UCLA School of Theater, Film, & Television: Department of Film, Television and Digital Media
MFA Animation Program
- The first year is devoted to learning the principles of making a traditional hand-done, animated film.
- The second year utilizes the process of creating computer animation; the film may be 2D, 3D, or a combination.
- The third year culminates the student's creativity through a showcase of a Thesis Project
The Animation Workshop
The MFA Animation Program is popularly known as the UCLA Animation Workshop. While primarily an MFA program, the Department (Film Television and Digital Media), offers a two-year undergraduate film degree program (junior – senior years), from which it’s possible to do a Senior Concentration in Animation. We have a number of undergraduate level courses available to non-majors, and to film minors.
This philosophy of our Workshop allows each filmmaker complete control over their film: its concept, purpose, content, viewpoint, art, form, audience, and value.
3 years - The Details
The process begins with the fundamentals of animation, exposure to different techniques, history, and critical analysis. This culminates with a 2-quarter class (FTV 181C), in which the student completes an animated film with sound.
This first-year film is “hand-done” in that the visual components are grounded in traditional and experimental techniques (not a computer film). Animation may be drawn on paper; stop motion, clay, or puppet animation; cut-out animation; sand or paint on glass; direct-on-film; and more.
While most components of the first year film are made by hand, some aspects of the process may incorporate digital use of coloring and non-linear editing programs for final assembly & output. Audio recording and mix are done in the digital realm. Students have the option to shoot on film, for their 181C film.
During the fall quarter the project is taken from storyboard to animatic, until ready for production, winter and spring quarters are dedicated to production and post-production.
Cintiqs are available for hand-drawn animation, and work with a variety of software programs (Toon Boom, TVPaint, Photoshop, CC Animate, etc). Those making 3D CG films learn to model, rig, shade, light, and animate using Maya. The principals of animation, and the pursuit of excellence in individual work are so important in the first year, they continue to be emphasized in the second year, while fully immersed in the digital realm.
During the final (third) quarter of the second year, a Thesis Workshop class may be offered to begin boarding their thesis film, in preparation for the third year. The second year culminates with the completed computer animation project.
The third year begins with the creation of an interactive animation project or game. Any requirements not yet completed are undertaken, and this is a good time to fit in any electives of particular interest.
Most significantly, the student forms a Thesis Committee and begins production on their thesis film.
Many third-year students serve as TAs and SRs (Teaching Assistants and Special Readers) in the various animation classes. This provides financial support and affords the opportunity of teaching experience – particularly helpful for those who wish to work in education, while also providing peer support to the body of animation students.
Every thesis is a culmination that showcases the student’s creativity as a filmmaker. The thesis project can take a variety of forms:
- A film (traditional, 3DCG, experimental, stop motion, VR, or combination)
- An interactive project, either game or web based
- A feature animation script, series proposal, or pitch bible (by petition)
A thesis project should demonstrate that the student knows and understands the principles of animation as taught in their education in the UCLA MFA program. If this is lacking, a thesis will be denied.