Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
The Institute of Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Postproduction
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg was founded in 1991. Animation, computer-generated images and digital postproduction have been part of the offering right from the beginning. As such, the Filmakademie was optimally prepared for all the animation-related techniques that are now a staple in almost every film and media production.
As part of the Filmakademie, the Institute of Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Postproduction specializes on the creation of animated shorts, visual effects design, realtime animation, and the concept and design of animated formats. It also specializes in the training of technical directors.
Animation
The animation programme at Filmakademie is a 4 years course, two of which are basic education together with students of other subjects at Filmakademie (other programmes/subjects are: production, script writing, cinematography, directing – for feature film, documentary, commercials, corporate film -, editing, film music & sound design, title and TV design, and, of course, animation/visual effects). During this time, all students make small exercises in directing, experimental filmmaking, cinematography and script writing. Furthermore, they take classes in film history, production, etc.
Projects
Third and fourth year are, in addition to classes and seminars, mainly dedicated to the production of students films. Students are largely free to choose the projects they participate in - within the given time and budget constraints, they are free to develop the story, design and technical approach to their films. The work on the projects is complimented with workshops, talks and courses. To ensure that the structure and content of instruction is in keeping with up-to-date production processes and workflow, guest speakers are invited from the industry. Instruction at Filmakademie, including the individual project support with regard to content and design, is carried out by guest teachers - from the region, from Germany, from Europe and from all over the world. Many have come to Ludwigsburg for one or more days in order to offer seminars and workshops In all courses of study, emphasis is placed on independent and responsible work within a team. Almost all of the projects evolve as work in larger teams, often in collaboration with students from other departments. Excellent manual skills are a prerequisite with the learning objective of creating strong films as well as understanding the director´s artistic and dramatic intentions and executing them convincingly.
FMX
Each year, the Institute of Animation organises FMX - International Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Digital Media conference in Stuttgart. FMX was initiated by Prof. Thomas Haegele in 1994 and has become the leading conference for animation, effects, real-time and content in Germany and in the past few years, one of the most important international conferences in the industry. In 2008, FMX was more international than ever before, with speakers, industry representatives, visitors and journalists from all over the world and 6,000 registered participants from 40 countries. International animation studios and VFX houses took part in extensive recruiting activities – from major players such as DreamWorks or Disney to creative craftsmen like Aardman or German specialists such as Scanline or Crytek. A unique opportunity for the new digital generation in Europe to find their dream job or dream project.