Teens: Academy for 3D Modeling, Animation and Effects  

Adobe After Effects was used for visual effects in the movie Avatar

Learn Virtual Movie-Making Techniques using State-of-the-art Software

From major movie blockbusters to computer-animated films, Maya® and After Effects® are at the heart of most visual effects and 3D images you see in film. In this two-week Academy, learn the techniques used by professional filmmakers and animators in Hollywood.

Learn the basics of character modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering and animation for film. Master basic animation principles, including character animation using pre-built rigs. You’ll also create a basic environment for use in set design for movies or TV. Upon completion of the first week, your character animation will perform in your environment and present your project in the Friday Student Showcase.

In the second week, learn how visual effects are created using After Effects® and create a special effects blockbuster. Work through a wide range of projects to learn how to composite video, use motion tracking, color correction, green screens and bring your 3D characters and objects from the first week into your visual effects and movie the second week.

What You’ll Learn: Academy for 3D Modeling, Animation and Visual Effects

Course Content Software Used
• 3D modeling, texturing & lighting
• Modeling objects and environments
• Character design, modeling & rigging
• Basic introduction to visual effects
• Advanced camera techniques to create in-camera special effects
• After Effects®: layering, basic compositing & color correction
• Shooting using green screens

Course may vary slightly based on student expertise & class interest. All students work on their own personal projects, which they keep.

Who Should Attend: Academy for 3D Modeling, Animation and Visual Effects
Ages 12-17 | Beginner-Intermediate | No Filmmaking or Special Effects Artistry Experience Required

This course is designed for aspiring visual effects artists who want to learn professional filmmaking and special-effects techniques from professional filmmakers. While the course is designed for future filmmakers and special-effects artists, it’s a great experience for anyone interested making and using special effects in their own films and 3D-animated movies.

Related Courses: You May Also Be Interested In…

Course Title Quick Description Duration
Intro to 3D Art & Animation for Film Learn how artists create worlds and characters 1 Week
Hollywood Visual Effects for Filmmaking Create your own Special Effects Blockbuster 1 Week
Digital Art & Graphic Design Develop skills to be a master digital artist & designer 1 Week
Web Design & Flash Animation for Teens Explore the world of web design and online multimedia 1 Week

Questions about a course or additional weeks at DMA? Ready to register? Please call 866.656.3342 for more information, or to speak with a Guest Experience Representative.

Fees & Additional Options: Academy for 3D Modeling, Animation & Effects

Options Price Duration Meals
Tuition (base price) $1,975 2 Weeks, Mon-Fri Lunch not included
Lunch Plan (for non-residential students) add $130 2 Weeks, Mon-Fri 10 lunches
Residential Program – Dorm (shared room) add $990 2 Weeks, Sun-Fri (weekend add’l) 3 meals/day
Residential Program (Harvard/UCLA) add $1590 2 Weeks, Sun-Fri (weekend add’l) 3 meals/day
Stanford Continuing Studies Credit add $180 8 Quarter Units NA

*To view all options, including weekend stays, visit our Options & Fees page.    

2 Weeks   |   Ages 13-17   |   Beg – Adv

“I learned how to make things I didn’t even know were possible for me to make.”

Dates by Location 2012

  • Vancouver, BC

  • not offered at this location
  • Philadelphia, PA

  • not offered at this location
  • New York, NY

  • not offered at this location


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©2001 - 2011 Digital Media Academy, Inc. All rights reserved. Digital Media Academy, Inc. represents the best in high-tech teen summer camps, advanced media, digital art and computer training classes for professionals and adult learners, and day and overnight kids computer camps. Learn more about Digital Media Academy on Wikipedia.

Locations in the United States and in Canada. For Adults: Stanford University in the San Francisco Bay Area; Digital Media Academy Training Center; Northern and Southern California; University of California, San Diego; University of Texas at Austin; Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For Kids & Teens: Stanford University in the San Francisco Bay Area; in Northern California; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Diego; University of Texas at Austin; Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts;University of Chicago - Illinois; University of British Columbia; George Washington University in Washington DC; Drexel University in Philadelphia; Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.