Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:20 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:20 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Create 3D digital character animation
Create 3D digital character animation
Unit of competency
National Code
CUFANM501A
CUFANM501A
State Code
D1070
D1070
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/03/2010
Field of Education
020115 - Computer Graphics
Original Release Date
15/03/2010
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create 3D digital character animation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
Clarify work requirements
- 1. With reference to production documentation, determine requirements and purpose for 3D digital character animation
- 2. In consultation with relevant personnel, determine work flow sequences to ensure that production schedule deadlines are met
- 3. Select software that best suits the type of production and delivery platform for which 3D digital character animations are being created
Prepare to create 3D digital character animation
- 4. Gather and analyse reference materials to assist in the animation of the characters
- 5. Examine the models to be animated to determine the most appropriate animation techniques
- 6. Identify and develop skills with the controls of character rigs to be used
- 7. Analyse audio supplied for animations as required
- 8. Create thumbnail sketches of key poses required
- 9. Act out shot and make notes on timing of actions or record to video for later reference
- 10. Select the most suitable combination of animation techniques
Create 3D digital character animation
- 11. Animate first pass, applying relevant animation principles and experimenting with techniques to produce the required creative effects
- 12. Submit first pass to relevant personnel for comment on whether requirements have been met
- 13. Make adjustments as required and refine animation in passes until production requirements are met
- 14. Animate facial features and lip-syncing to match audio and design requirements, ensuring that animation principles are taken into account
- 15. Create secondary animations as required
Finalise projects
- 16. Submit final character animations in agreed output format to relevant personnel by agreed deadline
- 17. Finalise projects according to enterprise procedures, e.g. making back-up copies of files and completing workplace documentation
- 18. Participate in project evaluations and contribute ideas and suggestions about ways to improve future projects
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Production documentation may include:
animatics
storyboard
technical specifications.
Requirements may include:
assets for integration
collaboration with other team members
creative expectations
design specifications
output format
technical specifications
timelines.
Purpose of 3D digital character animation may be for:
interactive digital media products, e.g.:
games
e-learning resources
digital simulations
virtual worlds
television and film production.
Relevant personnel may include:
animation director
director
head of department
producer
project manager
storyboard artist
supervisor
technical director
other technical/specialist personnel.
Software may include:
3D, e.g.:
3D Studio Max
Maya
Softimage
Lightwave
Motionbuilder
Face Robot
graphics, e.g.:
Photoshop
Illustrator.
Productions may include:
animated productions
commercials
documentaries
feature films
filmed events or performances
interactive digital media products:
e-learning resources
games
promotional/informational products
music videos
short films
television productions
training or promotional videos/DVDs.
Delivery platforms may include:
broadcast television
CD
DVD
feature film
games
internet
kiosk
mobile phone
PDA (personal digital assistant)
other digital devices.
Reference materials may include:
books
direct observation of actions
DVDs ('making ofs')
still images
videos.
Animation techniques may include:
dynamic simulation
hybrid method
layered animation
motion capture
pose-to-pose animation
scripted animation
straight ahead animation.
Animation principles may include:
anticipation
asymmetry in body and facial poses
balanced poses
exaggeration
movement in arcs
overlapping actions and follow-through
pacing/timing
secondary actions
singularity of message
squash and stretch
staging
strong silhouette in poses
weight.
Secondary animations may include:
cloth simulations
hair simulations
other finer details that require dynamic simulations or keyframe animation.
Output formats may include:
AVI
IFF
JPEG
MPEG
PNG
Quicktime
Targa
TIFF.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Production documentation may include:
animatics
storyboard
technical specifications.
Requirements may include:
assets for integration
collaboration with other team members
creative expectations
design specifications
output format
technical specifications
timelines.
Purpose of 3D digital character animation may be for:
interactive digital media products, e.g.:
games
e-learning resources
digital simulations
virtual worlds
television and film production.
Relevant personnel may include:
animation director
director
head of department
producer
project manager
storyboard artist
supervisor
technical director
other technical/specialist personnel.
Software may include:
3D, e.g.:
3D Studio Max
Maya
Softimage
Lightwave
Motionbuilder
Face Robot
graphics, e.g.:
Photoshop
Illustrator.
Productions may include:
animated productions
commercials
documentaries
feature films
filmed events or performances
interactive digital media products:
e-learning resources
games
promotional/informational products
music videos
short films
television productions
training or promotional videos/DVDs.
Delivery platforms may include:
broadcast television
CD
DVD
feature film
games
internet
kiosk
mobile phone
PDA (personal digital assistant)
other digital devices.
Reference materials may include:
books
direct observation of actions
DVDs ('making ofs')
still images
videos.
Animation techniques may include:
dynamic simulation
hybrid method
layered animation
motion capture
pose-to-pose animation
scripted animation
straight ahead animation.
Animation principles may include:
anticipation
asymmetry in body and facial poses
balanced poses
exaggeration
movement in arcs
overlapping actions and follow-through
pacing/timing
secondary actions
singularity of message
squash and stretch
staging
strong silhouette in poses
weight.
Secondary animations may include:
cloth simulations
hair simulations
other finer details that require dynamic simulations or keyframe animation.
Output formats may include:
AVI
IFF
JPEG
MPEG
PNG
Quicktime
Targa
TIFF.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
creation of 3D digital character animation that:
demonstrates appropriate application of animation principles, such as correct use of timing and weight, squash and stretch, movement in arcs, anticipation and follow-through, overlapping action and exaggeration
meets design requirements
demonstrates attention to detail
collaborative approach to work
ability to meet deadlines.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a selection of industry-current software as listed in the range statement
access to simulated or real production situations that require 3D digital character animations
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
evaluation of a range of 3D digital animated characters created by the candidate to determine ability to animate characters in different ways
written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
CUFANM503A Design animation and digital visual effects.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
creation of 3D digital character animation that:
demonstrates appropriate application of animation principles, such as correct use of timing and weight, squash and stretch, movement in arcs, anticipation and follow-through, overlapping action and exaggeration
meets design requirements
demonstrates attention to detail
collaborative approach to work
ability to meet deadlines.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a selection of industry-current software as listed in the range statement
access to simulated or real production situations that require 3D digital character animations
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
evaluation of a range of 3D digital animated characters created by the candidate to determine ability to animate characters in different ways
written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
CUFANM503A Design animation and digital visual effects.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWK00 | CUAANM501 | Create 3D digital character animation | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D202 | CUF50207 | Diploma of Interactive Digital Media | Qualification |
| 7538 | 52046 | Diploma of Interactive Games Development | Accredited course |
| 7547 | 52213 | Diploma of Interactive Games Development | Accredited course |
| D201 | CUF50107 | Diploma of Screen and Media | Qualification |