Graduate Program in Animation - BSc in Digital Filmmaking

Bachelor's Degree by WWI School of Animation Mumbai View Contact

Starting from: INR 13,50,000 Per Course (Taxes Included) Request Info

Bsc in Digital Media is a demanding program designed to meet the exacting standards of the Animation Industry for creativity, originality, and production values. The curriculum combines the very best techniques of traditional and digital animation training in a single dynamic program presented in a focused, interdisciplinary manner.

The program's learning environment simulates the flow of a creative film making process, transformations from script to screen. The program also develops every individual student into a capable team member with a respective specialized skill required for a global studio environment. Through classroom teaching and private mentoring sessions, experienced professionals instruct students in advanced digital environments and cinematic storytelling skills. During the course of their studies, students develop a professional-caliber portfolio.

In addition to its course requirements, the program calls on students to attend lectures, demonstrations and screenings as part of an extensive visiting artist series, which features noted animators, filmmakers, actors and various other professionals.

The enrichment of the educational experience at the WWI premises is based on five elements. The first is a self-motivated – the first step out, creatively curious students who are ready to break new ground. The second is an opportunity to nurture themselves under the outstanding guru's of art and technology who share their knowledge and experience with passion and generosity. Third, is the unique cross-pollination of the different cultures, blending them into digital art forms and disciplines. Fourth, is an extensive and constant nearness to latest trends and upgraded inventory of intellectual wealth. Fifth, and certainly not the least, is to nurture the individual's creative ability to transform the thoughts and idea into a modern day audio-visual formats. This generates a lively and highly simulating creative environment--one that allows every student to expand the scope of his or her cultural experience and, in the process, become a better artist.

By the end of the program, students have acquired the knowledge and expertise they need to work in the Animation film and television industry. Depending o¬n the talents demonstrated by each individual, students may hold a variety of positions: traditional & digital animator, visualizer, digital matte painting artist, storyboard artist 2D & 3D character animator, effects artist, modeling artist, technical artist, compositor, BG & Layout artist, rigging artist etc.

** WWI is the study center for BSC degree in digital film making through Bharathidasan University.

*Courses beyond 2nd July, 2014 will not be conducted on the current campus. Arrangements for new campus are underway and the same will be intimated in due course.

Overview

• The course starts by learning the fundamentals of filmmaking, ingredients of audio-visual medium, principles of traditional art forms and dreaming ability.

• Also it starts by developing skills on understanding various processes of creative & aesthetic abilities, visualization power and Drawing skills.

• Emphasis is also placed on the ability to engage in constructive discussion and offer critical analysis of different film styles and techniques.

• The course will make the trainee's master in both classical arts and digital finishing techniques. Life drawing, concept drawing, composition, character design, styling, color theory and 2 dimensional way of filmmaking constitute the major part.

• Alongside mastering the pre-production to postproduction aspects, students learn Digital art form through Toonboom & photoshop , including the operating environment, Digital Ink & Painting.

• The course will move towards the migration from two-dimensional skills into three-dimensional, with a focus on three-dimensional modeling, environment creation, animation, rigging, lighting, texturing, rendering, special effects and composition.

• The course will focus on skill development through studio practical, assignments and demonstrations with respect to Drawing, various animation techniques, Creative thinking, and communication.

• Then, in the second year of education, that is, in the fourth semester, they move towards further specialization in various areas of Digital animation filmmaking, Modeling, Rigging, Texturing and Lighting, Character Animation, Digital VFX and compositing.

• The third year of education is subdivided in three parts. The first part is dedicated to the learning of concept art and design for animation filmmaking which includes idea development, script, design bible, storyboards, concept drawings, color palette, pre-visualization.

• The second part is dedicated to fine-tuning the acting skills, expressions and character attitudes. Implementation of the skills acquired in to creation of a film in-group environment. Mapping of individual skill in to the group projects. Scheduling, group dynamics, following the direction, self-attitude and behavioral science are the major ingredients of this part.

• The third part is completing the process of filmmaking from script to screen. This part will mainly focus on developing visual effects skills, sound and finishing skills to desired formats.

• The Third year students also introduced to Animation production management, understanding the role of producer, preparing production plan, production team, the core departments, and how to track the production.

