BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects Curriculum

First-Year Requirements

Students must take one semester of:

AHD-1015Modern Art: European (and American) Painting From Realism to Pop

HCD-1020Writing and Thinking NYC

HCD-1025 Writing and Literature

SDD-1050 Narrative Workshop

SMD-1200 Imaging Tools and Workflows

SMD-1230 3D Animation Pipeline I

SMD-1235 3D Animation Pipeline II

SMD-1250 Introduction to Video Tools and Techniques

One of the following groups:

FID-1130 Drawing I

FID-1135 Drawing II

or

AND-1060 Drawing for Animation I

AND-1065 Drawing for Animation II

Second-Year Requirements

Students must take one semester of:

SDD-2090 Professional Practices

SMD-2110 Python Scripting for Maya Artists

SMD-2137 Design in Motion

SMD-2146 3D Animation Production I

SMD-2147 3D Animation Production II

SMD-2157 VFX and Compositing I

SMD-2158 VFX and Compositing II

One of the following groups:

AHD-2182 History of Visual Effects in Film I

AHD-2183 History of Visual Effects in Film II

or

AHD-2190 History of Animation I

AHD-2195 History of Animation II

Third-Year Requirements

Requirement A

One semester of:

SDD-3090 Production Resources

SMD-3107 Studio Projects

SMD-3120 Thesis Research

SMD-3568 Thesis Preproduction: 3D Animation

or SMD-3566 Thesis Preproduction: Visual Effects and Compositing

Requirement B

Two 3-credit studio elective courses offered through the 3D Animation and Visual Effects Department.

Fourth-Year Requirements

SDD-4030 The Business of Being an Artist

SDD-4080 Thesis I

SDD-4085 Thesis II

SDD-4090 Thesis Special Topics

One of the following groups:

SMD-4011 Production Skills: 3D Animation I

SMD-4012 Production Skills: 3D Animation II

or

SMD-4022 Production Skills: VFX and Compositing I

SMD-4023 Production Skills: VFX and Compositing II

General Course Listing

The following course listing reflects the 2025-2026 curriculum. For further details on individual courses, such as meeting days and times, please refer to the Undergraduate Course Listing.

AHD-1015

Modern Art: European (and American) Painting From Realism to Pop

3 art history credits

The transitions from 19th-century modernism to the advent of contemporary painting in the mid-20th century will be examined in this course. How trends in art influence and respond to major social transitions in the modern world will be considered.

AND-1060 / AHD-1065

Drawing for Animation I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Focusing on the fundamental elements of line, space, scale and texture, as well as topics that include anatomy, color theory, perspective and observation, these courses provide a framework for students to translate what they see to how they convey it through the act of drawing. Pencil, charcoal, pen-and-ink and watercolor will be among the materials explored. Projects will range from the figure to nature and still life, and field trips will include drawing on location. 

FID-1130 / FID-1135

Drawing I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Focusing on the perceptual skills involved in image-making, these courses examine drawing as an act of producing independent works of art and as a preparatory process in organizing a finished work. Assigned projects will explore the formal elements of art, such as line, space, scale and texture. Materials will include pencil, charcoal, pen-and-ink and wash, among others. Projects range from the figure and still life, for example, to mapping and storyboarding. 

HCD-1020

Writing and Thinking NYC

3 humanities and sciences credits

This New York City-themed course helps students become critical and independent writers. To help establish a solid foundation in writing, the course introduces different types of writing using persuasive rhetoric in three writing genres—narration, description, and cause and effect. Course readings are drawn from a variety of New York-based texts, including historical documents, short stories, drama, poetry and essays, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts. By the end of the course, students will have an enhanced understanding of writing as a means to think and better communicate their ideas.

HCD-1025

Writing and Literature

3 humanities and sciences credits

This course emphasizes reading, critical thinking and essay writing. Students will build on their skills acquired in HCD-1020, Writing and Thinking NYC, in order to work on more complex essays. Students will learn how to research, use proper citations, and continue to work on their grammar and essay development. Readings are drawn from a selection of literary works, including drama, poetry and the narrative, as well as the critical essay.

