chool uide school guide - animation brooke keesling, cartoon network’s manager of animation...

february 14 www.animationmagazine.net 1

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SCHOOL GUIDE2014

“We have unbelievable tools to use in animation today, but they are no different from using pencil on a piece of paper... I mean, no one goes to Milt Kahl–or Marc Davis or Ollie Johnston or Frank Thomas: ‘Wow, what pencil did you use?’ We have amazing tools, but it’s what the filmmakers do with them.”

— Disney/Pixar CCO John Lasseter

A n E d u c a t i o n a l S u p p l e m e n t

Clockwork from top: Character design sketches for Woody from Pixar’s Toy Story (1995) and Disney’s Bambi (1942); Vancouver Film School’s animation class; students at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio get prepared for the marketplace using Toon Boom technologies; an image from Dia de Los Muertos, the Student Oscar-winning short by Ringling students Ashley Graham and Lindsey St. Pierre.


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The buzz about animation’s girl power has been especially strong this season, fueled by writer/director Jennifer Lee’s Disney hit

Frozen. Not to take anything away from the legacy of Disney’s Nine Old Men, but a generation of women is writing some new chapters. Brenda Chapman rightfully picked up an Oscar for her leadership on Pixar’s Brave, while Jennifer Yuh has been at the helm for two installments of DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda franchise. One of this year’s most acclaimed animated shorts, the innovative 3-D Get a Horse!, is also both directed and produced by women—Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim respectively.

That trend is occurring in television too, notes Brooke Keesling, who manages animation talent development at Cartoon Network. “We have Rebecca Sugar, who directs the network’s Steven Universe.” she notes. “At Cartoon Network there is no shortage of women.”

Keesling is uniquely positioned to see talent-ed young women come into their own. Because in addition to her day job recruiting for the Cartoon Network, Keesling teaches a Film Production Work-shop at CalArts. “I basically mentor students through the making of their films,” she explains. She knows what that takes, since Keesling earned her MFA at CalArts, and her film Boobie Girl won the Gold Medal at the Student Academy Awards in 2001.

CalArts has a long tradition of producing award-winning animators who make their marks as pros, and since the number of its female students has exceeded males in recent years, we’re seeing more women get their professional shots. Nicole Mitchell, Student Oscar Gold Medalist in 2008, earned an Annie nomination

for her work on Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, while 2002 Silver Medalist Jen Sachs is now directing an animated documentary called The Fantastic Flights of Sophie Blanchard.

In recent years, Ringling College of Art and Design has also seen several female grads launch promising careers. After winning the 2011 Animation Gold Medal, Jenna Bors be-came an animator on commercials and on So-ny’s Arthur Christmas, while 2007 Bronze Med-alist Bevin Carnes worked on Green Lantern

and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. In 2011, Stevie Lewis earned a Bronze Medal and be-came a visual develop-ment artist at PDI/DreamWorks. And this past year, Lindsey St.

Pierre, Ashley Graham and Kate Reynolds shared the Gold Medal for Dia de los Muertos, which they helped finance by mounting a savvy Kickstarter campaign.

“They were so focused and dedicated that sometimes I forgot how young they were,” says Ringling teacher Heather Thomson about her student medalists.

Thomson, who’s a ’96 Ringling alumna and has taught there for 13 years, says, “We have a lot of female students, and I think the number is increasing.” Perhaps as a result, the message young women are hearing today is different. “They’re not being told that they need to be twice as good to be considered ‘good.’ They come with expectations of success.”

New Paths to SuccessYoung women animators are taking advan-

tage of the growth of adult-themed animation to gain footholds in the industry. Careen Ingle, who

Women on TopHow many of today’s animation and vfx schools are preparing women students for top positions in to-day’s competitive film and TV industry. by Ellen Wolff

“Young women don’t think they can’t succeed, because they

were never told they couldn’t. You don’t have to tell little girls

that they can do anything. They already know that!”— Brooke Keesling, Cartoon Network’s Manager of Animation Talent Development,

Places Other People Have Lived

Undone

4 www.animationmagazine.net february 14

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graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, has created animation for Conan, while her fellow alumna Laura Yilmaz recently worked on shorts for Comedy Central’s new series Trip-Tank. And Yilmaz’s personal film, Places Other People Have Lived, is a festival standout.

The explosion of animation on the web has also created opportunities for female artists with distinctive voices. Anima-tion producer Carolyn Bates from the Shut Up! Cartoons series recalls seeing the animation of Emily Brundige when Brundige was still at Ca-lArts. Bates recalls, “When were looking for someone for a ‘tween’ girls project, I remembered Emily.” The resulting web series, Pubertina, features animation, voic-es and even music by Brundige.

“Emily Brundige was my student,” says Mau-reen Selwood, a veteran teacher in CalArts’ Ex-perimental Animation program. “She was in a class that had 19 women and one man. Emily was very passionate about storytelling, and once she began to realize her potential as a writer, she knew who she wanted to be in a very public fo-rum. For a lot of young people, the web is where they have to begin.”

And the web has also become a platform for introducing female animators from an ever-grow-ing range of countries and cultures. As exam-ples, Selwood points to Momo Wang from Chi-na, Asavari Kumar from India and Sara Gunnars-dóttir from Iceland. “A lot of extraordinary talent is coming from Asia,” says Selwood, who regu-larly curates shows around the world. “I teach a class that has a woman from Lebanon and one from Palestine. I’m seeing women who are not used to feeling empowered, because of the countries they come from. But more women are

feeling that they have permission to break through in a man’s world—and not just in anima-tion and the arts.”

“In one class I teach, one of the first assign-ments is to create an artist statement,” Selwood adds. “I was surprised at how personal and open they were. Ten years ago you would never have seen that kind of openness in sharing per-

sonal stories. We talked about whether it was wise to reveal so much, and the women in the class were ferocious in saying, ‘Absolutely!’”

Hear Them RoarDeeply personal films are especially evident

among animators with an independent bent, ob-serves Agnieszka Woznicka, who teaches in the Film/ Animation/Video program at the Rhode Is-land School of Design (RISD). “I feel like there are two different paths: there is the Hollywood industry, which has not been very hospitable to women, and the world of independent anima-tion, which has been very nurturing.”

Woznicka’s particular expertise is in stop-motion, and she has seen several of her stu-dents embrace that form of animation and build a career doing it. By way of example, she cites Hayley Morris, whose poignant RISD film Undone used stop-motion animation to ex-plore her grandfather’s descent into Alzheim-er’s disease. Morris has since become a suc-cessful independent animator in N.Y.C., and a film festival favorite.

“A number of our graduates move to New York and do a lot of freelance work and music videos,” says Woznicka. “They’re still working with their classmates, and really helping each other. I find that encouraging to see.”

CalArts’ Keesling agrees. “I always tell my stu-dents; ‘Look around you. These are the people you’ll be with for years to come. So play nice and

help each other out. This is your core network that will help you get jobs out in the world.’”

How strong—and how soon—a network of young female animators builds its industry clout is an open question. Maureen Selwood ex-

pects, “It may take another three or four years to really see the growth of women who are keen to become directors.”

It’s likely that the rise of social media, and sites like Kickstarter, Vimeo and Tumblr may help accelerate the pace. Even the TED Talks site has

“I feel like there are two different paths: there is the Hollywood

industry, which has not been very hospitable to women, and the world

of independent animation, which has been very nurturing.”

— Agnieszka Woznicka, Rhode Island School of Design

Dia de los Muertos

The Fantastic Flights of Sophie Blanchard


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shone a spotlight on artists like Miwa Matreyek, who combines animation and live performance to extraordinary ef-fect.

“Young women don’t think they can’t succeed, because they were never told they couldn’t,” says Keesling. Paraphrasing co-median Sarah Silverman (who notably delivered

writer Jennifer Lee’s lines in Wreck-It Ralph) Keesling asserts: “You don’t have to tell little girls that they can do any-thing. They al-ready know that!”

Ellen Wolff is an award-winning journalist who covers animation, visual effects and education.

To view animation by these artists, visit:

Jenna Bors - jrbors.blogspot.comEmily Brundige -

emilybrundige.tumblr.comBevin Carnes – bevincarnes.com

Sara Gunnarsdóttir – saragunnarsdottir.com

Careen Ingle - careeningle.com

Asavari Kumar - asavarikumar.comStevie Lewis -

chocosweete.blogspot.comMiwa Matreyek -

semihemisphere.comHayley Morris - hayleymorris.net

Jen Sachs - jensachs.comLindsey St. Pierre, Ashley Graham,

Kate Reynolds - vimeo.com/71853142

Momo Wang - wangmomo.comLaura Yilmaz -

lauraemelyilmaz.com

Pubertina

Maureen Selwood Heather Thomson Carolyn Bates


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You have got your degree (or are about to get it) and are ready to unleash your animation skills

for the entire world to see. You are now armed with the technical knowledge that has helped shape your artistic tal-ents and looking to step into the real world of work. This juncture of your life may at first seem to be a daunting chal-lenge, and as with most careers, there may be a few lows before you hit the highs.

