Courses/Degrees for animation??

[iloveanimation]

What are the courses/degrees that I can study if I want to apply/work at an animation studio (i.e. Pixar, Walt Disney, Dream Works, etc.)?? Does an animation studio in Japan accept foreign applicants?? And if I want to be a cartoonist what are the courses/degrees I can study?? I'd really appreciate your help! :)

[ScatteredLogical]

I've seen it called:

Computer Animation
Animation
Traditional Animation
Computer Arts in Animation
Applied Media Arts w/ emphasis in Animation
BFA Animation Track

Also keep in mind programs like Experimental Animation

...but that's not to say people haven't gotten in with something more general like Illustration, or something not art-relevant at all...or without a degree entirely... for most people, though, school's something you need, and for most people, the finding the right program (for -you-) can make a huge difference...

Someone else can help with the Japan thing...I was told the answer is Nope but it was never something I confirmed because I'm only moving as far left as California =) Unless Hawaii says something really convincing.

As far as cartooning, I always thought most of them were freelancers (some with formal art training, others without) who happened to work deals or just build a portfolio or a buffer and then send in their things to syndication companies (or regionally sometimes the paper itself)... But there are comic strip / comics schools, run a search. I know there's at least one in New Jersey, for what that's worth.

Try downloading the school database at schools.awn.com and take advantage of its searchable format to find some clarity...

[iloveanimation]

Thanks for answering!! BTW what is the difference bet. computer animation and character animation?

[ScatteredLogical]

The first describes a medium and the second classifies what's being animated. Computer animation can apply to any animation done with digital process, but more and more I see it become synonymous with animation created in 3D graphics software. Character animation (as opposed to effects animation, etc.) ...well, I found a nice definition on Google with zero effort:

The art of making an animated figure move like a unique individual; sometimes described as acting through draw- ings (though not necessarily drawn). The animator must understand how the character's personality and body structure will be reflected in its movements.