Program in Experimental Animation
The Experimental Animation Program offers both BFA and MFA degrees. The degree programs emphasize the creative development of a personal aesthetic in an artist-centered environment. A broad range of animation approaches, processes, and techniques are covered in lecture courses, seminars, workshops, visiting artist lectures, internships, and independent studies. The program supports 2D animation, stop-motion, multiplane, digital production, installation, stereoscopy, motion capture, performance animation, programming, and other approaches. Students work closely with a mentor in developing skills, course schedules, and projects, and also benefit from working among artistic peers in a studio environment. To support development of each student’s creative voice, we offer technical and critical skills within a wide range of production courses, as well as history and theory. Students are also required to take production courses in other Schools at CalArts (Theater, Dance, Music, and Art), in order to develop interdisciplinary approaches. Study abroad opportunities are also offered, mainly for BFA students.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Program in Experimental Animation
BFA students in Experimental Animation leave the program with a well-developed artistic identity and varied abilities, and establish careers in studio production and personal practice, often forming creative partnerships with fellow students. In the program, students are provided with a comprehensive education in the history, styles, techniques, and technology of animation arts. As a culminating project they conceive, design, and produce a graduation project that reflects the student’s personal artistic sensibilities.
The Experimental Animation Program accepts BFA-level students in one of two ways: 1) at the BFA1 level with a four-year residency requirement or 2) at the BFA2 level as a transfer student with a three-year residency requirement. Students must attend full-time; part-time attendance is not allowed.
Learning Goals for BFA Students
- Individual voice: Student's style is recognizable and compelling. This distinctive voice extends through their creative process, resulting in conceptually complex works that display competency with technical skills.
- Contextual knowledge: Student is aware of and can critically discuss current developments in time-based art and is cognizant of past developments in animation and live-action media history. Student is able to demonstrate his/her understanding of the historical/cultural/social context of their work.
- Interdisciplinary approaches: Student is aware of production practices in other métiers, such as art, theater, dance, and music, and has participated in one or more of these areas while at the Institute.
- Technical skills: Student has a working knowledge of digital media used in animation production, and can apply that knowledge effectively in realizing projects. Student is able to use technology creatively and with an experimental attitude.
- Collegiality: Student is an active participant within critiques, applying knowledge and experience effectively in their arguments and valuing other people’s opinions. Student understands the value of mentorship and works closely with faculty to achieve personal goals. Student values collaboration with others.
- Professionalism: Student’s personal work is outstanding, fulfilling their potential as an artist. Student is able to give cogent presentations about their work and is prepared to enter the professional world. Student attends visiting artist workshops, makes contacts through internships or various projects, and participates in portfolio presentations, and they are sought after for professional opportunities.
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Requirements for Student Accepted as a BFA1
BFA students accepted as a BFA1 complete a four-year residency. The first two years provide the student with an understanding of principles and techniques of animation, as well as the history of animation, digital methods, and elements of sound development. An animation project is produced in both the BFA1 and BFA2 years. The BFA3 year is left relatively open, so students can take practice-related courses in other Schools at the Institute; they must take at least three courses totaling six credits or more in another métier (Art, Theater, Dance, or Music) practice (not history or theory) during the four-year residency. A mid-residency review occurs during fall of the BFA3 year, when the student presents work they have produced within the program to their faculty committee. This review is scheduled by the student through the Film/Video office, after meeting with their mentor to assure that the required métier and critical studies courses have been taken.
BFA students are required to complete a graduation project as part of their requirements for the two-semester Undergraduate Critique course. This course is generally taken during the BFA4 year, but it can be taken during the BFA3 year.
The graduation project, along with other significant work, will be presented during the student's graduation review in the last semester of residence. The student arranges this review with the Film/Video office, after getting a graduation check from their mentor and having critical studies requirements signed off by the Registrar’s office. The faculty committee gives permission to graduate.
