De Anza College
De Anza College's animation program nurtures the artistry and personal visions of film writers and directors. In the tradition of the guilds, students learn their craft while working alongside experienced professionals. The development of concepts for student films is given equal importance to the acquisition of technical skills. Close analysis of outstanding animated films is integrated with the exploration of advanced production techniques. And classic animated motion design is applied to both traditional and digital productions, providing practical vocational training in all animation art media. Students are encouraged to build their foundation skills (e.g. drawing, motion design), explore and be inspired by the great animated films gathered from around the world in De Anza's animation history courses, and develop visual ideas for personal films in script, storyboard and workshop classes. The objective is for students to have the concepts, storyboards and (in some cases) soundtracks for their personal film projects in place by the time they have acquired the technical skills to create the animation. All students should take advantage of courses (including F/TV 77 and 81 series variable topic courses) that are only offered in the Winter quarter. Remember that some degree or certificate requirements may be taken in the second year of the program. Important Note: Students must register as early as possible. Some courses fill quickly and others are cancelled well before the quarter starts if they are under-enrolled. Do not wait for the first class meeting; this may be too late! Even if the course does not start until late in the quarter, all registration should be completed prior to the quarter's start to ensure that the course will be offered. DeAnza is ideally situated between San Francisco, one of the world's leading animation production centers and Silicon Valley, the very heart of the multi-national computer industry. This greater San Francisco Bay Area has proven to be an enormous asset to De Anza animation students. Attracted by the scenic beauty, cultural vitality and wealth of creative jobs, international animators gravitate to the region.
