An animation community Events Calendar:
Listing Free days at museums around town, ASIFA and ACM SIGGRAPH meetings, as well as special events.
A Night Program (?!)
Once a week, in the evening, after classes are done for the day... we'll get together all ninja-like in one of the classrooms and have a "Best of " showing. Everyone who comes should contribute with a link, file or DVD of the best animation or animation related video they've seen that day, week, month, year, etc. This additional weekly event should exist to provide the group with added discussion, ideas, questions, comments and inspiration.
Field Trips:
We plan on scheduling group trips to the events and museums. Speaking of which, we're all very excited about the new Disney Museum in the Presido, which opens this Thursday. We hear it is worth several day trips and will blow your socks off!
We also foresee putting together bigger group road trips for things like SIGGRAPH.
At the moment we're all buzzing about Animation Expo which is happening soon: Nov. 20-22 2009. Club members definitely want to go and volunteer to work at the event (free admission for volunteers!). If you're interested, go over to the Volunteer Page and sign up TODAY. They are still short on volunteers at the moment, but you'll have to sign up quickly to secure your free admission to the event.
The question now is how we all want to get down there -carpool? Bus? And where we'll stay while we're there for about 3 days. If we can get club funding for a bus or lodging, we will post that info here ASAP, for now though it's up to us, so...
Comment if you'll be going!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Some good questions covered from the Town Hall Meeting Discussion today
Points discussed were:
Lab space & Peak lab hours:
The directors will look into opening up classroom space and possibly adding more lab space as usage and student enrollment dictates.
Peak Hours, according to the 3rd floor lab front desk, are 1pm to 4pm.
The PC lab is open from 7:30AM to 1:30AM daily and if you don't want to wait for a computer it is recommended you come in before 12:00 noon.
Approaching and working with your Faculty Directly:
1. To express interest in bringing in additional guest speakers to review demo reels before the student's last year of classes.
Outside of the guest lecturers and panels AAU brings to speak in Morgan Auditorium, like Dreamworks, etc. It is recommended that you, as students, approach your instructors and ask them collectively, to bring in a colleague in the field to review your reels in class and give you some added feedback.
As always, you should keep in mind who you are catering your reel to: what studio? and what kind of reel are you presenting? Keep it specific and you will get better feedback.
AND
2. To get more info on a course you would like to take.
Have you read the course description in the AAU catalog? Read the syllabus online? Called your advisor and they can't tell you any more about the class? Still not sure if the class is right for you...?
Email the Director of the Department that the class is in, to ask for more info. about the class: what software is used or taught. What are the projects you'll do and what skills are those projects going to teach you. Ask specific questions about the class.
If you'd like to ask more than just a question or two, CALL to schedule a meeting. That way as soon as an opening is available, you can book it.
It is strongly recommended that you CALL rather than emailing; because it may take half a day for you to get back about the time that was available and which may no longer be available by the time you reply to the email. So, CALL to book appointments.
Do we have a render farm? Yes we do!
To keep things from getting disorganized and haphazzard with the renderfarm usage it is overseen by our awesome lab matron: Galina Rozina. Once you are ready to render out your project, go to the back of the 180 building's 3rd floor lab and speak to her directly about setting up your renders.
Lab space & Peak lab hours:
The directors will look into opening up classroom space and possibly adding more lab space as usage and student enrollment dictates.
Peak Hours, according to the 3rd floor lab front desk, are 1pm to 4pm.
The PC lab is open from 7:30AM to 1:30AM daily and if you don't want to wait for a computer it is recommended you come in before 12:00 noon.
Approaching and working with your Faculty Directly:
1. To express interest in bringing in additional guest speakers to review demo reels before the student's last year of classes.
Outside of the guest lecturers and panels AAU brings to speak in Morgan Auditorium, like Dreamworks, etc. It is recommended that you, as students, approach your instructors and ask them collectively, to bring in a colleague in the field to review your reels in class and give you some added feedback.
As always, you should keep in mind who you are catering your reel to: what studio? and what kind of reel are you presenting? Keep it specific and you will get better feedback.
AND
2. To get more info on a course you would like to take.
Have you read the course description in the AAU catalog? Read the syllabus online? Called your advisor and they can't tell you any more about the class? Still not sure if the class is right for you...?
Email the Director of the Department that the class is in, to ask for more info. about the class: what software is used or taught. What are the projects you'll do and what skills are those projects going to teach you. Ask specific questions about the class.
If you'd like to ask more than just a question or two, CALL to schedule a meeting. That way as soon as an opening is available, you can book it.
It is strongly recommended that you CALL rather than emailing; because it may take half a day for you to get back about the time that was available and which may no longer be available by the time you reply to the email. So, CALL to book appointments.