• It will also stress on portfolio development how to use social media, website development, show reel development.

• Each trainee completes two good projects in each year.

•  Three-fourth of the evaluation is through Assignment and practical during the semester, and the other one-fourth through exam at the end of each semester.

• Three-fourth sessions are conducted by full-time faculty and one-fourths by visiting professionals and media stalwarts to give industrial relevance.

Curriculum

Semester-I

This semester will acquaint students with the basics of filmmaking, ingredients of audio-visual medium, principles of traditional art forms and dreaming ability. Developing student's skills on understanding various processes of filmmaking, Creative & aesthetic abilities, visualization power and Drawing skills. Emphasis is also placed on the ability to engage in constructive discussion and offer critical analysis of different film styles and techniques.

Subject-1- film making fundamentals

The Foundation Course in Filmmaking immerses participating students in each filmmaking craft. Students receive instruction through a powerful integration of student productions, classroom theoretical instruction, motion picture screenings analysis, workshops and interactions with global filmmakers. Students both do and study screenwriting, producing, directing, acting, cinematography, editing, sound design, film appreciation, production design, and the aesthetic use of music in productions, literature, and art history and cinema studies.

The Foundation Course is hands-on from its start; students begin their first short film in the second week of term. Thereafter, students participate in multiple short-film productions. Working in crews, each student in turn writes, produces, directs, shoots, records sound, and edits. By rotating through all the essential roles and assisting on fellow crewmembers films, students gain extensive practical filmmaking experience. The foundation course develops within students their own unique story development and filmmaking perspectives and vision. The course also promotes individual professional conduct, communication skills and leadership qualities.

Subject-2- Drawing-I

This course is about learning to see. It will examine drawing both as an act of creating independent works of art and as a preparatory process in the creation of a finished work. Projects will be assigned to study design elements as they relate to drawing in both large and small scale. Basic skills will be stressed.

Subject-3- Animation-I

The basic concepts of storyboard, layout, exposure sheets, extremes, timing, weight, squash-and-stretch, overlapping action, hook-ups, arcs, walk cycles and head turns will be covered in this course. Most importantly, this course will emphasize drawing skills, and the importance of one drawing in the context of many. Basic construction, line of action, perspective and looking - before touching pencil to paper - are essential to developing good drawing skills and personal style.

Subject-4-Lay out perspective-I

Students produce drawings of three-dimensional objects in one, two, and three point perspective. Emphasis is placed on using observational skills to create proportionally correct renditions of structures and environments. In addition, students will generate technically accurate and aesthetically pleasing drawings using perspective and economy of line. Students will also articulate and solve basic problems of form in space through line and mass and generate drawings that display differences in lighting and value.

Subject-5-Animation History-I

Fundamentals of animated cinematography are addressed through a historical survey. The course will consider trends and genres of animated film in a variety of media.

Semester-II

Students master both classical arts and digital finishing techniques in this Semester. Life drawing, concept drawing, composition, character design, styling, color theory and 2 dimensional way of filmmaking constitute the major part. Alongside Learning the pre-production to postproduction aspects, students learn Digital art form through Toonboom & photoshop, including the operating environment, Digital Ink & Painting.

Subject-1- film making fundamentals

Student will continue attending the film appreciation classes and guest interaction to understand different perspective and method applied during the production process by interacting with the crew members (such as Directors,Editors,Cinematographers,etc.)

Subject-2- Drawing –II

In this course, students will draw from models in various costumes. An emphasis will be placed on color, texture, weight and composition. Use of the camera and preliminary sketches will be explored. This course will concentrate on two areas of drawing: the human figure and animals. Gesture, manner, weight, emotion and expressions of the body will be studied and drawn, both in the studio and on location.

This course will explore the structure of the human body as it relates to figure drawing. Using the skeleton as a basis, students will learn the musculature of the body and learn to render convincing mass.

Student will work on complete character creation process they will have to conceptualize and write about the character and further develop and make a detail model sheet from the point of view of Modeling, rigging, and animation. They will also do a detail research about culture, behavior and mannerism to bring authenticity and appeal to character.

