Algonquin College’s Animation program focuses on teaching students the skills necessary to meet the high standards required to gain meaningful employment in the demanding animation industry. We are a performance-based animation school with an emphasis on acting and body mechanics.
Portfolios can be submitted anytime up until the April 30, 2013 deadline. After April 30, 2013 we will review portfolios, if required, until the program is full.
- Ontario College Advanced Diploma
- 3 Years
- Program Code:
- 1288X01FWO
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides students with training in traditional, 3D 2D digital and game animation techniques. Following a common first year of study, which includes animation, life drawing and design courses students have the option of focusing on either traditional or digital animation disciplines with an emphasis on creating performance-based character animation.
Graduates gain the knowledge, skills and techniques required to work effectively as animators using a variety of tools within a professional animation or game studio.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are creative and think visually.
- Like to use software tools to create images.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the animation and game industries.
- Have strong observational and analytical skills.
- Have an aptitude for acting and storytelling.
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Your Career
Graduates may be employed by animation studios as animators, posers, clean-up artists, layout artists, background artists and 3D animators. Fields of work may include feature films, animated TV series, half-hour specials, commercials, multimedia, computer graphics and video game graphics.
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Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| ANI1513 | Life Drawing for Animation I Through the use of casts and models, the student is introduced to the sight measurement technique and gesture drawing. Emphasis is on maintaining proportions, foreshortening and the development of good drawing skills that can be applied to the animation process. Co-requisites: ANI1550 and ANI1557 and ANI1592 | 60.0 |
| ANI1550 | Animation Design I Students are introduced to layout and location design for animated productions. Students learn the basics and history of perspective and structured drawings. Other topics include how to get research material, shot composition and an introduction to camera angles. Co-requisites: ANI1513 and ANI1557 and ANI1592 | 45.0 |
| ANI1557 | Animation Practices and Principles I Basic theoretical and practical information that is applied to animation drawing is presented. Students focus on all aspects of animation production including timing and X sheets, proper labelling inbetweening, scene setup and understanding the principles of animation. Co-requisites: ANI1513 and ANI1550 and ANI1592 | 45.0 |
| ANI1559 | Environmental and Visual Problem Solving I Students are introduced to the foundations of design and the creative process. Emphasis is placed on the ergonomics of design, as well as the understanding of aesthetics. Using individual and group studies, students explore problems using creativity, imagination and the ability to visually communicate their ideas. | 45.0 |
| ANI1592 | Animation Drawing I Students apply the basic principles of animation and drawing through simple object-oriented exercises. Students are able to understand how the placement and distortion of an object affect its speed and weight. Through 'flipping' and pencil tests students learn to develop an 'eye' for seeing drawings in motion and learn how to critique animation. Co-requisites: ANI1513 and ANI1550 and ANI1557 | 135.0 |
| ENL1813M | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| ANI1523 | Life Drawing for Animation II Students solidify their sight measurement skills and gesture drawing. Students also familiarize themselves with the human anatomy. Studies of one directional lighting and basic shading techniques are also explored. Prerequisites: ANI1513 and ANI1550 and ANI1557 and ANI1592 Co-requisites: ANI1551 and ANI1558 and ANI1593 | 60.0 |
| ANI1551 | Animation Design II Students continue to develop drawing skills. Students create detailed model sheets, and character designs. Detail studies of different character designs and styles are discussed thoroughly. Other topics include posing, acting, staging and scene planning. Prerequisites: ANI1513 and ANI1550 and ANI1557 and ANI1592 Co-requisites: ANI1523 and ANI1558 and ANI1593 | 45.0 |
| ANI1558 | Animation Practices and Principles II Students learn how to identify when and where to best utilize the principles of animation. Squash and stretch, follow-through overlapping action, volumes and drawing appeal are just some of the topics addressed. Students study all aspects of animation that are directly related to Animation Drawing II. Prerequisites: ANI1513 and ANI1550 and ANI1557 and ANI1592 Co-requisites: ANI1523 and ANI1551 and ANI1593 | 45.0 |
| ANI1593 | Animation Drawing II Students learn to develop the principles of animation to a higher level. Studies include animation of more complex actions. Body mechanics and action analysis are emphasized to raise the students observation skills and understanding of complex movement. Prerequisites: ANI1513 and ANI1550 and ANI1557 and ANI1592 Co-requisites: ANI1523 and ANI1551 and ANI1558 | 135.0 |