Do we have a render farm? Yes we do!
To keep things from getting disorganized and haphazzard with the renderfarm usage it is overseen by our awesome lab matron: Galina Rozina. Once you are ready to render out your project, go to the back of the 180 building's 3rd floor lab and speak to her directly about setting up your renders.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fall Kick-off BBQ Rescheduled for THIS Saturday -> New Location
The BBQ planned for last Saturday was postponed due to thunderstorms.
Now that the weather seems to have cleared up again, we will have the BBQ THIS weekend, at Dolores Park this Saturday from 1-5.
We are unable to secure any area ahead of time, so several of us are going to show up early and steak out a space, between 9:30 and 10am. Any of you who can come early and help with this, please do, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Check out the AAU VFX facebook page for the most current status updates on this event (if you are unsure about the weather on Saturday or any future cancellations) as well as regular postings for collaborative projects.
Now that the weather seems to have cleared up again, we will have the BBQ THIS weekend, at Dolores Park this Saturday from 1-5.
Collaboratively Organized by clubs in: VFX, ADV, ANM, ILL, & MPT.
This event is fully catered by CASE and it is BYOB.
(No really, bring your own beer!)
Join us to start the semester off right with a frisbee, a friend, some tunes and brews. See you there!
This event is fully catered by CASE and it is BYOB.
(No really, bring your own beer!)
Join us to start the semester off right with a frisbee, a friend, some tunes and brews. See you there!
We are unable to secure any area ahead of time, so several of us are going to show up early and steak out a space, between 9:30 and 10am. Any of you who can come early and help with this, please do, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Check out the AAU VFX facebook page for the most current status updates on this event (if you are unsure about the weather on Saturday or any future cancellations) as well as regular postings for collaborative projects.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
BBQ This Weekend in GG Park!
Important info about FREE FOOD!
There is a huge BARBECUE this Saturday, September 12th--1-5pm at Golden Gate Park!
Collaboratively Organized by the clubs in: VFX, ADV, ANM, ILL, & MPT.
This event is fully catered by CASE and it is BYOB. (No really, bring your own beer!)
Start the semester off right with us at Golden Gate Park. Bring a frisbee, a friend, some tunes and brews. See you there!
- VFX Gateway
It's going down in Dougboy Meadows, @ JFK Dr. & 16th Ave--spread the word.
There is a huge BARBECUE this Saturday, September 12th--1-5pm at Golden Gate Park! Collaboratively Organized by the clubs in: VFX, ADV, ANM, ILL, & MPT.
This event is fully catered by CASE and it is BYOB. (No really, bring your own beer!)
Start the semester off right with us at Golden Gate Park. Bring a frisbee, a friend, some tunes and brews. See you there!
- VFX Gateway
It's going down in Dougboy Meadows, @ JFK Dr. & 16th Ave--spread the word.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Kyle Balda Master Class in 3D World Magazine
Check out 3D World magazine, June & July 2009. There is a great Kyle Balda masterclass on animating a 2 person dialogue shot, that has been passed around the labs quite a bit lately.
The lecture is called "Learn to animate the Hollywood way".It is a two-part video masterclass. The videos have been posted on 3D World Magazine's website and are free for download: June Issue videos and July Issue videos
The magazine lecture notes are really concise and very insightful, especially for students experimenting with 3D work flow and looking for a clean way to layer in and build up animation.
The magazine is worth the purchase since it gives you the lecture notes and a CD with the Maya files containing the 2 characters, as well as individual Maya files showing you Kyle's separate animation passes. You can go right into the graph editor and see exactly what he did in his passes. What great learning material!
The lecture is called "Learn to animate the Hollywood way".The magazine lecture notes are really concise and very insightful, especially for students experimenting with 3D work flow and looking for a clean way to layer in and build up animation.
The magazine is worth the purchase since it gives you the lecture notes and a CD with the Maya files containing the 2 characters, as well as individual Maya files showing you Kyle's separate animation passes. You can go right into the graph editor and see exactly what he did in his passes. What great learning material!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Reference and Motivation post: Cameron Fielding
Check out Cameron Fielding's reel
You may already be familiar with his Turok animation, but check it out again along with his girl acting clip and other great shots. JD talks about what he really likes about the Girl Acting shot over at his blog Spungella and we thought we aught to re-post it here to make sure you'd seen it too.
Great Stuff!
You may already be familiar with his Turok animation, but check it out again along with his girl acting clip and other great shots. JD talks about what he really likes about the Girl Acting shot over at his blog Spungella and we thought we aught to re-post it here to make sure you'd seen it too.
Great Stuff!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Norman Mod. Library Discussion
Hi All,
Now that we've got a bit of a following, it seems like a good time to create a discussion post for those who want to share their thoughts on contributing to a Norman Mod. Library at the Academy.