This course also focuses on planning for complex animations. Students will learn storyboarding and techniques to previsualize productions. Contents to be covered include purposes and formats of storyboards, basic terminology and concepts used in storyboarding, and the application of storyboarding techniques to the creation of storyboards with or without a written script.

Subject-3- Animation-II

All about drawing, design and movement in a two-dimensional environment. Use of field guides, exposure sheets, lip sync, in-betweens and layouts are covered. Runs, walks, takes, pans, trucks and preparation for camera, all done through the proper construction of a scene are demonstrated. Learn about the techniques of animation for the screen, whether in cel, cutouts, clay or any other technique commonly used in animation. How to tell a story and the science of movement are included to round out this essential course.

Students will develop 2D animation techniques while using a digital 2D animation package. This course provides students with advanced experience with the digital 2D animation process. Students will complete a short subject using advanced computer animation technique.

Subject-4-Lay out perspective-II

Layout is the first and essential step to good animation. This course will stress proper perspective and character construction. Students will learn and understand three-point perspective, good framing and composition for their background layouts, and correct construction and staging for their animation poses. Students will work from character and prop model sheets, and a film storyboard that will cover most of the basic type layouts. Everyone will do finished layout packages, similar to working on a production in a professional studio.

The software programs that enable and enhance computer animation projects are the focus of this course. Students will learn to output projects using Adobe Photoshop and its techniques will be used to color-scan animation files, backgrounds and effects.

Subject-5-Animation History-II

This course will focus on studying the topics such as early animation, history of Asian, European, and American Animation methodology or techniques invented by the artist/animator from respective countries.

Semester-III

The migration from two-dimensional skills into three-dimensional is the agenda of semester, With a focus on three-dimensional modeling, environment creation, animation, rigging, lighting, texturing, rendering, special effects and composition. In addition, you are prompted to explore a variety of creative aspects to produce innovative and rewarding work. Life drawing studies continue and advance into subjects such as motion studies.

Subject-1- Modeling-III

Students in this course learn the skills to produce three-dimensional models in a computer-based environment. Student's model organic and inorganic objects including modeling their characters developed. Students will explore techniques of character modeling to include various approaches to figure construction. Students develop and construct digital 3-D character models intended for animation. The course covers advanced topics in 3-D character design and modeling, with an emphasis on anatomy as it applies to predetermined movement requirements. Students explore the advanced sub divisional, polygon and NURBS modeling tools as they pertain to believable biped and quadruped characters.

Subject-2- Rigging-III

This course explores the basic principles of creating an animatable skeleton for a 3-D puppet, as applied to a series of anatomically different biped and quadruped characters. Students are assigned a pre built model to rig, explore advanced tools and apply them to various anatomical problems to find modeling and rigging solutions for believable character motion, and finally test the rigs with basic motion assignments.

Subject-3- Texturing & Lighting-III

In this course, students will be introduced to materials, textures and lighting strategies to add detail and realism to objects without adding complexity to the model. Students will simulate real world surfaces containing reflection, transparency and other effects. Students will investigate advanced techniques in simulating complex characteristics of light on surface using advanced texture shading networks. Students will create experimental and application specific shaders (example: cartoon shader).

Subject-4- Animation-III

Building on fundamentals learned in Animation I&II, students develop their animation skills to include basic timing with exposure sheets, sound synchronization, staging and layout, with an emphasis on character animation. This course provides a bridge to more specialized study in 3-D animation, In this course, students further their studies in animation by exploring acting and public speaking in team environments. Students act out their characters and complete their drawings of motion studies, expressions, and poses to execute in 3D environment.

Subject-5- VFX & Compositing-III

The course takes students through the basics of making special effects. Students will be using such tools as particles, dynamic fields, soft bodies, dynamics and expressions to create several scenes. Students will work within the 3D environment to develop photorealistic special effects for integration with both live action and animated elements.

This course will explore various techniques for creating and implementing CGI into live action. Emphasis will be placed on creating seamless integration of visual elements. Students are challenged to integrate, both technically and aesthetically, 2-D and 3-D character and background elements in a project-based environment. Students master match-moving and compositing techniques,

Semester-IV

Semester IV is divided into five specialization areas: Modeling, Texturing and lighting, Character Rigging, Character Animation, VFX and Compositing. After learning all basic areas of 3D, students have to select one specialization from five options. And do the in-depth study through practical, assignments and project.