Required courses:
The following courses are required for students accepted at the BFA1 level in the Experimental Animation program, but they do not constitute a student’s entire program. In addition to the Experimental Animation requirements below, BFA students are also required to take production courses in other métiers: 6 credits, over a four-year residency.*
Students schedule regular meetings with their mentors throughout each semester to discuss the development of work and progress through required courses. The student will be asked to provide documentation of academic progress when they schedule mid-residency and graduation reviews. It is the student’s responsibility to fulfill all graduation requirements. Any requests for a substitution must be approved by the mentor before the course is taken
BFA1
Fall Semester
- FVEA107 BFA Animation Workshop (4 credits)
- FVEA255 Hybrid Imaging (2 credits)
- FAIC170 Animation History (3 credits)
- Critical Studies (3 credits)
- Elective (3 - 6 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA108 BFA Animation Production (4 credits)
- FVEA145 Motion and Meaning (2 credits)
- FAIC171 Animation History (3 credits)
- Critical Studies (3 credits)
- Elective (2 - 5 credits recommended)
BFA2
Fall Semester
- FVEA202 BFA2 Concept Development (3 credits)
- FVEA240 Sound for Experimental Animation I (2 credits)
- FAIC420 Film History I (3 credits)
- Other métier practice* (2 credits)
- Critical Studies (3 credits recommended)
- Elective (2-4 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA203 BFA2 Production (3 credits)
- FVEA241 Sound for Experimental Animation II (2 credits)
- FAIC421 Film History II (3 credits)
- Critical Studies (3 - 6 credits recommended)
- Elective (3 - 5 credits recommended)
BFA3
Fall Semester
- Mid-Residency Review
- FVEA482 Experimental Animation Undergrad Critique (may be taken in BFA4 year; 3 credits)**
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (13-17 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA482 Experimental Animation Undergrad Critique. (This course must be taken twice. May be taken in BFA3 year with permission of instructor, or BFA4 year. May be taken for 3 or 6 credits, by permission of instructor)**
- Other métier practice* (2 credits)
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (13-16 credits recommended)
BFA4
Fall Semester
- FVEA482 Experimental Animation Undergrad Critique. (This course must be taken twice. May be taken for 3 or 6 credits, by permission of instructor)**
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (8-14 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- Graduation review/Submit Senior Project
- FVEA482 Experimental Animation Undergrad Critique. (This course must be taken twice. May be taken for 3 or 6 credits, by permission of instructor)**
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (9-15 credits recommended)
*over a four-year residency, BFA students must complete at least six credits in another métier practice (not history or theory): Art, Theater, Dance, or Music. These courses must be completed at CalArts, not transferred in. They can be taken in any semester. Recommended timing for courses is indicated above.
**Students complete a graduation project in FVEA482 and FVEA483. These courses can be taken in the BFA3 or BFA4 year.
Requirements for Student Accepted as a BFA2 Transfer Student
Most BFA applicants are accepted at the BFA1 level, but in some cases a student may be accepted as a BFA2 transfer student. Transfer students who begin in the BFA2 year complete a three-year residency. In this track, the first two years provide the student with an understanding of principles and techniques of animation, as well as the history of animation, digital methods, and elements of sound development. An animation project is produced in both the BFA 2, BFA3, and BFA4 years. During the BFA3 year, these students also should take practice-related courses in other Schools at the Institute; they must take at least two courses totaling four credits or more in another métier (Art, Theater, Dance, or Music) practice (not history or theory) during the three-year residency. A mid-residency review occurs during fall of the BFA3 year, when the student presents work their has produced within the program to faculty committee. This review is scheduled by the student through the Film/Video office, after meeting with their mentor to assure that all required métier and critical studies courses have been taken. Students are required to complete a graduation project during their BFA4 year for the Undergraduate Critique course. That project, along with other significant work, will be presented during the student's graduation review in the last semester of residence. The student arranges this review with the Film/Video office, after getting a graduation check from their mentor and having critical studies requirements signed off by the Registrar’s office. The faculty committee gives permission to graduate.