SDD-1050

Narrative Workshop

3 studio credits

This course will examine the history of storytelling and its fundamental elements, including story and character development, timing and narrative structure. Translating a story to the screen will be explored through film language and shot construction. Students will tell and write their own stories, polish them in class and create illustrated storyboards.

SMD-1200

Imaging Tools and Workflows

3 studio credits

The correlation of digital tools and content to their analog predecessors and equivalents will be the starting point for conversation and creation. We will discuss how to use cameras to capture both photographs and videos, and how to use basic lighting setups to change the mood of these images. From simple image manipulation of photographs to creating complex collages of layered images, students will use raster, vector and page-layout programs to create and present original images. We will explore the basics of design skills and how to prepare images for a variety of output options. Basic visual computing skills, file-naming conventions, color management and color modes will be taught, and we will explore emerging technologies as they relate to the creation, delivery and consumption of content.

SMD-1230 / SMD-1235

3D Animation Pipeline I and II

3 studio credits per semester

In these courses students will explore 3D computer-generated imagery concepts using Autodesk Maya. Through in-class exercises and assignments, students will create Maya projects as they investigate the stages in a visual effects pipeline. Projects will include basic poly modeling, creating textures and materials, and keyframe animation. How to manage paths, data and hierarchies will be addressed, and students will become familiar with rigs. An introduction to lighting and shading is included.

SMD-1250

Introduction to Video Tools and Techniques

3 studio credits

Students will be introduced to the essentials of digital technologies, with a concentration on basics of video production, nonlinear editing and digital postproduction. Students will explore the use of cameras, cinematography, lighting and file compression. Projects will take students from still and video images to composited animation to final edited productions with sound.

SDD-2090

Professional Practices

no credit

Class time is reserved for discussion of topics relating to the use of computer-generated images in the entertainment, video and game industries. Students will explore the many aesthetic and career options they face as they begin to formulate their educational goals and career paths.

SMD-2110

Python Scripting for Maya Artists

3 studio credits

The ability to master technical solutions through scripting is a key component, and a sought out skill, for artists within the film and commercial production pipelines. This course will introduce the basic skills required to script effectively in Maya using the object-oriented scripting language, Python. Knowing Python will allow you to customize the Maya UI, automate repetitive tasks, modify existing tools and create your own tools. Students will also learn to use Python outside of the Maya environment to make stand-alone utilities, which can be useful in understanding how pipeline tools in studios are created. This course is designed to give you an edge in pushing the boundaries of Maya’s off-the-shelf tool set, and to place you in a large-scale production environment that is used within the entertainment, gaming and medical industries.

SDD-2114

Life Drawing for Animators

3 studio credits

Gesture, movement and character expression are important considerations for animators. This drawing course will explore various facets of human expression, such as emotions and physical mannerisms. Using models, students will learn to “catch” a moment in time through quick poses, as well as work out individual subtleties through longer poses. Field trips will be part of the challenge of learning to draw people in crowds and in motion.

SDD-2117

Figure Drawing for 3D Artists

3 studio credits

The study of the human figure and anatomy trains the artist to be aware of gesture when modeling, posing and animating 3D characters. Using models, students will study and explore the human figure through anatomy, gesture, construction and natural rhythms. Various technical approaches and anatomical details will be considered to help track and make sense of the subtleties of the form and how to extrapolate the gesture and motion of a pose. The observational drawing techniques covered in this course are foundational to 3D modeling and character animation.

SMD-2137

Design in Motion

3 studio credits

Creating time-based animations to tell stories or explain ideas with motion graphics is the focus of this course. Students will practice keyframing, editing, masking, typography, 3D layers, tracking and stabilization, rotoscoping and paint tools as they bring motion to graphic design. An emphasis will be placed on creative direction, style and design. Adobe After Effects will be the primary software tool, and additional programs will be introduced.

SMD-2146 / SMD-2147

3D Animation Production I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Professional practices will be stressed in creating preliminary sketches, concepts and designs. Students will learn how to employ geometrical primitives, extruding and lathing as well as deforming objects and working with mesh objects. 3D animation is explored by analyzing motion, understanding the devices of anticipation, reaction, overlapping motion, and squash-and-stretch, to add clarity and strength to sequences. Students will create storyboards and motion tests, and develop concepts as integrated with basic animation techniques of keyframe interpolation, model, light and camera animation.

