12-Week Evening 3D Animation Workshop

The New York Film Academy’s 3D Animation Workshop is designed for individuals who want to learn the essentials of 3D animation with high-end 3D computer programs but do not have the time required to devote to full-time study as a year-round student.

NYFA’s animation programs are structured to fill in the gaps of knowledge for experienced students while also offering beginners the opportunity to very quickly achieve a competitive level of understanding and skill. Regardless of previous experience, students will write, animate, direct and edit their own computer-animated short films. All courses operate according to the Academy’s philosophy of hands-on education, allowing participants to learn a large amount and gain practical experience in a compacted timeframe. Topics covered include screenwriting, modeling, UV mapping, materials, lighting, rigging, animation, cameras, rendering, and editing and compositing.

WORKSHOP LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will learn the fundamentals of 3D animation — movement, weight, timing, character development, and much more — through hands-on experience with the industry-standard Maya software, which has been used in almost every film to win an Oscar for best visual effects since 1997. During the course, students quickly develop from learning how to perform basic modeling to creating their own original 3D computer animated film.

The 3D animation workshop shares the same focus as every other NYFA program: learning by doing. Active professionals in the field, who are able to convey theory as a tool to be used to create great art, teach our NYFA animation classes. The goal is not only to offer students a better understanding of animation, but also to empower them to create their own films and pursue a future in the field of animation. Experience is not required, but an interest in animation and a desire to work hard will be necessary to succeed in the workshop.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
At the NY campus, students have the option of taking the course in a modified schedule and may choose to attend a workshop over four (4) intensive weeks or a part time schedule over twelve (12) weeks. The total hours and content of the workshop are the same regardless of the schedule. Each 3D Animation Workshop comprises of 140 hours of instruction resulting in the creation of a short 3D computer animated movie. The 12-week schedule will consist of approximately 2.5 hours on Mondays and Thursdays and 6.5 hours on Saturdays. The 4-week schedule is 5-days per week averaging 7.5 hours per day.

Students will spend an additional twenty to forty hours a week in independent lab work on their own project. The Academy recognizes, as should the students, that these hours will vary from student to student.