Full-time Programs
ANIM - Animation
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Three-Year Ontario College Advanced Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Lisa DeAngelis | ldeangelis@loyalistc.on.ca |
| Glen Arendt | garendt@Loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Combine your skills in creative expression with up-to-date software and technology knowledge for an exciting career in animation and new media industry – including 2D and 3D animation, game design, visual effects or web design and development.
- Our Animation program offers an opportunity to develop industry skills in a creative, challenging and safe environment.
- The third-year of the program offers the chance to choose specialized studies to fit your personal interests and career goals.
- Learn with caring, industry-connected faculty who offer individualized attention to help you on your learning road to success.
- Get industry experience during two internships to prepare for an exciting career in new media.
- Professional practice skills are also learned, so that Animation graduates can walk away with the professional skills to use on the job from day one.
Career Opportunities
The Animation program prepares people for careers in the evergrowing animation and new media industry. Graduates will be ready to find employment in the fields of computer animation including both 2D and 3D, game design, visual effects or specialized web design and development. Graduates can get positions as computer animators, CGI artists in the entertainment or game industry, interactive media content providers or web designers/developers. Entry-level salaries in these industries vary from $25,000 to $45,000. Senior animators and supervisors can earn between $100,000 and $200,000 and higher. Entrepreneurship and communications training also prepares students to work on a freelance basis.
Program Description
There is presently an increasing demand for skilled talent in the animation, visual effects, gaming and web design industries, as well as 3D artists in the architectural and industrial fields. Graduates gain a competitive edge in the job market with instruction in the entire range of the production process and professional practice skills.
Students with either an artistic or technical background can find success in the program. A foundation year provides the opportunity to strengthen skills in each area. In the second and third years, students can specialize in areas such as character animation, 2D/3D animation, gaming, visual effects and web design. Students can tailor the program to their area of specialization through independent production courses in their final year.
Professional practice skills such as communication, using integrity, meeting deadlines, maintaining a healthy work ethic, and conducting oneself with maturity are also learned, so that students graduate with the professional skills that can be applied right from the start of their career.
Loyalist production/animation facilities include the latest Quad Core workstations, Mac Final Cut Pro HD editing systems, a motion capture system and studio, 3D digitizing technology and HD broadcast grade cameras and decks. Students also have access to the latest industry software including Autodesk animation software (Softimage and Maya) and the latest Adobe Master Suite of editing and digital processing software.
Two internships provide valuable on-the-job experience before graduation. Students leave the program with professional practices and job search skills, as well as an impressive portfolio of their work.
FIT- Focus on Technology Program
Loyalist’s Animation program meets the standards of FIT – an initiative of the federal government that supports the growth of a qualified, motivated and agile information technology workforce. Loyalist is the first community college in Ontario to earn FIT status.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,393 (two semesters)
Consumables Fee: $450
Books and Supplies: $750
Students need to budget for a three-week internship in Semester Four and four weeks in Semester Six.
Additional costs, such as travel and parking, may be incurred during internships.
Admission Requirements
Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level, and
- Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
Recommended academic preparation –
- Communications technology, IT and computer literacy, media arts, fine arts, presentation techniques
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates from the Animation program can reserve a place
in the Sports Journalism or Public Relations post-graduate
certificate programs at Loyalist.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2011:
- Algoma University College
- Athabasca University
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details. Graduates may contact the university to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
Year 1 - Semester 1
DIGP 1013 Web Authoring 1
This course provides the learner with an introduction to HTML and the web environment. It includes associated applications: Browsers (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, plug-ins), Image formats (.gif .jpg .png), web design principles and design parameters. Image Ready and other graphic Web creation tools are introduced.
DIGP 1014 Animation 1
An introduction to the terms and concepts of animation in general and the history of animation. Students will explore the 3D environment (simple modeling, materials, textures, lighting, animation and rendering) the mathematical concepts involved in the creation of animation and the production process (story telling, scripting, story boarding, production planning/timelines, production and postproduction).
DIGP 1015 Interactive Media 1
Provides the student with an understanding of optical technology, its applications limitations and future uses. CD/DVD burning hardware and software will be demonstrated and utilized.
DIGP 1016 Digital Imaging
The logic required to build a CD ROM or web page is the emphasis of this course. The challenge of writing for new media is also explored through hands-on project development. The basics of event planning, site navigation and the psychology of interface and graphic design are components of this course.
DIGP 1017 Audio/Video 1
An introduction to video, how it works and how to use video on a computer. Various non-linear editing software applications will be used to capture, edit and process video. An introduction to audio, how it is recorded, audio formats and how to process sound digitally will also be provided. Subjects include CODEC's, media file types, data rates, recording, time code, timelines, compatability and limitations. Corequisite: DIGP 1020
DIGP 1019 Art Direction 1
The art director is responsible for the look, feel and design of a new media project. The art director must be able to work seamlessly along with the client, producer,programmers, animators, and artists to convey the products essential message in a dynamic and compelling fashion. Students will be introduced to the concepts of basic graphic design, as well as the fundamentals of the production process, and the structure of the production environment. Conceptual illustration, character design and storyboarding will be an important component of the course.
