Video Interviews with Animation Grads @ Spark Festival
VanArts caught up with several of our past graduates at the Spark Animation Festival in Vancouver, September 8-12, 2010. Here is what they had to say about the animation program and their professional careers.
Character Animation Showcase
Bill Matthews - Manager of Artist Development, Ret'd, Walt Disney Studios
Bill Matthews has been a guest instructor and visiting industry professional at VanArts since 1996.
Wayne Gilbert - Head of Animation / Dean of Faculty
Wayne’s career spans more than three decades, has two Clio awards, and has worked on productions ranging from Care Bears to Star Wars. He is a graduate of Sheridan College, and has worked there as an instructor and coordinator of their Classical Animation Program.
His professional career has taken him to the top studios including Walt Disney Canada, Industrial Light & Magic and Electronic Arts. Wayne is also a published author, his book Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation is a required text at many animation schools. He regularly writes articles for the industry, and has written a novel and screenplay.
Intro to 2D Animation
Within this course, you can see your drawings come to life as you learn the fundamentals of traditional hand-drawn 2D animation and get introduced to animating in Harmony, the latest and greatest 2D digital animation software used in studios. The principles taught are the foundation for all mediums of character animation. Exercises include the bouncing ball, overlapping action, character design & animation of jumps, walks, performance & storyboarding.
An excellent beginner's course!
About the Instructor - Edwin Poon
Edwin has worked on numerous award winning Flash productions, and in positions ranging from Flash Builder to Lead Animation Supervisor. His Flash production credits include "Kid Vs Kat" (Disney XD), "Pound Puppies" (Hasbro), "My Little Pony" (Hasbro), "Littlest Pet Shop" (Hasbro), "Martha Speaks" (PBS), "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!" (Film Roman), "The Buzz on Maggie" (Disney), and "Being Ian" (Studio B Productions). Edwin has also worked as Animation Director on several ToonBoom Harmony productions including "Grossology" (Nelvana – Corus Kids), "Gerald McBoing Boing" (Cookie Jar Entertainment), and the "Winner of the Best Animated Series" at Leo Awards 2012 -- "1001 Nights" (Big Bad Boo Studios).
Supplies needed: Pencils (HB - 2B, and blue or red Col-Erase), ruler, eraser, sketchbook, binder for handouts & assignments, USB stick for storing files.
Prerequisites: none
Duration: 12 weeks (12 classes)
Schedule: Saturday mornings, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $595
Story & Animation Masterclass - San Diego 2013
Hello San Diego!
VanArts proudly presents a masterclass in Story Development & Animation, featuring instructors Matthew Luhn (Story Supervisor) and Andrew Gordon (Directing Animator) -- both from Pixar Animation Studios.
This exceptional 2-day event takes place in San Diego on July 26th/27th, 2013, offering participants a rare and exciting opportunity to learn from the industry's top talent. This class has toured the world, with this being one of only a few stops in 2013.
> view other locations on the tour
Geared toward experienced animators, story writers, character designers, students and enthusiasts alike, the skill sets covered are not software-specific. Lectures are organized with visuals, including live-action and animated clips, supplemented by a printed workbook. This masterclass provides you with the tools needed to help create your own stories and feature-quality animation, plus offers a great opportunity to meet and network with others in the industry.
Curriculum
| DAY 1 - Friday Animation Instructor Andrew Gordon 9:00am - 5:00pm |
DAY 2 - Saturday Story Development Instructor Matthew Luhn 9:00am - 5:00pm |
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| DETAILS | |
| Animation (1 full day) This day will focus on the techniques used on Monsters University. Shot progressions, multiple examples, and general best practices for how this work was accomplished will be talked about in some of the lectures. |
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| Story Development (1 full day) Story is King at Pixar Animation Studios, but it’s not always easy. Matthew Luhn will discuss his experiences working on Monsters University in Story, and how the final characters and story structure were developed. Matthew will also be teaching students how they too can create their own successful stories and characters using the techniques he has learned over the last 17 years at Pixar. |
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-- times and content may vary and are subject to change --
Venue
Horton Grand Theatre
This legendary, historic theatre features excellent sight-lines, comfortable seats and great atmosphere. Perfectly situated in downtown San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, it is located at 444 Fourth Ave. (between Island & J St.), San Diego, California.
