SL Cert - Intermediate Machinima

SL Certification

Process Guides:

• SL Certification Process
• Roles Guide
• Certification Guide
• SL KB Style Guide
• Skills List Template
• Training & Certification

Companies:

• Schools
• Certifiers (Candidates)

Skills Lists:

• Land Management:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Textures:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Terraforming:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Scripting:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Event Hosting:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Machinima:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Building:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Sculpty:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Marketing:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced
• Tutoring:
  Basic, Intermediate, Advanced

Other Information:

• SL Certification Participants

• Meeting Minutes

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 Intermediate Level.

Audience

Mid-level professional animators and filmmakers who use Second Life to produce videos.

Pre-requisites

Basic Certification.

Testing Criteria

Intermediate Machinima:

1. Lip syncing

2. Advanced animation

3. Advanced lighting techniques

4. Advanced editing and motion graphics

5. Advanced sound (foley, soundtrack music, spatial audio)

All skills will be demonstrated as a combination of a theoretical (multiple-choice) test, practical application in-world, and a complete final video containing all required certification criteria. The video will be done according to a defined script. Intermediate 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 five minute video using a pre-defined set of criteria as listed below.

Intermediate Level

Intermediate level certification candidates must demonstrate a mastery of the following topics:

1. Lip syncing:

1.1 Demonstrate ability to produce seamless lip synch animations to avatar speech.

1.2 Must be convincing on close up shots (e.g. head shots).

1.3 Must be demonstrated using several different voice actors using different cadences and speeds

2. Advanced animation:

2.1 Demonstrate ability to produce lifelike animation shots and scenes.

2.2 Demonstrate ability to produce shots using effective facial expressions, avatar movement, and lifelike qualities including use of non-human avatars.

2.3 Demonstrate mastery of frame rates, control over in-world obstacles such as lag, and use of animations without visible pose balls.

3. Advanced lighting:

3.1 Demonstrate ability to produce convincing set lighting in world.

3.2 Demonstrate ability to craft lighting to match mood called for in different script situations and genres (e.g. training, romance, sci-fi, horror, comedy).

4. Advanced editing and motion graphics:

4.1 Demonstrate ability to produce complex edits using professional video editing tools (e.g. Adobe Premiere, Apple Final Cut Pro).

4.2 Demonstrate ability to produce complex motion graphics effects and titles.

4.3 Demonstrate effective incorporation of still images and consistent color management.

5. Advanced sound:

5.1 Demonstrate ability to control sound requirements on in-world sets.

5.2 Demonstrate ability to capture vocal dialog and do seamless overdubs to ensure consistent high quality sound.

5.3 Demonstrate the effective use of foley and effects sounds added as post.

5.4 Demonstrate the effective use of soundtrack music:

5.4.1 According to genre (e.g. training, romance, sci-fi, horror, comedy).

5.4.2 Proper placement in scenes.

5.4.3 Proper mixing and equalization.

5.4.5 Proper use of spatial effects (e.g. doppler effects, distance, close up)