This initial term provides you with a comprehensive introduction to Autodesk Maya software. 3D courses focus on modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation in Autodesk Maya; you also study acting as it applies to 3D characters. Drawing on your knowledge of animation, you are guided through a concept development process involving story development, visual research, storyboard, character design, set design, and prop design. You begin developing your final portfolio projects, and your proposals are presented to a formal concept review panel for approval.

In this term students pursue 3D applications and more advanced Autodesk Maya tools and techniques. Topics include Advanced Animation Tools, Rendering, Renderman, and MEL Scripting. Digital compositing is also introduced. More time is spent working on pre-production components for your final portfolio projects. You complete all the 2D concept project requirements including script, design booklet, storyboards, concept drawings, color palette, and 2D and 3D animatics. Following approval, you complete all pre-production requirements for your 3D productions, including modeling, texturing, character testing, and look development in preparation for full production in Term 3. Study continues of specialized traditional subjects including cinematography. You are introduced to lighting, camera theory, and colour theory.

Under the supervision of instructors and industry mentors, you move into full production of your final individual portfolio projects. You follow a production schedule and deliver shots by specified deadlines, as you would in a studio production environment. At the end of the term, you work with sound and post-production teams to finish your final demo reel.