罗彻斯特理工学院

The film and animation major is for students who recognize the moving image as an expressive force uniquely important to modern life. As a bachelor of fine arts student, you have two options to choose from to pursue your craft. The animation degree path focuses on 2D, 3D, and stop motion animation spanning from conception to application to final production of short films. The film degree path focuses on production through visual and sound artistry utilizing hands-on experience with camera, editing, and sound equipment. The major ultimately develops students’ production skills and promotes film and animation as creative media.

Plan of study

The curriculum emphasizes production, with students beginning their first year working in 16mm film, digital HD video, and animation. Production work continues in every semester. Students may choose one of two options: animation or production. The major prepares students to produce, creatively and practically, their own independent work and/or fulfill professional production responsibilities in any medium suitable to their interests and abilities.

Through lectures and laboratories, students develop individual skills in moving-image communications and learn the aesthetic principles governing art. Technology and technique are never taught as an end in themselves but in terms of learning to use the tools necessary to achieve a creative goal in relation to the audience.

Students produce several short films in either live-action or animation by working through all phases of production, from scripting, production planning, and budgeting to shooting, designing, animating, editing, and sound design. Students further their learning of visual and sound artistry through hands-on experience with camera and sound equipment. Film, video, and animation projects are designed by individual students. A wide variety of styles and intentions is expressed in the department’s work.