So, what do you do next? How do you get your first step on the ladder that takes you into the animation industry? Well, for starters, you will need a relentless, persistent, can-do attitude. In addition, the following 10 practical tips will help...

1. Get your paperwork ready.Have you written up your CV? Have you also written up a résumé (a document that is similar to a CV but comparably shorter in size and de-tail)? Have you gotten these checked by a pro-fessional CV writer, or maybe a careers advisor at your university?

Make sure you tailor your applications in ways that demonstrate how your skills, knowl-

edge, qualifications and talent fit the job descrip-tion advertised. Stay honest, focused and dili-gent, ensuring no writing and formatting errors.

2. Prepare a portfolio of your best work. This may be something that you have already produced during your schooling. If so, getting it filed, labelled and organized is all you will need to do. However, if you don’t have an impressive enough portfolio which demonstrates your skill set, it would certainly be worth investing the time creating one.

Be sure to include any work that you may have done during external internships or freelance work, while you were at university. This definitely adds credence to your caliber and supports what you state in your job applications. Make sure your portfolio is available in both electronic (i.e. in a CD, USB memory stick or an external hard drive) as well as in physical formats.

3. Consider your career path.Of course, this depends on where your interests lie with regards to the various areas that exist in the animation indus-try. For instance, are you interested in working with the big guns, such as Disney, Pixar or Warner Bros.? If so, what ideas and samples of work do you have that would be worth presenting to these studios, if and when you hear

from them? Or, you may be interested in work-ing for small- to medium-sized animation studios which produce whiteboard animations, explainer videos, 2D and 3D animations for commercial purposes. This is a growing market with a good deal of opportunity for recent graduates. Studios specializing in commercial animations are usually open to hiring fresh talent provided they have a good technical foundation and demonstrate a willingness to learn. So, it could therefore be a good starting point.

4. Be realistic.The type of initial employment contract you are offered will most likely depend on how impres-sive your portfolio is, your previous experience

working on real commercial projects and how well you do in your interview.

A growing number of artists in the profes-sion prefer to work on a freelance basis and can earn a good living doing so. It isn’t uncommon for freelance professionals who receive regular work due to their reputation to earn significantly more than their counterparts in full time employment with repu-table studios. Therefore if you would like a career where the working hours are scheduled around your own terms or are having difficulty getting full time employment, taking on free-lance projects may be an excel-lent option. Taking on freelance work can help you get your foot through the door, gain experi-

ence, build your network of contacts and support yourself financially whilst you wait for the ideal full time position to come along.

Also make sure that you are clear on what the mean salary range is for professionals with your experience and skill level and aim to keep your expectations within that range. Expecting to be paid higher than the industry average at the start of your career can unnecessarily hamper your job opportunities, which you want to avoid if possible.

5. Be patient. Aiming high is great, and you should! However, being realistic is also essential. If you have a gen-uine passion for animation and are committed to reaching the top, there is no doubt you can suc-ceed in this fantastic industry.

It usually takes several years to acquire a substantial portfolio of impressive work–and get recognized for it. Even if openings do emerge for the top positions, the big guns are likely to look for experienced professionals who have the best proven track record. Acquiring this experience naturally takes time and if you want to get to the top, you will need to allow for this.

6. Network, network, network! Similar to other creative industries, you can pro-pel your career in animation by networking within the relevant circles. While this once involved the physical act of knocking on the doors of various studios, today you can connect with the ones that matter on social networks, such as LinkedIn and Twitter. You could also go online and search for animation studios in and around your area, study their websites, keep track of their work and con-tact them with your CV and portfolio.

In addition, make sure you join the relevant

Ten Practical Tips for Recent Graduates by Manroop Takhar

“It used to be that most young artists considering a career in animation looked

at Disney and anime as the direction to take. Today, in the real world of animation,

choices are much wider and some say much more interesting.”

— The Art Institutes, USA

Manroop Takhar

Meeting Opportunities: Industry events like Animation Magazine’s Summit in Los Angeles

offer perfect opportunities for you to meet industry professionals and decision makers .


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industry associations where other professionals in the field mingle. These can be a great source for keeping up to date with the advances in the sector, learning about new job openings and ob-taining freelance work. And consider non-paid internships, which can look great on your CV, in-crease your range of contacts in the industry and be great for learning new skills.

7. Be flexible and in the know. If you network successfully, potential employers may wish to speak with you in person or ask if you are willing to relocate to where they are based, should you be based far from them. If you are in between animation jobs, you should still keep creating new pieces of work that are in tandem with what the industry is currently producing.

8. Diversify your skills. Maybe your strengths lie in making 3D anima-tions or you may prefer creating cartoons over clay models.However, if you were asked to go out of your comfort zone, would you be up for it? As a general rule of thumb, any expe-rienced professional would have his/her core strengths, but would also have some knowl-edge of areas outside their key skill set. If you broaden your skills to cover at least two to four styles of animation and display this in your port-folio, you will have better chances of standing out from the crowd and being noticed.

9. Be observant.Animation is an ever evolving field, which is one of the reasons why a career in the industry can be so interesting. To ensure your work is up to speed with the latest styles and innovations, ob-serve the latest work and trends. What are your favorite recent animated adverts? What innova-tions have you noticed in the latest animated

movies that you particularly admire or excite you? Can you incorporate any of these recent trends into your work?

10. Be positive and do not give up!As mentioned at the start of the article, if you find yourself having to take on freelance projects in the beginning to make ends meet, do not feel discouraged or defeated. Getting into animation can take time, but with the right experience, port-folio and determination, there is no reason why you cannot have a rewarding career in this excit-

ing and ever-growing field. Wishing you all the very best!

Dr. Manroop Takhar manages London-based Qudos Anima-tion, a leading animation studio that pro-duces for business worldwide. You can con-tact him at [email protected].

“Just because you don’t get accepted to the first batch of studios you apply to, it

does not mean you should give up and find something else to do. It means you

keep working on your skills, adding new shots to your reel, getting rid of old work,

and send those reels back out again! Studios will keep files on you, and watch

your progress. And don’t think that they won’t notice your enthusiasm either.”

— Dana Boadway, Animation Mentor


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The Animator’s Survival Kit, Revised Edition. By Richard Williams (Faber & Faber, $35).

Based on master classes that draw from the Oscar-winning director’s

(Who Framed Roger Rabbit) four decades of experience, this volume holds treasures of information for all animators, from the absolute beginner to the most accomplished. Hundreds of drawings are provided to shed light on the entire animation process. Packed with time-tested survival tips—related with the author’s clear storytelling savoir faire—the Revised Edition is updated with primers on the challenges of CG animation, stop-motion and web toons. You can also pick up the handy DVD set based on the book, and learn along with Williams’ animation master class footage. The Survival Kit is also available as a very useful app which features all the text and animated examples from the DVD box set, scrubbable frame-by-frame, onion-skinning functionality on selected animated examples and previously unreleased animation by Williams.

The Art of Frozen. By Charles Solomon (Chronicle Books, $40).

As we were compiling this book list, Disney’s latest CG-

animated ice princess movie passed the $550 million mark at the box office and became of the studio’s most successful animated pictures. Animation historian Solomon takes us behind the scenes of this phenomenal success story, providing interviews with the directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, paired with a wealth of concept art, storyboards, character designs, environmental work, props and motifs, as well as photos from a research trip to Norway. Overall, readers will come away with a great appreciation of how much work, artistry and technological achievement is involved in the making of a blockbuster animated studio movie these days.

The Art of Jay Ward Productions. By Darrell Van Citters (Oxberry Press, $49.95).

In what may be one of the most impressive accomplishments of the animation book world this year, esteemed Looney Tunes director

Van Citters has assembled a fantastic 352-page collection featuring

almost a thousand illustrations from Jay Ward Productions’ toons. Not only does this lovingly crafted book feature artwork from Rocky and Bullwinkle, Fractured Fairy Tales, Aesop & Son, Dudley Do-Right, Hoppity Hooper, George of the Jungle and Mr. Peabody and Sherman, the author also gives credit where credit is due—to all the supremely talented artists who worked with Ward at the creative hub.

Chuck Jones: The Dream that Never Was. By Chuck Jones, Edited by Kurtis Findlay and Dean Mullaney (IDW Publishing, $49.99).

