Illustration of characters from the Animal Logic Academy student animated films

Choose a specialisation

Here at the Academy we take the strongest skill our students have and raise that to industry level.

If you've ever wondered how the big studios like Disney, Pixar and Animal Logic go about creating high-end 3D animated feature films like ‘Happy Feet’, ‘The Lego Movies’, ‘Super Pets’ and more, enjoy this crash-course from the Leads at the UTS Animal Logic Academy as they step you through the various roles it takes to make a studio-quality 3D animated film. 

It takes a lot more than just animators to make a 3D animated film. From story and art department, through modelling, rigging, animation, surfacing, effects, lighting, compositing, production and technical directing, hear about what each of these roles brings to each production, based on our most recent 3D animated short film ‘Apart’. 

These are all roles we are looking for when recruiting for the Master of Animation and Visualisation each year at the University of Technology Sydney. So if you would like to move from being a student, to becoming a specialist and landing a dedicated role in an animation or visual effects studio, consider joining our team of incredibly talented students in next years masters course.

From student to specialist

It’s essential at undergraduate level that students develop broad knowledge and skill, but how do you translate these skills to a professional working environment? Here at the Academy we teach students at a postgraduate level so that they can further develop specialised skills in order to contribute at a high level to complex projects, and also to accelerate their entry and progression in industry.

Here are some of the key areas students can choose to specialise in as part of the production process when undertaking the Master of Animation and Visualisation.

  • Explore our specialisations

  • Art department

    The Art department starts with the original story idea then creates the visual look of the project.

    Art Department

  • Modelling

    The Modelling team takes designs and creates the characters, creatures, objects and assets as 3-dimensional computer models. 

    Modelling Department

  • Rigging

    Riggers create an interactive skeleton with integrated controls for models that enables them to be animated. 

    Rigging Department

  • Previz and layout

    Previz/Layout artists take the first raw elements from art department and animation, and create basic moving shots, including decisions about framing, lensing and camera movement.

    Previs Department

  • Animation

    Animation is the creation of performance from rigged models. Great animators typically have a strong understanding of gesturing, theatrics and performance.

    Animation Department

  • Surfacing and texturing

    Detailed texture and pattern artworks are produced to warp perfectly around 3D models to create the right photo-realistic or stylised look for each asset.

    Surfacing Department

  • Effects (FX)

    FX simulations are special effects that enhance shots and scenes, such as fire, explosions, dust, steam, sparks, or even fur or cloth simulations, crowds or cities. 

    ALA Effects Department

  • Lighting

    Lighting artists set detailed light sources to each shot to highlight the action, characters and emotion through the use of highlights and shadows.

    Lighting Department

  • Compositing

    Compositing is the process of combining all the various elements of the production into one final composited scene.

    Compositing Department

  • Production coordination

    Production Coordinators ensure the project runs to schedule. It’s a great role for those who envision themselves in a project management or producer role.

    ALA Production Department

  • Technical direction

    Technical Directors are responsible for creating tools and maintaining the software and pipeline for the production of the animation and/or visual effects projects. 

    ALA Technical Direction Department

  • Meet our graduates

    See where your specialisation choice can take you.

  • Meet our team of industry professionals

    Learn from leaders in industry, education and research who’ll support your artistic and professional growth.

  • Portfolio and Application Tips Webinar

    Get advice on how to select your specialisation and some great tips on getting your showreel and portfolio together.
Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.