At the John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts, students explore every aspect of art in motion and learn why animation has become integral to filmmaking and digital media. The Division teaches courses in all facets of animation and digital arts. These include classic character animation, visual storytelling, performance capture, visual effects, motion graphics, immersive media, experimental filmmaking, projection mapping, installations and multimedia, visual production and real-time animation. Students can explore collaborative projects with the interactive games division, production (live action) division, the Thornton School of Music, and the Kaufman School of Dance. This is a creative environment where you can hone your artistic skills and pursue your vision in this dynamic field.
Our John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts BFA and MFA program are both stem coded and fall under the STEM CIP code: 10.0304: Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
Stories
Animation alum and Dreamworks Storyboard Artist Describes her Journey
Jiedi Chen
Alumni Profile
Finding a voice in Animation. Freshman who came to SCA with interest in Digital Arts finds himself drawn to another artform.
Ethan Lee
Student Story
Animator Yoo Lee Reflects on Project Involve
Yoo Lee
Alumni Profile
Student Stories
Featured Student Work
Between The Two - Jarrod + Parker Chatham
Pause, Play, Repeat - Ankita Panda
Rose - Joe Jacobs
Simulacra - Curry Sicong Tian
Aura - Chun Chun Cheng
Still With You - Ryan Livesay
Woe - Qi Liu
Dawn Of The Patriarchy - Teagan Wells
Summer Dream - Yuxin Xu
Sonar - Shelby Chan
Sweater - Zilai Feng
There You Are - Rui Huang
Opal - Brenda Chen
Limbo Window - Marica James
What If Alvin? - Yuyuan Chen
Getty Unshuttered 2019
Degree Programs
UNDERGRADUATE
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The BFA program builds a solid foundation for filmmakers who choose animation as their medium. Core classes introduce students to design fundamentals, industry standard digital tools, storyboarding and cinematic principles used in animation, character animation and performance. All students complete a final film or project to launch their career beyond USC.
GRADUATE
Masters in Fine Arts
Our three-year graduate program attracts advanced students interested in furthering their animation knowledge and refining their production and motion design skills. Students are encouraged to explore a diverse array of techniques and tools in preparation for their thesis film or project. There are a multitude of opportunities to collaborate across SCA divisions and other schools across campus. Our alumni’s work has garnered recognition at the Academy and has been celebrated at major international festivals.
Minors
3-D Animation
The minor in 3-D animation in cinematic arts offers an introduction to basic animation principles and history, as well as creative and skill-based instruction in 3-D computer animation. Through elective choices students may focus their studies on their specific area of interest, including visual effects, motion capture, virtual reality, modeling or character animation.
Contact Information
John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts
USC School of Cinematic Arts
930 W. 34th Street - SCB 210
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Daphne Sigismondi (Assistant Director)
Phone: 213.740.3986
Email: dsigismondi@cinema.usc.edu
Elena Aquino - Administrative Coordinator
Phone: 213.821.4396
Fax: 213.740.5869
Email: eaquino@cinema.usc.edu