| ANI1613 | Introduction to 2D and 3D Computer Animation Students are introduced to the interfaces, controls and general techniques of using the computer as a tool in animation. The introduction of 2D Digital and 3D Animation software programs allows students to apply the principles of animation to a new medium. The focus is on introducing the interface and controls of Toonboom's Harmony and Maya. | 45.0 |
| ENL1839 | Scriptwriting for Animation Students are introduced to the basic concepts of screen writing. Students analyze animated and live-action stories to determine the characteristics of effective screenplays. Students also write their own eleven-minute screenplay featuring original, animated characters. Prerequisites: ENL1813A or ENL1813M | 45.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies | Hours | |
| GED1288 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED6022 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| PROGRAM OF STUDY - DIGITAL STREAM - 1288D01FWO | Hours | |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| ANI1508 | Computer Animation I Focus is placed on the introduction of 3D animation. This allows students to apply the princples of animation learned in the first year, to a computer to create quality animation, which is reflected in the student projects for the term. Co-requisites: ANI1552 and ANI1572 | 135.0 |
| ANI1509 | Digital Practices and Principles I The student is introduced to computer programs that deal with the compilation and creation of their animated work. Topics, such as scanning, basic editing techniques and an introduction to Toonboom's Harmony software are covered. | 45.0 |
| ANI1552 | Life Drawing for Animation III Students continue their exploration of movement of the human form through studies of surface anatomy and muscles in motion. Gesture drawing is further developed and one directional lighting and shading is applied to the entire body. Prerequisites: ANI1523 and ANI1551 and ANI1593 | 60.0 |
| ANI1568 | Drama The basic techniques of film and stage acting are introduced. Students learn to undertand and portray basic emotions using facial expressions and body language through a series of group and individual exercises. Improv, monologues and character interactions are types of tools used to develop students acting abilities. | 45.0 |
| ANI1572 | Lighting Rendering and Modelling This is an introductory course dealing with the art of lighting, rendering and modelling for animation. Exploration into the importance of lighting is a key component of this course. Topics of discussion include lessons on character, lighting, indoor and outdoor lighting, basic modelling and how to apply rendering techniques. Co-requisites: ANI1508 and ANI1552 | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| ANI1574 | Computer Animation II Students are responsible for the application of the basic principles of animation in a more sophisticated format. Basic skills learned previously are applied to more complex projects. Walks, runs, and interaction with props and backgrounds are developed. Prerequisites: ANI1508 and ANI1552 and ANI1572 Co-requisites: ANI1575 and ANI1576 and ANI1607 | 75.0 |
| ANI1575 | 3D Character Animation The basics of character animation in a 3D environment are intruduced. Developing a sense of timing and applying acting techniques to a pre-existing character rig gives the students an opportunity to explore and create animation that demonstrates emotional depth. Prerequisites: ANI1552 and ANI1572 Co-requisites: ANI1574 and ANI1576 and ANI1607 | 75.0 |
| ANI1576 | Digital Character Design I The basics of character design are introduced. Characters need a strong foundation and a solid structure to make them work for animation. Students learn how to take a hand-drawn character sketch and build an animatable 3D model and rig it for movement. Prerequisites: ANI1508 and ANI1552 and ANI1572 Co-requisites: ANI1574 and ANI1575 and ANI1607 | 45.0 |
| ANI1603 | Digital Practices and Principles II Students perform more advanced computer studies using Toonboom Harmony software, including acting with dialogue, scene setups and basics of character builds. Prerequisites: ANI1509 | 45.0 |
| ANI1606 | Pre-Production Students further develop their writing and character development skills and are provided a more indepth look at storyboarding and character design. Assignments culminate in a pre-production package for the students independent film in the third year. | 45.0 |
| ANI1607 | Life Drawing for Animation IV Students continue their study of anatomy modelling the human form in three dimensions, using various shading techniques. The focus is on figure drawing, through gestures and detailed studies. | 45.0 |
| Level: 05 | Hours | |
| ANI1578 | Life Drawing V Topics include how to draw drapery in its natural, relaxed form along with how to draw it as it hangs from the figure. Students also explore figure drawing, animation techniques, as well as animal anatomy and movement. Prerequisites: ANI1607 | 60.0 |
| ANI1580 | Computer Animation III Students problem solve and continue to expand their 3D skills through a series of animation assignments developed to introduce them to typical situations they would find in a studio environment. Prerequisites: ANI1574 and ANI1575 and ANI1576 and ANI1607 Co-requisites: ANI1578 and ANI1581 and ANI1582 and ANI1589 | 60.0 |