In the world of animation, four-time Academy Award winner

(and eight time nominee) Chuck Jones needs no introduction. We are all familiar with Pepe Le Pew, Marvin the Martian, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and the other delightful characters he created. This volume tells the little-known story of one character close to the artist’s heart, and yet likely unfamiliar to most. Crawford, an accident-prone seven-year old, didn’t make it to the Saturday morning television or Warner Bros. shorts universe. Instead, he ran as a short-lived newspaper strip in the late 1970s. This book documents the nearly three decades it took Jones to bring this character to the public. The gorgeous volume is filled with never-before-seen illustrations that document the fascinating story.

Cracking Animation: The Aardman Book of 3-D Animation. By Peter Lord and Brian Sibley (Thames & Hudson, $31.95).

W ith their impeccable sense of humor and top-notch craftsmanship, the

artists of Bristol-based Aardman Animations has certainly raised the bar in stop-motion animation. Formed by Peter Lord and David Sproxton in 1972, Aardman continues to be on the cutting-edge of both stop-motion and CG-animated TV series (such as Shaun the Sheep and Timmy Time), movies (The Pirates! Band of Misfits) and commercials. While the book came out in 2010, it offers a revealing look at the making of some of the studio’s biggest hits such as the Wallace and Gromit films, Chicken Run and

10 Essential Books for Animation Students (& Fans!)


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Flushed Away. Chapters on basic clay animation, model making, set designs, animating movements and expressions and using CGI are especially educational. The fact that the book also serves as a great compendium of images from our favorite shorts and movies is just icing on the cake.

Directing for Animation: Everything You Didn’t Learn in Art School. By Tony Bancroft (Focal Press, $34.95).

Imagine taking a one-on-one class with one of the best-liked and most talented

contemporary animation directors. Well, that is what you get when you pick up Tony Bancroft’s fun and informative new book about the art and craft of directing animation. Bancroft, whose numerous credits include Mulan, The Lion King, The Emperor’s New Groove and Stuart Little 2, serves up all kinds of important advice about how to make animated characters real and focus on key ingredients such as plot, place and purpose. He begins by discussing the nuts and bolts of the job, and moves on to more abstract topics such as “how to mediate all the chefs in the kitchen” or “how to infuse your own ideals, sense of humor and personality into the project.” In addition, Bancroft has interviewed some of the top animation helmers of the past 20 years (the likes of Dean DeBlois, Pete Docter, Eric Goldberg, John Musker, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Nick Park and Chris Wedge) which makes this book an even more enjoyable read.

Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes, Vols. 1 and 2. By Walt Stanchfield, edited by Don Hahn (Focal Press, $29.95 each).

S tanchfield was once dubbed the Mark Twain of Disney Studios, the

man who electrified the animators with his simple, yet laser-sharp lessons on drawing, animation and observing life for over two decades. In 2009, Oscar-winning Disney producer Hahn gave animation lovers a wonderful gift by putting together the master’s notes in two well-illustrated paperbacks—a pair of timeless and essential primers that should be in every toon aficionado’s library.

The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation. By Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas (Disney Editions, $60).

O ften considered the granddaddy of all the books on animation, this masterpiece will be read and cherished even when

animation is projected directly into your head in the future! Frank and

Ollie, two of the most famous Nine Old Men at Disney, offer their take on how the studio created classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi and Pinocchio. Not only do readers get an intimate history of Uncle Walt’s operation, they also learn about the process of traditional animation from two of the smartest and most talented experts on the subject. And seriously, how can you say no to their beautiful sketches, storyboard art and historic photos?

The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design. By Tod Polson (Chronicle Books, $40).

Fans of classic animation gems such as Dumbo, How

the Grinch Stole Christmas and numerous Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Road Runner cartoons are already in love with the rich legacy of layout artist Maurice Noble. In this, one of the best animation books of the year, former Noble apprentice Polson offers a fantastic look at the master artist’s inspiring work process, providing a rich collection of artwork, notes, lovely anecdotes and valuable lessons about creating timeless toons. As his frequent collaborator Chuck Jones notes in the charming intro to the book (taken from the 1987 ASIFA Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony), “Maurice seldom tried to provide animation gags per se, but he created a world where animation could flourish.” In short, the book provides a worthy testament to the genius of this unique American artist.

The World History of Animation. By Stephen Cavalier (University of California Press, $39.95).

W ith an exhaustive scope and luxurious illustrations,

Stephen Cavalier’s 416-page tome is the kind of resource book you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again. This comprehensive volume offers a nice roundup of all the important works of animation, divided up by 30-year chunks (1900-1927, 1928-1957, 1958-1985 and 1986-2010). Key films, TV shows, shorts and animators from Europe, Asia and North America are covered, and a helpful glossary of terms, Oscar winners through the years and animation books and websites also add value to the publication. ♦


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UNITED STATES

Academy of Art UniversitySan Francisco, CAwww.academyart.eduPhone: (800) 544-2787Fax: (415) 628-6287E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Accredited AA, BA, BFA, B.Arch (in candidacy status), MA, MFA and M.Arch degree programs in 23 areas of study, as well as continuing art education, pre-college art experience programs and teacher grants.Number of students in animation program: 2,325Cost of program: Undergraduate tuition: $785 per unit; graduate: $885 per unitHead of animation: Chris Armstrong (Animation & VFX), Nicolas P. Villareal (Visual Dev.)Time of year offered: Spring, Summer & Fall semestersApplication deadline: Rolling admissions. Spring 2014 registration open through January 27, Summer 2014 registration through June 16, Fall 2014 registration through September 4.Equipment: Computer Lab: High-end PC work stations with

Maya, ZBrush, Adobe, RenderMan and more; Mac work stations, including stations with Final Cut Pro for input/output; peripheral devices: Wacom tablets, Cintiq tablets, firewire, DVD burners and printers; scanner work stations. Video Lab: Mac work stations, HD video capabilities for location and green room shoots, DVD authoring. Sound booth with Sound Forge software. Green-screen studio.

Academy of Interactive EntertainmentLafayette, IN | Seattle, WAtheaie.usPhone: IN: (337) 456-1848; WA: (206) 428-6350Fax: IN: (337) 232-0790; WA: (206) 428-6354E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (3D Animation & VFX), Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development (Game Art & Animation), Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development (Game Programming)Number of students in animation program: 1:10 teacher-student ratioCost of program: $16,500 per year for

2014-15Head of animation: Dan WilliamsHead of admissions: Kristie Chamberlain; Judith Frey Time of year offered: Semesters begin September and JanuaryApplication deadline: See websiteEquipment: Double Monitor PC workstations with Maya, ZBrush, Photoshop, After Effects, Nuke, Premiere, Mudbox. Wacom Bamboo tablets, sketchbooks and pencils

The Animation AcademyBurbank, Catheanimationacademy.comPhone: (818) 848-6590E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: CertificateNumber of students in animation program: 150 - 200 annuallyCost of program: $395 to enter. Each class meets once per week. Bi-monthly semesters.Head of animation: Charles ZembillasHead of admissions: George NovotnyTime of year offered: Year roundApplication deadline: Monthly enrollmentEquipment available: Traditional animation disks/light boxes,

computers, pencil test equipment, CG software, video editing and digital illustration software.

The Art Instituteswww.artinstitutes.eduMultiple LocationsPhone: (888) 624-0300

The Bakshi SchoolSilver City, NMthebakshischool.comPhone: (575) 534-9291E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Classes for adults, young adults/teens and workshopsHead of animation: Eddie BakshiHead of admissions: Jess GorellTime of year offered: Year round

Bloomfield CollegeBloomfield, NJwww.bloomfield.eduPhone: (973) 748-9000 Boston University Center for Digital Imaging ArtsWaltham, MA & Washington, DCwww.cdiabu.comPhone: (800) 808-2342E-mail: [email protected]

Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UTanimation.byu.edu

Phone: (801) 422-8773E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA in Animation, Computer Science BA with Animation Emphasis, BFA in Illustration with Concept Design EmphasisNumber of students in animation program: 75Cost of program: $2,425 per semester for LDS students; $4,850 per semester for non LDS studentsHead of animation & admissions: Kelly LoosliTime of year offered: Semester schedule, Fall startApplication deadline: June Equipment: Multiple labs running 2D and 3D software on workstation grade machines; traditional animation lab; screening room.

Burlington CollegeBurlington, VTwww.burlington.eduPhone: (802) 862-9616E-mail: [email protected]

California College of the ArtsOakland, CAcca.eduPhone: (510) 594-3600Fax: (510) 594-3696E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates

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offered: Undergraduate: Animation, Architecture (BArch), Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting/Drawing. Graduate: Architecture (MArch), Fine Arts, MFA in Comics, MFA in Film.Number of students in animation program: 200Cost of program: Undergraduate: $39,984; Graduate: $41,670Head of animation: Rick VertolliHead of admissions: Noel DahlTime of year offered: Spring, Summer, WinterApplication deadline: March 1 for Fall applicants, October 1 for Spring applicantsEquipment: Everything necessary for all departments is available to check out from the Media Services Office.