DIGP 1020 Digital Concepts 1
An introduction to LINUX, UNIX the Mac platform MAC OS and the Microsoft Windows platform operating system. The students will explore how each operating system works and for what they are used. Hands-on experience will reinforce the command sets for each system. File management, system backup, system administration and computer security will be a strong component of the course. Introduction to computer hardware with hands-on investigation of individual computer components. Corequisite: DIGP 1017
DIGP 1029 Communications 1
TBA
Year 1 - Semester 2
DIGP 1021 Web Authoring 2
An introduction to various web authoring software applications and the authoring tools available within each program. Dreamweaver and Adobe Creative suite will be a major components of the course. Advanced web subjects include cascading style sheets, META tags and layers. Prerequisite: DIGP 1013
DIGP 1022 Animation 2
An introduction to colour models, colourspace, resolution, aliasing, advanced production concepts (layering, FX animation, match moving, light matching, compositing and green screening) and advanced animation concepts (rotoscoping, dubbing, motion capture, and digitizing). It will also reinforce basic animation, and keyframing, enveloping and IK chain animation. The student will also be introduced to character design animation, shaders, postrendering FXs and other basic postproduction techniques. Students will use various animation platfroms to achieve final animated product. Prerequisite: DIGP 1014
DIGP 1023 Interactive Media 2
Introduce students to multimedia concepts with particular emphasis on timeline-based navigation, cast members and object behaviours. Multimedia authoring software will continue to be utilized to achieve final multimedia product. Prerequisite: DIGP 1015
DIGP 1024 Enhanced Interactivity 1
This course will provide an introduction to programming. JAVA programming is used throughout Digital Media, from web sites, e-commerce, database integration, animation, multimedia, and even shaders for 3D animation. We will cover its uses, its history and future applications. Other topics will include: HTML, frames, tables, cascading style sheets, DHTML, SSI, layers and other tags JAVA, JavaScript and Object oriented programming. Co-requisite: DIGP 1021
DIGP 1026 Art Direction 2
The writer, artist, designer, musician, programmer, and producer must be directed by an individual who understands their medias well enough to get the best from each one in order to create an innovative and efficient production. This course further explores the role of the Art Director and his/her function in multimedia. Students will continue to learn graphic design and will explore many important media, such as drawing, painting, sculpting and digital illustration. Prerequisite: DIGP 1016/1019
DIGP 1027 Digital Concepts 2
Particular emphasis will be placed on operating systems, servers (Apache, IIS), networking, interfacing machines, AppleTalk, TCP/IP, routing, packeting including security, passwords and encryption. Study will include firewalls, hackers, LAN, WAN and how internet technology really works. The applied aspects of this course will include: compositing, layering, processing, and effects, hardware repair, software troubleshooting and technical issues. Prerequisite: DIGP 1017/1020
DIGP 1030 Communications 2
TBA
Year 2 - Semester 3
DIGP 2000 Web Authoring 3
The students will learn the fundamentals of good web design. Here the students will develop a critical eye. They will analyze existing sites to analyze good design and bad design techniques. This course will also include information on file compression, quality versus size, and an introduction to rich media formats. The students will also be introduced to and use Flash (basic animation, importing, exporting, content creation). Adobe illustrator will be introduced and topics will include how vector graphics work and their advantages. Advanced Web graphics including rollovers, slices, and image maps will be covered. Prerequisite: DIGP 1013/1021/1024
DIGP 2001 Animation 3
Using various animation platforms, the students will adopt advanced modelling techniques (spline and patch, NURB sur faces, digitizing, metasurfaces) intermediate animation techniques (rotoscoping, function curve editing, expressions) and FX animation, dynamics, and environmental animation and design. They will also appreciate advanced materials and shader techniques (surface and FX shaders, hair cloth, particles), advanced texture mapping (UV mapping, 3D painting), advanced lighting design (light matching, light shaders, surface lighting, lighting for animation) and advanced camera design (camera matching, match moving, moving camera). Prerequisites: DIGP 1014/1019/1022
DIGP 2002 Game Design 1
This course will include: the advanced use of timeline-based authoring software, using behaviors, libraries, importing specialized media created in other programs (i.e. sound, digital video). Event planning and Navigation will be strongly emphasized. Lingo programming will be introduced. The students will essentially put all of the pieces together to create a multimedia presentation. DVD creation software will be used in conjugation with the DIGP 2003 course. Prerequisite: DIGP 1023
DIGP 2003 Audio/Video 2
This course covers advanced topics including: online editing, image compositing, advanced character generation, audio sweetening techniques and digital video effects. Digital camera operations, shooting and lighting techniques will also be discussed.Audio formats, multitrack recording, MIDI and equipment will be discussed. Prerequisites: DIGP 1017/1020 Corequisite: DIGP 2005
DIGP 2004 Enhanced Interactivity 2
More advanced scripting for the web and basic programming techniques using JAVA will be emphasized. Students will learn how scripts function and affect page content. Applications, class files, compiling and security will also be addressed. Students learn how to use existing objects, object libraries, object hierarchies and threads. Client vs Server side applications willbe discussed. Programming in PERL, CGI scripts, VB scripts and .NET will be discussed.
