Filmmaking Summer Intensives

Animation Curriculum

The Introductory Animation program is open to rising high school freshmen through incoming college freshmen and will introduce first-time students to the fundamentals of animation. The Advanced Animation program will lead returning students to more advanced studies in the field.

Within our conservatory approach to learning, you will experience all the elements of animation first–hand: visual storytelling, storyboarding, cinematography, directing, animation production, editing and sound design. You will also gain hands-on knowledge of hand-drawn animation and 3D computer animation, with individual instruction from our highly-experienced professional animators and the collaborative efforts of your fellow student animators.

Beyond the studio, you will dive into the history and fundamentals of animation, and attend presentations and screenings that will enhance your appreciation and awareness of the tools and techniques of animated storytelling, as well as their impact on the audience. You will participate in workshops on screenwriting, character design, and acting for animators. You will also participate in critiques throughout the two-week session and a final screening festival and reception for families and friends as a grand finale. No prior experience is required for first-time attendees, just your serious passion for developing your own animation and storytelling skills.

The Advanced program builds on what you have learned, and goes deeper into explorations of storyboarding, character design, cinematography, directing, animation production, editing, and sound design. We also go deeper into elements of animation production such as screenwriting, character design and acting for animators.

The Introductory program is offered during both sessions and the Advanced program is only offered during the second session. You are welcome to sign up for both sessions in sequence and leave here with an even stronger foundation in animation as you move on to college and beyond!

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