California Institute of the ArtsSchool of Film & Videocalarts.eduPhone: (661) 255-1050Fax: (661) 253-7710E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA and Certificate in Character Animation. BFA, MFA, Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Experimental Animation.Number of students in animation program: Character Animation: 170, Experimental Animation: 86Cost of program: 2013 Tuition: $39,976Heads of animation: Dan Hansen (Character Anim.); Kirsten Winter (Experimental Anim.)Head of admissions: Molly RyanTime of year offered:

September through MayApplication deadline: Preferred deadline: December. Regular deadline: January. See website.Equipment available: The School of Film/Video’s Equipment Cage offers a range of film and video equipment, from underwater camera systems to portable digital stop-motion kits, allowing students to shoot on the school’s production stages, in front of a green-screen, at home or on location. The Equipment Cage features video and film cameras, lighting kits, microphones, digital sound recorders, stereoscopic systems and video installation equipment. School facilities also include 2D and 3D animation computer labs, stop-motion shooting stages, sound recording and mix theaters, a digital image/compositing lab, multimedia lab, an installation gallery space, production sound stages and post-production editing facilities.

California State University FullertonFullerton, CAwww.fullerton.edu/artsPhone: (657) 278-3220E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA Entertainment Art/Animation, BFA Illustration, MA/MFA IllustrationNumber of students in animation program: 350Cost of program: $6,200 per yearHead of animation: Chuck Grieb

Head of admissions: Jessica WagonerTime of year offered: Fall and Spring semestersApplication deadline: Nov. 30, 2013Equipment available: 3D digital labs, pencil test equipment, Adobe Master Suite, animation drawing tables.

California State University NorthridgeNorthridge, CAwww.csun.eduPhone: (818) 677-1200

Cañada CollegeRedwood City, CAwww.canadacollege.edu/multimediaPhone: (650) 306-3330E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: AA degree, 3D Animation/Video Game DesignCertificate, 3D Animation/Video Game DesignNumber of students in animation program: 120Cost of program: Standard community college tuition/fee ratesHead of animation: Paul NaasTime of year offered: Fall or Spring startApplication deadline: First day of classEquipment available: Digital 2D studio, 3D studio and traditional animation studio. Digital studios are equipped with the latest graphics and animation software, as well as up-to-date computers and peripheral equipment. Green-screen capability and sound recording/editing equipment. State-of-the-art theater for end of year student work screenings.

Chapman University Dodge College of Film & Media ArtsOrange, CAftv.chapman.eduPhone: (714) 997-6765E-mail: [email protected]

Cleveland Institute of ArtCleveland, OHwww.cia.eduPhone: (216) 421-7000E-mail: [email protected]

Cogswell CollegeSunnyvale, CAwww.cogswell.eduPhone: (408) 541-0100E-mail: [email protected]

College of the CanyonsSanta Clarita, CAwww.canyons.eduPhone: (661) 259-7800Fax: (661) 259-8302E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: AA: Animation Production, Computer Animation. Certificate: Animation Production, Videogame Development.Number of students in animation program: 100-150Cost of program: $1,360Head of animation: Jeffrey BakerHead of admissions: Jasmine RhysTime of year offered: Fall & Spring semestersApplication deadline: Year roundEquipment available: Traditional animation studio with 22 light tables, 2 Dragon Animation Programs (for

animation capture and playback), 2 Lunchbox Animation Systems (for animation capture and playback). 25 Dell workstation computers with 64 Gig of RAM, high-end Nvidia video cards, high speed internet connections. Software: Maya 2014 (plus Autodesk Mudbox and Motionbuilder), ZBrush R4, After Effects CS6.

Collin County Community CollegePlano, TXwww.collin.eduPhone: (972) 516-5089E-mail: [email protected]

Columbia CollegeChicago, ILgame.colum.eduPhone: (312) 369-7750E-mail: [email protected]

Columbus College of Art & DesignColumbus, OHwww.ccad.eduPhone: (614) 222-3261Fax: (614) 232-8344E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts: Advertising & Graphic Design, Animation, Cinematic Arts, Fine Arts, Illustration. Project-based, multidisciplinary Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts: New Projects.Number of students in animation program: 143Cost of program: Tuition $28,872 per yearHead of animation: Charlotte BellandHead of admissions: Densil R.R. Porteous II


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School Guide

Time of year offered: Fall & Spring semestersApplication deadline: Rolling admission until Aug. 1; Priority Deadline Feb. 15Equipment available: 41 Cintiq 21UX PC stations, stop-motion lab with DSLRs and Dragonframe, Sandbox Student Lounge for Animation Student Collective. CCAD is the only U.S. Center or Excellence for Toon Boom Animation.

DePaul UniversityChicago, ILwww.cdm.depaul.eduPhone: (312) 362-8714Fax: (312) 362-5185E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BA Animation, BFA Animation, MA Animation, MFA AnimationNumber of students in animation program: 270Cost of program: Undergraduate full-time tuition: $33,390 per year (2013-14)Head of animation: Scott RobertsHead of admissions: Liz FriedmanTime of year offered: Year roundApplication deadline: February 1 for fall admissionEquipment available: 3D, stop motion, motion capture, motion control and green-screen studios.

DigiPen Institute of TechnologyRedmond, WAwww.digipen.eduPhone: (425) 558-0299; toll-free (866) 478-5236E-mail: [email protected]

The Digital Animation & Visual Effects SchoolOrlando, FLwww.daveschool.comPhone: (407) 224-3283Fax: (407) 224-5648E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Certificate of CompletionNumber of students in animation program: 80Cost of program: $33,500Head of animation: Jeffery ScheetzHead of admissions: Lauren DottleyTime of year offered: January, April, June, SeptemberEquipment available: Maya, 3DS Max, Nuke, ZBrush, MotionBuilder, Photoshop, PFTrack, Mocha, Mari, Unity, Unreal Development Kit. Digital Media Arts CollegeBoca Raton, FLwww.dmac.eduPhone: (561) 391-1148E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Professional Certificates: Computer Generated Modeling, Drawing, Motion Graphics, Graphic Design, Web Design. Associate & Bachelor Undergraduate Degrees: Graphic Design (AS), Multimedia Design (AS), Graphic Design (BFA), Advertising (BFA), Computer Animation (BFA), Game Art (BFA), Web Design & Development (BS), Programming (BS). MFA Graduate Degrees: Graphic & Web Design,

Visual Effects Animation.Number of students in animation program: 160Cost of program: $582 per credit hourHead of animation: Brett BakerHead of admissions: M.J. SafraTime of year offered: All yearApplication deadline: All yearEquipment available: 33,000+ square foot facility. Computer labs regularly updated with software and hardware to industry standards. Dual Xeon processor PCs with Nvidia Quadro graphics cards running Autodesk and Adobe software, Apple G5 computers with 23” cinema displays with Adobe software for graphic design and motion graphics. Render farm of networked computers. Student laptop program. On-site help desk. Fully featured art studio, motion capture chroma key wall with professional video equipment, dialogue library, graffiti and gallery walls and student lounge.

Earthlight Pictures Animation Training & TeletrainingOR, CA & Onlinewww.earthlightpictures.comPhone: (503) 697-7914Fax: (503) 697-7914E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: CertificateNumber of students in animation program: 30-60 per year (youth & adults)Cost of program: Call for detailsHead of animation &

admissions: John TetonTime of year offered: Quarterly classes and solo instruction, concentrated workshops, and teletraining instruction four quarters each yearApplication deadline: Rolling admissionsEquipment available: Call for details

Edinboro University of PennsylvaniaEdinboro, PAart.edinboro.eduPhone: (814) 732-2406Fax: (814) 732-2414E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA Cinema (Animation, Computer Animation, Film & Video), BS Game and Virtual World DevelopmentNumber of students in animation program: 250 Cost of program: Tuition, room & board $18,815 (PA resident) $22,667.20 (non-resident)Head of animation: Mike GenzHead of admissions: Amber SchultzTime of year offered: Fall & SpringApplication deadline: Contact Admissions (814) 732-2000Equipment available: 25 dual monitor PC workstations with Wacom tablets, Oculus Rift, 20 Wacom Cintiq lab, 10 TB disc storage, smart board technology, 25 seat custom theater with 5 point surround sound, 1 experimental multi axis flat bed, 3 stop-motion stages, stop-motion stage light kits, 32 channel sound board and sound studio, 6 Canon Digital

SLR cameras, 2 large bed color scanners, 25 custom made light desks, 6 down shooters with Flipbook, Dragon Frame, Toon Boom Harmony, Maya, 3d Studio Max, Mudbox, Adobe Production Suite, CS6.