> venue location map
> venue website
Instructors
Matthew and Andrew are highly experienced, first-class educators who thoroughly enjoy sharing their incredible knowledge, experience, and passion for what they do.
Matthew Luhn
Story Supervisor, Pixar Animation Studios
Matthew Luhn began his career at Pixar Animation Studios in 1992 as an Animator on the very first CG movie, Toy Story. Since that time, Matthew has worked as a Storyboard Artist generating new ideas and characters on Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille, UP, Toy Story 3, Monsters University, and current Pixar movies in development.
Prior to Pixar, Matthew attended the California Institute of the Arts, and would later be hired as an Animator on the award winning TV show The Simpsons.
Matthew grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where his family has owned and operated Jeffrey’s Toys toy stores for three generations.
Andrew Gordon
Directing Animator, Pixar Animation Studios
Andrew Gordon has been animating characters at Pixar Animation Studios for 16 years. He joined Pixar in 1997 where he has been an Animator on A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Toy Story 3. The characters he has worked on include Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc., Gill, from Finding Nemo and Edna Mode, the costume designer in The Incredibles, and Linguini from Ratatouille. He supervised animation on Pixar’s Academy Award nominated short film Presto, and is currently a directing animator on Monsters University, due out in 2013.
Andrew studied animation in Vancouver, New York and New Jersey, and prior to his work at Pixar, he worked in the Looney Tunes division of Warner Brothers. He was awarded "Outstanding Character Animation in an Animated Motion Picture" by the Visual Effects Society for his work in Finding Nemo.
Passionate about teaching animation for over 13 years, Andrew began teaching at the Academy of Art, where he taught all levels of the animation program there. He has taught animation intensives throughout the world. Andrew has been also actively involved in The Pixar Animation Internship, helping lead it for for 2007, 2009 and 2010. Andrew is a contributing lecturer at Animation Mentor. He is a frequent guest artist at CSU Summer Arts Program. He is one of the founders of Spline Doctors, a blog/podcast dedicated to animation education. He helped develop and teach at the California College of Art's new animation program. Andrew has recently co-founded a workshop called the Animation Collaborative, which brings some of the best teachers in the world together to teach animation, story and character design.
What others are saying...
Click below to view this video and hear from previous masterclass attendees:
"It was an awesome, awesome event. I loved it. I got a lot more out of it then what I expected. Thank you to everyone involved, especially the instructors!""The only way I could describe the masterclass would be energizing. I couldn’t wait to get animating again!"
"Shows, presentations and gatherings like this are gold to us working professionals. They are rare and there is a sincere need for us to congregate and learn. Make them available and people will come to learn and network..."
"Thanks so much to you guys for coming out here. It was a fantastic couple of days and I learnt so much!"
"This class was the best thing I could have done for myself as an artist/animator. It was both inspirational, and extremely valuable. I can't wait to go again!"
"Great class! I was very inspired and also exhausted by the end of the 2 days. :)"
"It was an awesome opportunity to meet Pixar artist and learn their works, and minds. Thank you for this great opportunity!"
"I was really impressed and loved it. I am so inspired and hopeful now. The information has helped me to assess my skills and help me to move in the right direction."
"I thought both Andrew and Matthew were excellent speakers/teachers, and answered all questions clearly. I was very impressed with their abilities to reach out to the audience, and make everything clearly understood."
"I'll never look at my work the same again. That's a good thing."
"Thanks again for a great masterclass. Both days perfectly complimented each other."
"The Masterclass was amazing!"
