
LMU School of Film and Television’s (SFTV) Animation program ranked 8th among schools offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in Animation by Animation Career Review. In their 11th annual rankings, nearly 200 schools around the country were judged based on criteria such as educational value, graduation rates, and employment data. LMU’s program also ranked #14 on the West Coast and #37 nationally amongst the Top 50 schools offering animation in any form.
As stated on the Animation Career Review website, “The B.A. program requires a significant number of electives, allowing students to focus their studies in an area of interest.” For our alumni, that has led to a range of professional trajectories, including Lauren Montgomery producing Legend of Korra, Kiki Manrique directing She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Katie Lucas designing the mobile game Egg! and Neyah Barbee working as a DreamWorks Script Coordinator.
“We provide the tools and our students create the magic,” says Professor Adriana Jaroszewicz, the department Chair and former Senior Trainer at Sony Pictures Imageworks. The Animation B.A. program lets students find their own path forward, with elective courses and a tight-knit community of fellow animators in small class settings.
Among the networked rooms, resembling a studio, students have access to the latest software and industry-grade equipment. Students use Storyboard Pro on 32” lab Cintiqs, bring 3D creatures to life with Maya, create expressive character animation in ToonBoom Harmony, and design game art to be integrated with JavaScript code. It’s kind of a popcorn machine of clever worldbuilding that gives students hands-on training in production techniques.
There’s a papier-mâché dragon that hangs in the lounge that’s surrounded by wall cartoons that change every week. It’s here that busy students can catch a break, socialize, share some laughs, and then return to the work they love. LMU Animation is a welcoming place that lets students grow and discover their own unique style.
Associate Professor Shane Acker personally advises all Senior Thesis projects. His Hollywood success story serves as both an example and inspiration. He once turned his own student film into the classic feature, 9, released globally and nominated for an Academy Award. His latest animated film, Crusoe, has already won five international festival awards, including Best Film and Best Animation at Gen Con. With Shane’s experience as a creator/director/producer, he’s an ideal mentor and instructor for all students preparing to make their graduation films.
Along the way to senior year, students collaborate and choose their emphasis within Animation. This is also complemented by courses outside the major, which serves the larger mission of our top-ranked university to provide a well-rounded education. Loyola Marymount University is located in Los Angeles, a nexus of opportunity and networking. Our students and faculty continue to win festival awards and many of our alumni work at nearby studios, including Walt Disney, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, Skydance Animation, Nickelodeon, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Bento Box, Netflix, among others.