It’s my birthday today, so I’m in a reflective mood. We had an open house Feb,23 and 24, and once again I met so many hopeful young people and some very supportive parents. One can’t help wanting everything to live up to their expectations. I guess that’s what drives us on, that and our own need to remain energized and excited about what we’re doing.

Tina Seemann (Animation Director) and I met with Stephen Barnes on Friday evening. He will be the Director of the fourth year film in 2008-2009, and, is a former Pixar animator and lead animator on one of my favorite films, Monsters Inc. We are all excited about the growth of the fourth year 3D Computer Animation and Production Advanced Diploma Program. This year 10 to12 students will work with three professionals in a studio environment.

On Sunday we met with Brent George, Animation Director for Pseudo Interactive. He will be working on the group project and will also supervise short individual films by each student.

We are also lucky enough to have Steven Sayers on the team. The professionals who know him consider Steve to be a 3D technical genius, and he is also an artist. He will teach the basics of 3D computer animation, using Maya,with the exception of rigging, which is an area of expertise for Brent, and animation, which Stephen Barnes will teach. Stephen will also be in charge of pre-production, which this year will include storyboards done in ToonBoom Storyboard Pro, and an animatic also executed using this wonderful professional software.

When production begins, Brent will be the production manager and Steve Sayers will be with the students daily.

All in all, the college couldn’t have hoped for a better 3D team.

Other members of the team include Tina Seemann, who designed the characters, will teach Drawing for Animation, and will be the Executive Producer, and Sarah Joy Bennett who will teach the advanced improv classes.

We at Max the Mutt, a Career College with the desire to continue to be the best we can be, are totally energized by this dream team. The team features students who have a professional attitude, are willing to take direction and stretch themselves, and are looking forward to the opportunity to learn from and work along side industry professionals. What an opportunity!

We have run this program before, but never with the input of so many wonderful experts in 3D animation.