2D Animation

2D ANIMATION

Contest Description: 

The 2D Character Animation contest challenges secondary-level competitors to demonstrate both artistic and technical animation abilities through the creation of two short animated sequences and one final compiled submission. 

Students must show a practical understanding of animation principles, character performance, timing, staging, and story delivery. Competitors will work independently (no teacher assistance) under timed conditions to produce professional-level character animation in alignment with provincial Skills Ontario standards. 

The focus of the contest is storytelling through character movement and reaction, as well as the ability to apply animation fundamentals across two different tasks. 

Project Scope:

Competitors will complete two (2) animated tasks followed by one final compiled sequence: 

1. Ball Bounce with Tail (40 marks) 

Time Allowed: 3 hours 

Description: 

Competitors animate a ball with a tail entering from off-screen (left), interacting with three (3) environmental elements, and settling on the right side of the screen. 

The animation must clearly demonstrate the 12 Principles of Animation (anticipation, squash & stretch, timing, arcs, etc.). 

Requirements: 

• Must use the provided background. 

• No camera movement (locked-off camera). 

• Max length: 5 seconds 

• Submission: 1920×1080, 24 fps, MP4 

• File Name: Team#_BallBounce 

2. Character Animation Take – Reaction (50 marks) 

Time Allowed: 3 hours 

Description: 

Competitors animate a bipedal character (human or robot with head, torso, two arms, and two legs) performing a surprised reaction to a mysterious object entering the frame. 

The mystery object is revealed during orientation. 

Requirements: 

• Competitors must design or assemble their own background/staging. 

• Character, background, and object must be fully colored. 

• Camera movement and cuts are allowed and encouraged. 

• Max length: 7 seconds 

• Submission: 1920×1080, 24 fps, MP4 

• File Name: Team#_Reaction 

3. Final Sequence (10 marks) 

Competitors combine all required elements into one compiled final video including title slates. 

 Order: 

1. Team Title Slate 

2. Ball With Tail Title Slate 

3. Ball Bounce Animation 

4. Reaction Title Slate 

5. Character Reaction Animation 

6. Reference Footage (5-second hold) 

Requirements: 

• Submission: 1920×1080, 24 fps, MP4 

• File Name: Team#_FinalSequence 

• Must be fully rendered and submitted by 3:00 PM. 

Tools/ Supplies Required to be brought by students:

• A digital display drawing tablet (Wacom, XP-Pen, Huion, etc.) 

• All required tablet cables/adapters (HDMI, Mini-HDMI, USB-C, etc.) 

• Tablet drivers pre-downloaded and compatible with Windows 10 

• A stylus + extra nibs 

• Headphones (wired recommended) 

• Pencils + eraser for thumbnail storyboards 

• Sketchbook or paper for planning 

• Storyboard sheets & character model sheets 

• Refillable water bottle 

• Optional: personal USB drive for transferring assets 

• Optional: personal character designs/assets created in advance (if allowed)

Evaluation Rubric