Expert: Andrew Ransavage - 10/4/2008

Question
I'm quite interested in a double major of Animation and Cinematography/Video Production. I would like to know what sort of stuff that I will learn in Animation courses and what kind of jobs I can get with Animation. I am interested in both computer and hand-drawn character animation. If there is any information that you can give me it would be VERY VERY helpful.

thanks so much :-)

Answer
Hi, sorry I just got this question sent to me. My background is in architectural rendering and animation so I may not have the same experience as you, but there are some basics. With regards to 3D, you would learn the fundamentals of modeling, rendering and animation. How to generate 3D models, applying textures and maps to them, setting up lighting and using rendering engines to create output. Depending upon your school/course emphasis, you will eventually get into character animation. The software you'd learn would be primarily 3ds max or Maya. As far as jobs, there are several general categories you might find yourself in. Movies/TV, gaming, the web and visualization. Check out Toonboom and Flash for 2D, 3ds max and Maya for 3D.

Let me know if you have any other questions,
Andrew