Back in 1987, the first edition of Final Fantasy was once considered the most state-of-the art animation in the market. Compare it to the most recent version of Prince of Persia (the game), and Final Fantasy 1 looks like a cave drawing.
There are two key reasons why the animation industry has become such an in-demand field these days. The first is the development of computer-generated imaging (or CGI), while the other reason is the equally huge growth in video games. Thanks to the computer, it’s now possible to produce games that make the original Final Fantasy look like cave drawings. This in turn has created a new hybrid profession, the game animator. It’s not usually a field to just walk into, however, and those who are interested should add grants research to their career plans.
From the outside, an animator who specializes in gaming has the same skill set as one who works in TV or film. One must be equally as skilled in front of a Mac, as with pen and ink. Both must also be good storytellers, understand the principles of acting, and such painting concepts of conveying depth, shadowing and the use of color. They also should know animation programming such as Flash.
When it comes to going to college, a young high schooler should quickly learn to develop a demo reel (or now disk) as well as graphic portfolio. Basic knowledge of the entire production process is now becoming standard at the good animation schools such as NYU or Cal Arts.
Where gaming animation differs from TV in film is how animators apply their craft. In traditional animation, the viewer has no active participation in the story, while the gamer is quite the opposite. Whatever he punches on his console has a consequence on what happens on the screen. This means the gaming animator has to come up with imagery with whatever the gamer does, whether it be throwing a right hook or offering a flower.
Financial aid for animators is pretty much on the same track as for any other art student, only with a number of studios like Disney, Sony and Dreamworks adding their revenues to the pot. It’s not uncommon for Disney to lock up a particularly promising student with a full scholarship to Cal Arts (a school they founded). For those less blessed, there are the usual routes for grants, other scholarships and loans out there. The best thing to do is consult with a financial aid advisor and research government grants options on your own to see what fits your individual situation.
What does work in an animator’s favor though is it’s a very small field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics believes there are about 20,000 as of 2009, half them employed in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Salaries can go up to $80,000, depending heavily on where one works. California, the heart of America’s entertainment industry, pays higher than any other city. From there, one can move on to a director or producer’s job.
Still, when one think about it, if it wasn’t for video gaming, animation in general would more than likely be a much smaller business. It’s a field to consider for those with a strong artistic bend and online course may be the most logical way of learning. Students will find grants and other forms of financial aid make it possible.