SMD-2157 / SMD-2158

VFX and Compositing I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Using combinations of still images and video footage, these courses will explore the fundamentals of keyframing, applying effects over time, creating mattes and rotoscoping. Emphasis will be placed on editing techniques, art direction, aesthetics and the overall style of professional VFX production. An introduction to chroma keying techniques, node-based compositing and layering animated images will also be covered. Asset management and basic pipeline disciplines will be reinforced through assigned projects.

AHD-2182

History of Visual Effects in Film I

3 art history credits

The evolution of special effects in motion pictures is explored in this course, from the silent era and early sound films to the fully animated works of the early 2000s. Using a chronological approach, and focusing on American cinema, students will examine the political, cultural and aesthetic history of special effects to understand the development of the medium and its impact on visual culture. The course covers the history and technology of animation and visual effects, from early techniques like Claymation and stop-motion to modern CGI. Through critical readings, screenings and discussions, students will analyze how advancements in special effects shape and reflect our perceptions of visual storytelling.

AHD-2183

History of Visual Effects in Film II

3 art history credits

Building on concepts from AHD-2182, History of Special Effects in Film I, this course broadens the exploration to include films from around the world, focusing on the creation and cultural significance of special effects in diverse cinematic traditions. Rather than following a strict chronological timeline, the course will move fluidly across different time periods and styles, showcasing films pushing conventional cinema’s boundaries. Through screenings, discussions and critical analysis, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the artistry and innovation behind special effects, examining how global filmmakers have influenced and expanded the possibilities of visual storytelling.

AHD-2190 / AHD-2195

History of Animation I and II

3 art history credits per semester

These courses explore milestones in animation, from pioneers like Walt Disney, Norman McLaren and Lotte Reiniger, to present-day digital innovators. Along the way we’ll consider a range of techniques, including line-and-cel, glass painting, stop motion, clay animation, morphs and 3D characters. We’ll also see why animation deserves to be seen as perhaps the most complex art form.

SMD-2333

Dimensional Storytelling in Blender

3 studio credits

The potential for storytelling across multiple dimensions is limitless. In this course we’ll explore this potential through Blender, an all-in-one, open-source 3D computer graphics tool kit. Coursework will cover the various features of Blender: building and animating three-dimensional models and environments; two-dimensional drawing, storyboarding, and animating in 3D; compositing and video editing. Fundamental concepts such as mise-en-scène, cinematography and editing will be emphasized throughout the course as students develop their skill sets and explore the possibilities where 2D and 3D imaging meet. 

SMD-2342

Interactive Narrative Design

3 studio credits

Game design is a holistic art form—all parts of a game connect with one another. This course explores the intersection of narrative writing and game mechanics in the creation of immersive interactive worlds. Students will look at games and other interactive media that use play to drive narratives and themes. With hands-on projects, the course will investigate practical experience in world-building, narrative design and fundamental game development concepts.

SDD-3090

Production Resources in 3D Animation and Visual Effects

no credit

Producing 3D animation and visual effects requires a broad understanding of various resources. In this course we will hear from many industry professionals and review best practices on topics that include 3D scene creation, rendering, motion capture, color grading and software pipelines. Students will be shown how to plan for their own productions, and we will discuss technology developments that may change the way projects are made.

SMD-3107 

Studio Projects

3 studio credits

Collaborating with a team of artists and following the direction of a director, supervisor or client are important skills for artists in the animation and visual effects industries. In this course students will learn about the production process and pipeline by working collaboratively on projects from conception to completion. Prompts and structure will be provided by the instructor, and students will work together with their individual strengths and skills to meet the shared goals of a finished project. 

SMD-3110

Sound and Vision: Producing a Soundtrack

3 studio credits

Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of audio capture, enhancement and production by focusing on the methods used in creating a professional soundtrack. Examples of award-winning videos and animations will be analyzed scene by scene. Students will compose a soundtrack for an existing project or their thesis production. This will include writing or locating appropriate music, gathering and recording sound effects, and mixing the final track.

