Course General Description

In the MFA Experimental Animation Program, students are provided with a comprehensive foundational background and are encouraged to seek out poetic, lyrical, structural and other modes of experimentation with the materials and forms of the moving image. Students are trained to not only become makers—but also critically minded contributors to the advancement of animation history and theory. In addition to coursework in technique and theory, the EA curriculum includes training in professionalization. Students are expected to become familiar with film festivals and submission processes, attend professional gatherings and events, and become members of related organizations. Accordingly, graduates become creative leaders in the field, establishing careers in studio production, teaching and personal practice, often forming creative partnerships with fellow CalArts students.

School General Description

California Institute of the Arts is renowned internationally as a game-changer in the education of professional artists. The transformative cultural impact of its alumni over the past half-century shows why: CalArts brings out creative talent unlike any other university, school or conservatory. Founded by Walt Disney, CalArts offers comprehensive degree programs across the full range of the visual, performing, media and literary arts through its six Schools. Admissions are decided primarily on artistic merit and creative promise.