UAL Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology

Assignment Title Press Start

Unit No. & Title Unit 1: Introduction to Creative Media Methods and Skills Unit 2: Introduction to Production Techniques in Creative Media

Level & Credit Value Unit 1: Level 2, 6 Credits Unit 2: Level 2, 6 Credits

Assignment Leader Josh Barton

Assignment Verifier Thomas O’Neill

Start Date 05.09.2016

Assessment Date 07.11.2016

This assignment will enable you to generate evidence of personal and professional development (PPD) in these areas.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the assignment, you will be able to: ­

Understand a range of methods and skills in the development, delivery and communication of a creative media activity.

Understand a range of production processes and skills in the development

and delivery of a creative media activity.

Context ­ Calamity Star

The year is 2641, and the sun is dying. In a last ditch effort to save humanity, the United Earth Government has commissioned the Icarus Programme; a project to investigate a recently discovered star system and establish orbiting exoplanet B22­Zeta as a new home. Each nation has pledged to develop and launch a unique module that will make up Union Alpha, a satellite station will act as a staging post for vehicles and resources required for the exploration and settlement of B22­Zeta. Union Alpha will be operated by the best and brightest specialists that each country can offer, from engineers and scientists to pilots and soldiers. These brave few must endure the hostile environments of deep space and an uncharted planet whilst also ensuring the survival of the human race. Calamity Star is a free­to­play game for Android and iOS devices similar to Infinity Blade (Epic Games, 2010) and World of Warriors (Mind Candy, 2014), where players must tap, swipe and flick their way through a series of increasingly difficult challenges. Your task is to design an original character for the game who will represent one of the international specialists aboard Union Alpha, as well as an object appropriate to their role on the station. This will require the use of research, development and artwork production techniques reflective of professional practice in the games industry.

A significant aspect of the game’s visual identity is the international nature of Union Alpha’s crew. Each specialist comes from a different part of the world and their space suit and/or uniform should feature design elements informed by historical and cultural aspects of their heritage.

It’s also important to think about the character’s role on the station; are they

an engineer, or a navigator? Are they a chef, pilot or something else entirely? How does their design immediately communicate this role whilst also featuring practical elements that allow them to fulfil it?

Task One ­ Game Artist Roles

Research Presentation ­ You must research a number of art roles that exist within the games industry, including concept artist, character artist, environment artist, technical artist, animator and character rigger. For each role, you should include the following elements: ­

An explanation of what the role involves An indication of specific skills required An indication of software or specialist tools that are used An indication of qualifications and/or experience required

For each role, you should also give details of a specific artist including their name, who they work for, games they have worked on and some visual examples of their work. Conclude by explaining why you were interested in investigating this specific role and which elements might be appealing. This should be submitted as a Google Slides presentation.

To achieve the criteria, you must be able to: Unit Criterion

Demonstrate the use of a range of methods and skills in support of a creative media activity. 1 1.1

Deadline 16.09.2016

Task Two ­ Pre­Production

Mind­Map ­ You must create an appropriately structured mind­map which shows a thorough initial investigation into different areas related to the development of an original character. These areas could include potential visual and narrative ideas, as well as elements that could be research further. This should be submitted as a .PDF file exported from MindMup. Visual Research ­ You must gather and reflect upon a range of images that will both inspire and inform the character concept that will be developed. There are two different elements that need to be addressed: ­

The first research element will feature the cultural and historical research that has been gathered at the British Museum. These images will provide you with some initial inspiration, and so a range of civilisations should be explored. This should be submitted as a Google Slides presentation which includes photographs with relevant annotation.

The second research element will feature a large collection of images that

has been gathered using Britannica Image Quest. These images will provide visual reference during the design process and inform both practical and creative elements. This should be submitted through as a shared My Images album with relevant annotation.

Sketchbook ­ Throughout this assignment, you must keep a sketchbook which shows a thorough iterative exploration and development of an original character concept. This should primarily feature annotated sketches, but you could also include other elements (such as printouts or the use of other artistic materials) to support these.

