33
SCR EEN AR T S
Animation BSA(Hons) Major
Animation is a huge industry, found in games, film, television, augmented reality, and in almost all the visual media we consume. This course caters for those interested in joining the industry but also provides pathways for students wishing to explore the medium as independent film makers. The Animation major is hands on. Our focus is on traditional skills using sophisticated, industry-standard 3D and 2D software to greatly enhance workflow. By becoming artistically and technically competent, students can work smarter instead of harder, freeing them to enjoy their craft as capable animators within a variety of team-based production environment. In this major students will learn how to animate, focusing on principles developed primarily in traditional character and creature animation. The process will be demystified, and students will be encouraged to experiment and practice. There will be opportunities to develop story telling skills too. Students will learn how to model, texture and light 3D assets, as well as illustrate and draw in 2D. There will be opportunities to work in team-based production environments as well as personal art projects.
Facilities Animation students will have access to world-leading- and cutting-edge hardware and software, including Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Substance Painter & Designer, Pixologic ZBrush, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects etc. Staff Info Andrew Kunzel has 27 years of experience in Animation and Visual Effects, winning AFI, Kidscreen, and Atom Awards as well as various award nominations in his role as an animation supervisor and lead animator. Recently, Andrew has worked in the Games Industry as a Senior Artist, as well as many years with Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital as a Modeler and Concept Artist. Films include Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, I Robot, King Kong, Avatar 2, The BFG, War for the Planet of the Apes, Maze Runner, Alita Battle Angle, Mortal Engines, The Avengers plus many more.
JING JING KE, TONY MATICH, SAINA FILIPO, NIAMH O’CONNELL, BCMP ANIMATION & VFX 2021 Students Jing Jing Ke, Tony Matich, Saina Filipo and Niamh O’Connell created Hans & Tweet, a pioneer production as the first stop motion film of its kind at Massey University.
Hans & Tweet is a children’s television series about a red panda and an egg who dream of becoming great supervillains. The students’ aim was to bring awareness to both adults and children about taking care of the Earth and its residents, but to also teach positivity, the value of believing in yourself, the joy of chasing big dreams, and to show what a true and dedicated friendship looks like. Hans & Tweet was picked up by TVNZ platform HeiHei and was a finalist in the Best Design Awards for Student Moving Image in 2021.
