Animation and Digital Arts

College: Motion Picture Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts
Specialized Admission: Yes

Description of Major

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

The program of study leading to a bachelor of fine arts degree (BFA) in Animation and Digital Arts combines schooling in digital motion picture production with solid grounding in liberal studies. The curriculum directs students through the program in such a way that they will begin learning the special language of digital motion picture production by making short films, culminating with a senior thesis film. Curriculum is centered on digital motion picture production, with an emphasis on story development, previsualization, directing, 3D modeling, layout, computer animation, texturing, lighting, editing, sound, film history and film theory as well as elements of live action production.

The goal of the program is to produce educated, literate, creative digital filmmakers. The BFA program will provide the curricular leadership in developing students' expertise in the art and craft of digital motion picture storytelling, as well as offer training in the specialized technical skills needed to operate industry-standard computer animation platforms.

Students entering as freshmen will spend the first year working on general education requirements and then are immersed, sophomore through senior years, in Animation and Digital Arts courses. Transfer students will enter the program as sophomores and complete their degree in eight semesters, which includes two summers. Transfer applicants should complete all general education requirements before starting the program and are encouraged to consult with the academic advisor for course planning when applying.

Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite Coursework: None
There are no common prerequisites to the FSU program in Animation and Digital Arts.

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org.

Admission Requirements to Major Program of Studies:
The Animation and Digital Arts program in the College of Motion Picture Arts is a Specialized Admission program. Admission is highly selective. Each class is comprised of no more than ten (10) students. Separate applications must be made to The Florida State University Office of Admissions and to The College of Motion Picture Arts. All program applicants must apply to FSU by the fall early admission deadline. An applicant seeking to enter the College of Motion Picture Arts must meet the grade point average and test score requirements described by the University’s Office of Admissions, see http://admissions.fsu.edu/ .

The Motion Picture Arts application package consists of the following items: the on-line application, résumé, a writing sample, creative portfolio, three letters of recommendation on letterhead, and a personal statement (a 500 to 1,000 word essay describing your background, artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives, and future career goals). The College of Motion Picture Arts application deadline is posted on our website https://film.fsu.edu/admissions .

The College of Motion Picture Arts accepts all students into the program beginning in the fall semester only. Students must maintain a “B” average in all major requirements. Continuation in the major will depend on the development of each student’s talents, skills, professional discipline and academic record, including a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above. A student’s work and commitment are under continuous review, and any candidate who fails to maintain high standards may be dismissed from the program.

Requirements

Major Program of Studies at FSU: (91 hours)
This information is subject to change; contact department.

Program Core Requirements
FIL2043 - History and Practice of Visual Effects and Animation
FIL2090 - Professional Communication
FIL2110 - Story Development and Screenwriting I
FIL2113L - Screenwriting Workshop
FIL2423 - Filmmaking I
FIL2533 - Motion Picture Sound
FIL2557 - Motion Picture Editing
FIL2710 - Visualization I
FIL2730 - Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics
FIL2731 - Introduction to 3D Computer Animation
FIL2XXX – Intro to Rigging
FIL3702L - Lighting, Texturing & Rendering I
FIL3736 - Character Animation I
FIL3833 - Film Styles
FIL4713 - Character Art
FIL3641 - Motion Picture Production Management
FIL3132 - Screenwriting II
FIL3971 - Thesis Film Support
FIL3XXX - Lighting, Texturing & Rendering II
FIL4135 - Thesis Development
FIL4434 - Advanced Filmmaking
FIL4923 - Undergraduate Film Seminar
FIL4952 - Portfolio Production
FIL4970 - Thesis Defense
FIL4973 - BFA Thesis Production
FIL4933 - Professional Development
IDS2453 - Reality & Illusion in World Cinema

Electives:
FIL 2481L - Acting for Filmmakers
FIL 2727r - Compositing II
FIL 3690r - Digital Studio Department Leadership
FIL 3711 - Visualization II
FIL 3932r - Special Topics
FIL 4613 - Marketing and Exhibition
FIL 4712r - Visualization III
FIL 4713 - Character Art
FIL 4737r - Character Animation II
FIL 4905r - Directed Individual Study
FIL 4910r - Application of Research and Creative Methods
FIL 4940r - Application of Instruction Methods
FIL4945r - Professional Internship
FIL4952 - Portfolio Production
FIL 4975r - Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Completion of the program should be planned with an academic advisor, with regard to the student’s background and goals

The following required courses in the major fulfill Liberal Studies for the 21st Century General Education and University-Wide Requirements:

FIL 2043 History & Practice of Visual Effects and Animation fulfills:
o Digital Literacy
o Scholarship in Practice

FIL 2090 Professional Communication fulfills:
o Oral Communication Competency

FIL 3833 Film Styles fulfills:
o GE Humanities

IDS 2453 Reality & Illusion in World Cinema fulfills:
o GE Humanities
o “W’ (Writing)
o Diversity

FIL 4135 Thesis Development fulfills:
o Upper Division Writing

FIL 4973 BFA Thesis Production fulfills:
o Formative Experience

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hours Required 120
General Education 36
Major Coursework 91
Minor Coursework 0
Digital Literacy 0 beyond major
Oral Competency 0-3
Other Required Coursework 0
Electives to bring total number of credit hours to 120

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each fall and spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Remarks
1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
4. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of General Education courses before beginning major coursework.

Employment Information

Salary Information: For more information go to: National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.naceweb.org) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm) provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: (BFA or MFA): Director, Writer, Producer (Executive, Assistant, Unit), Editor, Modeler, Texture artist, Rigger, CG Lighter, Technical Director, Animator, Animation supervisor, Look development, Compositor, Production designer, Art director, Supervising art director, Production manager, Post-production supervisor, Post-production coordinator, Storyboard artist, Previz artist, Graphic designer, Visual development coordinator, Foley mixer, Sound effects recordist, Supervising sound editor, Sound editor, Dialogue Supervisor, Visual effects coordinator, Visual effects creative supervisor, Marketing coordinator.