Registration
$499.00 Tuition Fee ($US, no taxes)
INCLUDES:
- 2 full days of instruction
- workbook with notes prepared by the instructors
- custom class t-shirt
- refreshments during morning & afternoon coffee breaks
- draws for prizes & giveaways!
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Class T-Shirt |
Class size is limited and strong interest expected. To avoid disappointment, please register early (these classes often sell out weeks in advance). See below for the event Terms and Cancellation Policy.
REGISTER HERE
Register now using a credit card. Instant, secure online registration and payment powered by EventSpot® and PayPal®. Thanks and see you in San Diego!
Terms & Conditions
Please read before registering.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations for a full refund will be accepted up to 3 weeks before the event. Anytime after that date, a $100 cancellation fee will apply. Last day to cancel is the day before the event. Transfers (to a substitute attendee) can be accepted anytime and with no fee, provided they are first approved by VanArts. Transfers are the responsibility of the original registrant to arrange. Refund and transfer requests must be made via e-mail to: masterclasses@vanarts.com, and require confirmation of the original registrant's identity.
FEES & TAXES
There are NO ticketing fees, service charges, or taxes. However, for non-Canadians, a "foreign transaction fee" of 1-3% MIGHT be applied by your credit card issuer (this fee, if any, is beyond VanArts' control and is the purchaser's responsibility, including for cancel/refund and discount transactions).
CHANGES
The event organizer, VanArts, reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event with reasonable discretion and for any reason (inclement weather, low enrolment, instructor illness, or any other unforeseen circumstances). In the case of cancellation by us, registration fees will be refunded in full. If the event is postponed, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund, or, transfer their registration to the rescheduled event. In all cases, we shall have no further liability beyond the registration fee, and regret that any transportation and hotel costs, cancellation penalties, or any other costs incurred by registrants are not reimbursable. In the event of any unforeseen last-minute scheduling problems, we reserve the right to substitute an equivalent, qualified instructor who might not be listed in the course description.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
This class is open to anyone, however minors under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. The suggested minimum age to attend is 16. Please, this is not a beginner's class.
MISC.
For taking notes, pen & paper are recommended. Laptop/tablet computers are permitted, but please no recording with these. PLEASE, NO AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THE CLASS MATERIAL OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED. Out of respect for fellow attendees and the instructors, we ask that attendees please refrain from live tweeting, texting, cell phone calls, etc. during the class, and wait for a break to do so.
Some images above are copyright © Disney/Pixar, all rights reserved. This class is being organized and produced by VanArts.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact VanArts at: masterclasses@vanarts.com
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Spread the news!
Use the links below for Twitter, Facebook and more to help spread word of this event to your friends and colleagues. Stops on this 2013 tour include Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Auckland in New Zealand, and New York City and San Diego in the USA. Thank you!
VanArts visits Partner Universities
April 30th, 2013
One of the most exciting developments at VanArts has been our degree pathway partnerships with universities and colleges around the world, which give our graduates the option of continuing their studies towards a Bachelors' degree in their chosen field.
VanArts' President Alan Phillips and Student Services Director Ken Priebe both had the recent opportunity to visit some of these schools in person, see their beautiful campuses and meet their staff and students. The schools visited were Bond University in Queensland, Australia (above left and below), Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, and Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand. All three campuses are beautiful, dynamic, and full of creative energy, with excellent programs and facilities for students to pursue their studies.
At Bond University: (Left to right) Professor Raoul Mortley, Dean of Faculty in Humanities & Social Sciences, Mr. Alan Phillips, President of VanArts, Ms. Veronica Boulton, Faculty Business Manager, Dr. Michael Sergi, Director of Film & Television
At Deakin University (above photo: Motion Capture Lab), we also got to catch up with our fellow VanArts 2D Animation graduate Rhin Kelly (below), who is currently studying at Deakin pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Film and Digital Media under the pathway program (and really enjoying the experience.) We look forward to seeing more of our graduates choose this option of pursuing their degree at these fine institutions!
