Christopher Perry

Recent and Upcoming Courses

• Computer Animation I

  This course will introduce students to the production of animated short films with the tools and techniques of three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics. Readings and lectures will cover the theoretical foundations of the field, and the homework assignments will provide hands-on, project-based experience with production. The topics covered will include modeling (the building of 3D objects), shading (assignment of surface reflectance properties), animation (moving the objects over time), and lighting (placing and setting the properties of virtual light sources). Due to the large amount of material being covered, additional workshops outside of class may be scheduled.

• Pixelbending: Under the Hood of Modern Filmmaking

  With an affordable digital camera and simple editing software, anyone can be an image maker. But what does it take to be an image master? How does one take control over the images and films one makes rather than ceding it to the engineers of the software and hardware? This course is designed for students who seek mastery over the digital images they create, capture, edit, and/or distribute. The class will expose the foundational core that hides behind the interfaces of digital imaging and filmmaking technologies but which is crucial to using them with precision and finesse. Topics covered will include digital image representation, compression/decompression (codecs), frame rate changes, compositing, matting, tracking, color correction, color grading, and more. Prerequisite detail: An evaluation/passing grade from at least one media production class (film, video, animation, photography). NOTE to Division 1 students: Although registration is limited to Division 2 and Division 3 students, there may be room for a few interested and well-qualified Division 1 students. Please contact the instructor to discuss.

• Animation Workshop

  This workshop is intended for intermediate and advanced students who wish to pursue independent animation projects within a classroom environment. It provides a structured opportunity for students to develop projects of their own choosing and is ideal for students in Division II. The weekly meetings will be structured around providing creative and critical support for the participants. All participants will be required to present their work to the group frequently during the semester, and these reviews may be complemented with readings, screenings, and other assignments where appropriate. Students will be allowed to work collaboratively as long as each student has distinct roles and responsibilities on the proposed project. Prerequisite detail: Students interested in the workshop must have a demonstrable level of mastery over their medium and have successfully completed at least one college-level course in their prerequisite area(s).