SL Cert - Basic Machinima

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Overview

The following are the criteria required for an individual to become certified in the area of Machinima using the Second Life platform at the Basic Level

According to[Wikipedia [1], Machinima is defined as:

"Machinima (pronounced /məˈʃiːnɨmə/ or /məˈʃɪnɨmə/) is the use of real-time three-dimensional (3-D) graphics rendering engines to generate computer animation. The term also refers to works that incorporate this animation technique"

Audience

This document is intended for anyone who is seeking professional level certification for complete end-to-end Machinima production on the Second Life platform.

Pre-Requisites

None.

Testing Criteria

Basic certification requires a demonstrated understanding of pre-production skills, production skills, and post-production skills. These include the use of camera techniques, recording techniques, and broadcasting in Second Life. Testing will consist of a short written test and the production of a three minute video using a pre-defined set of criteria as listed below.

Basic Certification

Completion of Basic level certification will demonstrate that successful candidates have the skills necessary to operate as an Assistant Editor of complex machinima projects.

Pre-production

All skills required to prepare for a Machinima project before filming starts. These include:

• Storyboarding
• Location settings
• Scripts (as in "film scripts")
• Actor preparations
• Costumes
• Licensing arrangements

Production

All skills required during the filming the project. These include:

• Shooting scripts
• Direction
• Voice and audio recording
• Lip synch
• Lighting
• Puppeteering/Animation
• Special effects (in world)
• Camera skills
• Frame rate utilization
• FPS and codecs
• File management
• Still imaging

Post-production

All skills required to edit and release the final film for end user viewing. These include:

• Video editing techniques and software
• Audio post production
• Motion graphics
• Titling
• File types and formats
• Distribution options (web, streaming, DVD, mobile).

Software skills

The primary software package that will be required is the Second Life viewer and all the features related to Machinima. Software skills that are part of the certification are mainly centered around professional applications for capture, editing, post processing, and delivery of content. Open source applications are included where appropriate. Testing will utilize the following tools:

Second Life client

• Use of built-in recording capabilities
• Screen snaps
• Camera usage
• Camera controls
• Environment and local lighting
• Audio
• In world text usage or removal
• Techniques for including or excluding HUD's and various UI components (blue pop-ups, name titles, chat bubbles)

Video and graphics editors (depending on end user setup)

• Final Cut Studio: Final Cut Pro, Color, Compressor, Motion
• Shake
• Premiere, After Effects
• Photoshop
• Quicktime
• Avid
• Cinelerra (Linux)
• Pinnacle Studio
• Sony Vegas
• Plugins: Boris, GenArts Sapphire, Magic Bullet

Audio editors (depending on end user setup)

• Logic, Soundtrack Pro
• Pro Tools
• Cubase
• Neundo
• Digital Performer
• Peak
• Sonar
• Soundbooth

Video and audio capture tools (depending on end user setup)

• Fraps
• Camtasia
• HyperCam
• Snapz Pro X
• iShowU
• ScreenFlow
• glc (Linux)
• WireTap Studio

Content delivery

• YouTube
• Vimeo
• blip.tv
• Flash
• Dreamweaver
• DVD
• In world streaming

External certifications that are considered part of this topic include: Apple Pro Certification (Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio, Aperture), Adobe Certification (Premiere, Photoshop, Flash, et al), Avid Certification (Avid, Pro Tools). Others may be considered where relevant.

Technology skills

This area will also require knowledge in certain technical areas. These include understanding file types (.mov, avi, etc.), compression, network streaming, XML.