Get Ready for a Real Animation Eduction with L.A. Film School

If you have ever considered getting a handson education in animation and visual effects in the heart of Los Angeles, you should consider The L.A. Film School’s rich programs. Kenneth Norman, animation and vfx program specialist and Bre Roberts, program manager of the animation online program at The Los Angeles Film School, answered a few of our questions about their school:

Can you tell us a bit about The L.A. Film School’s Current Animation and VFX offerings.

We offer four animation concentrations at The Los Angeles Film School. On our Hollywood campus, we provide Visual Effects and Game Art. We offer Character Animation, Environment and Character Design, and Visual Effects for our online students.

What makes the concentrations stand out from other similar fare?

Our Animation degree has some unique features that set it apart from others. First, our faculty members have at least four years of experience working in the animation industry, making them a valuable asset to our program. Many faculty members maintain active employment within the industry while teaching, allowing them to bring our students the most up-to-date learning experience. Second, our curriculum is designed based on the pipelines currently used in the animation industry. Our program’s design is another unique feature as we begin with a flipped curriculum for online concentrations, emphasizing the quality of the final output. Initially, we focus on camera, composition, and rendering using production-quality assets to build confidence, give students a better understanding of the high-quality assets they should aim to produce, and demonstrate their ability to create such assets.

What are some of the most popular classes in your program?

Courses where students have the most artistic freedom to explore their ideas are the most popular. Story-driven animation, Crowd Animation, Visual Effects for Games and Film, and Character Design are among our students’ most popular courses in our animation degree program. Students love opportunities to bring their own stories to life.

What are the most important skill sets that will be taught in your program?

The Los Angeles Film School’s Animation concentrations aim to equip students with diverse skills to succeed in the animation industry. Here are some key skill sets commonly taught in animation concentration programs:

Animation Principles: Understanding the core twelve principles of animation and how to implement them into 3D animation.

Character Design: Creating visually appealing and unique characters that fit within the context of the animation project.

3D Modeling and Animation: Utilizing industrystandard software for creating 3D models and animating characters and scenes.

Visual Effects (VFX): Incorporating visual effects into animations or live-action films to enhance the overall visual appeal.

Rigging: Understanding the process of creating skeletons and controls for 3D character models, enabling realistic movement.

Texturing and Lighting: Learning to apply textures to 3D models and effectively use lighting to enhance the visual quality of animations. Industry Software Proficiency: Becoming proficient in industry-standard animation software such as Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine. Portfolio Development: Crafting a strong portfolio showcasing various final projects and demonstrating proficiency in the student’s chosen career interests and styles.

Professional Development: Understanding the business aspects of the animation industry, including networking, job searching, and staying updated on industry trends.

What kind of advice would you offer prospective students who want to enroll in your program?

Your well-being should always come first. Trying to learn something new without a balanced lifestyle can significantly impact your concentration and health. Your mind and body need nourishment, sleep, and emotional support to absorb new learning content effectively. Our student advising team is available when life inevitably happens during our students’ 36-month experience within The Los Angeles Film School.

The key to learning is to communicate appropriately and be open-minded. Most students come from a standardized learning background where they complete a project, accept the grade, and don’t necessarily follow up on what they could have done better. They should think of college as more of a mentorship and push to understand the relevance behind what they are learning and how it aids them in their goals.

Find an organizational and time management paradigm that works for you. Set a particular time and place to work in your home. Understand you’re not perfect, and we all slip up. Learn from it, course correct, and rebalance your time. Remember, every person you meet is an opportunity to connect and network. We offer multiple community events on campus and online, including game nights, seminars, and art jam sessions. Surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests will keep your motivation and engagement high. These connections could help you find opportunities after graduation as well. ◆