Required courses:
The following courses are required for students accepted at the BFA2 transfer level in the Experimental Animation program, but they do not constitute a student’s entire program. In addition to the Experimental Animation requirements below, BFA students are also required to take production courses in other métiers.* Consult the online catalog for critical studies and other requirements. Students schedule regular meetings with their mentors throughout each semester to discuss the development of work and progress through required courses. The student will be asked to provide documentation of academic progress when they schedule mid-residency and graduation reviews. It is the student’s responsibility to fulfill all graduation requirements.
BFA2
Fall Semester
- FVEA107 BFA Animation Workshop (4 credits)
- FVEA255 Hybrid Imaging (2 credits)
- FAIC170 Animation History (3 credits)
- FAIC420 Film History I (3 credits)
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (3-6 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA108 BFA Animation Production (4 credits)
- FVEA145 Motion and Meaning (2 credits)
- FAIC171 Animation History (3 credits)
- FAIC421 Film History II (3 credits)
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (2-5 credits recommended)
BFA3
Fall Semester
- Mid-Residency Review
- FVEA202 BFA2 Concept Development (3 credits)
- FVEA240 Sound for Experimental Animation I (2 credits)
- Other métier practice* (2 credits)
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (8-11 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA203 BFA2 Production (3 credits)
- FVEA241 Sound for Experimental Animation II (2 credits)
- Other métier practice* (2 credits)
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (8-11 credits recommended)
BFA4
Fall Semester
- FVEA482 Experimental Animation Undergrad Critique. (This course must be taken twice. May be taken for 3 or 6 credits, by permission of instructor)**
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (9-15 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- Graduation Review/Submit Senior Project
- FVEA482 Experimental Animation Undergrad Critique. (This course must be taken twice. May be taken for 3 or 6 credits, by permission of instructor)**
- Critical Studies and electives as needed (8-14 credits recommended)
*over a three-year residency, BFA transfer students must complete at least four credits in another métier practice (not history or theory): Art, Theater, Dance, or Music. These courses must be completed at CalArts, not transferred in. They can be taken in any semester. Recommended timing for courses is indicated above.
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Master of Fine Arts Program in Experimental Animation
Graduates of the MFA Program in Experimental Animation become creative leaders in the field, establishing careers in studio production, teaching, and personal practice, often forming creative partnerships with fellow students. In the program, students are provided with a comprehensive education in the history, styles, techniques, and technology of animation arts. As a culminating project they conceive, design, and produce a thesis that reflects the students personal artistic sensibilities. The Experimental Animation program accepts MFA-level students for a three-year residency.
Learning Goals for MFA Students
Individual voice: Student's style is unique and developed over a body of work. This distinctive voice extends through their creative process, resulting in conceptually complex works that display competency with technical skills. Students develop creative methods that serve their personal styles.
Contextual knowledge: Student can discuss current developments in time-based art as well as past developments in animation and live-action media history.
Student is able to demonstrate their advanced understanding of the historical/cultural/social context of their work convincingly in presentations, discussions, and writing. Interdisciplinary approaches: Student is aware of production practices in other metiers, such as art, theater, dance, and music, and has participated in one or more of these areas while at the Institute. Student draws upon these disciplines as appropriate to expand their own creative approaches.
Technical skills: Student has an advanced knowledge of digital media used animation production, and can apply them with confidence in realizing projects. Student projects reflect the creative use of technology and an experimental attitude.
Collegiality: Student is an active participant within critiques, applying knowledge and experience effectively in their arguments and valuing other peoples opinions. Student works with others on projects. Student understands the value of mentorship and works closely with faculty to achieve personal goals. Student finds opportunity for leadership and collaboration within the program and the larger animation community.
Professionalism: Students personal work is outstanding, fulfilling their potential as an artist. Student gives cogent presentations about their work and is prepared to enter the professional world. Student attends visiting artist workshops, makes contacts through internships or various projects, and participates in portfolio presentations, and they are sought after for professional opportunities. Student is familiar with leading film festivals and has submitted their work to them as appropriate. Student attends professional gatherings and events and/or is a member of related organizations. They contribute to the advancement of animation production, history, and/or theory.
