Students are introduced to the art and processes of animation using 3D software (Maya). The depiction of emotional and physical forces using basic principles of animation will be examined. Students are introduced to the concept of animation using classical animation exercises.

This course provides students with the basic skills required to move forward in the area of film. Students will learn the technical and artistic ideology behind videography and editing, and how it applies not only to film but also animation and the industry as a whole.

Students explore the idea of story, including story concepts, structure and visualization, as both a creative outlet, and a set of the communications skills integral to the animation and film industry, including pitching and screenwriting. This course also encourages a critical evaluation of those skills in relation to the creative process and the development of original work. 

Students are introduced to the creative and technical aspects of polygonal and NURBS 3D modelling.

This course will teach students the fundamental drawing skills needed to create preproduction art for animation. Topics explored will include the production pipeline, what makes a strong character and different types of characters in animation. The latter half of the course will introduce students to the art of story boarding where they will learn basic rules of cinematography. 

This course examines the nature of storytelling through projects in digital media involving the study of various facets of visual storytelling as they relate to film and animation.  Digital imaging and image manipulation will be used to build visual narratives.

This course focuses on the continued study of movement and expression of character and personality forces in character animation. Students explore the principles of animation with a series of exercises.

In this course students learn about the art of direction using the cinematic language and how it relates to the animation industry and its historical and cultural impact on 'the audience'. This is a project-based course focusing on the practical application of pre-production and the basic anatomy of scene structure. Students will create a scene from pre to post production.

Students are introduced to the related issues of lighting, materials, rendering, compositing and visual effects in digital filmmaking. Using skills acquired in drawing, colour application, composition and storytelling projects, students manipulate project components in the production and post-production processes.

Students continue to explore the creative and technical aspects of 3D modelling, investigating various uses in film, TV and games, and the reasons for applying both.  Students are also introduced to rigging and the design of control structures of objects for animateability.

Students will examine the aspects of pre-production design basics. In this course, students enhance their knowledge of perspective through the further creation of production layouts, location designs and props.

The History of Animated film is the study of the art-form from its earliest primitive candle-light projections to current technically sophisticated theatrical releases. It can be said that film as we know it now got its beginnings not by using live performers, but by attempts to replicate performance with the use of drawings.

In fact, some of the earliest recorded sequential images of movement can be traced back to paleolithic cave walls! To study the history of animation is to study the history of all filmmaking. The animation studio has long been the home of innovative approaches that have led the way to advances in visualization that can be reflected in theatre, literature, music, education, industry and mass communication in general. Each class will focus on a particular decade in the chronology of development; a continuation of the decade-by-decade journey of animation cinema, technique, and content. Careful attention will be given to the pioneers and significant practitioners who have been pivotal in the development and growth of animation. Examples from countries across the world will be screened, discussed, compared and analyzed. Above all, the course will be a celebration of the marvel of the animated film, an artform that has changed so much, yet relies on the same principles that were applied before recorded time.

This course continues to examine the nature of storytelling through projects in digital media involving the study of contemporary art history, literature, film and cultural studies.

Students will execute a series of studies focusing on comprehensive animated character performances, using fully rigged characters. Storytelling through design of script and character will be emphasized. The expression of emotion, timing, and the subtlety of the character is also explored.

This course introduces students to the world of “sound for picture” both technically and creatively. Students explore the use of sound through a series of projects that focus primarily on animated productions. Listening skills are developed so that students are able to communicate effectively the many different elements that encompass a film’s soundtrack. As well, an emphasis is placed on creative sound design demonstrating how sound can be used in telling stories.

During the course of the term, students will undertake creative work and research for a chase scene production to further their understanding of scene anatomy within a sequence. The understanding of screen direction becomes more advanced as they learn the art of directing a short narrative.

This course is a study of theoretical perspectives and debates in cinema and culture. Students focus on the cultural impact of cinema and how it impacts the audience, industry and reflective works. Students will be evaluated on their ability to research, analyze and present theories related to these topics.    

Students will learn about anatomy, skeletal, as well as the superficial muscles. The focus will be on placement, shape, the physical forces and stresses evident when the figure is in motion and at rest. Students will draw from life as our source of inspiration to support these ideas. There will be an extensive look into proportion of the human figure. Students will have the opportunity to work with different mediums and materials to help to give voice and range to the images created.

Students explore more complex forms of lighting, materials, and rendering techniques.  Students refine their skills developing photorealistic digital imagery, and are introduced to more complicated forms of non-photorealistic imagery.  Students will be encouraged to develop personal styles and techniques.

Students research, design and sculpt three-dimensional models and examine the processes of character rigging. Projects are focused on simplified character assembly while carefully addressing design requirements determined in other courses.

