UCLA Animation Workshop | Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

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This is a list of the most common questions we receive from prospective applicants to the UCLA Animation Workshop.

Q: How do I apply to the Graduate Master of Fine Arts Animation program and what is required?

A: The deadline for Graduate Admissions Applications to the Animation Master of Fine Arts program is on (or around) February 1st prior to each Academic Year. Applicants must have a four year degree from an accredited college or university, and hold a B average or above. Undergraduate degrees do not need to be from an art school. The University requires an application form, an application fee, copies of your official college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required, but can be helpful in deciding final applicant acceptance. Applicants from foreign countries are required to take the TOEFL exam. These are all University requirements for Graduate programs. Please refer to this page for current Animation MFA program application requirements and deadlines: https://www.tft.ucla.edu/programs/animation-mfa/apply-to-animation-mfa/ 

Q: What supporting materials do I need to submit?

A: The most important parts of your application are your essay and your portfolio, with a major focus on your creativity. We can teach animation, but not creativity. A storyboard of a proposed work, poetry or a script must be submitted to illustrate an applicant’s creative abilities. Please refer to this page for specific requirements & guidelines for the Portfolio and Storyboard: https://animation.filmtv.ucla.edu/program/applying/

Q: What is a Storyboard?

A: Not unlike a comic book, a Storyboard is a visual script comprised of a series of drawings in chronological/sequential order, conveying the story structure, visual look, and action of a proposed film. Each panel might have text below it indicating the dialogue, sound effects, or music for that panel. An example of a Storyboard can be found here: Storyboard Sample

Q: What are the Degree Requirements?

A: Contact Laura Campbell, Graduate Academic Advisor at LCampbell@tft.ucla.edu.

Q: What if I am graduating from a two year Associates Degree program?

A: University policy requires full four year Undergraduate degrees of applicants to all of our Graduate programs, including the UCLA Animation Workshop, which culminates in an MFA degree.

Q: I am graduating from high school. Can I get into the Workshop?

A: This is a Graduate MFA program, so the only Animation classes available to UCLA Undergraduates are the traditional (analog/non-digital) sequence of Animation courses (181A, B, and C). These courses can be taken during Junior and Senior years after all electives have been completed, and they are open to any UCLA Undergraduate majors, though priority is given to Film, Television & Digital Media Undergraduate (BA) majors who have declared a Concentration in Animation. Some Undergraduates who have completed a sync-sound animated film for their 181C project have then gone on to apply to the Animation MFA program, and a few have been accepted into the Workshop, however, there is no guarantee of admission.

Q: What are the Undergraduate application deadlines?

A: Please see: https://www.tft.ucla.edu/admissions/film-television-and-digital-media/

Q: Do I have to have an art or animation background?

A: While we do have a fair share of art majors, applicants are not required to have an art school background to be accepted by the Workshop, nor do we require previous experience in film, art, or animation. The Department accepts people from diverse backgrounds, which have included: English majors, lawyers, architects, software engineers, typographers, and a navy combat pilot to cite a few examples. As far as the workshop is concerned, what matters is the quality of your portfolio (more on this below) and your personal essay (Statement of Purpose). Remember, Animation can be fun, but it is also very hard work.

Q: What if I only want to do 3D Computer Animation?

A: There are no exceptions to the First-Year, non-digital course requirements. Computers do not animate, Artists animate, so we teach Animation, not Computer Science, though all Animation MFA students are required to take courses in Interactive and Computer Animation in their Second and/or Third Years, and the computer is merely a tool in the Animation process. If your sole interest is in Digital Animation, we recommend that you explore other schools (see list below).

Q: Can I visit the Workshop?

A: The UCLA Animation Workshop is located in Melnitz 2487 on the Second Floor of Melnitz Hall, which is located in the northeast corner of the UCLA campus, south of Parking Structure 3 at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Hilgard Avenue. You can schedule a Guided Tour of the UCLA Film, Television & Digital Media facilities, including the Animation Workshop, but if you wish to schedule an appointment for an Animation-specific tour, please contact either of the Workshop Staff, Animation Program Supervisor Josh Morgan (joshmorgan@tft.ucla.edu) or Director of Animation Resources Daniel Olivas (dolivas@tft.ucla.edu). All tours are subject to limited availability, and please be prepared to pay for hard-to-find parking.

Q: Can I request a pre-application interview?

A: Workshop professors are available for pre-application interviews, as schedules permit. This will not necessarily improve your chances of being accepted. We advise prospective students to visit the workshop, sit through some classes, and speak to professors and students at that time. Please contact the Workshop before making your visit (see tour information above).

Q: How expensive is the program?

A: UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships compiles an annual Cost of Attendance (COA) estimate: https://financialaid.ucla.edu/how-aid-works/cost-of-attendance
Tuition for out of state students and foreign nationals is higher than that of California residents. For residency, you have to live in California for one full year. If you want to become a resident, start this process as soon as you arrive in California. Details on applying for residency status are available at the UCLA Registrar’s Office: https://registrar.ucla.edu/fees-residence/residence-requirements
In addition to tuition, there are professional fees for Film/TV students. Filmmaking production costs vary based on the scope of your animated projects, but these costs are usually low compared to live action students who spend several thousands of dollars to make their films. Current fee information for all UCLA students is available at the UCLA Registrar’s Office: https://registrar.ucla.edu/fees-residence
The Workshop is a Professional Degree program, which means most of the federally subsidized aid available is limited to loans. The Workshop offers limited amounts of financial aid to students in their second year, and a few small grants and scholarships are available through the film school. Many students work part-time to supplement their incomes. There are also scholarships specifically for students from under-represented groups. Please refer to the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships website for Financial Aid and Scholarship infomation: https://financialaid.ucla.edu/how-aid-works/apply-for-aid

Q: What are some other programs that offer Animation coursework?

A: Note: These programs are listed as a courtesy and are in no way a recommendation.

Q: What books can I read to learn about Animation?

A: Note: These books are highly recommended, but this is not an exhaustive list.

  • Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams
  • Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair
  • Animation: Learn How to Draw Animated Cartoons by Preston Blair
  • How to Animate Film Cartoons by Preston Blair
  • Cartooning the Head and Figure by Jack Hamm
  • The Animation Book by Kit Laybourne
  • Cartoon Animation, Introduction to a Career by Milton Gray
  • Animation: From Script to Screen by Shamus Culhane
  • Cracking Animation: The Aardman Book of 3-D Animation by Peter Lord & Brian Sibley
  • The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnson