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California College Students Animate Multiple Films in Groundbreaking Program

This summer, college students from several universities have come together to create short, animated films within just two weeks under the tutelage of professional guest lecturers. This program, hosted by Fresno State University, marks the first time the “animation” category has been undertaken in such an intensive format at the university. The on-site theater opened this weekend, showcasing the completed films.

CSU Summer Arts is an immersive, multi-disciplinary arts experience that offers masterclasses in the fields of art, creative writing, dance, media, music and theater. Classes are taught by guest artists and California State University professors who are renowned in their fields. Launched by the CSU in 1985, Summer Arts offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to live and study with noted professional artists and CSU faculty. It also offers a calendar of public events and performances by guest artists and students.

The Animation Production Studio tract invites students to get hands-on in crafting animated shorts from concept to finished film, with expert advice offered through each phase and a strong emphasis on production planning. Students gain experience in applying industry-standard techniques in creation, design, production and editing, as well as working in production teams as in a professional studio pipeline.

“This collaborative effort between students and professionals has resulted in a dynamic learning experience, showcasing the power of teamwork and the creative process in the field of animation,” said Michael Bonitatis, founder of Animation Libation Studios and an animation professor at multiple California institutions. “We are thrilled to have facilitated this unique opportunity for students to work closely with industry leaders and produce such impressive work in this intensive program. This project not only highlights the talent and dedication of our students but also sets a new precedent for animation education at Fresno State University, which I hope will expand to other universities in California.”

Bonitatis supervised all aspects of the projects, ensuring they were completed on time within the two-week period. He was also responsible for selecting students for the program, guiding them through the development of their pitches and storyboards, and organizing their production teams.

Lecturers included:

  • Mark Farquhar, a CG character animator and educator with more than 30 years of experience (Open Season, Chicken Little, Shark Tale, Toy Story 2, Osmosis Jones, The Iron Giant) — 2D and CG animation
  • Steve Hickner, animation producer/director (American Tail: Fievel Goes West, We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story, Balto, Bee Movie, The Prince of Egypt), educator (Ringling College of Art and Design) and author (Animating Your Career, Animation Rules!) — Key poses, staging and timing for animatics
  • Bruce W. Smith, award-winning animation artist, series creator & director (The Proud Family, Hair Love, The Princess and the Frog, Winnie the Pooh, Tarzan) and co-founder of Jambalaya Studio — Animation and timing
  • Sherie Pollack, four-time Emmy-nominated animator, writer and director (Pepper Ann, Amphibia, The Simpsons, The Fairly OddParents, We Bare Bears, Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling, Ferngully) — Timing and animation process
  • Owen Klatte, character animator and director (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Disney’s Dinosaur, Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach) and educator (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) — Stop-motion and CG techniques
  • Adam Dykstra, Emmy and VES Award winner, animator, writer and director (Bolt, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen), currently lead character layout artist, animator and asst. director on The Simpsons — Acting and voice direction for animation
  • Ernesto Sanz Martinez, 3D character rigger from Spain; BFA and MA in 3D Animation recipient from SCAD, where he led a team to redesign Royal Rumble‘s on-air graphics; creature and digital double 3D rigger for SONY Pictures Imageworks Entertainment iCAD program — Technical expertise
  • Edgar Geovanni Diaz Padilla, a recent graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a major in Animation and IT — CG lighting, shading and rendering assistance and IT support

“CSU Summer Arts program, I think, is an excellent program. It has harvested students from pretty much all of Southern California to get an in-depth knowledge with these animation industry veterans,” said Smith. “I think it’s a great thing. I know as a kid, I would’ve wanted this instruction from veterans. Mike has done a great job assembling veteran talent to drop some gems on these young students. I think these young students are really taking advantage of the opportunity. So I think it’s a great program.”

Bruce W. Smith, lecturer, CSU Summer Arts Animation Production Studio, 2024
Bruce W. Smith, lecturer, CSU Summer Arts Animation Production Studio, 2024

 

 

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