MFA Programs in Animation?

Graduate School
1

<p>I don't know who out there would be able to help, but it never hurts to try!</p>

<p>I'm currently a college sophomore hoping to go on to a graduate program in Animation. I started out as an Architecture major at college, but realized after a semester that I needed something much more creative. Right now, I'm on track to graduate (2012) with a B.A. in Studio Art (concentrating in Digital Media) and Digital Media Production, minoring in Architectural Studies. I don't attend an Art school; right now, it would be financially and logistically impossible to transfer to a school with an animation program.</p>

<p>I'm a huge movie buff, especially Pixar/Disney animated films. I think I'm more interested in doing character animation rather than experimental - way too "out there" for me. From my background, I've had limited exposure to the film industry, but will hopefully be interning/working in that area this upcoming summer. Additionally, I'm looking into attending a 4-week animation intensive after my junior year through the New York Film Academy.</p>

<p>I'm pretty flexible in terms of location (leaning towards California, obviously good location for industry), and would prefer state schools/cheaper private schools if at all possible.</p>

<p>So far, I've looked at these MFA programs:
Academy of Art University (San Francisco)
NYU Tisch in Singapore
SCAD
UCLA Animation Workshop
USC</p>

<p>Right now, my top three are UCLA (great program + potential in-state tuition = major plus), SCAD (I know many people would warn against SCAD, but the program seems great, and definitely cheaper than other private schools), and AAU (I've heard Pixar recruits from here). Do these programs only accept students who did undergrad work in Animation - I know UCLA doesn't, but any that do?</p>

<p>Additionally, I've also considered Teach for America after graduation before going on to grad school. I would love to do it, but I also have reservations towards postponing grad school, especially in this field.</p>

<p>Any other suggestions? Advice for me? Questions I can answer for clarification? I welcome all the help I can get!</p>

2

<p>You’ve already nailed the one I’m most familiar with and which is pretty damned good: UCLA.</p>

3

<p>Hi Tulane,</p>

<p>I actually finished my application for the NYU MFA Animation program in Singapore a few weeks back. The earlier the better so that they can review your application and not rush through once deadline comes around.</p>

<p>I lived in NYC for a year and was able to speak with admissions in person. It is a very new program, I’d say 2 years and from what I’ve heard it has few applicants applying (because it’s so new). </p>

<p>The artistic director of the school is Oliver Stone. He has an office there and is present when he isn’t filming. </p>

<p>I applied to NYU Singapore because I hear the experience is incredible - you’re close to a handful of major Southeast Asian nations and also Hong Kong. You’re close to a slew of film festivals and cultures. </p>

<p>You don’t need experience in animation - I took a few courses in NYC, but I’m no expert. They want people with different experiences, degrees, and ideas. This can be problematic for those wanting the whole animation training experience, but since I’m new to the field it would be a great experience for me. A couple professors have worked with major sfx in the film industry including blockbuster films (if that’s your interest). Other professors have a number of skills in architecture, design, film, and of course, fine arts. </p>

<p>NYU does open houses so check their Tisch Asia site to see if they’re visiting your area. </p>

<p>I postponed grad school in animation for 2 years of teaching. Teach for America pays a percentage of a MA in Teaching. I did a similar program called Teaching Fellows. Although all teaching fellows programs are different, some pay for your MA in Teaching. Let me tell you, teaching is a rough ride especially with the night school, but it was a rewarding experience and I don’t regret it. You can google Philadelphia Teaching Fellows or NY Teaching Fellows. They have one in Miami and Los Angeles. </p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

4

<p>If you want to work in Pixar or Dreamworks. </p>

<p>You need to go CalArts </p>

<p>Every Pixar and Dreamworks directors graduated CALARTS. </p>

<p>I attech this pixar dreamworks directros list. Please see and think it once.
<a href=“http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs476.snc3/26081_108719095813924_100000275028316_178293_5466569_n.jpg[/url]”>http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs476.snc3/26081_108719095813924_100000275028316_178293_5466569_n.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Actually, you don’t have to attend CalArts to work at either Pixar or DreamWorks. That list you provided show that the majority of the directors graduated from CalArts, but it doesn’t mean that everyone did.</p>

<p>Have you tried posting this question at CGSociety?</p>

<p>And I’ll also say that Pixar does not exclusively hire out of AAU. That might have been in the past when Pixar employees were teaching the animation classes, but that has since been dismantled. If you’re just looking at improving your skills, then maybe take a look at Animation Mentor. In this industry it really isn’t based on where you graduated from, but more on your demo reel. There’s also Gnomon which also happens to be very expensive.</p>

<p>EDIT: I just noticed that tatsunoko70 bumped up an old thread. I’ll leave my answer there for others who might be interested.</p>