| ANI1582 | Film Studies Students analyze films from various eras and styles to give them an understanding of film making techniques and an overall appreciation of film history. | 45.0 |
| ANI1604 | Digital Practices and Principles III Students continue to apply their knowledge of animation to 2D digital software using Toonboom's Harmony software. Introduction to colour theory as it applies to painting backgrounds and characters is explored. Prerequisites: ANI1509 and ANI1603 | 45.0 |
| ANI1614 | Digital Character Design II Students learn how to take hand drawn characters and apply modelling and rigging techniques to develop a character ready for animating. | 90.0 |
| ANI1615 | 3D Film Production Working individually or in small groups, students focus on the creation of a short animated film. From story and character development through storyboading and animation students become familiar with animation "pipeline" and prepare for work in a professional environment. | 45.0 |
| Level: 06 | Hours | |
| ANI1584 | Life Drawing VI A combination of long poses with the emphasis on professional quality and rendering and exercises that focus on rhythm, dynamic drawing, exaggeration and expression are explored. Prerequisites: ANI1578 | 60.0 |
| ANI1586 | Business Studies for Animation Students gain insight into business practices and the principles of operating a small business. The course culminates with the development of an Electronic Press Kit for their short films. The course remains current through the exploration of emerging trends and issues that impact the industry. Guest speakers from a variety of representative businesses are invited to share their experiences and insights with students. | 45.0 |
| ANI1599 | Digital Practices and Principles IV Students concentrate on character and background colour, as well as compositing and editing student's short films. Students also receive training in Adobe's Flash Animation signature. Prerequisites: ANI1604 | 45.0 |
| ANI1616 | Computer Animation IV Students continue to hone their skills through assignments based on action analysis and acting. | 90.0 |
| ANI1617 | 3D Film Prodution II Students continue to work on their short individual or group films. The focus is on animation through to rendering and compositing a final finished film. | 60.0 |
| PROGRAM OF STUDY - TRADITIONAL STREAM - 1288T01FWO | Hours | |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| ANI1509 | Digital Practices and Principles I The student is introduced to computer programs that deal with the compilation and creation of their animated work. Topics, such as scanning, basic editing techniques and an introduction to Toonboom's Harmony software are covered. | 45.0 |
| ANI1552 | Life Drawing for Animation III Students continue their exploration of movement of the human form through studies of surface anatomy and muscles in motion. Gesture drawing is further developed and one directional lighting and shading is applied to the entire body. Prerequisites: ANI1523 and ANI1551 and ANI1593 | 60.0 |
| ANI1553 | Animation Design III Students strengthen their knowledge of perspective through the further development of production layouts and location designs. Camera moves and carricature are also explored. Prerequisites: ANI1523 and ANI1551 and ANI1593 Co-requisites: ANI1552 and ANI1567 | 45.0 |
| ANI1567 | Character Animation I Students review and develop further basic principles of animation. The overall emphasis is on timing through the creation of character animation dealing with attitude, acting and reacting. Active participation in the Ottawa International Animation Festival is recommended to all students. Prerequisites: ANI1523 and ANI1551 | 135.0 |
| ANI1568 | Drama The basic techniques of film and stage acting are introduced. Students learn to undertand and portray basic emotions using facial expressions and body language through a series of group and individual exercises. Improv, monologues and character interactions are types of tools used to develop students acting abilities. | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| ANI1555 | Animation Design IV Students learn to develop their professional design skills in relation to characters, props and location designs. The production of layouts and location designs are refined, as well as the skills necessary for drawing model sheets. Prerequisites: ANI1552 and ANI1553 and ANI1567 Co-requisites: ANI1590 and ANI1603 and ANI1607 | 45.0 |
| ANI1590 | Character Animation II Students begin to animate characters that interact to situations in a more advanced setting. Sound and lip sync, acting and multiple character interaction are some of the primary focuses. Prerequisites: ANI1552 and ANI1553 and ANI1567 Co-requisites: ANI1555 and ANI1603 and ANI1607 | 135.0 |
| ANI1603 | Digital Practices and Principles II Students perform more advanced computer studies using Toonboom Harmony software, including acting with dialogue, scene setups and basics of character builds. Prerequisites: ANI1509 | 45.0 |
| ANI1606 | Pre-Production Students further develop their writing and character development skills and are provided a more indepth look at storyboarding and character design. Assignments culminate in a pre-production package for the students independent film in the third year. | 45.0 |
| ANI1607 | Life Drawing for Animation IV Students continue their study of anatomy modelling the human form in three dimensions, using various shading techniques. The focus is on figure drawing, through gestures and detailed studies. | 45.0 |
