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This is a list of recommended classes from Warner Bros. Feature Animation. It can be used as a reference for students in deciding which courses to take as well as a reference for educators when deciding what to teach in their animation courses. This is only the list for traditional character animators. More information can be obtained by contacting the Warner Brothers Studios.
An animator is a versatile draftsman and actor. As Chuck Jones so aptly put it, "animation is acting that is drawn". The animator's special talents breathe expression, attitude, and personality into sequential drawings creating a wonderful characterization with a life all its own. An animator must display a mastery of a variety of skills including life drawings of both humans and animals, animation techniques, acting, timing, and the ability to convey expression, attitude, and personality on powerful, yet simple drawings.
Program Goal:
To discover and identify aptitude for a specific animation skill area.
Areas of concentration should include:
artistic
-complete a number of basic animation and artistic exercises in a variety of areas
-life drawing and animal study
Professional-understanding studio procedures
-development of an ability to work collaboratively
-development of an ability to take action
related classes
-life drawing and animal studies
Students applying for an entry level or animation trainee position should evidence their skills in a portfolio that contains samples of :
-life drawing such as: human anatomy, weight, 3-d solidity, form, economy of line
-evidence of a particular skill in one or more of the following areas: basic layout design, background painting, basic character design, basic visual development, basic animation mechanics and effects, storyboarding, thumbnailing and action analysis
-sketchbook drawings that display: perssonality, expression, strong poses, attitude, gesture, entertainment
To develop professional level entry skills
areas of study should include:
artistic
-understanding of human anatomy
-3-d drawing
-solidity weight and balance in drawing
-economy of line
-ability to capture a key pose
-an understanding of animation mechanics including: timing, staging, follow through, overlapping action, secondary action, weight
-display of above in animation acting including: broad action, subtle expression, entertainment, appeal, dialogue, path of action
Professional -ability to do research/action analysis/observation skills -ability to read exposure sheets and soundtracks -ability to work collaboratively Related Classes -life drawing and animal studies -acting and improv -story structure and storyboarding -film analysis and cinematography
Students applying for an entry level or animation position should evidence their skills in a portfolio that contains samples of:
-understanding of the basic animation pprincipals -advanced level drawing skills -rudimentary acting ability for animation and evidence these skills in the following ways:
-life drawing and animal studies -fliippable animated scenes -videotape evidencing an understanding of basic animation principles, mechanics, and potential animation acting ability -sketchbook with drawings that display: personality, expression, strong poses, attitude, gesture, entertainment
(c)1998 Warner Bros. Feature Animation