More than 100 students attended the session, which was broadcast over the university's Academic Technology Network video conferencing facilities (photo courtesy of Alice Carter).
By Professor and Animation Coordinator Alice Carter
On Oct. 11, the Animation/Illustration program kicked off the 16th consecutive year of its innovative Distance Learning Program with a virtual visit to LucasFilm. More than 100 students attended the session, which was broadcast over the university’s Academic Technology Network video conferencing facilities. Two San Jose State alumni, LucasFilm Production Manager Doug Nichols and Concept Designer John Paul Balmet, provided the class content. The program began with professional practice insights from Nichols, whose list of film credits The Incredibles, UP, Finding Nemo, Fantasia 2000 and Mulan. Balmet devoted the last hour to critiques of work from both junior level students and from students in the capstone A/I BFA Seminar.
Professor Courtney Granner, who coordinates the Distance Learning Program, has already scheduled five additional classes with LucasFilm as well as a class with Nickelodeon Studios in Los Angeles. “The DLP is unique in that it regularly connects students with industry professionals,” Professor Granner comments. “This opportunity not only gives our students feedback, but also gives them practice articulating their ideas over distances that are not practical to travel—a practice that is increasingly common in the industry. It takes a lot of work to put this together, but the results make it worthwhile. SJSU graduates are employed in top industry jobs, and I believe that the DLP gives them an edge on the competition while providing artistic skills that will last a lifetime.”