SMD-3120

Thesis Research

3 studio credits

In addition to advanced story and character development, timing and narrative structure will be taught through a series of written exercises and reading assignments. Students will tell and write their own stories and have them critiqued in classroom discussions. Students will develop scripts and draw storyboards using traditional and computer-assisted methods.

SMD-3143

Introduction to Virtual Reality

3 studio credits

Welcome to the world of virtual reality (VR) in Unity! This course will dive into the ever-changing technology of VR and explore new dimensions of creativity. The fundamentals of VR development using Unity will be covered as you will gain hands-on experience creating immersive environments, interactive objects and captivating experiences for users. VR development principles and techniques will be taught as students create a VR project to showcase the skills gained in this course.

SMD-3222

Concept Art Techniques for 3D Artists

3 studio credits

Visually conveying the idea of environments and characters for films, video games and animations is an important part of the preproduction process. In this course we will look at the rules of painting and picture-making, and how to apply them to a digital workflow to create concept art for narrative projects. We will begin with gathering crucial photo references and painting block outs in Adobe Photoshop. Working through assignments like environment paintings to study the rules of atmospheric perspective and costume design to look at basic anatomy, we will discuss the use of color, lighting and composition to evoke moods and feelings. Through the use of various software packages, students will gain skills in digital painting, digital sculpting and photobashing techniques in order to develop a more discerning eye for details and confidence.

SMD-3261

Basic Cinema 4D

3 studio credits

Cinema 4D is an intuitive 3D package used for creating amazing still images for print and breathtaking video for broadcast, web and film. The easy interface and logical workflow of the software make it possible for those new to 3D to produce high-end work quickly. This course will cover modeling, animation, lighting and camera techniques to create 3D typography, objects and motion graphics. We will also discuss the integration of Cinema 4D creations with Adobe products for compositing and broadcast purposes. 

SMD-3263

Motion Graphics Techniques I

3 studio credits

In this course students will use compositing and animation tools such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to create motion graphics projects for broadcast, web and film. Keyframes, animated masks and filters, and motion paths will be used to create complex, layered compositions. Students will also be introduced to modeling, lighting and camera techniques to create 3D typography and motion graphics.

SMD-3265

Motion Graphics Techniques II

3 studio credits

Continuing with the material covered in SMD-3263, Motion Graphics Techniques I, students will further examine the technical aspects of compositing and animation tools such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D. Advanced techniques of working with live-action footage, rotoscoping and compositing will be covered. Through exercises and assignments, students will create their own animated designs and motion graphics projects.

SMD-3341

Matte Painting

3 studio credits

Matte painting has been around since the early days of still and moving images. Initially created as paintings on large pieces of glass, digital tools have extended the form to levels previously unimagined. In the current climate of heavy visual-effects productions in film, broadcast and video games, the skills necessary to perform quickly have become all the more crucial. The beauty of matte painting is that it employs traditional art skills blended with cutting-edge technology. This course will introduce students to the history of the medium, the philosophy of “style” (photorealistic, non-photorealistic) and the practical applications used to execute a shot.

SMD-3354

3D Set Extensions for Film and Television

3 studio credits

3D Set Extensions is where digital artistry meets live-action footage to create immersive environments for film and television. This course will look at key industry techniques, including footage tracking, 3D modeling to scale, texturing, and lighting objects to integrate with live footage. Students will also explore how to interpret creative direction from the director and translate their vision into dynamic, photo-realistic digital environments. Whether it's expansive landscapes, detailed cityscapes, or futuristic worlds, you will develop the skills needed to make these environments come to life. This course is aimed at aspiring VFX artists, 3D modelers and digital matte painters looking to advance their careers in the film industry. 

SMD-3408

Video Game Design I

3 studio credits

This course is an introduction to the design and production of digital games. Students will explore concept art, level design, asset production, lighting, sound and dynamics. Weekly lectures will guide students through game art theory and technique. Practical exercises will be shared and play-tested by the class to help refine ideas. The semester will culminate with a playable game level created by each student.

SMD-3409

Video Game Design II

3 studio credits

Focusing on the creation of game characters, this course will take a deeper dive into the concepts and techniques learned in SMD-3408, Video Game Design I. Topics include: character concept art, building character controllers, high to low poly character modeling techniques, next-gen texturing and blending between animation states. Students will collaborate with their classmates to design and produce a short, playable game of their choice.

