Learn How to Make 3D Animation & VFX at NYFA
In NYFA’s 3-Week 3D Animation & VFX Workshop, students learn the major concepts of animation using the Oscar-winning software Maya — the industry-standard 3D computer program. Throughout their three weeks, students progress through basic modeling, motion and rendering exercises en route to the completion of a short 3D computer animated film of their own design.
No prior experience is required to enroll in the 3-Week 3D Animation & VFX Workshop, but the pace is intense and students should be prepared to fully immerse themselves in the world of 3D animation for the duration of their studies.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 3-Week 3D Animation & VFX Workshop
The 3-Week 3D Animation & VFX Workshop teaches students the principles of animation, including movement, timing, weight, character development. While lectures are part of the curriculum, students are expected to commit themselves wholeheartedly to their projects to gain as much actual, working animation experience as they can.
The bulk of students’ time outside of class is spent in supervised labs. Lab time is used to complete and to expand upon assignments, as well as to create content for final animated films. The students’ final animation is output digitally and projected at a celebratory screening upon successful completion of the workshop. Classes are held every day, Monday through Friday.
NYFA also offers the possibility to learn 3D Animation and VFX from anywhere through a variety of online 3D Animation and VFX workshops.
To learn more about NYFA’s 3D animation and visual effects workshops, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
CLASS DETAILS
Animation Planning
The core of the Four Week Program, this Area of Study introduces students to all major aspects of planning an animation story/project. Students will learn concepts to help achieve maximum psychological impact by studying the director’s decisions in camera placement, blocking, staging, and visual image design. Students are encouraged to tell their stories visually, rather than relying on dialogue. Students will be challenged to think comprehensively about their film projects in terms of aesthetic fundamentals such as visual storytelling, character design/development, acting and expression, and art direction. Using their own film projects as prototypes, students will learn to break down their storyboards or animatics in terms of story and emotional beats, shot selection and composition. This Area of Study will be the forum for preparing, screening and critiquing each short film.
Animation Software Tools
Students undergo intensive training in the use of both 3-D and 2-D software. Through hands-on workshops and lectures, they will also learn fundamental digital modeling, animation, texturing and lighting techniques. As they progress through the program, they learn how to support the mood of the story with lighting choices and they experiment with expressive lighting and color palette styles.
Editing & Sound
Students will learn how to apply concepts such as temporal continuity and spatial continuity, as well as less traditional discontinuous editing techniques to their work. The Area of Study will also discuss the psychological and emotional effects of editing on the overall story. Additionally, students will learn to operate a digital editing software, which they will use to edit their own films. Classes are supplemented with individual consultations at the computer.
TIMES AND BREAKDOWN BY WEEK
This is a full-time workshop that runs from Monday through Friday.
PROGRAM AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
This course requires the following software and equipment:
- External hard drive (generally costs $30-$200)
- An SD Card
This workshop is not offered in 2023. Please see the 3D Animation & VFX School page for more programs.
In this dynamic workshop, students will complete a variety of original projects. For more information, please visit our projects page.
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.