SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Rig models for 3D animation and visual effects 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242542  Rig models for 3D animation and visual effects 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Audio-visual Media Production 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language Media Studies 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of the learning is to be able to rig models for 3D animation and visual effects according to the requirements of specific contexts. Credited learners are able to analyse animation requirements for rigging and in a step-by-step way first design structure, then set up controls and finally rig models to create the required shapes, forms and movements based on storyboards, animation requirements, and rig limitations. This ensures that animated objects and characters work as intended. Animation is a growing market and there is currently a shortage of competent animators in South Africa. Currently, South African cultural products in animated form may not be able to compete with international products, and, therefore, cannot be exported. This unit standard requires advanced level competence in 3D animation.

Credited learners are capable of:
  • Analysing animation requirements relevant for rigging.
  • Designing and constructing skeleton structures that are fit for purpose.
  • Setting up controls for animation.
  • Implementing controls and blending shapes into rigs according to specific requirements.
  • Binding models to rigs for specific animation requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits and level assigned to this unit standard is based on the assumption that learners have already attained the following competencies:
  • Describe, represent, analyse and explain changes in shape and motion in 2- and 3-dimensional space with justification (NLRD ID 7484).
  • Communication and language (NQF Level 4).
  • Computer literacy. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements are provided where relevant with specific outcomes and assessment criteria. Rigging refers to the use of software and controls, such as pivot points, for models of characters, objects, key frame, motion capture, etc. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Analyse animation requirements relevant for rigging. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Recording of analysis processes meets agreed organisational requirements for best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Analysis of use of model is accurate in terms of required software controls and movements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identified animation requirements are based on storyboard requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Analysis takes into account animation, budgeting and rendering requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Analysis ensures continuity between frames. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Models are assessed for control requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Design and construct skeleton structures that are fit for purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Skeleton design is fit for purpose required by storyboard, animation, and rig limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sufficient joints are available for animation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Orientation of joints is predictable and orderly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Naming conventions have been applied systematically. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Relevant animation principles are adhered to at all times. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Set up controls for animation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Controls for models are fit for purpose required by storyboard, animation requirements, and rig limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Requirements of animation determine the degree of control installed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Controls meet minimum and maximum requirements of complexity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Software is used appropriately and effectively. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Controls function as intended. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Controls are user friendly and employ an intuitive design. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Intuitive design refers to the controls being usable by animation artists and not only by a technical expert in particular software packages.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Legal requirements are adhered to. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal requirements include legislation regarding copyright, intellectual property, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Given deadlines and time frames are met and time is used efficiently. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Efficiency refers to time and costs.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Implement controls and blend shapes into rigs according to specific requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Blending of shapes includes facial expressions and model adjustments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rigged models behave predictably and reliably. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Controls have been implemented into the rig successfully. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Constraints are used appropriately for the animation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rigs are fit for purpose required by storyboard and animation, and function intuitively. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Intuitively refers to the rigs being usable by animation artists and not only by a technical expert in particular software packages.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Sufficient numbers of shapes are generated for specific animation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Software is used appropriately to create the required range of blendshapes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Blendshapes are stable and predictable in their behaviour. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Given deadlines and time frames are met and time is used efficiently. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Efficiency refers to time and costs.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Bind models to rigs for specific animation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate regions of specific models are deformed by skeletons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Deformation of models is predictable and reliable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operations of bound models are appropriate for specific animation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Models function intuitively. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Intuitively refers to the models being usable by animation artists and not only by a technical expert in particular software packages.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Given deadlines and time frames are met and time is used efficiently. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Efficiency refers to time and costs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant animation principles are adhered to at all times. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by a relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this unit standard.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with a relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Credited learners understand and can explain:
  • Animation, budgeting and rendering requirements.
  • Software controls and movements, and control requirements.
  • Use of models.
  • Storyboard requirements.
  • Continuity between frames.
  • Skeleton structures, skeleton design, joints, joint orientation, naming conventions.
  • Rig limitations, predictably and reliably.
  • Controls for models, degree of control, minimum and maximum requirements of complexity.
  • Intuitive design principles.
  • Blending of shapes, number of shapes, range of blendshapes, constraints, and stability and predictability of behaviour.
  • Deformation of models by skeletons.
  • Operations of bound models.
  • Principles of animation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems where responses to problems show that such critical and creative thinking has been used to make responsible decisions when analysis of use of model is accurate in terms of required software controls and movements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community when controls are user friendly and employ an intuitive design. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to analyse animation requirements relevant for rigging. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematic and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation when Recording of analysis processes meets agreed organisational requirements for best practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others to design and construct skeleton structures that are fit for purpose, set up controls for animation, implement controls and blend shapes into rigs according to specific requirements and bind models to rigs for specific animation requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation to design and construct skeleton structures that are fit for purpose and when controls meet minimum and maximum requirements of complexity. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the learner can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57607   National Certificate: 3D Animation and Visual Effects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Mpande Technologies cc 
    2. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    3. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.