Cerro Coso Community College
The Academy was designed by experienced industry professionals to train digital story-tellers to enter the many emerging employment arenas in digital animation. Animation classes are offered on-campus in our state-of-the-art $1.7 million facility with many hours of open lab available. Students can also learn online, through our Online program. Students develop professional skills in preproduction, story-telling, modeling, texture art, lighting, character animation, effects, animation programming/technical direction, render management, web animation and game design as they work alongside experienced industry artists. Each graduate of the 36 unit Certificate Program and/or 60 unit Associate Degree in Science in Digital Animation produces a DV/VHS demo reel, CDROM, and alumni web page. In addition to the many individual projects accomplished, students work in design production teams to complete animated shorts, motion graphics and effects for commercials, virtual set designs for theatrical production, and Flash projects for web delivery. Experienced teaching assistants are available during lab hours to assist students with their production and experimental projects. Foundation Topics: The history of animated films, pre-production skills in story and character development, storyboarding, character design, hand sculpting maquette construction, animatics, cinematography, composition, Process Topics: Pre-production art, digital modeling, texture art, lighting, character animation and rigging, render management, technical direction, motion graphics, web animation, game design. Vision Topics : Storytelling, artistic style, performance and direction, emotional curves, team synergy, creative expression. Digital Animation Program The Digital Animation program at Cerro Coso College is a year-long, intensive program that teaches students digital animation with a focus in either Game Design or Motion Graphics. The program is designed to afford students the opportunity to develop the necessary foundation skills, master the tools and processes, and nurture their artistry and creative vision. Students will work alongside experienced professionals and undergo standard production experiences in the classroom that reflect industry needs and current industry trends. Online classes are also available for students who wish to learn various aspects of digital animation remotely.
