Each year focuses on a progressively more complex curriculum that guides you on the path toward mastery of both 2D and 3D character animation as well as giving you hands-on experience with preproduction and productions.
First year
The Character Animation program begins with traditional exercises using pencil and paper, which allows you to explore the basics of drawing for animation before progressing to physics-based assignments and eventually acting scenes. Once the basics on paper are grasped, you are introduced to digital animation and begin using programs like TVPaint™, Adobe®, Toon Boom Harmony™ and After Effects®. You will also participate in a wide variety of film-making related courses like film history and culture, storyboarding, layout, and character design.
At various points during the year, you will be part of short productions with the Computer Graphic Arts (CGA) students and Animation Direction students from La Poudrière. These collaborations provide you with essential skills in communication, teamwork and project completion.
Second year
During the second year, you bring your 2D animation skills into the 3D platform using Maya® and experience animating computer graphic characters. You will also encounter other aspects of a 3D workflow such as previz and very basic modeling, rigging, lighting, and rendering.
CA and CGA students work together in the NGO project to create a film with a message. During this production, you learn how to work with a real client and further your skills for working in a CG production setting in groups.
All students pick an elective which provides the opportunity to go into depth with an area of specialization. You will also have classes that are designed to prepare you for the third-year projects. These classes may include world building, story development, cinematography, film analysis, and pitch presentation.
Third year
Third-year students from the CA and CGA programs come together to form production teams. Each team creates their graduation productions that culminate in the bachelor projects. The teams are formed based on a selected pitch, and you specialize in elective roles to plan and manage a complex project and learn the importance of adhering to deadlines.
CA students also produce the animation for the midway and graduation film projects made by the Animation Direction students at the National Film School of Denmark, thus giving you additional experience working with a director on a film production. Furthermore, you will compile your portfolio and showreel, guided by the staff and teachers, to highlight your skills as you apply for internships and target the jobs of your choice.
Seventh semester
During your final semester, you will do a 14-week internship with a production studio. Former students have been interning at Cartoon Saloon, Nørlum, Aardmann, Sun Creature, and Illumination, among others. Read more about the internship in the 'Career Guidance and Internship'-section of this page.