Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Yellowbrick Launch Free Online Course, ‘This Is Animation’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks collaborate with the education platform Yellowbrick to offer “This Is Animation,” a fresh, freely accessible online course that provides an introduction to the world of animation in films for people of all ages.

The animation course, led by Kris Pearn (known for “The Willoughbys” and “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2”), provides a behind-the-scenes peek into the creation process of animated films and TV shows. It’s structured to pique the interest of those wanting to venture into the world of animation.

In five interactive sessions, students will delve into the fundamental aspects of storytelling in animation, covering everything from the production process to character design and environment creation. This course aims to give students a broad knowledge of the animation industry, providing them with an exclusive look at the enchanting secrets behind the making of captivating animated narratives.

Pearn explained that “Animation is one of the most collaborative forms of storytelling.” He further noted, “This course aims to unveil the secrets of the process, reveal the magic involved, and encourage new talents to delve into careers – be they artistic or non-artistic – within this remarkable industry.

Rob Kingyens, head of Yellowbrick, expressed, “At Yellowbrick, we feel strongly that education should serve as a key to not only knowledge but also to professions that match people’s interests.” He went on to say, “Our collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks offers an unprecedented opportunity to enter one of the most vibrant and imaginative sectors globally. This Is Animation presents a valuable initial step for budding storytellers, artists, and potential studio heads into the realm of animation, and we’re privileged to assist in making this exciting journey a reality.

The five modules are:

Overview of the Animation Workflow – This comprehensive guide offers insights into the various phases that make up the entire animation production cycle: planning (pre-production), creation (production), and completion (post-production). By studying these stages, learners will acquire a holistic understanding of how an animated project is brought to fruition.

The Topic – Examining the Process of How Imaginative Thoughts Transform into Tales. This segment dives deep into the craft of storytelling, emphasizing the creation of intriguing plots, recurring motifs, and character progressions that are effectively designed for animated productions.

As an ardent film enthusiast with a focus on animation, I’ll guide you through the art of crafting captivating animated characters. You’ll unravel the mysteries behind designing memorable and empathetic characters, delving into their personalities, aesthetics, and animation methods that infuse these creations with a spark of life.

Exploring the Art of Crafting Immersive Animated Realms: This course guides learners on an adventure through the process of constructing captivating virtual landscapes, emphasizing the development of visually appealing and convincing environments that draw viewers deep into the narrative.

Unifying Perspectives – Demonstrating a Variety of Roles in Animation Beyond Artwork: This segment underscores the diverse professional avenues within animation, such as production management, business deals, marketing, finances, and personnel recruitment. By showcasing these multifaceted career paths, we aim to illustrate that the animation industry values and embraces individuals with a wide array of talents and passions.

Beyond just industry insights, “This Is Animation” offers immersive, experiential learning opportunities where participants can create their unique animated characters and animate them using various interactive activities. These engaging tasks help learners to apply their newfound knowledge and explore diverse animation methods, nurturing both creativity and practical abilities.

Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation expressed her hope that the course would spark inspiration among a fresh wave of animators and creative minds. “It’s not essential to be an artist to work in animation – there is indeed a niche for everyone who harbors a passion for this art and the ambition to contribute to it,” she said.

Michelle Grady, President of Sony Pictures Imageworks stated, “We’ve always been proud at Sony Pictures Imageworks to nurture some of the most innovative talent in animation and VFX. We’re thrilled to debut this pioneering free online course that not only clarifies the animation process but also equips aspiring animators with the tools to unleash their creativity and start their journey into this vibrant industry.

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2025-05-29 19:16