Students execute a series of studies focusing on comprehensive animated character performances. The development of critical assessment skills, and facility in visual rhythm in emphasized. Further instruction in animation through the use of structured critiques and exploration of advanced animation interfaces in Maya. Lip-synching and dialogue animation are presented.

This course will focus on the creation of the student’s ‘Animator’s Portfolio’. This course will be the main support for the design and implementation of the portfolio and the final evaluation of their work to date. Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and ability to apply for jobs in the field of character animation.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of character animation for video games. Through a series of exercises students will learn the implications and restraints of animating characters for a video game.  Students will produce a humanoid action sequence and learn to create loops to link together with Maya Trax Editor. Student will experiment with animating mechanical objects such as robots.

General education courses strengthen students' essential employability skills, such as critical analysis, problem solving, and communication, in the context of an exploration of topics with broad-based personal and/or societal importance.

Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.

Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.

Students will gain further insight into the drawing process required for animation style drawings. An emphasis will be placed on the art of gesture drawing, which are the foundation of good animation. Topics will include acting, caricature, anatomy, body language and perspective. 

Students continue to explore more advanced skills in the related areas of lighting, materials, rendering and compositing for digital filmmaking, focusing on lighting and rendering. Using skills acquired in drawing, colour application, composition and storytelling projects, students manipulate project components in the production and post-production processes.

Students continue to explore topics in digital modelling and character rigging, including facial animation and subdivision surfaces.  Projects are focused on more advanced character assembly while carefully addressing design requirements.

Working on comprehensive animated character performances and projects, students engage various processes and media, to fully explore the creative possibilities in 3D filmmaking. Using three-dimensional animation software (Maya), a study of realworld performance, motion and physics as applied to storytelling leads to the development of animated film projects.  

This course takes the work and skills learned in ANIMATOR’S PORTFOLIO, and broadens them, for both presenting themselves and ideas. Students can begin tailoring their career goals to different areas, such as animating, modelling or compositing, within the animation field. They flesh out their career portfolios, including demo reels, art portfolio, resumes and cover letters, including physical and online formats. They also practice interviewing. Students also develop the art of pitching ideas, such as for a feature, short or series.

In this course students will develop solid observational skills using a variety of techniques, materials and supports. Students will explore figure drawing and still life objects incorporating background and design elements. 

Students explore more advanced skills in the related areas of lighting, materials, rendering and compositing for digital filmmaking, focusing on texturing, visual and special effects and post-production. Using skills acquired in drawing, colour application, composition and storytelling projects, students manipulate project components in the production and post-production processes.

Students explore and apply advanced techniques to develop characters, environments and other props to support projects. Students will also apply advanced technical skills in the development of models, rigs and textures to produce professional-quality pieces.

This course is designed to replicate industry-based production by following the procedures of a professional animation studio. Students will work within real scheduled time constraints to deliver broadcast quality Festival animation shorts. The semester begins with production management techniques including effective script analysis, inventory and lists of existing and required assets and clear communication to complete the tasks. This is followed by strong teamwork successfully to execute key stages of animation production within designated class time. It will be obligatory to complete the tasks within class-time to truly develop good time management which will enhance the focus of the creative process while establishing effective work methods.

As well, there will be a series of short lectures with video, graphic and live presentation aimed at broadening the awareness of the real-world process of production from financing to distribution. The primary software used will be Toon Boom Harmony and Toon Boom Storyboard Pro.

Working on comprehensive animated character performances and projects, students engage various processes and media, to fully explore the creative possibilities in 3D filmmaking. Using three-dimensional animation software (Maya), a study of realworld performance, motion and physics as applied to storytelling leads to the development of animated film projects.  

Students explore more complex forms of lighting, 3D camera technique, visual effects for feature films and motion tracking.

This course will provide critical direction in the chosen area of specialization, providing students mentorship with their projects on an individual basis. Students will also focus on the refinement of their portfolios and reels.

Students apply advanced complex techniques to support the development of characters, environments and other props, to produce professional-quality pieces

In this post-production intensive course, students will learn professional compositing and editing techniques that are presently used in studios and apply them to their animated work and Demo Reels.

This course is designed to replicate industry-based production by following the procedures of a professional animation studio. Students will work within real scheduled time constraints to deliver broadcast quality Festival animation shorts. The semester begins with production management techniques including effective script analysis, inventory and lists of existing and required assets and clear communication to complete the tasks. This is followed by strong teamwork successfully to execute key stages of animation production within designated class time. It will be obligatory to complete the tasks within class-time to truly develop good time management which will enhance the focus of the creative process while establish effective work methods.

As well, there will be a series of short lectures with video, graphic and live presentation aimed at broadening the awareness of the real-world process of production from financing to distribution. The primary software used will be Toon Boom Harmony and Toon Boom Storyboard Pro.