The Next Frontier in 3D Animation
By Joe Cooper
Animation School Review Columnist
Taking 3D Further
Dreamworks, one of the largest animation studios in the industry, announced recently that beginning in 2009, they will begin producing all of their movies in stereoscopic 3D.
Most animation features in recent years have included 3D animation, but this new development opens a new frontier in animation. Traditionally, stereoscopic 3D films and animation features have been considered novelties. Now, with a major animation studio making it the standard, the rest of the industry will either get on board too, or wait it out to see if it catches on with the public.
In related industry news, Dolby just announced its new 3D projection technology. It can be used with conventional movie screens as well as inexpensive 3D glasses. Anyone see a future industry partnership?
Animation School Tips for 3D
One thing is becoming clear: 3D animation is the current standard for animation artists. For young animators and animation school students, getting as much exposure to 3D animation as possible is good career preparation. The great tradition of 2D animation is still alive, but not onscreen.
Other career opportunities in 3D animation include web design, flash animation, TV animation series, and TV commercial animation. An animation school internship is a great way to test the waters and decide which industry niche best suits your unique abilities.
