Career in Animation and Visual effects

Updated on: Monday, June 17, 2013

A recent report indicates that the current size of the animation and special effects industry is US$ 247 million with a per annum growth rate of 20%. A Master's programme in this area is on offer at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, which aims to equip students with skills to work professionally in the global animation and visual effects industry.

As Jeremy Lee, subject area lead and senior lecturer in film, visual effects and animation , Sheffield Hallam University, points out, "The world of visual effects is expanding and it is transforming into an international industry."

This field, Lee points out, has come a long way in the last decade or so. As the global audience expects films and other media to become more sophisticated and creative, new opportunities are likely to be created.

An MA in animation and special effects, Lee says, will equip students with the knowledge and ability to work professionally , not only in the animation and visual effects industry but also the games industry and new media industries.

At the Master's programme, all students start off with an intensive three-week module , learning CGI animation with autodesk Maya or 3D studio Max. Later on, students are taught other more in-depth modules such as character animation. Alongside, there are modules on observational drawing where students study the human form.

In the digital compositing module, students get to use and learn about state-ofthe-art cameras in the university's specialist green screen studio and get a chance to work on Nukex and adobe software.

For admission into the MA animation and special effects course, a student typically needs a second-class honours degree or above in a traditional art, digital art, digital media, games design, multimedia or a related subject.

Students who are keen to pursue the course should put together an online show reel - a collection of their best creative work - or DVD/CD of their best work, which may include drawings/photos/films/ animations, anything that reflects the potential creativity of a student.

Lee adds, "We recommend that students apply as soon as possible if they want to start their course in September 2013 - though there is no specific deadline. The university offers a range of scholarships, which include £5,000 towards course fees in certain subject areas. Our 'Transform Together' scholarships include a full-year tuition fee waiver for postgraduate courses. The deadline for scholarship applications is June 30, 2013."

Course: MA animation and special effects (full-time )

Cost: £10,980 (Rs 9.3 lakh approx)

Duration: One year

Career in Animation and Visual effects

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