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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Animate 3D characters and objects 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242551  Animate 3D characters and objects 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
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 animate 3D characters and objects to be used for 3D animation and visual effects products. Credited learners are able to analyse animation and rendering requirements, to ensure 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 entry-level competence in the field of 3D animation.

Credited learners are capable of:
  • Analysing animation and rendering requirements of production storyboards.
  • Assessing models for capability of executing plans.
  • Testing motion against specific requirements.
  • Producing animations in digital file formats.
  • Obtaining feedback regarding quality of animations. 
    		•

    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. Animation is to capture motion to animate models, and can include key frames and/or motion capture. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Analyse animation and rendering requirements of production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Recording of analysis processes is checked if it meets agreed organisational requirements for best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre-production analysis of storyboards and planning takes into account animation, use of relevant animation principles, timing, and rendering requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-production planning is done in terms of appropriate reference material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Analysis of animation, best practice, and trends in animation is checked for relevance for specific contexts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Trends include form, style, and technology trends.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Sources of reference material used are ensured that they are appropriate for specified and legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include designs, storyboards, legislation (e.g. copyright, intellectual property), etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assess models for capability of executing plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Given deadlines/time frames are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Timing for animation elements meets requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Animation elements can include music.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Budget requirements are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rendering requirements are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Assessment takes into account characterisation and animation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reference material is used to identify best practice, trends, and current styles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Specified and legal requirements are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Models into key poses and software interposes meet specified requirements and the principles of animation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Test motion against specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Interaction of elements is tested in relation to each other. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effective use of software is ensured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Words, script and character lips are synchronised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The timing of body movements and gestures are checked for appropriateness for given requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Facial expressions are appropriate for given requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Produce animations in digital file formats. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Use of software is effective in terms of task, synchronisation and script requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Digital file format selected is efficient in terms of resulting costs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Timing of body movement and gestures met specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Words, soundtrack and lips are synchronised where necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Facial expressions meet given requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Digital file format outputs are appropriate for production process requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Given deadlines and time frames are met and time is used efficiently. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Efficiency refers to time and costs.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Obtain feedback regarding quality of animations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality criteria are accurately described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Feedback is obtained from all relevant persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Improvements are recommended where relevant. 


    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, timing and rendering requirements of production storyboards.
  • Recording of analysis process and organisational requirements for best practice.
  • Pre-production analysis of storyboards and planning.
  • Reference material and sources.
  • Animation best practice, and trends and current styles in animation.
  • Legal requirements regarding sources of reference material.
  • Characterisation.
  • Key poses and software interposes.
  • Interaction of elements in relation to each other.
  • Form.
  • Words, script, soundtrack and character lips synchronisation.
  • Timing of body movements and gestures.
  • Facial expression.
  • Digital file formats, tasks, synchronisation and script requirements.
  • Production process requirements.
  • 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 improvements are recommended where relevant. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community when sources of reference material used are appropriate for specified and legal requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when given deadlines/time frames are met and budget requirements are adhered to. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to analyse animation and rendering requirements of production storyboards, assess models for capability of executing plans and test motion against specific requirements. 

    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 and feedback is obtained from all relevant persons. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when software is used effectively to model into key poses, and software interposes, to test motion and to produce animations in digital file formats. 

    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 when pre-production analysis of storyboards and planning takes account of animation, timing, and rendering requirements and digital file format outputs are appropriate for production process requirements. 

    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 assessor:

    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.