SMD-3431

Introduction to Unreal Engine

Spring: 3 studio credits

GPU-based rendering or “real-time rendering” has long been utilized in the game industry to produce dynamic cinematic sequences and cutscenes. These techniques are employed by a host of companies from the entertainment and advertising industries to product design and education. In this course students will develop a solid understanding of the workflow between content creation software (such as Autodesk Maya) and Epic Unreal’s real-time rendering environment. Topics will include preparing assets for export to a game engine, surfacing using PBR materials, lighting using engine specific dynamic and baked lighting, transferring animation via rigged characters and Alembic cache. Camera control and the basics of the engine's provided visual coding systems will be explored. Students will develop an original multi-shot animated project rendered in a real-time environment.

SMD-3566

Thesis Preproduction: Visual Effects and Compositing

3 studio credits

The professional production workflows of digital and practical visual effects will be discussed and examined, along with the integration of computer-generated images and live-action footage. While continuing with concept development, students will begin production of their thesis projects, including previsualization, design, casting of actors and directing.

SMD-3568

Thesis Preproduction: 3D Animation

3 studio credits

This course stresses the professional aspects of previsualization and detailed character sketches in developing and planning an animated short. Students will continue concept development and begin production of their senior thesis projects. Students are required to finalize 3D models and environments and create a full-length previsualization for their thesis projects.

SMD-3582

Real-time Environments for Games and Virtual Production

3 studio credits

Workflows employed in gaming studios and virtual production settings will be explored in this course, with the goal of designing functional, beautiful and optimal environments. Students will create props that follow a high-to-low poly workflow and use textures that allow for modularity and flexibility. Projects will apply environmental assets that can conform to different modular arrangements promoting an efficient use of time and effort. The course will utilize Unreal Engine, and topics will include basic material creation, lighting techniques and environmental design for real-time application.

SMD-3587

Environment Modeling and Set Dressing

3 studio credits

Building a believable world is a critical part of storytelling. Beginning with a design, students will learn to translate 2D visual development art into a 3D environment from modeling through texturing and lighting. Both organic and hard surface modeling will be a necessary part of creating believable worlds. Set dressing the model to show more information about how the space is used and lived in will be an important step in creating projects in this course. 

SMD-3612

Introduction to Technical Direction

3 studio credits

A technical director (TD) is the connecting point between an artist and a development team. The role of the TD requires both creativity and programming skills to develop the digital art tools a production pipeline needs. This course explores the intersection of art and technology, focusing on the development of custom UI and tools for the 3D artist, and offering insights into this essential skill used in VFX, gaming and general tech industries. Project management forms a crucial part of the course, as students examine how to manage Python libraries in conjunction with native packages of 3D applications like Maya, Substance Painter, or Blender. We will also touch upon digital content creation (DCC) automation, basic functions for running applications as standalone programs and executing common commands such as batch rendering.

SMD-3721

Advanced Rigging

3 studio credits

This course will examine how to create controls for 3D models that will give artists the ability to create lifelike movement for characters, props and environments. We will delve into rigging tools and writing scripts to improve character set up skills for more dynamic animations. Students will create control rigs while learning the proper methods in 3D software.

SMD-3726

Compositing Techniques for Production I

3 studio credits

This course will explore the design requirements for professional-quality compositing techniques for film, television and digital content. Asset management, aspect ratios, resolutions, interpolation algorithms, color depth, color timing and planar tracking techniques will be addressed. Students will work with lighting, grain matching, perspective control and camera moves to create the illusion of photorealism in the final composite.

SMD-3727

Compositing Techniques for Production II

3 studio credits

Students will build upon their live action and CG compositing skills through exercises in creating mattes, rotoscoping and chroma keying techniques. Set extensions, photorealism, and modifying the appearance of environments and actors will be some of the topics explored in this course. 

