I’m amazed that it’s time for the new academic year to begin! Everyone has been working hard to get the school ready. Special thanks to all the students who’ve been giving us a hand ! When you graduate, it will be easy to answer questions about you from recruiters- they always seem to ask about generosity and team spirit.

Niall Dowdell, besides being a 3rd year animation student, is sharing his wealth of computer knowledge with us and has helped us to set up the new fourth year room. He is now part time staff.

Besides the computer desks, the fourth year animation room includes a meeting and lounging area, classical animation desks, lockers, and a microwave. No coffee maker or kettle yet!

Tina and Niall have also moved and redesigned the classical animation room. You will be surprised! The line testing lab and the computer lab have also had an overhaul.

Which reminds me: OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO EVERYONE AT TOON BOOM! Their technology is making it possible for everyone - including students - to produce first rate work more efficiently. It amazes me that they aren’t better known to the general public since shows like The Simpsons use their software, and all the major companies (Disney, Pixar, Warner Brothers) are using their software. The beautiful part is that you can animate classically with Toon Boom…or any other way…or combine elements of classical, 2D computer and 3D! This has to revolutionize animation. We are now introducing their line testing program, so that classical work can be easily imported straight into 3rd year films using Toon Boom software. I imagine that some students will design backgrounds with the computer, but animate classically. I can hardly wait to see the ‘09 film projects!

We are also excited about running the second year of Concept Art for the first time!

We have amazing new faculty joining us, including Don Gauthier who was an environment designer for Nelvana, and has now joined a new 3D animation company as Art Director (head of concept art). He’s teaching Intro to Concept Art, and will also help 4th year animation students with the concept designs for their group film.

(I know the web site needs an update: we need to add new faculty to the faculty page, and add the ‘08 gallery pages. We are working as fast we can and have had to prioritize. We should get it all done within the next few weeks and thank you for your patience.)

I’ve been having a great time preparing slide shows for Concept Art students! So far I’ve completed one on Velasquez and two on Degas , one on Cezanne, and I’m in the middle of putting something together as an intro to direct and indirect painting methods.

Several important announcements :

Congratulations to Raechel Dickey who is a finalist for the Teletoon scholarship!

We also want to thank Richard Pace, Van Olson , and Bev Maguire for everything they contributed to Max the Mutt.

Richard helped to organize both the Illustration and Concept Art Diploma Programs, and is now very busy with his own work in comics.

Van helped set-up many wonderful aspects of our recruiting and admissions procedures, including real support for out of town and international students (including the tour of Toronto and picnic on the Toronto Islands), and the BBQ, which all of us are looking forward to!

Bev Maguire has returned to working as a Production Manager.

We wish them all the best luck as they pursue other goals.

Incoming and returning students and faculty, the excitement is building and we really look forward to this academic year!

To those of you who are visiting the Blog, please don’t hesitate to visit us in person ! We are happy to give tours. just give us a call and book a time.