Degree in Animation and VFX

Become a professional in 3D computer generated imagery, including special effects and 3D artwork. The Degree in Animation at La Salle Campus Barcelona is the first official undergraduate degree program in Catalonia.

Culture of animation and VFX

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Description
This course aims History of Animation and Visual Effects, focusing on innovator creators and techniques. It provides knowledge of professional players and main factors in animation and VFX industry. It also gives the students criteria and tools to interpret and to criticize animation products.
Type Subject
Primer - Obligatoria
Semester
Annual
Course
1
Credits
6.00

Titular Professors

Gregory Black
Professor

Professors

Jaume Duran Castells
Previous Knowledge
Objectives

Gain a global understanding of the history of animation and special effects.
Learn about the principle creators in both fields.
Develop criteria for interpreting and evaluating critically the work of established creators, professional colleagues as well as your own.

Contents

1) Introduction to the history and culture of animation. Pioneers of animation. Pioneers of trick photography and special effects.

2) The relationship between animation and the avant-garde.

3) The first cartoons. Disney and the Fleisher brothers.

4) The first animated feature films. Disney and its global impact.

5) The seven minute cartoon. The golden age of cartoons in the United States.

6) Animation in Eastern Europe.

7) Norman McLaren and the National Film Board.

8) Special effects and animation. Willis O´Brien, Ray Harryhausen and other essential names.

9) The underground and new forms of animation. Independent animation.

10) The birth of computer animation. The creation of Pixar. The golden age of Siggraph and the consolidation of the digital image. Independent digital animation film makers.

Methodology

The course combines the following methods:
• Lectures followed by students' active participation and feedback discussions.
•Screenings commented in class.
• Screenings at home.
• Reading at home.
• lectures and discussions on screened films.
• Presentations, seminars and conferences by professionals.
• Presentations by classmates.

Evaluation

• Group work culminating in a class presentation. Peer evaluation
• Class participation
• Final exam in which students demonstrate their learning of the basic concepts of the subject.
• Group work: 30% of the final mark. .
• Exam: 70% of the final mark.

Evaluation Criteria
Basic Bibliography

Beck, Jerry. The 50 Greatest Cartoons: As Selected by 1,000 Animation Professionals. Atlanta: Turner, 1994.
Beckerman, Howard. Animation: The Whole Story. New York: Allworth, 2003.
Faber, Liz, Helen Walters. Animation Unlimited: Innovative Short Films since 1940. London: Laurence King, 2003.
Furniss, Maureen. The Animation Bible. New York: Abrams, 2008.
Kanfer, Stefan. Serious Business: The Art and Commerce of Animation in America from Betty Boop to Toy Story. New York: Scribner, 1997.
McCall, Douglas L. Film Cartoons: A Guide to 20th Century American Animated Features and Shorts. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 1998.
Russett, Robert, and Cecile Starr, eds. Experimental Animation: Origins of a New Art. New York: Da Capo, 1988.
Paul Wells Understanding Animation (Routledge, UK, 1998)

Wiedemann, Julius, ed. Animation NOW! London: Taschen, 2004.

Additional Material