SMD-3731

Advanced Compositing Techniques for the 3D Artist

3 studio credits

The ability to integrate images and CG objects into a seamless transparent moving image is the core of contemporary visual effects. Students will learn to use Nuke to create a scene that is a composite of many 3D layers. Students will also color correct and add shadows and effects to the footage, such as the illusion of depth of field and a limited focus range. Color space, bit depth and film formats, advanced keying, matte edges, importing and exporting track data with Maya, advanced color correcting, blur and grain, warp and morph effects will be covered.

SMD-3733

Texturing and Shading for 3D Animation

3 studio credits

This course will focus on the process of preparing, creating and finalizing the look for 3D models. We will explore various software to achieve surface detailing in hard surfaces and organic models. Students will break down references into components that will drive their texture workflow and develop a better understanding of what makes a material.

SMD-3747

Lighting and Rendering I

3 studio credits

Using a variety of software and renderers, this course will explore lighting workflows. It will cover specific lighting types, shadow types and their attributes, and light/shadow linking. We will examine physically based rendering (PBR) and non-photorealistic rendering (NPR). We will also address aesthetic concepts that involve use of light to create mood, indoor and outdoor environments and space, as well as the distribution of color and tone.

SMD-3748

Lighting and Rendering II

3 studio credits

This course concentrates on Maya’s node-based texturing system for advanced layering and processing of shaders and textures. A general workflow for texture, shader and material creation with Maya and Arnold rendering software will be addressed.

SMD-3751

Motion Capture

3 studio credits

The art and science of motion capture (mocap) will be covered in this course. Using motion-tracking technology students will record the action of a live actor as well as props to apply onto 3D models. The course will cover the setup and calibration of motion-tracking systems as well as getting CG characters ready for mocap data. Students will learn how to capture a live performance, edit and repair the mocap data, apply the motion to their HumanIK rigged characters and integrate that into their projects. Mocap for other applications will also be explored.

SMD-3757

Introduction to Houdini

3 studio credits

An introduction to the Houdini interface, procedural modeling, particles and dynamics is the focus of this course. We will also cover some expression functions, which give creative control to produce powerful visual effects and models. Projects include the creation of procedural landscapes, explosive particle effects and a basic crowd/flocking simulation. The Houdini concepts and techniques covered, such as procedurally based workflow and rigid body dynamics, will demonstrate how to get the most out of this impressive software for commercial and film productions.

SMD-3761

VFX Animation with Houdini

3 studio credits

This course will give students an opportunity to further explore VFX animation in the Houdini procedural node-based workflow. Realistic simulations of liquids with varying viscosities and surface tensions will be examined, as well as fire and smoke with different volumes and look. We will take a close look at particles and how to control the parameters of their forces, contracts and collisions when working with small debris or crowds of characters. Other topics that will be explored include cloth, wire and fur, giving students an in-depth training in this visual effects tool kit.

SMD-3803

3D Digital Sculpture

3 studio credits

Students will study digital sculpting through traditional sculpting techniques to advance their knowledge of modeling. Using tools such as Pixologic ZBrush and Autodesk Mudbox, students will virtually sculpt 3D models for 3D animation that demonstrate professional-level techniques. Integration of these tools into the 3D animation production pipeline will be discussed.

SMD-3807

Advanced Character Modeling

3 studio credits

Characters can be a story all on their own. In this course we will create memorable characters from concept to finished model, with a focus on bringing the characters’ personalities to life. Students will explore their characters’ traits while learning how proportions and anatomy affect the perception of their character. Topics will include costumes, character props, UV layout and final render. 

SMD-3819

Introduction to Digital Double Modeling for VFX

3 studio credits

Digital Doubles are created using captured reference data from actors, as well as sculpted models, to create a believable replica that can be used to replace actors for various reasons. This course will explore the industry standards and workflows for modeling and sculpting high-resolution digital humans, that are attached to the actor, for visual effects studios. Students will also be introduced to VFX digital human creation through topics such as facial and scalp grooming, shape-driven rigging standards, FACS (facial action coding systems) shape libraries, and proper digital human asset naming conventions. Anatomy will be taught as it relates to realistic human modeling, and actor references will be captured and used to show students how to create believable doubles.

SMD-3822

Character FX

3 studio credits

A character FX artist must have a wide range of creative and technical skills. This course is an introduction in fur, hair and cloth development for 3D animation. Students will explore grooming techniques for both characters and environments. Topics will include sampling, shaping, exploring tactile qualities of hair, surfacing and basic rendering. We will also cover how to model and set up clothing for simulation of an animated character.