Ex’pression CollegeEmeryville & San Jose, CAexpression.eduPhone: (877) 833-8800E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Applied Science: Animation & Visual Effects, Digital Filmmaking, Game Art & Design, Motion Graphic DesignNumber of students in animation program: 94Cost of program: $94,400Head of animation: Brian AndrewsHead of admissions: Daniel A. LevinsonTime of year offered: March, July, November 2014 in Emeryville. January, March, May, July, September & November in San Jose.Application deadline: Applications accepted year-round. Apply early to reserve a spot in desired program.Equipment available: Software: Maya, ZBrush, Mudbox, Nuke, RenderMan, MotionBuilder, Blade, PFTrack, Qube, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, et al. Computer labs with state-of-the-industry workstations, distributed render farm, motion capture stage, green-screen stage, sound stage, stop-motion lab,


School Guide


School Guide

art studios. HD cameras including Cannon C300s, Cannon HDSLRs and Panasonic HVXs. Wacom tablets, animation light boxes, professional lighting, grip, camera accessories and sound equipment.

Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York, NYwww.fitnyc.eduPhone: (212) 217-5440; (212) 217-4681E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA Computer Animation & Interactive MediaNumber of students in animation program: 48Cost of program: In-state tuition: $5,168 per year; out-of-state: $13,550Head of animation: Terry BlumHead of admissions: Elizabeth GrubicTime of year offered: FallApplication deadline: January 1Equipment available: HPZ800 Platform. Softimage, AVID, Adobe Master Suite, Autodesk Entertainment Suite, Pixologic, ZBrush, et al.

Ferris State UniversityGrand Rapids, Michiganwww.ferris.eduPhone: (616) 451-4777Fax: (616) 451-4740E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelors of Applied Science. Associates in Pre-digital MediaNumber of students in animation program:

200+Cost of program: $415 per credit hour; 124 credit hours for degree. Community College friendly.Head of animation: David BakerHead of admissions: Cynthia BlaszakTime of year offered: Fall/WinterApplication deadline: RollingEquipment available: 80 dell workstations, dual monitor; Canon/Sony HD cameras and support equipment; Adobe Creative Suite, 3ds Max, Maya, Unreal UDK, Roadkill, MS Office Suite, Oculus Rift, Google Glass

Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem, NCwww.forsythtech.eduPhone: (336) 723-0371

Full Sail UniversityWinter Park, FLwww.fullsail.eduPhone: (800) 226-7625E-mail: [email protected]

Gnomon School of Visual EffectsHollywood, CAwww.gnomonschool.comPhone: (323) 466-6663Fax: (323) 466-6710E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 1-year Entertainment Design, 2-year Digital Production for Entertainment, 3-year Entertainment Design & Digital Production for Entertainment, Individual Classes, Online Classes, Digital Production for

Entertainment Certificate, Entertainment Design and Digital Production CertificateNumber of students in animation program: 135Cost of program: $69,275-$84,975Head of animation: Mark DedeckerHead of admissions: Brian BradfordTime of year offered: Quarterly termsEquipment available: 20,000 sq. ft. facility, 7 computer labs, 3 lecture rooms, 2 drawing and sculpture studios, 70 ft. green-screen stage, state-of-the-art Windows workstations. Software: Autodesk Maya & MotionBuilder, Pixologic ZBrush, Side Effects Houdini, Adobe Suite, The Foundry Nuke & Mari, Maxon Cinema 4D & Bodypaint 3D, Unreal.

Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale, MIgvsu.edu/filmvideoPhone: (616) 331-5000E-mail: [email protected]

Grossmont CollegeEl Cajon, CAwww.grossmont.eduPhone: (619) 644-7000

The Guildhall atSouthern Methodist UniversityPlano, TXwww.smu.edu/guildhallPhone: (972) 473-3539Fax: (972) 473-3599E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Masters Degree in Interactive Technology with specializations in Art Creation, Level Design, Software Development

or Production Management (Video Game Development). Professional Certification in Game Development with specializations in Art Creation, Level Design or Software Development.Number of students in animation program: 45Cost of program: $74,000 for 24 month program (includes laptop, software, tablet, wacom tablet)Head of animation: Elizabeth StringerHead of admissions: Rene ArchambaultTime of year offered: January & AugustApplication deadline: Mid-October (January term); mid-April (August term)Equipment available: Wacom Tablets, wireless motion capture, Alienware laptops, development, Usability Lab for game testing

Hampshire CollegeAmherst, MAwww.hampshire.eduPhone: (413) 549-4600E-mail: [email protected]

Indiana University School of Informatics at IUPUIIndianapolis, INPhone: (317) 278-4636E-mail: [email protected]

Laguna College of Art + DesignLaguna Beach, CAwww.lcad.eduPhone: (800) 255-0762Fax: (949) 715-8084E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of

Fine Arts: Animation, Drawing & Painting, Drawing & Painting w/sculpture Emphasis, Design & Digital Media, Design & Digital Media w/Action Sports Emphasis, Design & Digital Media w/Illustration Emphasis, Game Art, Illustration, Illustration w/Drawing & Painting Emphasis, Illustration w/Entertainment Emphasis.Minors: Creative Writing, Design & Digital Media, Animation, Illustration, Drawing & Painting, Sculpture. Number of students in animation program: 104Cost of program: $27,300 per yearHead of animation: David KuhnHead of admissions: Christopher BrownTime of year offered: Fall & SpringApplication deadline: Rolling

Lansing Community CollegeLansing, MIwww.lcc.eduPhone: (517) 483-1957; toll free (800) 644-4522

Lesley UniversityCambridge, MAwww.lesley.edu/animationPhone: (617) 349-8800Fax: (617) 349-8810E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA Animation, BFA Animation double majors, BFA, Professional Certificate AnimationNumber of students in animation program: 53Cost of program: Tuition 2014: $24,000 Head of animation:


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School Guide

John CaseyHead of admissions: Debra KocarTime of year offered: September & January starts; freshman and transfer studentsApplication deadline: Fall 2014 Freshman: Early Action deadline Dec. 15; Regular Decision preferred deadline Feb. 15. Fall 2014 Transfer: preferred deadline May 1; Spring 2014 Freshman or Transfer: Dec. 15.

Los Angeles Academy of Figurative ArtVan Nuys, CAwww.laafa.orgPhone: (818) 708-9232E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 3-year Entertainment Art Degree, 3-year Entertainment Art Certificate, 18-month Intensive Entertainment Art Training Track - Certificate of Completion, 1-year Intensive Drawing Training Track - Certificate of Completion.Number of students in animation program: 10Cost of program: $4,700 per quarterHead of animation: Bill PerkinsHead of admissions: Holly Olin-MillerTime of year offered: FallApplication deadline: Rolling Equipment available: Laptops available for temporary use.

The Los Angeles Film SchoolHollywood, CAwww.lafilm.eduPhone: (323) 860-0789E-mail: [email protected]

Degrees/Certificates offered: Associate of Science: Computer Animation, Game Production. Bachelor Degree: Computer Animation (offered April 2014 on campus, Fall 2014 online)Number of students in animation program: 92 Cost of program: $43,406.50Head of animation: Lori HammondHead of admissions: Ben ChaibTime of year offered: Monthly enrollmentApplication deadline: Last day of registrationEquipment available: Dell Precision computers (laptops & labs), Zprinter (3D Printer), large green-screen for VFX “Compositing & Scene Finishing classes. Software in Animation Lab: Maya, Nuke, ZBrush, Photoshop, After Effects.

Loyola Marymount University School of Film & TelevisionLos Angeles, CAsftv.lmu.eduPhone: (310) 258-7200E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BA AnimationNumber of students in animation program: 65Cost of program: $37,605Head of animation: Tom KleinHead of admissions: Christine FelkelTime of year offered: Fall, SpringApplication deadline: January 15, 2014Equipment available: Cintiqs in every classroom; Isolon high-speed network; first

school to offer instruction in virtual cinematography; PipelineFX Qube render farm; motion capture/stop-motion stage with OptiTrack system and LED lighting.

