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Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia

Programme information

The Animation Department of the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (National
Film School) was founded in Chieri (Province of Turin) in 2001, with support from the Piemont Region. The aim of the animation school is to satisfy the growing demand for creative and technical talent in animation. The course objective is to train artists and professionals in all the creative and production phases of animation in different media.
After first year foundation courses in cinema/video and animation, students may choose between 2D Animation and 3D Animation/Visual Effects. The third year is dedicated to their animation degree projects. Full time attendance is required. The academic year runs over three terms, from January to December.
The school campus is located in a rural setting on a hill above Turin. It offers self catering accommodation and a canteen. The campus is about 15km away from Turin and 3km away from the small town of Chieri.
 
Degree category / length of studies
Post graduate: 3 year course 
 
Number of teachers
Approximately 15 teachers
 
Number of students
16 students per year
 
Number of foreign students
2 foreign students
 
Entry requirements
Admission is by portfolio pre-selection, interview and entrance test, preparatory seminar. Age 18 up to 27; secondary school leaving certificate; talent, a good grounding in artistic and technical skills, drawing skills and a flair for storytelling through images; an understanding of film language and techniques, a good level of general knowledge and strong motivation; excellent command of Italian and a good knowledge of the English language.
 
Programme description
First year: Fundamentals of Animation; Life Drawing; Acting & Movement; Sound Design and Audio Basics for Animation; Digital Video Production; Creative Workshops; Video Editing; Compositing and Visual Effects I; 2D Computer Graphics and 2D Animation; Background Design; Storyboard; 2D Digital Ink and Paint; 3D CG Basics; Fundamentals of 3D Animation; Production; Film Analysis I; History and Language of Animation I; Specialized English I.
Second year: main common courses: Character Design; Experimental Animation Techniques; Storyboard II; Decoupage and Video Board; Scriptwriting for Animation; Animation Direction Workshop; Sound Design; Narrative Techniques; Film Analysis II; History and Language of Animation II; Production; Specialized English II.
2D Animation courses: 2D Traditional Animation; Lay-out; 2D Animation Studio Techniques; Life Drawing; 2D Digital Compositing.
3D Animation/Visual FX courses: CG 3D; 3D Character Animation; Compositing and Visual Effects II.
Third year: dedicated to the animation degree projects – a selected number of short films made using different techniques, purposes and formats – developed and produced by a crew of 3-5 students collaborating in different roles through the filmmaking process. A traineeship may also be arranged.
 

Philosophy

The objective of the course is to train creators and professionals with a comprehensive knowledge of the animation production phases and with artistic and technical basic skills necessary to deal with the animation film pre-production and production cycle for television and cinema. The training aims at combining technical and creative skills, at developing students individual talent as well as their abilities for team working. An emphasis is given to animation as a tool for artistic expression and communication, as well as a way to interweave different styles and techniques. Classes/workshops/lectures are all given by professionals from the industry of animation.