boston animation Ltd was a video game development studio. It was based in Kiev, Ukraine. It was one of the earliest, large video games development studios in that country. The company closed in 2008. Many of its developers ended up at Crytek Ukraine.
After the success of its Vincent Van Gogh immersive experience, Lighthouse Immersive is bringing another immersive experience to downtown Boston. This time, it’s Disney-themed.
How it’s made
Boston’s animation scene is bubbling up with top schools, high salaries and a relaxed artistic culture that attracts talent. According to Indeed and Simply Hired, character animators earn $73,000 a year while 3D animators make $80,000.
Maya Erdelyi is a New Yorker currently based in Boston who creates intricate hand-made animations inspired by imaginary worlds and memories. She teaches at Lesley University in the Animation and Motion Media program, animates licensed characters for Goose & Hummingbird and freelances in stop-motion, cut-paper stop-motion and experimental animation.
Vancouver British Columbia is half of Hollywood North (the other being Toronto) and it has been a magnet for top animators for years. Its booming industry, temperate weather and sick slopes have drawn in many talented animators from all over the globe. Some of them are there for the jobs, others for the wine and a select few are there for Disney. It’s easy to see why they all love it.
Animators
In addition to creating high-quality animation for a range of platforms, Boston animators often participate in the wider field of art and culture. Maya Erdelyi, for example, curates an exhibition called The Skin Has Eyes that showcases work made with animation frames. She also makes wallpaper and clothing that incorporates animation processes.
Animators are hired to work on projects of various scales, from short sequences used in music videos to large-format visual effects for the Charles Hayden Planetarium. This type of project involves a complex process that starts with storyboarding and ends with a final product.
Applicants need to have the ability to handle both a wide-scope project and granular detail. They must be able to solve problems that arise in cross-functional settings and find solutions for technical limitations. Ideally, they will be familiar with working with different animation systems (facial, cinematic, move-tree, procedural). They must have the ability to communicate and collaborate with engineering teams and character artists.
Studios
Boston is a great place for animation, as it has several rooted boutique and corporate studios. While some of these companies have different business models, they all share the same goal of telling stories right. Whether it’s through a short or a full-length film, they want to create something that will resonate with their audience.
Moreover, the city has several schools that train talented students. Some of these graduates go on to work at major studios like MIT’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts, MassArt and others. Others may also choose to start their own company.
Boston Digital Productions is one such company. They make grant winning animation videos for a range of clients, including corporate, charitable and scholastic organizations. They are energetic visual narrators that convey their messages in an engaging way. Their abilities also extend to video editing services, research & pitch videos, product training videos, induction training videos, and more.
Education
Students in the Animation concentration gain a well-rounded, cross-disciplinary education. They learn to collaborate in teams and pitch ideas, which are essential skills in the workplace. They also acquire the technical software and skills needed to explore 3D visualization, visual effects, broadcast, gaming and spatial media.
In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to intern in local studios. Past internships have included stints with organizations such as Augenblick Studios, Titmouse and Sesame Workshop.
Besides building their resume, animation majors can take advantage of networking opportunities through student chapters of professional organizations. Memberships can also provide access to resources, workshops and conferences.
Classes are held in downtown Boston at American Media Training. The school offers two levels of Adobe After Effects training. The beginner class runs for three weekdays and covers the basics such as importing footage, using shape layers, performing color correction, and compositing. Advanced classes, which pick up where the beginner class leaves off, are available as well.