Subject-1-Modeling-IV

The specialization in Modeling exposes the artist to a detailed study of shape, form and anatomy. It empowers them to represent their ideas through various traditional and digital mediums.

This program will polish their skills in the fields of Anatomy, Sketching, Sculpting, Character Stylization, Digital Sculpting and Architecture Study.

Subject-2-Rigging-IV

The specialization in Rigging covers the technical intricacies and depths of rigging. This program teaches how to unite the aesthetics of movement and the sheer technical power that enables a digital puppet to meet those needs.

This program will strengthen their logic and rigging skills through MEL and Python scripting, Maya muscle, Detailed Character Rigging, Detailed Vehicle Rigging, Creating Animation-Friendly Rigs, Creating GUI (graphic user interface).

Subject-3-Texturing & Lighting-IV

The specialization in texturing and lighting helps students to master the art of painting and lighting the painted textures on the 3d surface. In this specialization students learn how to achieve the look and feel of the film according to the concept art and the visualization of the film. In this course they learn technical and traditional art of painting and lighting.

Subject-4-Animation-IV

The specialization in animation allows students to study the tools and techniques of character animation. Understanding human body structure and its behavior, studying human anatomy. Applying traditional animation principals in character animation. Students will be involved in critical analysis of body movements such as weight and balance, rhythm while animating an action. Also they will be exposed to Acting, facial animation, analyzing sound and animating dialogue.

Subject-5-VFX & Compositing-IV

The VFX specialization Covers all aspects of VFX Pipeline and production techniques, and it aims at developing expertise in the field of Visual effects Industry and mastering the tools and techniques to produce best output.

This program will train and strengthen their creative & technique skills through Camera tracking, Basic & Advanced compositing, Roto & Paint, Mentalray GI & FI, Image based lighting & Particle, Ridigbody & Fluids Dynamic simulation.

Semester-V &VI

This Semester is dedicated to the learning of concept art and design for animation filmmaking which includes idea development, script, design bible, storyboards, concept drawings, color palette, pre-visualization and the production techniques. Implementation of the skills acquired in to creation of a film in-group environment. Mapping of individual skill in to the group projects. Scheduling, group dynamics, following the direction, self-attitude and behavioral science are the major ingredients of this part.

Subject-1- Pre-production

Students will work on their short film as a group project they will Complete the preproduction stages of a short animated film project establish a story through camera movements, sequences, shot transitions and composition and demonstrate this understanding through the production of a storyboard and story reel. Present a proposal for an animated short film to a professional standard.

Subject-2-Production

Students will continue working on their short film taking forward from their pre-production. Prepare 2D and 3D animation from concept to delivery. Identify and discuss efficient methods for the manipulation of models, lights and virtual cameras. Demonstrate an understanding of the wider application and design capability of vector-based 2D animation.

Subject-3-Post-Production

Students will work on developing visual effects skills, sound and finishing skills to desired formats. Students will learn to create professional quality DVD discs that will contain their own work for self-promotion. Students will learn how to deliver their finished projects in professional broadcast formats. This allows students to deliver their projects to the widest audience possible when promoting themselves in the industry.

Subject-4-Production Management

Students will be studying about animation production management. What is animation producer, different roles and responsibilities of producers, buying selling project, core team, responsibilities of different departments. Production planning, tracking production process.

Subject-5-Portfolio Development

This course prepares students for professional situations through the creation of individual demo reels, résumés, Web sites and portfolios and by emphasizing business structure. Through topics such as studio hierarchy, production bidding, media distribution, employee evaluation and professional growth, the course highlights many important aspects of business in order for students to attain and sustain a professional career.

*The above information is subject to change by the discretion of the Management.

