<p>I did visit the Animation Workshop. All of their equipment is totally top-of-the-line. Every time a new version of a given program comes out, they get it immediately. They're constantly upgrading their computers and other equipment, though they do have some older stuff, too. They are starting to build individual stations for students that include a traditional 2D animation table, a Wacom tablet (one of the big ones, not the gimpy 4X6s), a computer with Maya and other software, shelves and storage...it's just awesome!! They're hoping to get enought of those so that each student has his or her own private space in which to work (CalArts has a whole room set up like this, but they're all curtained off...a bit too much like a makeshift hospital if you ask me...). Only downside to this is they're not all in the same room, but that's mainly b/c the Animation Workshop has so much stuff, it doesn't have room to accomodate everything!</p>
<p>The head guy at the Animation Workshop, Dug, was really cool. He talked with me for an hour and a half, showing me all of the different rooms and equipment, explaining the kinds of stuff UCLA does with and for its students, the procedure for recruiters and employers, what was expected of grad students, etc. He really knew his stuff, and was more than happy to answer my questions. I was very confident about the program upon leaving the campus; I'm the kind of person who is extremely picky but who trusts her instincts, and I had VERY good feelings about it. I wouldn't have been so anxious about finding out whether I got in or not had I not been so excited after being there!!</p>