Animation Option - Film and Animation BFA Option
Animation Option
Film and Animation BFA
Overview
Who doesn’t love an animated film? In the film and animation BFA program, you can bring your own stories to life on the big screen.
The animation option within the film and animation degree program enables students to choose one of three tracks: 2D, 3D, or stop motion animation. Each allows for the exploration of the many facets of the animated form — from films, games, and AR/VR to digital effects, compositing, sound design, and the integration of animation with live-action storytelling. 2D animation concentrates on traditional forms drawn by hand, a mixture of both traditional and digital, or all digital origination. 3D animation courses focus on advanced 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, and animating in a 3D space. Stop motion focuses on digital technology in support of puppet fundamentals and non-puppet frame-by-frame techniques.
Additionally, students can work in experimental forms, animated documentary, and mixed-media storytelling. While students focus on a particular technique, they are encouraged to explore all methods and approaches. The program builds up from foundation drawing and design to full-fledged filmmaking.
Regardless of the medium, students make films from day one, culminating in a thesis film their final year. They learn and create through the entire process, from story, design, and animation to post-production and distribution. They will draw, paint, rig, model, texture, light, build, and animate past the edges of their creativity while learning the art and craft of visual storytelling.
Labs and classrooms are filled with the latest software, technology, sound, and screening options, including TVPaint (2D), Maya (3D), Toon Boom Harmony, Dragonframe (stop-motion), and the entire Adobe Creative Suite.
Graduates of the film degree are qualified to begin careers in the industry (feature films, television, and games) and create their own independent films and content for the global festival circuit or distribution. Students and alumni alike have produced award-winning films and made major contributions to the art, technology, and advancement of animation. This option is part of the Film and Animation BFA program.
Industries
Typical Job Titles
| 3D Modeler | Art Director |
| Character Animator | Character Designer |
| Creative Director | Experimental Film Artist |
| Layout Artist | Post Production Supervisor |
| Producer | Rigging Artist |
| Story Artist | Visual Development Artist |
| Visual Effects Compositor | Writer |
Featured Work
Sizzle Reel
A look at clips from films created by students in the Film and Animation program.
Featured Profiles
Tasteful Art
Ilana Schwartz ’14
The coffee cup art of Ilana Schwartz '14 (Film and Animation) was seen by millions when she "Javadoodled" on Katy Perry's 96-hour live-stream. Schwartz's resume also includes work for HBO, ...
Admission Requirements
This option is part of the Film and Animation BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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April 13, 2020
![Mark Reisch's 3D printer in action.]()
Faculty, staff using 3D printing expertise to help battle with coronavirus
Mark Reisch, assistant professor in the School of Film and Animation, and Dan Gabber, digital fabrication specialist, are using their expertise in 3D printing to make a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
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April 6, 2020
![Student Nick Passanese works on a makeshift light table for animation at home.]()
Students, faculty respond creatively to online learning
DIY animation equipment and paper microscopes are some of the course delivery solutions with classes shifting online.
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February 4, 2020
![An animated character lies down in a field, with graphics of the film's laurels beside her.]()
Student film honored at festival featuring industry's best
Powered by a game engine, Animation students Maggie Dybas and Allison Larkin created "Tumble," which won an award over professional competition at the Infinity Festival.