DIGP 2005 Digital Compositing
This course will use timeline-based compositing software to demonstrate the following post-production techniques: basic layering and compositing, colour and alpha keying, edge rolling, blurring, and aliasing/corona matching, noise, camera match/moving, film grain and noise and colour lighting/matching. Prerequisites: DIGP 1017/1020/1027 Corequisite: DIGP 2003
DIGP 2006 Art Direction 3
Using the techniques learned in Art Direction 1&2, the students will act as Art Directors on projects generated by their peers. A team approach will be used in this course. Prerequisites: DIGP 1016/1019/1026
Year 2 - Semester 4
DIGP 2007 Web Authoring 4
Web Authoring JAVA programming will be offered in conjunction with the Computer Programmer/Analyst Program. Students learn how to use existing objects object libraries object hierarchies and threads.
DIGP 2008 Animation 4
Using various 3D animation software platforms, students will explore intermediate character animation (body animation, movement) advanced modeling techniques (NURB surfaces and NURB blending) advanced animation techniques (motion capture, nonlinear motion editing), digital compositing and FX Animation, advanced layering and compositing (motion matching), shadow matching and integration with live/digital still action wire removal, matte extraction from live action, FX compositing and creation (flames, smoke, glows, particles, and cloth) and digital matte painting and creation. Prerequisites: DIGP 1014/1019/1022/1026/2001/2006
DIGP 2009 Game Design 2
This course emphasizes programming Multimedia content using Lingo. Advanced scripting and concepts such as game preparation and CBT programming will also form an important element of the program. Content preparation and cross platform issues will be discussed. Advanced DVD creation techniques and issues will be discussed. Prerequisites: DIGP 1015/1017/1023/1023/2002/2003
DIGP 2011 New Media Production 1
This course will emphasize the team approach to project planning. The students will learn to plan, storyboard, template and price out a major project. The project developed this term will be completed in the final term. In this course, the student will use all concepts learned to date and commence work on a final project. Prerequisites: DIGP 1013/1014/1015/1021/1022/1023/2000/2001/2002 Co-requisites: DIGP 2007/2008/2009
DIGP 2012 Art Direction 4
This course will compliment New Media Production 1. The emp hasis here will be on the "look" of the major projects. Prerequisites: DIGP 1016/1026/2006
DIGP 3008 Freelance & Enterpreneurship
Students become familiar with small business financial systems, tax planning, estimating, contracting, enterprise development, government regulations, alternate funding sources, and how to develop a business plan. Prerequisites: DIGP 2010 Co-requisite: DIGP 3006
INTN 2006 Internship
Focusing on presentations by guest speakers, this course will cover career opportunities, job requirements, employers’ expectations, and tips for survival and success in online, print, and broadcast news operations. Students will also create a resumé and cover letter to accompany their professional portfolio. The placement and job search begins here.
Year 3 - Semester 5
DIGP 3001 Animation 5
Using several 3D animation software applications, the students will utilize advanced character design (NURB blending, envelope weighting, shape, characteristic painting, scripting and expressions) and advanced character animation (facial animation, lip syncing muscle and skin, cloth, hair, fur). Prerequisites: DIGP 1014/1022/2001/2008 Co-requisite: DIGP 3005
DIGP 3003 Independent Production 1
Students will search out real clients and will produce a new media project. At this stage in the program, the student will use the web design, authoring and animation skills learned to date to complete a project for an actual client. Student/client meetings and planning sessions will take place. The project will be documented and approved by faculty before the computer-based aspect of the project begins. Prerequisites: DIGP 2011
DIGP 3005 Art Direction 5
This course will compliment Independent Production 1. The emphasis here is on maximizing the artistry of a new media product while recognizing the constraints of the client time and a real budget. Prerequistes: DIGP 1016/2010 Co-requisite: DIGP 3001
DIGP 3016 Communications 3
TBA
Year 3 - Semester 5 - Web Stream
DIGP 3013 Web Master
TBA
Year 3 - Semester 5 - Animation Stream
DIGP 3011 Animation Master
TBA
Year 3 - Semester 5 - Game Stream
DIGP 3012 Game Master
TBA
Year 3 - Semester 6
INTN 3010 Internship
This second eight-week internship is intended to provide the student with direct work experience in a new media facility. The longer internship will allow the student to gain specific experience and be integrated in a work team.
DIGP 2010 The Job Search
The students will also research existing and emerging new media companies and opportunities, create a business plan and demonstrate an understanding of new media business trends.
DIGP 3006 Portfolio Production
The students will develop a new media portfolio designed to assist in their internships and eventual job placement. The portfolios will demonstrate their understanding of all elements of the program. Prerequisites: DIGP 1016/2010 Co-requisite: DIGP 3008
DIGP 3007 New Media Production 2
Students will use all skills acquired to complete a final new media-based project. This will be the culmination of concepts learned in all classes to achieve a final product that will be included in the student's portfolio.
DIGP 3009 Independent Production 2
This course is a continuation of Independent Production 1. Prerequisites: DIGP 2006/3003