New York University Tisch School of the Arts The Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film & TelevisionNew York, NY filmtv.tisch.nyu.eduPhone: (212) 998-1779 Fax: (212) 995-4062 E-mail: [email protected] Degrees/Certificates offered: BFA Film & Television Number of students in animation program: 350 film students Cost of program: $68,000 including housing and fees Head of animation: John Canemaker Head of admissions: Patricia Decker Time of year offered: Fall, Spring; Summer sessions available Application deadline: Freshmen: January 1, Transfers April 1Equipment: Mac Pro towers (mid 2012), 2 file servers (Windows & Mac), renderfarm using Deadline, Cintiqs: 21 inch and 12 inch portable, Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, Premiere, Autodesk Maya Education Suite, 3d Studio Max, Mudbox, ZBrush, Cinema 4D, Dragonframe, Nuke, Avid, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Pencil Test Stations.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Minneapolis, MNwww.mcad.eduPhone: (612) 874-3700; toll free (800) 874-6223E-mail: [email protected]

New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies Center for Advanced Digital ApplicationsNew York, NYwww.scps.ny.edu/cadaPhone: (212) 998-7100E-mail: [email protected]

Otis College of Art and DesignLos Angeles, CAwww.otis.eduPhone: (310) 665-6800E-mail: [email protected]

Philadelphia UniversityPhiladelphia, PAwww.philau.edu/animationPhone: (215) 951-2700E-mail: [email protected]

Platt CollegeSan Diego, CAwww.platt.eduPhone: (866) 752-8826E-mail: [email protected]

Pratt InstituteNew York, NYwww.pratt.eduPhone: (718) 636-3600E-mail: [email protected]

Rhode Island School of DesignProvidence, RIwww.risd.eduPhone: (401) 454-6300E-mail: admissions@

risd.edu

Ringling College of Art and DesignSarasota, FLwww.ringling.eduPhone: (941) 351-5100E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts: Computer Animation, Game Art & Design, Illustration, Digital Filmmaking, Motion Design, Fine Arts Number of students in animation program: 240Cost of program: $35,490 per yearHead of animation: Jim McCampbellHead of admissions: Jim DeanTime of year offered: Fall & Spring semestersApplication deadline: January 15Equipment available: Relationships with leading software and hardware development companies such as Pixar, Alias, Sony and IBM ensures access to the latest advances in software technology as well as emerging hardware developments.

Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NYcias.rit.edu/designPhone: (585) 475-2754E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA in 3D Digital Design, MFA in Visual Communication DesignNumber of students in animation program: 170Cost of program: $31,584 per yearHead of animation: [email protected] of admissions:


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School Guide

[email protected] of year offered: Fall & Spring semestersApplication deadline: Feb. 1Equipment available: Dedicated lab/studios, motion capture, projection design studio, tangible media studio, Vignelli Center for Design Studies, access to courses in CS, Interactive Games and Media (programming focus), business courses, etc.

Rocky Mountain College of Art + DesignLakewood, COwww.rmcad.eduPhone: (303) 753-6046; toll free (800) 888-ARTSE-mail: [email protected]

San Francisco State University Cinema DepartmentSan Francisco, CAwww.cinema.sfsu.eduPhone: (415) 338-1629E-mail: [email protected]

San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CAwww.sjsuai.comPhone: (408) 924-4340E-mail: [email protected]

Santa Monica College Academy of Entertainment and TechnologySanta Monica, CAacademy.smc.eduPhone: (310) 434-3700E-mail: [email protected]

Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah, GAwww.scad.eduPhone: (800) 869-7223E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA, MA, MFANumber of students in animation program: Total: 913; Undergraduate: 714; Graduate: 199Cost of program: $32,950 (undergraduate); $33,750 (graduate)Head of animation: Matthew MaloneyHead of admissions: Jenny JaquillardTime of year offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, SummerApplication deadline: RollingEquipment available: Students have 50Gb of homespace on the network to save to and access at any workstation. Work can be sent to the renderfarm from anywhere. Animation classes taught using Adobe CS5, Dragonframe, Maya, Toon Boom Harmony & Storyboard Pro and ViconBlade. VFX classes available as electives using Houdini, Mari, Nuke RenderMan. Collaborative projects managed using Shotgun. Classes taught on Windows platform using dual-core processor HP computers. Three 20-seat Cintiq labs available. Canon 5Ds cameras and 3D printing for stop-motion.

School of Visual ArtsNew York, NYwww.sva.eduPhone: (212) 592-2693

E-mail: [email protected]

School of Visual Arts Division of Continuing EducationNew York, NYwww.sva.eduPhone: (212) 592-2050Fax: (212) 592-2060E-mail: [email protected] of year offered: Fall, Spring & Summer semesters

Silver Drawing AcademyLos Angeles, CAwww.silverdrawingacademy.comPhone: (818) 773-2440E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Certificate of completion; private schoolNumber of students in animation program: 25 per semesterCost of program: $699Head of animation & admissions: Stephen SilverTime of year offered: Fall, Spring, Winter

Studio ArtsLos Angeles, CAwww.studioarts.comPhone: (323) 227-8776E-mail: [email protected]

Texas A&M University Department of VisualizationCollege Station, TXviz.arch.tamu.eduPhone: (979) 845-3465E-mail: [email protected]

Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts AcademyChicago, ILwww.tfa.eduPhone: (312) 332-0707E-mail: [email protected]

The University of the ArtsPhiladelphia, PAwww.uarts.eduPhone: (215) 717-6049Fax: (215) 717-6045E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Fine ArtsNumber of students in animation program: 82Cost of program: $36,582 annual tuitionHead of animation: Christopher MageeHead of admissions: Anthony PadillaTime of year offered: Fall & Spring semestersApplication deadline: RollingEquipment: Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Cloud, Toon Boom, Dragonframe, Final Cut Pro, Mac computer lab with Cintiqs, five digital pencil test stations with DSLR cameras, portable light tables, video and audio production and editing equipment.

University of California Los Angeles Animation WorkshopLos Angeles, CAanimation.filmtv.ucla.eduPhone: (310) 825-5829Fax: (310) 825-3383E-mail: [email protected]

University of Central Florida School of Visual Arts & DesignOrlando, FLsvad.cah.ucf.eduPhone: (407) 823-2676Fax: (407) 823-6470E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts: Emerging Media with specialization in Character Animation, Emerging Media with specialization in Experimental Animation, Emerging Media with specialization in Game Design. Master of Arts: Digital Media - Visual Language and Interactive Media, Emerging Media - Digital Media Track, Emerging Media - Studio Art and Computer Track, Film - Entrepreneurial Digital CinemaNumber of students in animation program: 70Cost of program: Undergrad Florida resident 2013/14 Tuition, Room & Board & books: $16,763; non-resident $32,861. Graduate Tuition $368 per hour resident; $1,192 non-resident.Head of animation: Byron ClercxHead of admissions: SVAD AdvisingTime of year offered: Character Animation: Fall & Spring, Experimental and Graduate degrees: Year round.Application deadline: July 1, 2014 for August 2014 startEquipment available: iMac computer labs with Adobe CC Suite, Autodesk Maya 2014, NukeX software. Traditional lab with 16


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School Guide

Field Animation desks and three digital down-shooters for pencil tests. 70’ monitors in all classrooms.

University of Massachusetts – AmherstAmherst, MAwww.umass.edu/artPhone: (413) 545-6937E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BFA Studio Arts (Animation + Media Motion Graphics concentration). BA Studio Arts (Animation + Media Motion Graphics concentration). Master in Fine Arts.Number of students in animation program: 22Cost of program: In-state and out of state tuitionHead of animation: Patricia Galvis AssmusTime of year offered: Academic yearApplication deadline: Fall & SpringEquipment available: PC and Apple computers, traditional animation stand, green-screen, 3D printer, sound recording room, cameras (video & 16mm), sound and other equipment. Additionally, studios for ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting, printmaking courses are part of the Studio Arts Program.

University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital ArtsLos Angeles, CAcinema.usc.eduPhone: (213) 740-3986

Fax: (213) 740-5869E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BA Animation & Digital Arts, MFA Animation & Digital Arts.Minor: Animation & Digital Arts, Science Visualization, Games & Animation (IMGD SCA). iMAP Inter-divisional Media Arts & Practice PhD (inter-divisional).Number of students in animation program: 145Cost of program: 2013-2014 Undergraduate est.: two semesters full time enrollment & housing: $45,602Head of animation: Kathy SmithHead of admissions: Shahla RahimzadehTime of year offered: Fall admission onlyApplication deadline: BA Freshmen & MFA program: Dec. 1. Undergraduate Transfer: Feb. 1.Equipment: 24/7 year-round access to facilities and permanent cubicle space with HP workstations, Wacom tablets for BA Seniors and MFA Majors. Software: Autodesk Suite (Maya, Mudbox, MotionBuilder, XSI), Adobe CS6 Design and Production suite, Toon Boom Animation Pro, Nuke, GenArts Plug-ins, Blender, Houdini, Mari, Massive, ZBrush, Vicon Blade, Frame Forge Pre-Viz Studio, RenderMan, V-Ray, Unity, Inno Setup 5, CVSNT, TortoiseCVS, Unreal Development Kit, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Silverlight, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, S3D, Screen Capture. Theaters & Screening rooms (9 – 8

screening rooms & 1 theater), sound mixing & music scoring stages (7), Foley stage, Automatic Dialogue Replacement stage, sound editing suites (9 – 6 doubles & 3 singles), editing Llabs (8 – 5 common labs & 3 advanced suites), color correction stations (4), film & television stages (8), motion capture stage, production equipment center, animation studios (4 studio areas with cubicles).

