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November 25, 2015 - 10:49 AM
KELOWNA - Responding to the demands of industry, Okanagan College could soon be offering a diploma in 2D animation.
Artistic skills are in high demand in the Okanagan and around the world, and the two-year diploma will prepare would-be animators for careers as character designers, storyboard artists, background painters and animators, according to a proposal in the college’s most recent board agenda.
Diploma holders will also be able to transfer into degree programs, start their own business or work in commercial advertising or the gaming industry.
Artistic and drawing skills will be the emphasis of the program but with a focus on the recent substantial technical changes in animation production as well as the new job opportunities that have emerged in the field.
The program will be offered in conjunction with Capilano University and will cost $380,000 to start up, including $177,000 for computers and another $190,000 for other equipment and supplies.
Tuition rates for the program are based on cost recovery will be approximately $16,000 a year with another $600 for books and supplies.
Prospective animators will need B.C. secondary school graduation or the equivalent with a 60 per cent grade in English 12 as a minimum. An interview and portfolio assessment will be required and applicants may be required to complete a drawing exercise for further review.
The program approval is awaiting only a memorandum of understanding with Capilano University and if it goes ahead as proposed, will begin in September 2016.
To contact a reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015