Program Overview

Course Overview

The course ANFX 311, Character Animation II, is an in-depth examination of the art of character animation. Students will survey a range of animated films across genres and styles, with a focus on contemporary animation. They will design, build, and rig characters, and bring these to life on the screen. The course aims to refine students' technical skills and deepen their understanding of animation film production workflows.

Course Details

• Dates: 23 February 2026 to 21 June 2026
• Starts: Trimester 1
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$1,083.45
  • International students: NZ$5,235.75
• Lecture Start Times: Tuesday, 9:30 am
• Campus: Te Aro
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 15 points

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: 60 200-level points including ANFX 211
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Taught By

The course is taught by the School of Design Innovation — Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be announced once the course has begun.

About This Course

Students will create their own rigs for CG characters and further develop their skills in motion, performance, and narrative across longer-form animations. The course introduces virtual production and motion capture technologies, allowing students to rapidly iterate on their narrative ideas. Students will also review and critically analyze contemporary and historical forms of animation across various mediums. ANFX311 is an on-campus only course, delivered at the Te Aro Campus.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Analyze and critique animated films by articulating insights into performance, visual style, and storytelling.
2. Develop, pitch, and refine story ideas.
3. Design, build, and rig simple characters.
4. Animate dynamic characters and illustrate body mechanics, pantomime, and emotional performance.

How This Course Is Taught

The course combines studio lectures and tutorials that require in-person attendance. Lecture recordings will be available for subsequent revision.

Assessment

• Animation: A rigged character used in an animation demonstrating the character's personality (15-30 seconds, depending on technique) [expected workload: 35 hours outside of class time]. Mark: 35%
• Short Film: A short animation using multiple shots that demonstrates a narrative through character performance (30-60 seconds, depending on technique) [expected workload: 45 hours outside of class time]. Mark: 45%
• Critique Journal: Written reflection and analysis of animated films surveyed in class [expected workload: 20 hours outside of class time]. Mark: 20%

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 23 February 2026 to 5 April 2026
• 20 April 2026 to 31 May 2026

What You'll Need to Get

Students will need to provide all materials and equipment necessary for the completion of coursework.

Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory requirements for this course.