Learn How to 3D Animate at NYFA
In NYFA’s 4-Week 3D Animation & VFX workshop in New York, students write, animate, direct and edit their own original content using the professional software, Maya, gaining practical experience in a compacted timeframe. Following NYFA’s philosophy of hands-on education, workshop students learn under the guidance of industry professionals. No experience is required to attend.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 4-Week 3D Animation & VFX Workshop
During the 4-Week 3D Animation & VFX workshop, students quickly learn the fundamentals of 3D animation — movement, weight, timing, character development, and much more through practical experience. Throughout the program, students study topics such as screenwriting, modeling, UV mapping, materials, lighting, rigging, animation, cameras, rendering, and editing and compositing, getting an introductory understanding of 3D animation and visual effects. Students spend an additional twenty to forty hours a week in independent lab work on their own project. These hours vary from student to student.
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
NYFA Los Angeles
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
In NYFA’s 4-Week 3D Animation & VFX Workshop, students complete engaging projects of increasing complexity. To learn more about the projects, 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.