SBGrid - News and Events

Animation Workshop with Janet Iwasa

Published: June 7, 2022

Animation Workshop
August 1-5, 2022
Boston MA

Instructor: Prof. Janet Iwasa

Organizers:
Prof. Janet Iwasa, The Animation Lab, University of Utah
Prof. Piotr Sliz, SBGrid, Harvard Medical School

SBGrid and Janet Iwasa of The Animation Lab are pleased to host a 5-day intensive, in-person workshop from August 1-5, 2022 that will cover 3D molecular animation. Students will learn how to export molecular models from UCSF Chimera, work together on a common project to create an animated scene in the 3D animation software Autodesk Maya, and use Adobe After Effects to composite the final animation, adding narration and text. Dr. Iwasa will reserve part of each day for students to ask questions about their specific planned animation with a goal that they will return to the laboratory ready to tackle an animation project independently.

Please email events@sbgrid.org with questions.

Registration

Agenda and Technical Requirements

Technical Requirements

Maya: Install the educational/student version of Maya from: https://www.autodesk.com/education/educators. A 30-day free trial is also available at https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/free-trial". Please also consult these Maya technical requirements.

A 3-button mouse is required to use Maya.
Adobe After Effects: most universities make it available to staff/students for free or with an educational discount. Students can also purchase After Effects for $20/month at https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html?plan=edu. There is also a free, 7-day trial available https://www.adobe.com/downloads.html.

The workshop will run from 9am-5pm each day, with a 1 hour break for lunch. There is a cafeteria across the quad in addition to several restaurant options within walking distance, including: B. Good, Bolocco, Sweet Green, Clover Food Lab, Bon Me, Cafe Nero, and Starbucks
Day 1:
Introduction to the Maya user interface
Modeling basics (polygons and NURBs)
Importing molecular structures using UCSF Chimera

Day 2:
Animating objects (including keyframing, parenting, constraints)
Deforming objects (including deformers, and skeletons)

Day 3:
Particle dynamics (particle types, fields, instances)
Scripting using MEL

Day 4:
Lighting basics
Texturing and shading

Day 5:
Compositing and animation using After Effects
Discussion and Q&A about future projects

Location and Safety Requirements

Location: Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Ave, Seeley G. Mudd Building, Room 106

Download map of Harvard Medical School campus

When you enter the building, please stop by the security desk and give them your name to receive a visitor pass.

Masking and Vaccination:

Harvard requires full vaccination for all staff and visitors on campus. Please be sure to bring proof of vaccination. Visitors must not come to campus if they are exhibiting symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have otherwise been instructed to quarantine or isolate.

Although masking on the Harvard campus is currently optional, please be sure to carry a mask in case masking becomes necessary. All safety requirements are subject to change in accordance with the changing public health landscape.

See these Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Nearby Lodging

Samuel Sewall Inn:
https://samuelsewallinn.com
143 St Paul Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 713-0123

The Verb Hotel
https://www.theverbhotel.com
1271 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 566-4500

Hotel Commonwealth
https://www.hotelcommonwealth.com/
500 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 933-5000

The Eliot Hotel
https://www.eliothotel.com/
370 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 267-1607

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bosbl-courtyard-boston-brookline/
40 Webster Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 734-1393