Search form

www.animationmentor.com

27 posts / 0 new
Last post
www.animationmentor.com

www.animationmentor.com

This looks very intereseting. I thought some of you might want to check this out. I got it from a post at Animationnation.com

hett15's picture
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that has been given to us." ---Gandalf

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that has been given to us." ---Gandalf

Looks pretty interesting. Still downloading on my dialup though.

Pat Hacker, Visit Scooter's World.

Looked pretty cool, although I'm wondering what the cost is for the courses. Also, do you think studios will recognize a "virtual degree" from the online school?

Flash Character Packs, Video Tutorials and more: www.CartoonSolutions.com

Looks great. I can't wait to see some more information.

we need to set up a donation program for packer hehe :D

it's the year 2004 and he is still on dial up lol..

it's been a while and it still says loading.. :rolleyes: suddenly i don't feel bad for Packer anymore :confused: he's probably got faster connection :(

Please join my new websites :D
www.EvanIslam.com

I know how ya' feel. I'm on dial up too! Hey Hett, did you stumble across that site, or do you have some inside info on when they're looking to start that up?

Evandeman thanks for the donation post. But even if I could afford it here in this rural burg only government offices and big time businesses have anything faster. Just the way it is here in the hinterland.

Our phone company does supposedly provide adsl, but of the three people that I know that opted for it, I had to straighten out their systems after they tried and one of them had to send their unit back to the manufacturer because of harddrive failure after they tried to install the software (and it was only 3 months old).

Maybe if I could have spoken to the same Tech worker twice it may have been a different outcome. Language skills were a problem a couple of times...another case where outsourcing has really worked....NOT!!!

So I am waiting for a T1 connection.

Pat Hacker, Visit Scooter's World.

hi all,

my friend mariko is involved. from what i've heard it was set up by one of her friends from college. i've asked her for some info, and when i know some more about it i'll let you know.

k

Hey Folks

Hey, all. It's good to be back on the AWN forums.

If you have any questions about AnimationMentor let me know. I'm one of the founders of it and we're super excited about the whole project. We've been in development on it for about 2 years now. Lots of hard work and dedication in our after hours time.

As far as a virtual degree goes, or any other degree I don't know any place that looks for a degree. At least any of the major studios. I have only a year and a half of formal art school training and over 8 years profession experience now. I continue to educate myself and learn outside of work as any artist does.

In the end getting a job in animation is about 2 major things, Portfollio and attitude. If you have both they you are in a good place to get the job.

if you have any questions regrading AM let me know and I'd be more than happy to answer.

-BOOOM

Bobby BOOM Beck
Animator
Pixar animation studios
www.bobbyboombeck.com

Bobby Boom Beck
Animator
Pixar Animation Studios
www.bobbyboombeck.com

Seems like a good thing just for the sake of so much of this industry is who you know. If animators in company's are tutoring and mentoring newcomers through the program, it's a great way for the animators to help pull some strings within the company they are in, to incorporate new talent that they believe in.

Flash Character Packs, Video Tutorials and more: www.CartoonSolutions.com

This is absolute PURE GENIUS. I have been talking about teaching animation via internet for a couple years now, and now someone has finally done it, in what seems like a very interactive, comprehensive, FUN method. Having seen the little intro video, I have to say that this looks like a great opportunity for the young'ns who may or may not have a reputable animation school in their area, or cannot afford one. I don't know what the prices for something like this are, but I suspect it is a fraction of what the universities are soaking their students for.

And I agree with you, animboom... There is no need for a "BFA, BVA, Masters degree" or whatever the hell these universities give you for graduating from their course. Studios don't give a rat's ass what degree you possess, but rather, care about your portfolio and what you can do. The little "Education" area of a CV is one area I NEVER look at when hiring someone.

So all you young folks out there looking for an opportunity to learn animation, I would strongly recommend you give this some consideration. If I were in your shoes, I would CERTAINLY look into it more.

Cheers

"Don't want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard" - Paul Simon

Thanks for the positive feedback wade. We are really trying our best to dedicate to people. Animation is one very deep subject. I feel very honored to do what I do every day. It's one heck of a great way to spend your day. FULL ON! ;)

-BOOOM

Bobby Boom Beck
Animator
Pixar Animation Studios
www.bobbyboombeck.com

Hi everyone. Some people may be interested in this FAQ that was posted over on CGtalk by kevan. I assume it's official? :confused:

Hello Bobby, I do have one quick question regarding A.M. Will it be considered as a "school" so that one could get financial aid from the government?

Thanks for your time.

