3D Animation Course

Survivor · Post by **Survivor** » 15 Jul 2006, 01:46

Im currently doing a graphic design/3d animation 2yr diploma at Damelin...when i finish my second yr, i want to go into 3d animtion again..but this time to something real good. So i saw http://uca.co.za/

They offer the course i want which specialise in 3dsmax and maya..the thing is im not that sure what they mean here..they say they offer a

"ccreditation - ucaaAs an internationally accredited animation and computer graphics training centre, UCAA is the only institution in South Africa certified to issue its graduates with internationally recognised certificates for both 3D Studio Max and Alias Maya. Both packages are internationally recognised as Hollywood-industry standards.

To maintain the accreditations given to UCAA, the academy has to be assessed annually by representatives of Alias and Discreet. This assessment is to ensure that standards are maintained. The course at UCAA is the only one that specialises in animation. "

This is just some stuff they do in the second year....-concept development, proposal reviews and advanced software topics
-developing technical skills in character animation, lip sync for animation
-being lectured on careers in the 3D industry
-commencing production on final projects covering digital effects and advanced 3D animation, including digital compositing, particles and dynamics, and
final project proposal reviews and presentation.
-refining audio and editing software knowledge
character animation
- skeleton construction and setup
- character construction, including head modelling
- facial expressions and morphs
- body language, timing, weighting
computer software
- discreet - 3ds max & character studio
- discreet - combustion
- alias - maya
- adobe - photoshop (texturing)
- adobe - premiere (editing)
demo reels
- final project, presented to industry

Since this is a certificate..2 yrs international certificate, and there is no where in Cape Town you can do this course...does it means its more like a
diploma, or what? I mean, im doing a diploma now, and wanted to continue studies with another diploma, not certificate..
Please let me know the difference here and if it really matters whether or not its a certificate and not a diploma in this instance...[/url]

Oj · Post by Oj » 15 Jul 2006, 10:37

Sign me up

Survivor · Post by **Survivor** » 15 Jul 2006, 13:23

well, does it make a difference, whether or not one takes a diploma or certificate. U see, as what i understand a diploma is a higher degree. But the only thing is, this college, is the only one to offer these courses and they only give 2yr international certificates on maya or 3dsmax...

Survivor · Post by **Survivor** » 15 Jul 2006, 15:01

anyone?

thrillseeker75 · Post by **thrillseeker75** » 16 Aug 2006, 13:51

im at student at uca. email me if you have any questions. naidoo.vivian@gmail.com

Mikdog · Post by **Mikdog** » 16 Aug 2006, 16:22

Hmm. Well, I emailed him and it sounds good. I'm seriously considering this.

Anyone else know anything m ore about the course? I scoped out their website, and it LOOKS good.

I don't understand how thrillseeker can be in Durban and do a course in Cape Town. I mean, correspondence, sure, but...

thrillseeker75 · Post by **thrillseeker75** » 16 Aug 2006, 17:15

I live in Durban but im studying in ct so i travel up and down.

Afflict · Post by **Afflict** » 21 Sep 2006, 21:29

WOw looks kewl i might wanna do this... Seriously worth it guys I spoke to a graduate awhile ago he said it sucks and shouldnt waste money ??

I hate JHB no animation places here

unless anybody else knows of any?

Survivor · Post by **Survivor** » 22 Sep 2006, 00:27

his nuts...its def worth it. Im half way done with my media design course at damelin in CT. Its so awesome, iv learnt stacks. Ending my first yr now, then going back next yr for the animation part, where we will be doing 3dsmax, combustion, director etc.

After finishin that, i wanna go to ucaa

Afflict · Post by **Afflict** » 22 Sep 2006, 07:01

Ok Kewl Im sure damelin will have the same course here in Jo'Burg?

Only for full time part time, no info on site i can find?

Leigh · Post by **Leigh** » 26 Sep 2006, 20:24

Heya mate... I just wanted to comment on the whole certificate/diploma thing. In the 3D field, qualifications are really rather trivial, as it's your reel that gets you the job. Very rarely will studios ask for a formal qualification, and on those occasions, they'll usually accept equivalent field experience in lieu of it anyway.

The only time that formal qualifications really can be a major bonus is if you ever intend to travel to the USA to work (and it's a cool place to work as a 3D artist), in which case you should consider getting an actual degree, because it helps with your visa application.

But trust me when I say that 99% of studios don't care about pieces of paper from colleges. Your reel is the most important thing.

The course offered by the UCAA is pretty decent, although it's a little more focused on simply training on software, as opposed to training indepth in techniques. Considering you're already doing a diploma course, I have to say I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing additional studying, if you intend to simply work as a 3D artist.

Survivor · Post by **Survivor** » 26 Sep 2006, 20:34

thanks

Leigh · Post by **Leigh** » 26 Sep 2006, 22:05

No problem.

Mikdog · Post by **Mikdog** » 26 Sep 2006, 23:32

Dude, I'm busy doing a 10-week 3D animation course now at NEMISA (near WITS) NOW. Been going for a week and a half. If you're interested, PM me.