AAI Frequently
Asked QuestionsAAI Frequently
Asked QuestionsWhat is the American Animation Institute?
What does the American Animation
Institute offer?
What are the prerequisites
for taking AAI classes?
Does the Institute offer degrees or
certificates?
Will I be hired at an animation studio
after I take the AAI classes?
How do the class rebates work?
How do I register for an AAI class?
Does the AAI offer computer animation training?
artist: Steve BrownThe American Animation Institute was founded in 1980 by the Animation
Guild and Affiliated Optical Electronic and Graphic Arts, Local 839 IATSE,
to further the art of the animated cartoon in the United States through
educational and other activities.
Cartoon animation in the United States is at a crisis point. The classic
animators of the "golden age of animation" have almost all retired,
and too many of the greats have passed away. Few attempts have been made
to pass the wealth of these artists' knowledge to a new generation.
Many of those who have entered the screen cartooning industry in creative
and artistic job categories have received little or no professional instruction
in the "nuts and bolts" of the art. Few animation studios are
willing or able to offer their apprentices any real training, and there
has been no real means for screen cartoonists to brush up their skills.
The American Animation Institute is attempting to bridge that gap.
As well as classes geared to industry professionals, the Institute offers introductory and intermediate classes for persons without previous professional experience who are seeking their first jobs in screen cartooning. The Institute's introductory seminars, Introduction to the Art and Industry and Basic Animation Mechanics, run for three consecutive weeks, one two-hour session per week. Our craft classes run for twelve weeks, one two-hour session per week. Our evening art classes run for twelve weeks, one three-hour session per week; our daytime art classes run for twelve weeks, one six-hour session (plus a half-hour lunch break) per week.
All of the Institute's classes are offered at the M. P. S. C.
Local 839 IATSE headquarters building at 4729 Lankershim Boulevard in North
Hollywood, California. Our facilities include two lecture rooms, an animation
work room equipped with lightboards and facilities for photographing and
viewing pencil tests, and a fully-equipped studio classroom for art classes.
You must be eighteen years old and a high-school graduate to take AAI classes. Non-members of M. P. S. C. Local 839 IATSE are required to take Introduction to the Art and Industry and Basic Animation Mechanics as prerequisites for all other craft classes. There are no waivers from these prerequisite requirements.
No. Our classes are designed for people interested in animation, to augment
their previous or current studies and/or experience in animation, fine arts
or film. There is no curriculum of classes; students take as many classes
as they wish in the areas of screen cartooning that interest them. Many
students take the same classes over again to further sharpen their skills.
High-school graduates should be aware that most persons employed in this
field have had some junior-college or college level art training. The Institute
encourages college students to take its classes concurrently with their
other studies.
Upon request, we will give letters of completion to students seeking employer
reimbursement for class fees.
Our classes are neither a guarantee nor a prerequisite for employment. Finding a job in animation depends entirely on skill, talent, perseverance, presentation and luck. Although many graduates of Institute classes have gone on to careers in screen cartooning, the Institute is not a placement service and cannot recommend students to specific employers; nor do we offer financial aid or housing assistance.
How do the class
rebates work?Active members in good standing of M. P. S. C. Local 839 IATSE qualify for a rebate of $20.00 on classes indicated below. In order to receive a rebate you must attend at least ten of the twelve class sessions. Rebates will be mailed within a week after the last class session.
For registration information for the current semester, obtain an AAI brochure.