Webster UniversitySt. Louis, MOwww.webster.eduPhone: (800) 753-6765Fax: (314) 963-6924E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: B.A. in Animation, Minor in Animation Production and Certificate in Animation ProductionNumber of students in animation program: 60Head of animation: Chris SagovacHead of admissions: Andrew LaueTime of year offered: August to MayEquipment available: Software: Maya, Toon Boom, ZBrush, Dragon and Adobe products. Hardware: Nikon DSLRs and Wacom tablets (Cintiq & Intuos).

Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury, CTwcsu.eduPhone: (203) 837-8200; toll free (877) 837-9278E-mail: [email protected]

Woodbury UniversityBurbank, CAwoodbury.edu/mcdPhone: (818) 252-5149Fax: (818) 394-3305E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Fine ArtsNumber of students in animation program: 60Cost of program: $32,760Head of animation: Dori Littell-HerrickHead of admissions: Ruth LorenzanaTime of year offered: Fall & Spring semestersApplication deadline: Rolling Equipment available: Students engage in interdisciplinary projects with the departments of Filmmaking, Game Art & Design and Media Technology, sharing state-of-the-art computer labs, stop-motion and live-action studios. Dedicated studio space for junior and senior years.

CANADA

Capilano UniversityNorth Vancouver, BCwww.gradshow.comPhone: (604) 983-7516Fax: (604) 990-7867E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Intensive Animation Fundamentals Summer Certificate (2 months), Commercial Animation (2D classical, 2 year diploma), Digital Animation (3D character, 8 month cert.), Digital Visual Effects (vfx for film and gaming, 2 year diploma)Cost of program: see

websiteHead of animation: Don PerroHead of admissions: Cheryl HelmTime of year offered: FallApplication deadline: April 1, 2014Equipment: Commercial Animation students assigned a cubicle equipped with 21” Cintiq with Ergotron Arm, computer with all required software and traditional animation table with 12 Field animation disk. Digital students have individual workstation with Cintiq, second monitor and computer. Free color printing, scanning. Software: Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, TVPaint, Maya,Softimage XSI, Houdini, Nuke, Mudbox, ZBrush, Sketchbook Pro.

Centre NADMontreal, QCwww.centrenad.comPhone: (514) 288-3447E-mail: [email protected]

College BoréalSudbury, ONcollegeboreal.caPhone: (705) 560-6673Fax: (705) 560-7641E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 2-year diploma in Computer Animation (Program in French only. Students learn to work with animation in French and English environments.)Number of students in animation program: 12Cost of program: $3,280.98 Head of animation:


School Guide

Isabelle Ratté ext. 3450Head of admissions: Louise Descoteaux ext. 1090Time of year offered: September to AprilApplication deadline: August-beginning SeptemberEquipment available: 3studios for the animation program, stop-motion lab, computer lab and a drawing, printmaking and painting studio.

Emily Carr University of Art + DesignVancouver, BCwww.ecuad.caPhone: (604) 844-3800); toll free (800) 832-7788E-mail: [email protected]

MAX CampusDrumheller, ABwww.maxcampus.caPhone: (403) 823-6291E-mail: [email protected]

Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & DesignToronto, ONwww.maxthemutt.comPhone: (416) 703-6877; toll free (877) 486-MUTTE-mail: [email protected]

NBCC MiramichiMiramichi, NBnbcc.caPhone: (877) 773-6222Fax: (506) 778-6001E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 2-year Diploma in Animation and Graphics, 1-year

Certificate in Art FundamentalsNumber of students in animation program: 40Cost of program: Domestic tuition $3,150 per year; International $6,300. Books & Materials $1000-$1,500 per year.Head of animation: Andrew FrostHead of admissions: Karen White O’ConnellTime of year offered: September to JuneApplication deadline: March 31 to guarantee seat, up to July 31 applications are still processed and will be notified of seat availability.Equipment: Sound studio (recording & editing equipment), sound effects & stock music library, video cameras, photography cameras, scanners, free B&W printing, animation light tables, studios for each

class (students have individual space/desks), studios for large work (sculpting/painting), life drawing studio (animal & human skeletons). Several computer labs running: Adobe Master Collection (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, After Effects, Bridge, InDesign, Fireworks), Final Cut Pro X, Flipbook.

Seneca CollegeToronto, ONwww.senacacollege.caPhone: (416) 491-5050E-mail: [email protected]

Sheridan CollegeOakville, ONsheridancollege.caPhone: (905) 845-9430Fax: (905) 815-4041E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates

offered: Bachelor Degree: Animation, Game Design. Post graduate certificates: Computer Animation, Visual Effects, Digital Character Animation, Game Level Design.Number of students in animation program: 800Cost of program: Domestic fees for Degrees approx. $8,000; post grad certificates approx. $12,000Heads of animation: Mark Mayerson, Mark SimonHead of admissions: Linda DaltonTime of year offered: SeptemberApplication deadline: February 1Equipment: 250-plus HP workstations and 115 Wacom Cintiqs. Toon Boom’s Storyboard Pro & Harmony, Adobe Master Collection, Autodesk


School Guide

Entertainment Suite, ZBrush, Houdini

Think Tank Training CentreNorth Vancouver, BCwww.tttc.caPhone: (604) 990-8265E-mail: [email protected]

Vancouver Animation SchoolVancouver, BCwww.vanas.caPhone: (888) 677-8827E-mail: [email protected]

Vancouver Film SchoolVancouver, BCvfs.eduPhone: (604) 685-5808, toll free (800) 661-4104Fax: (604) 685-5830E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Digital Character Animation, Classical AnimationNumber of students in animation program: 280Cost of program: See websiteHead of animation: Marianne O’ReillyHead of admissions: Amber BezahlerTime of year offered: Start dates throughout the yearApplication deadline: Year-round Equipment: Tuition includes textbooks, art supplies and access to software including Autodesk Maya, Nuke, ZBrush, MatchMover, PFTrack, DigiCel FlipBook, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects and Flash.

Vancouver Institute of Media ArtsVancouver, BC www.vanarts.comPhone: (604) 682-2787; toll free (800) 396-2787Fax: (604) 684-2789E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: One-year diplomas in 2D/3D Character Animation, Game ARt & Design, Visual Effects, Digital Photography, Acting for Film & TV, Web Development, Broadcasting.Number of students in animation program: 60Cost of program: 2D: Canadians, $19,750; Internationals, $22,750. 3D: Can. $29,750; Int., $34,750Head of animation: Wayne GilbertHead of admissions: Janet CacchioniTime of year offered: March & SeptemberApplication deadline: Continuous; best to apply four to six months before desired start date.Equipment available: Personal student workstations with professional animation light tables and PC computer workstations equipped with Maya, Adobe Suites, Harmony; pencil test stations equipped with Toon Boom Pencil Check Pro.

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

Animation CampusMontevideo, Uruguaywww.campus.uyPhone: +598 2712-6799E-mail: [email protected]

Art&Cia Animation SchoolMeireles, Brazilarteciacursos.comPhone: +55 85-3023-7201E-mail: [email protected]

Art AcademiaSao Paulo, Brazilwww.artacademia.com.brPhone: +55 11-3362-1000E-mail: [email protected]

BIOS School of DesignMontevideo, Uruguaywww.biosportal.comPhone: +598 2719-3373E-mail: [email protected].,ny

Duoc University Chile Santiago, Chilewww.duoc.clPhone: 800-215-001E-mail: [email protected]

ORT University Uruguay School of Communications & DesignMontevideo, Uruguaywww.ort.edu.uyPhone: +598 2908-0677

Westbridge UniversityMexico City, Mexicowww.westbridge.edu.mxPhone: 1328-1818E-mail: [email protected]

EUROPE

Animation ApprenticeLondon, U.K.www.animationapprentice.orgPhone: +44 7906-573-539E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: CertificateNumber of students in animation program: 10Cost of program: £3,000 ($4,800 U.S.)Head of animation & admissions: Alex WilliamsTime of year offered: Classes begin every two months (roughly six classes a year).Application deadline: See website.Equipment available: Maya, PC.

The Animation WorkshopViborg, Denmarkwww.animwork.dkPhone: +45 8755-4900E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BA: Character Animation, Computer Graphic Arts,Graphic StorytellingNumber of students in animation program: 200Cost of program: 10,640 for all 3½ years (more for non-E.U. residents)Head of animation: Morten ThorningHead of admissions: Michelle NardoneTime of year offered: AugustApplication deadline: March 15Equipment: Individual workstations with industry

standard computer and Wacom tablet, animation drawing table, various supplies (specialty pencils, paper, books and readers, sketchbooks), study trips, software and materials related to production and more.

