FSU College of Motion Picture Arts 2014-2015 Publication 2014-2015 | Page 12

Program Spotlight:

ANIMATION
AND
DIGITAL
ARTS
by Paul Razza

As George Clooney floated into the dark abyss of outer space in
Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity, many filmmakers wondered whether they
were watching a live-action film or an animated film with live-action
elements. Filmmakers have always sought to expand their visual
storytelling tools in order to bring their mind’s vision to the screen.
Whether it be Jean Luc-Godard demanding the fabrication of low-light sensitive film stock in order to
capture the intimacy needed for Breathless in 1960
or, more recently, Oscar-nominated cinematographer
Roger Deakins assuming the role of visual consultant
on animated films such as Wall-E, How to Train Your
Dragon, and Rango in order to breath life into animated characters, the evolution of storytelling relies on
12 - FSU College of Motion Picture Arts

Production still from “Grunge,” an Animation and Digital Arts student film.
through the use of digital effects and animation. The
college created this new major to complement the
production program, which has long been recognized
as a powerhouse in film education.

Robertson, “This major is motivating me to be more
open-minded, growing my creative vision as a person
and preparing me to start a career where I am fully
capable of providing whatever is needed.”

Associate Dean Dr. Andrew Syder was the main
architect of the new program. “Our goal is to pass on
the art of storytelling while infusing students’ craft
with animation and digital art approaches,” explains
Dr. Syder. “The end result is a filmmaker with an
expanded storytelling palette.”

Animation and Digital Arts students begin their
studies with the history of film. They explore their
storytelling voice through screenwriting, learn how
to work with actors, are introduced to various directing techniques, study the basis of animation and CG
production, and work extensively on cinematography,
editing and sound.

Founded in the fall of 2012, the program is preparing
to graduate its first class of digital arts profession- “Within their first semester in the program, students
als. Though the program is young, students have study masters like Hitchcock, Cassavates, Kurosawa,
been happy with their experience and are ready to and Pixar; this enables the student to go much deeper
embark on their new careers. Says senior Octevia
cont’d page 14
Animation students set up for a special effects shot on location.

discovering new means of translating concept into
filmmaking reality.
In response to the industry embracing the use of digital elements in visual storytelling, the FSU College
of Motion Picture Arts developed an Animation
and Digital Arts undergraduate program that equips
students to participate fully in the storytelling process,
film.fsu.edu - CMPA News - 13