For a detailed look at which VanArts programs are eligible for applications to these degree pathways, visit our Degree Pathways page here >>
Story & Animation Masterclass Down Under
April 23rd, 2013The Story & Animation Masterclass, a special event taught by instructors from Pixar and hosted by VanArts all across North America for the past 5 years, has finally gone global by having toured "down under" in Australia and New Zealand. Sold-out crowds of students, professionals and film enthusiasts packed venues in three cities this month to hear Pixar's head story artist Matthew Luhn and directing animator Andrew Gordon teach about their craft.
On April 5th & 6th, the masterclass was held at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, where VanArts has a degree pathway partnership for graduates in all of our programs. The following week on April 12th & 13th, another masterclass was held at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney, Australia.
This was followed by another class at Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand on April 16th & 17th. VanArts also has a degree pathway partnership with Media Design School, where graduates from our 3D Character Animation, Game Art & Design, and Visual Effects diploma programs can apply to pursue Bachelors' degrees after graduation.
For everyone who participated in these events, it was a great experience to see these schools and venues first-hand, see the beautiful landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, and develop strong relationships with the people there. Thanks to everyone who made this tour possible!
Click here for more information on the Degree Pathways available for VanArts graduates >>
Click here for information on our next two Masterclasses in New York and San Diego >>
Australia & New Zealand - attend VanArts & ski Whistler
April 9th, 2013
It often seems the real capital of Australia is Whistler, BC. The beautiful world class ski resort, home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, attracts visitors from around the world, particularly those from "down under."
Given this strong connection, VanArts is running a special offer for students from Australia and New Zealand. To receive a free trip to Whistler you must apply, be accepted and enrol in the September 2013, March or September 2014 intakes.
The package includes:
- Three day ski or snowboarding pass
- Two nights hotel accomodation
- Free equipment rental
- Bus shuttle to/from Whistler
All application requirements must be submitted by June 30, 2013 to qualify. The trip voucher will be issued to students in good standing three months after the start date of your qualifying intake, and the trip must be taken during your year of study at VanArts. This offer is open to students from Australia and New Zealand, is non-transferable, non-redeemable and does not include airfare or travel to Canada.
Degree Pathways with Deakin University
March 26th, 2013
VanArts is pleased to announce that all of our programs now feature articulations for degree pathways with Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.
Various Bachelor Degrees specific to each program can be earned in as little as one full year (3 trimesters) at Deakin, after graduating from the diploma program of their choice at VanArts.
VanArts graduates from 2D/3D Character Animation are eligible to receive up to 12 credit points of advanced standing towards the 24-credit point Bachelor of Film and Digital Media (Animation Major) or Bachelor of Animation and Motion Capture degree programs. The latter degree is also available to VanArts graduates in Game Art & Design and Visual Effects.
VanArts graduates may have the option of completing these Deakin degree programs over one full calendar year (three consecutive trimesters) of full-time intensive study (4 credit points of study per trimester x 3), or over two years (two trimesters per year x 2) of reduced load full-time study (3 credit points of study per trimester x 4).
VanArts graduates in Acting for Film & Television, Broadcasting for Radio & Television, Web Development & Interactive Design and Digital Photography are now also eligible for 8 credit points into various degree programs at Deakin, for completing 4 credit points each in four trimesters. An additional 12-credit articulation is also available for Digital Photography into their Bachelor of Creative Arts - Photography major.
For international students at Deakin, their work permit is part of the student visa allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week.
Detailed assessments for the VanArts-Deakin articulations can be explored and accessed at the following link: deakin.edu.au/courses/credit/search.php
From this link, up-to-date information can be found by simply:
1. Selecting Canada from the first drop box;
2. Selecting VanArts from the second drop box;
3. Selecting the VanArts Diploma program from the third drop box; and
4. Selecting the Deakin degree program from the fourth drop box
For more information, you can also visit Deakin at www.deakin.edu.au
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