EDIT: Rather than quote all of Bobby's responses to the thread on CGtalk, I'll just provide the link to the thread. It's a MUST read for anyone interested in Animation Mentor. And also forget my question Bobby, you answered it on the CGtalk thread ;)

http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=67315327

hello all,

i think this should answer a few questions:

Questions answered below:
1. How much will AM cost?
2. How are the mentors chosen by AM?
3. What format is Professional Critique given in?
4. Can I join at any time?
5. Should I take AM courses instead of traditional college classes?
6. How long does it take to complete a course?
7. Can I get feedback more than once on a particular assignment?
8. Can I see other student's assignments and hear the feedback given to
them?
9. What if I need to go on vacation? Do I miss out on those classes?
10. How long are the classes?
11. Is there an application process or can anyone sign up?
12. When can I sign up?

ANSWERS:
==================================================
=============
1. Q: How much will AM cost?

A: We have carefully designed AM as a one year intensive character
animation boot camp. Our school will consist of 4 courses, each made up of
12 video classes focused 100% on various aspects of character animation, and
each with a corresponding assignment tailored to reinforcing the topic of
that class. While you are encouraged to work at your own pace, 1 class per
week will get you through a course in about 3 months.

Because we are dedicated to bringing you only the absolute best personal
mentors available, and due to our exceptionally high bandwidth demands, the
cost of a full course will be comparable to art school prices; however, the
intensity of our program allows you to finish in 1/4 the time it would take
at a traditional art school, providing you with a much cheaper and more
focused experience! In order to ensure that AM is as customizable as
possible, students will also have the option to sign up for the individual
classes they are most interested in rather than the entire 12-class course.

==================================================
==============
2. Q: How are the mentors chosen by AM?

A: All mentors are carefully selected by a team of professional animators
and teachers at AM. Decisions are based on both teaching ability and
animation skill, and all mentors are professionals currently working in a
feature-
animation studio. As currently working animators, we have a unique
first-hand knowledge of the skill sets of many of today's top feature
animators and we are dedicated to using that knowledge to bring you only the
best animators available.

==================================================
==============
3.
Q: What format is Professional Critique given in?

A: VIDEO! That's right! No text feedback from Pros - it is all recorded
personally by your mentor as he/she interactively reviews your work!

==================================================
=============
4.
Q: Can I join at any time?

A: Yes! AM is the next evolution of education. Old ideas such as
semesters and rigid start-dates are a thing of the past. Join whenever you
like!

==================================================
=============
5.
Q: Should I take AM courses instead of traditional college classes?

A: AM has been designed to be an all encompassing source of character
animation instruction for our students. However, traditional art classes
such as figure drawing, sculpting, etc., would be extremely valuable
companions to our program.

==================================================
=============
6.
Q: How long does it take to complete a course?

A: Ideally we feel you would be best served by following the full path we
have laid out for you - work your way through Level A and then Level B
before moving on to C and D. In an ideal setting you would be able to get
through each course of 12 classes in around 3 months. We encourage you to
move at your own pace, but too slow a pace may negatively impact your
animation education.

==================================================
=============
7.
Q: Can I get feedback more than once on a particular assignment?

A: Absolutely! You will quickly find that multiple critiques are one of
the most powerful features of our site. Each week you will be allowed one
primary critique, but at the same time you will have an opportunity to
upload up to 2 other assignments of your choosing for recurring critique of
your latest efforts!

==================================================
=============
8.
Q: Can I see other student's assignments and hear the feedback given to
them?

A: Yes! Our students will be constantly exchanging feedback with each
other, something we feel is the cornerstone of a solid animation education.
In addition, any professional feedback received by the students is viewable
by any other student! You can never hear enough feedback - even if it isn't
about your work!

==================================================
=============
9.
Q: What if I need to go on vacation? Do I miss out on those classes?

A: No. You learn at your own pace. Review your current class as many
times as you like. Create your assignment at whatever speed you are most
comfortable with. Whenever you are ready for your next class or for
Professional Feedback, AM will be here for you!

==================================================
=============
10.
Q: How long are the video classes?

A: Our lectures vary in length, but all are at *least* 30 minutes long!

==================================================
=============
11.
Q: Is there an application process or can anyone sign up?

A: While we can initially only accept a limited number of students,
acceptance will not be based on skill level. You will not have to submit a
portfolio or a demo reel. We feel strongly that if someone has a positive
attitude and the eagerness to learn, they have the potential to be a solid
animator, and we want to make certain that those beginning students have the
same opportunity to learn as the most advanced students have!

==================================================
=============
12. Q: When can I sign up?

A: If you've entered your email address at our teaser site, you will be
among the first to be notified when the school officially launches and
begins accepting students. Currently we are aiming for a Fall 2004 launch.

I thought of a few more questions:

What software would they be using? Do you need to be trained on that first?

What level of experience do we need to have?

the cost of a full course will be comparable to art school prices; however, the intensity of our program allows you to finish in 1/4 the time it would take at a traditional art school, providing you with a much cheaper and more focused experience!

