Character Animation Program

Learning Goals for the Character Animation Program

1. Create compelling time-based and static work, including films that reveal a breadth of advanced skills in visual observation, conceptual framing, technical knowledge, and directorial vision;

2. Display strong proficiency with 2D and CG animation, as well as skillful use of animation principles;

3. Exhibit in-depth knowledge of storytelling and narrative structure;

4. Demonstrate advanced abilities in drawing and design;

5. Show evidence of understanding how to function effectively as a professional artist in a variety of work settings, along with the ability to view how skills are applicable across a range of creative areas;

6. Relate critically and creatively to one or more other artistic disciplines at CalArts, as well as to the history of animation and its artistic/cultural contexts.

The Character Animation Program is limited to undergraduate study and offers a comprehensive four-year curriculum for traditional and CG animation artists. Required courses are:

First Year / BFA1

Fall Semester

FVCA-100 2D Character Animation I

FVCA-110 Life Drawing I

FVCA-132 Design I

FVCA-150 Story I

FVCA-160 Digital Methods I

FVCA-180 CG Foundation I

Winter Session

FVCA-151W Story I

Spring Semester

FVCA-101 2D Character Animation I

FVCA-111 Life Drawing I

FVCA-140 Perspective I

FVCA-151 Story I

FVCA-161 Digital Methods I

FVCA-181 CG Foundation I

Second year / BFA2

Fall Semester

FVCA-200 2D Character Animation II

FVCA-210 Life Drawing II

FVCA-220 Film Workshop II

FVCA-240 Animation Layout

FVCA-252 Story II: Storyboarding

FVCA-280 CG Foundation II

Winter Session

FVCA-221W Film Workshop II

Spring Semester

FVCA-201 2D Character Animation II

FVCA-211 Life Drawing II

FVCA-221 Film Workshop II

FVCA-260 Digital Methods II: Sound

Third Year / BFA3

Fall Semester

FVCA-300 2D Character Animation III

FVCA-311 - FVCA-316 Advanced Life Drawing (select one class; 1.5 units required)

FVCA-320 Film Workshop III

FVCA-334 Professional Preparation III

Winter Session

FVCA-321W Film Workshop III

Spring Semester

FVCA-301 2D Character Animation III

FVCA-311 - FVCA-316 Advanced Life Drawing (select one class; 1.5 units required)

FVCA-321 Film Workshop III

Fourth Year / BFA4

Fall Semester

FVCA-400 Character Animation IV

FVCA-311 - FVCA-316 Advanced Life Drawing (select one class; 1.5 units required)

FVCA-420 Film Workshop IV

Winter Session

FVCA-421W Film Workshop IV

Spring Semester

FVCA-401 Character Animation IV

FVCA-421 Film Workshop IV

In addition, all Character Animation students are required to take Acting for Animators (FVCA-290) once during their BFA degree.