Payments

Notes / Benefits / Penalties / Refunds:

1. All amounts are payable, unless mentioned otherwise to ‘Whistling Woods International Limited’ by cheque / demand draft / NEFT / RTGS / online transfers. Details for online transfer of funds are as under:
WHISTLING WOODS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Bank Name : PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
Branch : SEEPZ, Andheri (E)
A/c no.: 1253009300009473
IFSC : PUNB0125300
SWIFT : PUNBINBBBSZ

2. Of the amounts payable in each instalment, certain payments will need to be made to parties representing the University that is granting the degrees. You will be intimated of such party names and the split in payments to be made on a semester basis. Further, Examination Fees, as payable to the University are additional and will be payable on a semi-annual basis.

3. Service Tax as applicable (currently 12.36%) is included on all payments made to Whistling Woods International Limited. Service Tax has not been levied on the security deposit. Payments made to other parties directly may not attract Service Tax as per current rules / guidelines, but the same are subject to change. Further, any additional taxes if levied by the government / taxation authorities would need to be borne by the students. Appropriate timely intimation of any additional payments in lieu of taxes would be given to students.

4. The Semester 1 instalment includes security deposit, wherever applicable. This is non-interest bearing and refundable on course completion or withdrawal, subject to deductions.

5. All amounts are listed in Indian Rupees. The same amounts are payable by both Indian and International students. Non-Indian nationals who cannot make payment in Indian Rupees may make alternate arrangements with the Whistling Woods accounts department.

6. All payments made by Indian nationals must be accompanied by the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the payee, without which fees will not be accepted.

7. All fees are as mentioned are for the course and are simply being collected over 5 instalments. The semester-wise payments are not specific to the semester or reflect the value of the course completed till then. They are simply broken up to reduce the burden of paying large amounts on the student.

8. For the Certificate Course in Filmmaking (Online) under the Whistling Woods Virtual Academy - Admission will be confirmed only after all documents are verified and Course Fees are paid. Course Fees once paid are non-refundable. Further, Students need to finish all modules and successfully complete all tests before a period of 2 years from the date of course commencement, failing which the student would need to re-enroll in the course in order to get the certificate of completion.

9. The ‘Acceptance’ payment is payable within two weeks of being accepted into a Whistling Woods International course. If a student is accepted within two weeks prior to course commencement, this is payable on registration day.

10. The ‘Acceptance’ payment is non-refundable, although it can be carried forward to the next intake for a maximum of 2 intakes, subject to management approval.

11. Semester 1 fees are payable on Registration day, which may be a few days prior to the day of course commencement.

12. All other instalments are payable on or before the first day of each Semester, except for the final Semester.

13. All payments listed under the Final Semester of each course have to be paid 1 month before commencement of the final semester OR before completion of the Semester preceeding the last, whichever is earlier. E.g. For the Diploma Course in Direction, the amount of Rs 300,000/- listed as Semester 4 payment has to be paid by the student before completion of Semester 3 or 1 month before commencement of Semester 4, whichever is earlier.

14. Transfer of fees across / between courses is subject to management approval, on a case-by-case basis, and per conditions as under:

- If a student changes specialisation mid-course from a course with a lower fee to a course with a higher fee, the fee difference, on a retrospective basis (for the semesters already completed), is to be paid by the student before commencement of the next Semester.

- If a student changes specialisation mid-course from a course with a higher fee to a course with a lower fee, no refunds will be made retrospectively for fee differences, if any in the Semesters already completed, and, irrespective of such differences, fees payable for future Semesters have to be paid as per the fee policy.

15. Once a Semester has commenced, all fees paid / payable before that Semester are non-refundable. Any fees paid in advance for future Semesters will be refunded, along with the security deposit paid, subject to deductions, should a student leave his/her course mid-Semester.

16. If a student wishes to withdraw from the course between 2 semesters, he has to convey the same in writing to the Dean and the Manager – Administration atleast 2 weeks prior to Semester commencement. After such date, entire fees payable for that semester will be applicable.

17. For 2-year & 3-year courses, students electing to pay the total tuition fees before Semester 1, will receive a waiver of Rs. 25,000/-.

18. Any scholarship extended to a student will be used to reduce the fees payable for the final Semester of his/her course.

19. Following payment lapses will attract a penalty of Rs. 5,000/-:

- Delay in Fee Payment - a delay of even 1 day will attract this penalty per month.

- In case of each act of cheque bouncing / dishonour of cheque.

