The Future of Digital Entertainment

Welcome to our latest webinar on the future of digital entertainment. I'm Calvin Leduc, head of faculty at Vancouver Animation School, affectionately known as VANAS. With 13 years of experience, we're proud to offer both online and in-school components, providing flexible learning options for students worldwide.

Introduction by Head of Faculty, Calvin Leduc, Walt Disney Feature Animation

I decided to study animation, embarking on a four-year journey focused on 2D animation. My first major project, a film created with Nick Ranieri and Rick Sluter, garnered significant attention, winning numerous festivals and securing distribution. This success led to my first job in Ottawa, working on "The Raccoons" TV series and their Christmas specials. My career then took me to Montreal for commercials, California for "Alvin and the Chipmunks," London for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," and Munich for another feature.

Working with industry giants like Steven Spielberg on "An American Tail," I eventually settled in Southern California, becoming a permanent resident. My journey continued at DreamWorks and Sony, contributing to projects like "The Swan Princess" and various Disney features including "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Tarzan," "Fantasia 2000," and "The Emperor's New Groove." Disney also retrained me in computer animation as they transitioned from traditional drawing.

The Evolution of Animation

Predicting the future of digital animation involves looking at current trends and technological advancements. AI is becoming increasingly integral, handling basic animation tasks such as cycles, crowds, and background designs. AI is expected to take over meticulous jobs like rigging and attaching characters to joints, which are currently tedious and exacting tasks.

We foresee a move towards holographic films, where viewers can walk around and experience the movie from various angles, making films more interactive and immersive. Studios are also expected to rely more on analytics to predict audience preferences and make informed decisions about film content and casting.

The VANAS Experience

At VANAS, we started 13 years ago with two courses: 3D character animation and concept art. Today, we offer 11 diploma courses, each a year in duration, tailored to meet industry demands. Our expansion was driven by industry feedback, particularly the need for more 2D animators.

Our unique approach includes hiring experienced instructors with over ten years of industry experience. This ensures that our students learn from the best, gaining insights from professionals who have worked on major projects. Our faculty includes experts like Damian, who runs his own studio and understands the entire animation pipeline, and Emerald, a supervising animator on a television series.

Specializations and Courses

Our programs specialize in various fields:

2D Animation: Students learn drawing, character design, and animation, focusing on practical skills without unnecessary additional classes.
3D Animation: Similar to 2D, but using software like Maya and ZBrush. Instructors from top studios like Sony Feature Animation teach these courses.
Concept Art: This course teaches students to design everything from characters to environments, emphasizing realistic drawing studies and cartoony character creation.
Digital Matte Painting: A highly specialized course where students learn to add elements to live-action environments, often leading to quick employment post-graduation.
Production Management: For those who prefer the organizational side of animation, focusing on budgeting, scheduling, and team management.
Esports Management: Prepares students to manage and organize esports tournaments and train players.
Video Game Design: Students build actual games using Unity and Unreal game engines, learning to combine creativity with technical skills.
Virtual Reality: Courses using Quill software and Oculus headsets teach students to draw, paint, and animate in VR environments.

Student Success and Career Opportunities

Our courses are designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills, ensuring they can produce impressive demo reels and portfolios. We offer additional help sessions for major courses, live lectures, and critiques, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

Our graduates have found success in various fields, from feature films to video games, often returning to further their skills in different areas. The flexibility of online learning allows students from around the world to join our programs, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment.

Enroll Today

We offer four intakes a year: summer, fall, winter, and spring. If you're interested in starting your journey in digital arts, now is the perfect time to enroll. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to upskill or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of animation, VANAS has a program for you.

For more information on our courses and enrollment details, visit VANAS and take the first step towards an exciting career in digital entertainment.