You should aim to work in your sketchbook every day, as this will give you more frequent opportunities to gain useful feedback from tutors. Additionally, keeping your sketchbook safe both inside and outside of college is your responsibility. A good practice is to scan all new pages at the end of each week so that you have a digital backup of your work.

To achieve the criteria, you must be able to: Unit Criterion

Demonstrate the use of a range of methods and skills in support of a creative media activity. 1 1.1

Communicate ideas to support the development and delivery of a creative media activity. 1 1.2

Deadline 30.09.2016

Task Three ­ Production

Character Model Sheet ­ You must produce a model sheet using digital painting and layout processes which shows the fully­developed character from front, side and rear perspectives as well as an object that would be used aboard the station. These elements must be based upon the pre­production work that was conducted during the previous task. In addition to fully­coloured pieces of artwork, you must also include appropriate typography and other elements of layout which contribute to professional presentation. This should be submitted as a .png image file with a resolution of of 1920x1080 at 72 Dpi. Character Pitch (c.250 Words) ­ You must produce a creatively written character biography which communicates narrative elements related to the character which has been developed. This should include an indication of their origins, personality and motivations to join the Icarus Programme as well as an explanation of their role on Union Alpha. This should be submitted as a Google Docs document. Digital Production Journal ­ You must produce a journal which gives a detailed account of the tools, options and processes used to create the final character model sheet. This should encompass scanning original drawings, digital painting and laying out visual elements through written explanations and annotated screenshots. You must also indicate why particular creative and technical choices were made. This should be submitted as a Google Docs document.

It is recommended that you take screenshots throughout the production process which can be placed into a document and annotated later on.

To achieve the criteria, you must be able to: Unit Criterion

Demonstrate the use of a range of methods and skills in support of a creative media activity. 1 1.1

Select and compare, through experimental application, a range of production processes in support of a creative media activity.

2 1.1

Demonstrate the use of production processes and skills to affect outcomes in creative media activity. 2 1.2

Deadline 21.10.2016

Task Four ­ Presentation & Reflection

Character Design Presentation (c. 5 Minutes) ­ You must give a short presentation which communicates the character concept that has been developed. Selected elements of research and pre­production work should be used to explain and justify design decisions in relation to the brief, and the completed model sheet and biography should also be included. This should be submitted as a Google Slides presentation. Critical Reflection (c.500 Words) ­ You must evaluate the creative and technical processes used to complete this assignment, assessing their effectiveness throughout the completion of research, pre­production, production and presentation elements. Specific examples from your work should be used to illustrate points made, and you should also comment upon peer reviews. This should be submitted as a Google Docs document.

Try to avoid simply describing what you have done. Instead, explain what you feel went well, what could be improved and what decisions led to these outcomes. Be self­reflective and consider the effectiveness of your working practices in relation to the success of each assignment element.

To achieve the criteria, you must be able to: Unit Criterion

Assess the effectiveness of communication methods and skills to develop ideas in support of a creative media activity.

1 1.3

Assess the effectiveness of selected processes and skills in creative production. 2 1.3

Deadline 04.11.2016

Scheme of Work

Week Date Activity

1 05.09.2016 Game Art Roles

2 12.09.2016 Shape Theory & Iterative Design

3 19.09.2016 Colour Theory & Iterative Design

4 26.09.2016 Mind Maps & Moodboards

5 03.10.2016 Introduction to Photoshop & Imaging

6 10.10.16 Digital Painting

7 17.10.16 Layout & Model Sheets

Half Term 24.10.16

8 31.10.16 Assignment Workshops

Suggested Research

Ctrl+Paint ­ http://www.ctrlpaint.com

Creative Skillset ­ http://creativeskillset.org

Extra Credits ­ https://www.youtube.com/user/ExtraCreditz/

Games Industry Jobs ­ http://www.gamesindustry.biz/jobs