Please post all "Norman Mod Library" related comments here.
The main idea behind the discussion is this:
Whether or not Academy of Art students would like to have a shared library of Norman Mods.
We have set up a poll to gauge interest in starting a library, based on whether or not students think they would benefit by having the extra resources for their assignments.
This mod library would exist to give students a variety of characters to use and further modify, for personal projects and class assignments.
Students are not obligated to share their mods.
Many students spend a great deal of time modding and consider their mods a piece of personal art that they have created to make their reel stand out. It is perfectly understandable if someone does not want to share this kind of work in a public library.
The library would be available to any Academy student who wishes to use it as a resource, whether or not they choose to contribute to the library's collection.
That said, please post any questions, concerns or general comments on the subject here for all to read.
Thanks!
Now that we've got a bit of a following, it seems like a good time to create a discussion post for those who want to share their thoughts on contributing to a Norman Mod. Library at the Academy.
Please post all "Norman Mod Library" related comments here.
The main idea behind the discussion is this:
Whether or not Academy of Art students would like to have a shared library of Norman Mods.
We have set up a poll to gauge interest in starting a library, based on whether or not students think they would benefit by having the extra resources for their assignments.
This mod library would exist to give students a variety of characters to use and further modify, for personal projects and class assignments.
Students are not obligated to share their mods.
Many students spend a great deal of time modding and consider their mods a piece of personal art that they have created to make their reel stand out. It is perfectly understandable if someone does not want to share this kind of work in a public library.
The library would be available to any Academy student who wishes to use it as a resource, whether or not they choose to contribute to the library's collection.
That said, please post any questions, concerns or general comments on the subject here for all to read.
Thanks!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
NEW Animation Classes!
There are 2 new Anim499 Special Topics classes for FALL 2009:
LIP SYNC, Instructor Linda Bel
A master class on creating a 2 person dialogue.
Prerequisites: Advanced Animation 3, Acting for Animators,
AND
REALISM, Instructor Linda Bel
Includes quadruped walk cycles and animating various creatures.
LIP SYNC, Instructor Linda Bel
A master class on creating a 2 person dialogue.
Prerequisites: Advanced Animation 3, Acting for Animators,
AND
REALISM, Instructor Linda Bel
Includes quadruped walk cycles and animating various creatures.
Prerequisites: Advanced Animation 3
These classes require portfolio review for admission.
Interested students must make an appointment with Linda Bel to review their work to be considered for the class.
To make an appointment with Linda Bel, go to the 180 building, 3rd floor main office, and ask to schedule an appointment for portfolio review, for the class you are interested in taking.
Interested students must make an appointment with Linda Bel to review their work to be considered for the class.
To make an appointment with Linda Bel, go to the 180 building, 3rd floor main office, and ask to schedule an appointment for portfolio review, for the class you are interested in taking.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Animation, VFX, MPT, ILL, ADV ---> BBQ!
September 12th Barbecue
Join your friends and peers for a fall BBQ!
It will be open to the entire school,
hosted by VFX, ANM, MPT, ILL, ADV.
The BBQ will be held Sept. 12
at Speedway Meadows from 1-5.
Meat, buns and all the basics will be provided.
BYOB.
Reminder announcements as we get closer to the date!
Tea Time Animation Club
The goal of Tea Time is to bring together current animation students and Alumni to discuss industry and department related news and concerns, facilitate lectures by guest speakers, nurture communication between the student body and the Animation Department and finally, to provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer critique. We are a networking resource for the student community.
Tea Time meets on Fridays at 3:30pm in room 349 of 180 New Montgomery. On top of the company you want and the critique you need, it's customary that we provide hot beverages and snacks to enjoy while you're with us. After all, it is Tea Time! If you'd like a more in-depth look at what Tea Time is all about, please feel free to tune in to this recording of our online informational session with some of our staff!
What should I Bring?
Well...yourself! Everything else is optional. That being said, we strongly encourage all Tea Time members to participate in group critique, thus, you should also bring some work! For animated pieces Quicktime files only, please! You also may want to bring a pen and paper for note taking, and, needless to say, a good attitude.
Want more? Feel free to join our brand new Facebook group! This is your opportunity to have a greater voice within our club. Post about anything -- Need critique? Find a cool blog? Have a helpful animating tip? Post it on the Facebook. Share, learn and hear up-to-date information on the comings and goings of Tea Time members. It's the perfect place to hear about any and all upcoming events, while having regular access your peers that you may not usually get in between classes.
Finally, Community Clean Team events happen every month. The animation club takes pride in giving back to our local and global community. For dates and pick-up locations, as well as any additional club updates, please follow to this blog.
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