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Why Study 3D at Lifeway?

Lifeway College’s Diploma in Advanced 3D Animation is the highest available level of specialist 3D Animation training in New Zealand. Located at New Zealand's largest 3D Animation worksite, students enjoy many benefits such as guest lecturers from the top of the industry. Previous guest lecturers have included Dreamworks Animation Director Tim Johnson (Antz, Over the Hedge), Tony Bancroft (Co-Director - Disney's Mulan, Supervising Animator- Pumbaa, The Lion King), and Weta Productions Lead Compositor Gabriel Teo. Training ten steps from Huhu Studios, New Zealands largest 3D Animation studio also means some students are able to gain commercial production credits whilst studying. Many students also go onto internships and employment with the studio after graduation. Twenty-four hour lab access, committed and passionate staff, and unparalleled facilities such as a 150 node renderfarm give students the best possible launching pad for success in this ever-developing field.

What Is Involved?
The Diploma in Advanced 3D Animation is a comprehensive education for the production of computer graphics. Due to the broad scope of 3D, the first year provides foundational knowledge of drawing by hand, animation principles, story writing and character design which progresses to digital matte painting, compositing, editing and effects in moving footage. Students then learn all the aspects of 3D using Autodesk Maya and complete their final projects.

Year 2 continues teaching in-depth character development using pencil, paper and clay. Pixologic Zbrush is then used for digital sculpting of the characters. Students develop knowledge of an extensive toolset, Autodesk Maya Unlimited, including areas such as rigging, MEL, dynamics, rendering and lighting. Finally students characters are integrated into short movies which become student showreels.

Year 1: Diploma in 3D Animation, Level 6, Credits 123
Year 2: Diploma in Advanced 3D Animation, Level 7, Credits 123

Course Structure / Program Outline:

Program Outline - Year 1
Life drawing, perspective, story writing, storyboarding and stop-motion animation.
Digital matte painting using Adobe Photoshop.
Compositing and Editing in Adobe After Effects and Premiere.
3d modelling using polygons, Nurbs and Subdivision Surfaces
Keyframe and procedural animation shading, texturing and lighting in Autodesk Maya .

Program Outline - Year 2:
Anatomy design, visual development, storyboarding and acting for animation.
Creature sculpting by using clay and digital sculpting in Pixologic Zbrush.
Advanced character rigging and MEL.
Character animation in Autodesk Maya.
Dynamic effects and particle simulations.
Advanced rendering in Mental Ray.
3D compositing and post production for movies.

Diploma in 3D Animation Level 6 - Year 1
- A portfolio of relevant visual work. Applicants may be required to sign a disclaimer as proof of their own work.
- An interview and relevant references may be required.
- Please note that entry into Year 2 (Level 7) is conditional on the successful completion of Year 1(Level 6) Diploma in 3D Animation.

Diploma in 3D Animation Level 7 - Year 2
- Year 2 is conditional on the successful completion of Year 1 3D Animation or evidence of equivalent qualification and/or significant relevant experience as approved by Course Supervisor.
- An interview and relevant references may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is required for my portfolio?
5-6 pieces of art work on paper including at least 1 piece of digital art where possible.

Do I have to be a Christian to come?
No. Lifeway College accepts students from all faiths.

What percentage of students get industry placement?
Over 80% of graduates have recieved industry placement in recent years.

Are Lifeway College’s qualifications NZQA approved?
Yes. Lifeway College is an registered provider the NZQA. All certificate and diploma courses are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Lifeway College is accredited to teach them.

Are students able to access Student Loan and Allowance for Lifeway College’s qualifications?
Yes. Lifeway College is a fully accredited provider and our courses attract both loans and allowances from Studylink for elligible students.

What level is the Diploma in 3D Animation?
Lifeway College’s Diploma in 3D Animation is a 2 year Diploma level 6 & 7; this is the highest qualification in specialist 3D Animation you can currently get in New Zealand. It is the equivalent to second and third year at University.

What software do you use?
The Diploma in 3D animation uses the following software:
Autodesk Maya Complete and Unlimited (latest version available at start of course)
Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Premier
Z Brush (latest version available at start of course)
Note: The above may change without notice.

How intense is the Course?
This course is a very intensive course, to be prepared to be entered into the industry. Labs are open 24 hours and students must be prepared to work 16-18 hour a days at times to meet the requirements of the course

Can I study this course extramurally?
Currently we do not provide this course extramurally.

What are the career opportunities?
This qualification provides students with the skills necessary to be successful in the digital content industry. Students are provided with the skills to work in a variety of area such as animation film production, advertising production, or televison content production.

What computers do you use?
Microsoft Windows based PC’s.

Is their any other costs associated with this course?
Students are advised to allow $1000/year for course related costs such as books, computer equipment etc. although this is not compulsory. Items essential for study will be provided.

What connection will I have with Huhu Studios?
Because Huhu’s is an international studio, students will not be able to just wonder into the studio, top students may be offered internships / employment at Huhu’s after completion of the 2 year diploma. Students may also be offered internships over the summer holidays and/or the oportunity to contribute to commercial work as thier skills develop.

What subjects should I take at school to be prepared for Diploma in 3D Animation?
The following subjects (or similar) will help you prepare for this course. Art, Design, Graphics, Media Studies, IT, Computer Studies.

Jo-Ellen Hutana – testimony 3DA
“I came to Lifeway because I wanted to work on children’s animations, but previous courses elsewhere had not given me the level of skill needed. Lifeway had much more to offer than just the course; top training in character Animation and inspiring personal development (excellence in character) and vision for my future. “ - Graduate of Diploma in Advanced 3D Animation, Animator Huhu Studios