- All delays due to non-acceptance of fees on account of PAN unavailability.

20. We have Institute provided health insurance at a fee of Rs. 2,800/- per annum. This is mandatory for all students as they are covered under a group insurance policy.

21. The on-campus cafeteria managers will charge an advance to every student a sum of Rs.5,000/- (Five thousand only) per annum for meals in the campus Cafeteria. This amount, payable in advance, will allow each student food credit points, which can be availed at the cafeteria for meals.

22. During orientation week each specialization will provide a book/supply list of items that will need to be purchased. Students opting for the Producing specialisation would need to acquire an Apple (Macintosh) laptop and Movie Magic Budgeting & Movie Magic Scheduling software. While the laptop prices are not standard, the cost of Movie Magic Budgeting & Movie Magic Scheduling is discounted & subsidised for WWI students and is fixed at US$ 99/- each.

23. Whistling Woods is currently undergoing litigation with respect to its campus in Filmcity, Mumbai and there is a possibility that for any courses that extend beyond July 2014, the classes / activities beyond that date may be carried over at an alternative campus of the institute. However, before the same is put into effect, adequate intimation / notice will be given.

24. Adjustment of students’ dues / outstandings against advances / deposits may be considered by management at its discretion on a case-to-case basis.

25. Excessively delayed fee payments may be cause for cancellation of admission.

26. Fee Policies as above are subject to change at Management’s discretion. Appropriate notification after change of the same will be given to all students.

WWI School of Animation

The Institute

Promoted by Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, Mukta Arts Limited & Filmcity Mumbai, Whistling Woods International is Asia's largest Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts institute, providing world-class education in all technical and creative aspects of filmmaking and television. The campus is based in Mumbai's Film & Television Production centre Filmcity, and offers courses that vary in duration from 10 months to 30 months, both full-time and part time in nature. All major specializations of the Media & Entertainment industry are catered to, including Acting, Animation, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Producing, Screenwriting and Sound as well and Television & Broadcasting Studies. Whistling Woods International also offers, in association with Manipal University, India's first MBA in the Media & Entertainment.

The full-time faculty of Whistling Woods International is a body of academics and industry professionals like Subhash Ghai, Rajen Kothari, Anjum Rajabali, Rakesh Ranjan, with regular guest lectures by leading Indian & International filmmakers, actors & technicians. Well known Industry professionals and filmmakers who have visited the Institute and interacted with the students include Rakeysh Mehra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Farhan Akhtar, Ashok Amritraj, Shyam Benegal, Farah Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Ratna Pathak Shah, Danny Boyle, Steve Barron, Rajkumar Hirani, Nagesh Kukunoor and many more.

The curriculum at Whistling Woods International is a unique hybrid of theoretical and practical aspects combining art with business principles for all specializations. As part of the 2-year filmmaking courses, each student undergoes 1-year of 'Basics of Filmmaking' education in which each student learns the basics of all aspects of filmmaking. Students also study several co-curricular faculties like Film Appreciation, International Art, Literature & Culture, Production Design & Music.

The courses at Whistling Woods International are designed to ensure that the students' learnings are collaborative and industry oriented.

These unique elements in teaching methodology has seen Whistling Woods International's student body growing from strength to strength over the past three years. Almost 15% of the student body now comprises of International students from countries like USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Mauritius and many more who choose Whistling Woods International over the multiple film-studies options available in their countries.

The Institute is highly committed to ensuring that it's students move into the industry in creative and rewarding areas of employment both in India and globally. Student placements have been initiated with several leading media organisations like Aamir Khan Productions, BIG Animation, Balaji Telefilms, Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment, Fox Star Studios India, Mukta Arts Limited, Paprikaas, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance BIG Entertainment, Walkwater Films and several more.

Whistling Woods International has initiated affiliations with several International film schools. These include pioneering activities in India like credits transfer and International student co-productions. Some of the schools that are affiliated with the Institute are Deakin College Australia, Griffith College Australia, Bradford College UK, Syracuse University USA & NYU Tisch Singapore.

Whistling Woods International has achieved all this in the short span of three years and is on the way to fulfilling it's goal, to be the institute of choice for media education globally.