Academics

3D ANIMATION: Bringing visuals to life

Why study 3D Animation at The Open Window?

At The Open Window we practice the skills necessary to partake in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment industry. While using the latest technology we produce high quality 3D content for the film, television, game and simulation industries.  The course is structured in a way that follows the latest industry trends, assuring that our Animation students are highly sought after. The Open Window’s Animation graduates work at reputable companies around the world, doing what they love.

Value of the subject:

• 3D Animation applications are for those interested in generating graphics using highly technical software. This skill alone will make other software applications easier to master.

• 3D Animation is extremely versatile and can be supplementary to any other design discipline.

• 3D Animation with Design subjects can be used to design graphics, 3D visualisations or illustrations.

• 3D Animation within the Audiovisual faculty is applied to films, television, commercials, effects and motion graphics.

• Animation with Game Design or Interactive Media Design can be used to create interactive consoles, 3D assets or games. 

What will you do in the course?

The content of the subject firstly concerns itself with developing the technical skills and becomes increasingly conceptual in its approach as the course proceeds.

• First-year students students will familiarise themselves with the software while they learn to create 3D objects and animate 3D elements, and how to render short animated clips.

• During the second year we mimic animation techniques used by the industry. Students learn how to conceptualise and plan 3D structures, build complex characters, create entertaining performance animation and apply special effects or compositing techniques, all while building their own personal portfolios.

• Third-year students start to specialise while working in a team on a larger 3D production such as a short animated film, a pilot for an animated series or content for a 3D game.

Is 3D Animation a good career choice?

Animation and Game Design are both relatively new industries in South Africa while 3D is still a very specialised skill in this country. Internationally we are but a drop in the ocean of a multi-billion dollar industry.  South Africa has only just started producing 3D animated feature films and games, while the demand is ever increasing.  It is very exciting to play a part in this development, and we believe that we are playing a significant role in it. 

FAQ

Mac or PC for 3D?

The 3D Animation software applications are predominantly Windows based, so if you DO decide to get a Mac you're going to have to install Windows via Bootcamp anyway. Once you've done that it pretty much comes down to the hardware.

With PC you get more bang for your buck - even if you need to upgrade in a couple of years down the line you can stick some new hardware components in the machine without breaking the bank.  You should not be afraid to get your hands dirty with the technical stuff and follow the hardware trends. Get a PC if you like playing games.

The Mac range is always up to date with the latest hardware, so if you buy one you can be sure of quality and performance.  Everything is wrapped up in a neat package which makes it nice to look at, but tricker to upgrade.  Lastly, if you also want to use the machine for Design, Photography or Video you can dual boot and get the best of both worlds.

What are the recommended hardware requirements?

• Most software applications are shifting to 64bit systems, so don't settle for anything less than a quad-core with Windows 7 64bit Pro or better.  

• Intel's i7 range processors are all up to spec. 

• Try to get at least 4GB of memory or more.  

• 500GB of Hard drive space should be sufficient.

• The graphics card is usually the most pricy bit of hardware. Don't buy the latest as they're usually overpriced. 512MB - 1GB of display memory is okay.