Within the past few decades the fields of 3D animation and visual effects have exploded. Improved tools have made animators more sought after than ever, marking this as a great time to learn 3D animation and visual effects (VFX). The New York Film Academy’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects School is designed to not only teach you the theory that every great animator needs to know, but equips you with the professional skills that will help you excel in competitive VFX jobs.
The role of the animator in the entertainment industry has radically expanded over the past several decades and the Animation School at the New York Film Academy reflects these changes. Like other top animation schools, the New York Film Academy focuses on teaching the basic theory required to become a visual effects artist. But we set ourselves apart with an emphasis on the practical, career-making skills that actively prepare students for life after the Academy. The New York Film Academy’s award-winning faculty is composed of professional animators and visual artists with years of experience. They have designed an intensive, hands-on VFX curriculum to prepare the next generation of animators and visual effects artists for an ever-growing and competitive industry.
As a top animation school, New York Film Academy provides its students with professional facilities and equipment. While studying 3D animation and visual effects, students will gain hands-on experience with the industry standard Maya, ZBrush, Mudbox, Motion Builder, and Nuke software as well as learn to use professional-grade equipment.
Animation Courses
Students interested in learning about 3D animation and visual effects can enroll in a number of different VFX programs and workshops at the New York Film Academy’s 3D Animation School. Students can expect to take many of the below animation courses depending on the workshop or program in which they choose to enroll.
Modeling
Rigging
Introduction to Shaders
Lighting & Cameras
Screenwriting
Materials and Textures
Storyboard
Character Design
Introduction to Animation
3D Computer Modeling
UV Mapping
Rendering, Editing & Compositing
Animation
Lighting
Hard Surface Nurbs Modeling
Acting for Animation
MEL and Python
Particle Dynamics and Visual Effects
ZBrush
Mental Ray
Professional Development in Animation
Compositing with Nuke
Advanced Rigging
Storyboard & Animatic
3D Animation Classes
Aspiring animators interested in taking an animation program at NYFA’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects School can enroll in one throughout the year. To learn more about the start dates and tuition rates for the animation classes, please click here.
Animation Degrees
Students who wish to obtain an animation degree can complete a one-year program at the Academy’s NYC campus and apply for advanced standing in the BFA animation degree program offered at our Los Angeles campus.
The animation school at the New York Film Academy offers two short-term workshops designed for students who wish to obtain a working knowledge of the fundamentals of 3D animation and VFX. In addition, the Academy also offers an Eight-Week Interactive VR Workshop at the NYC campus to introduce students to the world of virtual reality.
Designed to accommodate students looking to make a longer time commitment to their studies, the 3D Animation & Visual Effects School at the New York Film Academy offers the following animation program.
In addition to its top-notch curriculum and facilities, the animation school at the New York Film Academy is home to a distinguished and accomplished faculty of professional 3D animators and visual effects artists. Each faculty member possesses a unique skill set that helps to create well-rounded students who are comfortable with the numerous aspects of the 3D animation pipeline. Some of the faculty members at the 3D Animation & Visual Effects School include:
Phoebe Elefante, Chair: Ms. Elefante joined New York Film Academy as a Narrative Design instructor in 2014. She has a Masters in Media & Creative Management from Indiana University, and has been working across media platforms as a Writer, Designer & Producer since 2003.
Robert Appleton: Mr. Appleton has previously worked as an acclaimed professor of 3D animation and visual effects at a number of institutions including the Ecole Superieure de Realisation Audiovisuelle, Pratt Institute, New York University, and Bloomberg L.P. London, UK.
Boaz Livny: An instructor in Advanced Lighting and Shaders, Livny is a CG/VFX supervisor for various post-production companies in the NYC area, including Elementary and Recom Farmhouse. Furthermore, he runs his own company called Vision Animations that provides production services, consultancy, and in-house training for studios around the world. He is also the author of Mental Ray for Maya, 3ds Max, and XSI: A 3D Artist’s Guide to Rendering.
Gavin Guerra: A 23-year veteran in the creation of award-winning visual entertainment, Mr. Guerra’s work has spanned many formats, including film, television, theatre, and interactive. He has worked on such projects as X2: X-Men United, Vertical Limit, Radio City Musical Hall’s Christmas Spectacular, and much more. He currently owns and operates Vram FX studios in Astoria, NY.
Animation Alumni
The 3D Animation & Visual Effects School at the New York Film Academy regularly graduates successful alumni who go on to find employment in such diverse industries as animated films, animated series, VFX work, video games, and much more.
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate from the Animation School at the New York Film Academy have a number of career paths open to them, many of which are listed in the table below. Furthermore, past graduates have gone on to work for a number of companies and organizations that include the following beneath the below table.
Animator
Character Development
Art Direction
Storyboard Artist
Architectural Modeling
Layout Artist
Visual Effects Artist
Character Rigger
Key Animator
Lighting Technician
Video Game Designer
Stop Motion Animator
Title Designer
Junior Compositor
Texture Artist
Color Key Artist
Compositing Artist
Mathematical Modeler
Render Wrangler
Cartoonist
Junior Match Mover
Contact Us
To learn more about the 3D Animation & Visual Effects School at the New York Film Academy, prospective students are encouraged to call us at +1 (212) 674-4300 and follow the links below to download more information.
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1-800-611-FILM | 1-212-674-4300 
Animation Degrees