Could you clarify that please? Are you saying the cost of the entire Animationmentor program would be comparable to the entire cost of art school? Therefore, for example SCAD @ $20,250 for one year x 4 = $81,000. Is that what you'd be charging? Or are you saying if you did the course in 3 months, that it would cost similarly to a quarter at art school... eg around $5000?

If you've entered your email address at our teaser site, you will be among the first to be notified when the school officially launches and begins accepting students. Currently we are aiming for a Fall 2004 launch.

It seemed from the CGTalk thread that there was a multitude of people who sounded like they were ready to sign up. This is great news for you, but if we've entered our email address in at the beginning of this thread,(it started on 6/6/04) should we expect to wait 3 years just to get a look in? :)

Will priority be given to US residents, or is it first come, first served regardless of location?

This sounds fantastic! I really hope that it is still affordable and possible to do soon.

By the way, check out Bobby's work on his website. It's pretty inspiring!

Questions Answered

Lots and lots of questions have been answered on this link:

http://home.netspeed.com.au/mlanham/am_faq.html

Good Stuff

Good Stuff.

We been talking back and forth at AWN about something for a couple of years now. I even offered a course to the school where I teach - it just hasn't come about for one reason or another.

I am happy to see someone is doing it...about time.

The Cost?

Hello.

Maybe the cost hasn't been figured out or it is being sidestepped for the moment.

What is the cost? 1/4 of the cost of school means what... 5,000 a year or 10,000 or 15,000 ?

Thanks.

how can students be assured that AM is not another scam that plans to run with the money after students has been registered?
is there a lawyer or a legal contract or legaly known by law/goverment as a rightfull school to be study on, even if its via the net?

Visit my site http://www.animdesk.com

um, i think i can answer that one.

this is no scam. it's being setup by 3 great animators working at pixar and ilm. having talked to them, it is clear to me that they are doing this to help others achieve, rather than to make money. the costs are a by-product of delivering bandwidth-intensive content over the internet.

for me, this is less of a academic pursuit and more of an informal but accelerated learning program for people who just want to animate. after all, you don't need a bit of paper to get you a good job - you do need a weapons-grade showreel, however, and this could help you achieve that. it's not magic, but if just one person gets to where they've always wanted to be then it's a success in my book.

please don't worry about scams and stuff - it's going to be ace.

k

If it were a scam... It would be one of the best thought out and best prepared ones ever. This looks far too professional, having seen the intro video to be anything other than it appears.

Brilliance, I tell you!

"Don't want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard" - Paul Simon

its not that i don't want this to project to succeed, i really do, if it helps young animators..etc.
i just said that sometimes the people will do everything to rip other people off with projects around, even if it is a big plan..etc.

btw, this online school supposed to be for immediant / advanced animators?
because i hardly think beginners will be able to learn maya in months period :D especially when it comes to animate objects.
because it seems that the course is built for those who just want to flex their animation skills better than before by talking with advanced animators.
because letting a beginner work with a skilled animator can make the teacher go nuts :D

Visit my site http://www.animdesk.com

I hear you Shany. It is hard sometimes not to be skeptical, and looking foir a scam. Nowadays, it seems everyone is out to scam someone. I would be very surprised if this was in fact a scam though.

Your other question was a good one though, about the course being for advanced animators, and not for beginners. That is the impression i get from it too.

Cheers

"Don't want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard" - Paul Simon

I thought this quote might help with what you have been discussing:

"No knowledge of Maya is necessary. We teach the software in 3 sessions, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. These 3 classes come free with any class you purchase of AM. You can start animating right after the Basic Class (about 40 minutes in length)! It's that easy to use the software. Really we've limited the amount of buttons you will need to use and have hopefully stream lined the learning curve. Again, the software is the tool and the art is the tough stuff that we're focusing on at AM. "

Argh, this looks almost too good to be true....even though I'm still waiting for the video to load completely :D

Yes, you can learn basic 3D very quickly, but getting to a half-decent skill level takes a lot of time and patience.

Maybe, for my bad english, i didn' t understand if the class of AM are even for 2d-animation and stop-motion, or just for 3d animation......

Yeah....

is it JUST for 3D,

or 2D AND 3D? stopmotion would rock as well...

I do remember Bobbie Beck mentioning the possibility of other forms of animation being used in the program... but I can't find where it's written! I'll post the question in the cgtalk forum too for you. You can find that forum at: http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=147156&page=35&pp=15
They're up to 35 pages in there on the topic. Talk about a frenzy!

This is also really informative (and as I just discovered) is being updated regularly. It's the Unofficial FAQ Page for AM:
http://home.netspeed.com.au/mlanham/am_faq.html