SMD-3838

Advanced Character Animation

3 studio credits

Great animation is the blend of technique with acting and action. The successful expression of physical traits and emotional reactions are at the core of memorable character animation. From the wildest emotion to the slightest facial movement, the detail we can reveal in our characters is what brings them to life. This course focuses on the fundamental mechanics of character animation with particular attention to acting and performance. Since 3D characters move with a world we create, the use of camera, composition, staging and timing are required elements of this course.

SMD-4011 / SMD-4012

Production Skills: 3D Animation I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Seniors will continue to work on their thesis concepts and techniques while exploring advanced topics in visual effects and compositing that will be incorporated into thesis projects. Scene lighting and animated lighting are crucial design elements of animation projects. These courses will analyze techniques for proper lighting, camera concepts and 3D animation techniques to address the production pipeline structure. Discussion of creative solutions to technical problems will be included.

SMD-4022 / SMD-4023

Production Skills: VFX and Compositing I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Seniors will continue to work on their thesis concepts and techniques while exploring advanced topics in visual effects and compositing that will be incorporated into thesis projects. This course will cover digital retouching and rig removal techniques as well as motion tracking and compositing 3D plates into live-action footage. Production pipelines and creative solutions to technical problems will be addressed through lectures, student presentations and in-class assignments.

SDD-4030

The Business of Being an Artist

3 studio credits

Animation and VFX artists work in creative environments with short deadlines and ever-changing needs, and the number of artists required to complete a project fluctuates constantly. Many artists work as project hires, while others are full-time staff members. Working as a freelance artist can be extremely rewarding if one is careful to protect one’s own interests. Students will learn the essentials of résumé preparation as well as interviewing skills required for employment in a dynamic and competitive industry. Issues of financial planning, health insurance and investments will be discussed in reference to freelance and salaried employment opportunities. Developing a basic business plan, negotiating contracts and keeping financial records will be among the course assignments.

SMD-4031 / SMD-4032

Collaborative Production I and II

no credit

Collaborative Production is for BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects majors who have been approved to work in teams to complete their thesis projects. Students will meet with the department chair to review production schedules and creative issues in working as a team. Production schedules for these thesis projects are accelerated compared to individual projects, and the submission deadlines for collaborative thesis projects will be established during the semester.

SMD-4041

Advanced Sound Design and Mixing

3 studio credits

The focus of this course will be advanced sound design, placement and mixing techniques. These techniques will then be applied to each student’s thesis project. Through lectures, student presentations and in-class assignments, students will be provided with work critiques to assist them in constructing a soundscape for their theses.

SMD-4051

Color Grading

3 studio credits

In this course students will explore how to manipulate color and other image characteristics to enhance the look of footage. Color fundamentals, including bit depth, floating point, RGB and XYZ color spaces will be covered. How to use histograms, waveform and vectorscope monitors will be addressed, in concurrence with industry standard tools, such as the Three Way Color Corrector for manipulating color, levels and curves, as well as secondary compositing tools for keying, masking and motion tracking.

SDD-4080 / SDD-4085

Thesis I and II

3 studio credits per semester

These courses lead students through the production process of creating a thesis project that is original and of professional quality. Weekly critiques and class discussions will allow students to progressively develop and produce their thesis projects. The creative and technical skills developed over the first three years are now applied, as students complete their thesis projects.

SDD-4090

Thesis Special Topics

no credit

Class time is reserved for discussion of special topics, senior requirements, production scholarships, visiting artists and technical workshops as required throughout the senior year.

Internship

3 studio credits

Students can gain valuable experience and broaden their professional network through an internship with an employer. Internships-for-credit are available to juniors and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better. To receive credit, students must apply online during the designated application period, be approved by the Career Development Office, and registered for the internship by their academic advisor. Students need to work 150 hours during the semester (usually 10 to 15 hours per week), participate in a weekly online course with other SVA interns, and complete midterm and final self-evaluations. Elective studio credit is awarded for the successful completion of an internship. For more information go to sva.edu/career.