| Level: 05 | Hours | |
| ANI1578 | Life Drawing V Topics include how to draw drapery in its natural, relaxed form along with how to draw it as it hangs from the figure. Students also explore figure drawing, animation techniques, as well as animal anatomy and movement. Prerequisites: ANI1607 | 60.0 |
| ANI1579 | Animation Design V Students develop location, character and prop designs, as well as production layouts for their short film projects. Topics of discussion also include concept packs and portfolio requirements. Prerequisites: ANI1555 and ANI1603 and ANI1607 Co-requisites: ANI1578 and ANI1594 and ANI1604 | 45.0 |
| ANI1582 | Film Studies Students analyze films from various eras and styles to give them an understanding of film making techniques and an overall appreciation of film history. | 45.0 |
| ANI1594 | Character Animation III Students work individually or in small groups to produce a short animated film. Students, working one-on-one with their instructors, handle all aspets of the production process. The focus is on production planning, story development, storyboards and animation posing. Prerequisites: ANI1555 and ANI1590 and ANI1603 and ANI1607 Co-requisites: ANI1578 and ANI1579 and ANI1582 and ANI1604 | 120.0 |
| ANI1604 | Digital Practices and Principles III Students continue to apply their knowledge of animation to 2D digital software using Toonboom's Harmony software. Introduction to colour theory as it applies to painting backgrounds and characters is explored. Prerequisites: ANI1509 and ANI1603 | 45.0 |
| Level: 06 | Hours | |
| ANI1583 | Character Animation IV Students continue to develop their animated short story focusing on animation through the completion of the final film. Students are also prepared for integrating into a studio environment. Prerequisites: ANI1578 and ANI1579 and ANI1594 and ANI1604 Co-requisites: ANI1584 and ANI1599 | 120.0 |
| ANI1584 | Life Drawing VI A combination of long poses with the emphasis on professional quality and rendering and exercises that focus on rhythm, dynamic drawing, exaggeration and expression are explored. Prerequisites: ANI1578 | 60.0 |
| ANI1586 | Business Studies for Animation Students gain insight into business practices and the principles of operating a small business. The course culminates with the development of an Electronic Press Kit for their short films. The course remains current through the exploration of emerging trends and issues that impact the industry. Guest speakers from a variety of representative businesses are invited to share their experiences and insights with students. | 45.0 |
| ANI1599 | Digital Practices and Principles IV Students concentrate on character and background colour, as well as compositing and editing student's short films. Students also receive training in Adobe's Flash Animation signature. Prerequisites: ANI1604 | 45.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $2,570.75 per term in Levels 01 and 02, $2,475.53 per term in Levels 03 and 04, and $2,383.85 per term in Levels 05 and 06.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidental Fees: $50 in Level 01, 02, 03 and 04.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,700 in the first year and $2,000 in the second and third year of the traditional option. Books and supplies for the second and third year Digital option are approximately $1,200.
We recommend that the second year Digital students purchase two portable hard-drives, one with a capacity of 160 - 150 gigabytes for use in the College and one with the capacity of 360 - 500 gigabyte to transfer material from smaller hard drives. First year Animation students are required to have with them on the first day of class in September an Apple iPad with the following minimum requirements: 32 gigabyte hard drive, wi-fi cable, a 3G network is not required or necessary.
The following iPad applications are also necessary to have purchased by the first day of class: istudiez, pages for iPad, sketchbook pro, ipad compatible stylus.
Students wishing to purchase a computer for the Animation program should buy a Mac-based system. We are a Mac-based program and compatibility issues and file degradation occur with non-compatible systems.
It is recommended that you buy a three year Apple Care warranty.
Students may wish to purchase a drafting table, chair and shelving system.
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Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Submit a portfolio of 10-15 samples illustrating artistic ability. The portfolio must include samples of formal life drawing, perspective drawing, and fantasy or cartoon drawing. Details of an additional home drawing test will be sent upon receipt of your application. Samples of work to be submitted for assessment must be 8-1/2" x 11". A fee of $30 (subject to change) is charged for portfolio assessment.
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: AskUs@algonquincollege.com
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Additional Information
For more information, please contact:
Tom Crook at 613-727-4723 ext. 5816 or crookt@algonquincollege.com
or
Neil Hunter at 613-727-4723 ext. 5812 or hunter@algonquincollege.com
or
Paul West at 613-727-4723 ext. 5504 or westp@algonquincollege.com
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Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time
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