Requirements: MFA
The three-year residency MFA track in Experimental Animation provides time for students to participate in the full range of studies necessary for artistic and professional growth. MFA1 year level courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of production techniques, including both visual and sound elements. In seminar-type settings, students are encouraged to engage in critical discourse as a means of developing and articulating personal aesthetics. The spring semester culminates in completion of a first-year project, which is developed within supporting coursework. Through the study of animation history and continued conceptual investigation, MFA 2s further their understanding of the creative possibilities of animation and are encouraged to take courses from other metiers (Art, Dance, Theater, and Music) to develop in interdisciplinary ways.
During the MFA2 year, students develop a proposal for a thesis project that is completed in the MFA3 year, within courses and in consultation with a mentor and other faculty. This proposal is presented within a preliminary review during the spring semester of the MFA2 year. The student schedules this review with the Film/Video office after meeting with their mentor to assure that all course requirements have been met. During the preliminary review, the student receives feedback and establishes an agreement with their faculty committee on the goals of the project. The creative development of the thesis parallels studies focusing on advanced technical and conceptually oriented courses that support its production. Students entering the MFA program who have not taken a course in animation history are advised to enroll in the Animation History class in their MFA2 year.
During the MFA3 year, students focus mostly on producing the thesis project under the tutelage of a mentor and other faculty, while continuing to participate in supporting coursework. After checking graduation requirements with their mentor, the student schedules a graduation review with their committee during the spring semester of the MFA3 year. At this meeting, they present the completed thesis project for review by the faculty committee. MFA students are required to complete an approved thesis project in order to graduate.
Required courses:
Following is information about courses that are required for the Experimental Animation MFA, but they do not constitute a student’s entire program. Students must take at least 60 credits at the graduate level to graduate. Consult the official curriculum online for other requirements. Students schedule regular meetings with their mentors throughout each semester to discuss the development of work and progress through required courses. The student will be asked to provide documentation of academic progress when they schedule preliminary and graduation reviews. It is the student’s responsibility to fulfill all graduation requirements, including at least 6 graduate-level credits of history/theory coursework in residence at CalArts. To fulfill these requirements, students take FAIC570 Seminar in Animation History, FAIC675 History of Experimental Animation, and one other history/theory course approved by mentor. Any changes to the schedule of required courses must be approved by the required course instructor and the students mentor.
MFA1
Fall Semester
- FVEA504 Digital Workflow for Animators (1 credit)
- FVEA525 First Year Shorts (3 credits)
- FVEA540 Sound for Experimental Animation I (2 credits)
- FAIC 675 History of Experimental Animation (2 credits)
At least one of the following:
- FVEA515 Drawn Techniques for the Experimental Animator (3 credits)
- FVEA555 Hybrid Imaging (2 credits)
- FVEA620 Stop Motion Basics (2 credits)
- FVEA538 Introduction to Cinema4D (2 credits)
- FVEA610 Interactive Media (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA526 First Year Shorts (3 credits)
- FVEA541 Sound for Experimental Animation II (2 credits)
- Electives (5-8 credits recommended)
MFA2
Fall Semester
- FVEA520 Experimental Animation Thesis Concept Seminar (3 credits)
- FAIC570 Seminar in Animation History (2 credits)
- Electives (4-13 credits recommended)
RECOMMENDED: Students entering the MFA program who have not taken a course in animation history are advised to enroll in the Animation History class in their MFA2 year.
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- FVEA521 Experimental Animation Thesis Concept Seminar B (3 credits)
- Preliminary Review (before Spring break)
- Electives (9-13 credits recommended)
MFA3
Fall Semester
- FVEA530 Experimental Animation Thesis Production Seminar (3 credits)
- Electives (6-15 credits recommended)
Spring Semester
- Winter Session (1 credit)
- Graduation Review/Submit Thesis Project
- FVEA531 Experimental Animation Thesis Production Seminar (3 credits)
- Electives (5-6 credits recommended) To graduate, a total of 60 or more credits is needed for MFA students in a three-year residency.
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