Arts University College at BournemouthBournemouth, U.K.www.aucb.ac.ukPhone: +44 1202-533-011E-mail: [email protected]

Bellecour Art SchoolLyon, Francewww.bellecour.frPhone: 0334-7892-9283E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor’s Degree: 3D Computer Graphics, Concept Art, Game Design. Master’s Degree in 3D Direction.Number of students in animation program: 250Cost of program: 6,250-6,900 euros per yearHead of animation: Roxan CarleHead of admissions: Gilles BenoisTime of year offered: September to May (3 or 5 years)Application deadline: AprilEquipment: 250 PCs, Adobe suite, 3ds Max, Maya, ZBrush, Nuke

Bournemouth UniversityBournemouth, U.K.media.bournemouth.ac.ukPhone: +44 (0) 1202-961-916E-mail: askbuenquiries@


School Guide


School Guide

bournemouth.ac.uk

Bucks New UniversityBuckinghamshire, U.K.www.bucks.ac.ukPhone: +44 (0) 1494-522-141\E-mail: [email protected]

DigiPen Institute of Technology Europe - BilbaoZierbena, Spainwww.digipen.esPhone: +34 94-636-5163E-mail: [email protected]

Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg Institute of Animation, Visual Effects & Digital PostproductionLudwigsberg, Germanywww.animationsinstitut.dePhone: +49 7141-969-800E-mail: [email protected]

Irish School of Animation Ballyfermot CollegeDublin, Irelandisa-bcfe.iePhone: 00353-1-626-9421E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: BA (Hons): Visual Media - Animation, Visual Media - Game DesignNumber of students in animation program: 20-40 per yearCost of program: 2,300 euro per year (approx.)Head of animation: Diarmuid O’BrienHead of admissions: Gareth LeeTime of year offered:

JanuaryApplication deadline: MarchEquipment available: Dell Quadcore PCs, Adobe CS4 Suite (Flash, After Effects, Premiere, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), Autodesk 2014 Suite (3ds Max, Maya, Mudbox, etc.), TVPaint, Toon Boom Harmony, CelAction, Unity Game Engine, Project Anarchy development tools, green-screen facility.

Istituto Europeo di DesignRome, Italywww.ied.itPhone: +39 06-571-7651Fax: +39 06-5730-5476E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Cinema & New Media Area (CG Animation, Media Design, Sound Design, Video Design/Filmmaking). Specialization courses: Visual Effects Specialist, Modelling and Animation 3D, Game Design & Development, 2D Paperless Cartoon Animation. Master in Transmedia Production in English Language.Number of students in animation program: 52 Cost of program: [email protected] (scholarships available)Head of animation: Pasquale di ViccaroHead of admissions: Nadia di BerardinoTime of year offered: Full yearApplication deadline: SeptemberEquipment: PC and Mac lab with Maya, ZBrush, NukeX, Photoshop, After Effects, V-Ray, Da Vinci, Vue, 3ds Max.

LUCA School of ArtsBrussels, Belgiumwww.luca-arts.bePhone: +32 (0) 2-250-1511E-mail: [email protected]

MAD-FacultyGenk, Belgiumwww.mad-fac.bePhone: (328) - 930 – 0850 CHECKE-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Academic master audiovisual arts/animationNumber of students in animation program: 40Cost of program: approx. 1,000 euroHead of animation & admissions: Smeets Luc-LeonTime of year offered: September-JuneApplication deadline: AugustEquipment available: Approx. 30 computers, approx. 20 Cintiqs, linetest workstations, Full Dome workstation, server system, render farm, audio studio, 15 M2 boxes, stop-motion studio, greenkey, Pro Tools, Lightwave, Maya, TVPaint, After Effects, Photoshop, Dragon Frame, motion capture, light tables, music and audio library

The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh College of ArtEdinburgh, U.K.www.eca.ed.ac.ukPhone: +44 (0) 131-651-5800E-mail: [email protected]

ASIA & PACIFIC

CG Protege Animation SchoolSingapore

www.cgprotege.comPhone: +65 6473-7502E-mail: [email protected]

DigiPen Institute of Technology SingaporeSingaporesingapore.digipen.eduPhone: +65 6577-1900E-mail: [email protected]

Griffith Film SchoolBrisbane, Queensland, Australiawww.griffith.edu.auPhone: +61 7-555-28933E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor: Animation, Animation with honours. Master of Screen Production (Animation). Doctor of Visual Arts and PhD.Number of students in animation program: 180Cost of program: AUD $23,280 per yearHead of animation: Andi SparkHead of admissions: Kirilee Barker, [email protected] of year offered: End February commencementApplication deadline: October 31Equipment: Fully networked computer labs running Adobe suite, Autodesk suites, Toon Boom suites and associated film, games and animation production software with tablets and Cintiqs. Full-size green-screen cyclorama and sound stage, dedicated stop-motion studio and undercamera facilities.

iNurture ToonSkool Animation AcademyMultiple Campuses, Indiawww.inurture.co.in/animationPhone: 080-4257-6666E-mail: [email protected]

LASALLE College of the Arts Singaporewww.lasalle.edu.sgPhone: +65 6496-5000E-mail: [email protected]

Media Design SchoolAuckland, New Zealandwww.mediadesignschool.comPhone: +64 9-303-0402 E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects), Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art), Graduate Diploma of Advanced 3D AnimationNumber of students in animation program: 180Cost of program: NZD $23,690 per yearHead of animation: Steve DornerHead of admissions: Jackie YoungTime of year offered: February & JulyApplication deadline: 12 weeks prior (to get a visa)Equipment: Autodesk suites, latest Creative suite, specialist and proprietary tools such as Houdini, Nuke, Mari, Hiero, PTGui, Topogun, xNormal, Crazybump, ZBrush, Sculptris, RV, mental core, VRay, DSLRs, RED cameras, professional lighting trucks, with professional production crew support.


School Guide

Ngee Ann Polytechnic School of Film & Media StudiosSingaporewww.np.edu.sgPhone: +65 6466-6555

Pumpkin Academy of Digital ArtsNew Delhi, Indiawww.pumpkininteractive.inPhone: +91 2592-3331E-mail: [email protected]

AFRICA

Learn 3DJohannesburg, South Africawww.learn3d.co.zaPhone: 011-326-1520E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Certificate: 2D Animation, 3D animation, Visual Effects, Games DevelopmentNumber of students in animation program: 15Cost of program: US $5,000Head of animation: Chris CombrinkHead of admissions: Gustavo CorreaTime of year offered: Full yearApplication deadline: JanuaryEquipment available: PC

ONLINE

3D Training InstituteNew York, NYwww.3dtraining.comPhone: (877) 746-4338E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 3D Foundation Workshop, 3D Project Based CourseNumber of students in animation program: 12Cost of program: $950-$4,650Head of animation: Trent EdwardsHead of admissions: Brandy BurtonTime of year offered: Monthly

Application deadline: Two weeks before start date

Animation MentorEmeryville, CAwww.animationmentor.comPhone: (510) 450-7222E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Diploma: Animation Fundamentals, Advanced Character Animation Production, VFX FundamentalsNumber of students in animation program: 650Cost of program: Classes start at $1,999 per 12 week courseHead of animation: Bobby BeckHead of admissions: Julia CampbellTime of year offered: Four times per yearApplication deadline: Rolling Equipment available: 3-year student license to Autodesk Maya, access to the exclusive AMP production pipeline, online classes using the proprietary Animation Mentor student portal.

AnimationGymMontevideo, Uruguay (Spanish Language Courses)www.animationgym.comPhone: +598 99-186-086E-mail: [email protected]

AnimSchoolOrem, UTwww.animschool.comPhone: 801) - 765 - 7677E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: Certificate in 3D Animation, Certificate in 3D Character (modeling and rigging)Number of students in animation program: 200+Cost of program: $550 per monthHead of animation: Dave GallagherHead of admissions: Isaac

NordlundTime of year offered: January, April, July, OctoberApplication deadline: December, March, June, September

Computer Graphics Master AcademyLos Angeles, CAwww.cgmasteracademy.comPhone: (800) 959-0316E-mail: [email protected]/Certificates offered: 2D Academy: Foundation/Design Program, Environment Design Program, Character Design Program. 3D Academy: 3D Character Art Program.Number of students in animation program: 600Cost of program: Foundation/Design: $8,138. Environment Design: $8,188. Character Design: $6,840. 3D Character

Art: $5,500Head of animation: Lilliams GarciaHead of admissions: Sophie HamelTime of year offered: Four times per year (eight week courses)Application deadline: Winter Term: January 31, 2014. Spring: April 25, 2014. Summer: July 25, 2014. Fall: October 17, 2014.

Digital-TutorsOklahoma City, OKwww.digitaltutors.comPhone: (405) 601-4806E-mail: [email protected]

Kinetic School of AnimationLos Angeles, CAwww.kinetischool.orgPhone: (626) 722-8674E-mail: [email protected]

The listings section of this school guide was compiled using direct information emailed to Animation Magazine by participat-ing schools around the world. If you'd like to be included in the


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