfolio of evidence (to be submitted prior to the end point assessment)
• Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence (to be submitted prior to the end point assessment)

Apprentices will attend college once every two weeks for delivery session starting at 9:30am and finishing at 4pm for the first 6 months of the programme. From month 7-18 apprentices will have optional monthly portfolio workshops on campus. Apprentices will have an individual training plan along with online materials via a Google Classroom and a bespoke study guide in order to self-study each week.