Vancouver Animation Careers, Jobs, & Salaries

The success of James Cameron's blockbuster film Avatar, and the seemingly unstoppable blockbuster run of Disney/ Pixar, has elevated the status of computer animation and visual effects to an entirely new level. With the aid of computers, it is now truly possible to visually recreate the incessant depths of the human imagination.

Vancouver is at the heart of much animation and visual effects production.

Lionsgate Studios (now known as North Shore Studios) and Vancouver Film Studios, both based in the city, are among the two largest special effects stages in Canada. Bridge Studios, in nearby Burnaby, British Columbia, has the largest special effects stage in North America.

The Work of Computer Animation and Visual Effects

Computer animation is the art of creating moving images through the use of powerful computers and is generally regarded as a sub field of computer graphics, visual effects, and animation.

A computer-animated film commonly refers to movies that have been computer-animated to appear three dimensional on a movie screen. While traditional 2D animated films are now done primarily with the help of computers, the technique to render realistic 3D computer graphics (CG), or 3D Computer-generated imagery (CGI), continues to remain unique to computers.

CGI short films have been produced as independent animation since 1976, though the popularity of computer animation (especially in the field of special effects) skyrocketed during the modern era of animation. The first completely computer-generated television series was ReBoot, and the first completely computer-generated animated movie was Pixar's Toy Story.

Visual effects (Visual F/X or VFX) often involve the integration of live-action footage and computer generated imagery (CGI) in order to create environments which look realistic. In the past, creating these environments would be dangerous, costly, or simply impossible to capture on film. But now, Visual F/X have become increasingly common in big-budget films, and have also recently become accessible to amateur filmmakers with the introduction of affordable animation and compositing software.

Computer Animation Degree Programs

Animation has evolved into a lucrative career path and earning your art degree can go a long way toward helping you succeed in your chosen career. Most animators start out as assistants on their way towards a successful career in computer animation. Other entry-level positions may include digital artist, special effects artist, texture mapper, or storyboard artist.

Computer animation schools train students to work in film animation or specifically in the digital field with computer animation and visual effects. The best computer animation schools offer a variety of 2-D and 3-D animation courses, which allow graduates to find work as an illustrator in many different types of media -- from short films to computer games.

Computer animation students can focus on classical animation, film animation, digital animation, or another specific area of animation. Some arts and animation programs are offered online and these courses can be a great option if you're self-motivated and able to manage your time and make course work a priority.

Animation Schools in Vancouver

Vancouver Film School
VFS's educational model balances theory and hands-on production so that, after just one year, you're prepared to launch your dream career.

Art Institute of Vancouver - Burnaby
The Digital Film & Video program provides the basics to help aspiring videographers understand nuances of digital filmography. You’ll gain knowledge of shooting, directing, and editing digital pieces using industry-related software and equipment. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as digital or film videographer.
The Art Institute of Vancouver also offers VFX for Film and Television. Contact the school for more information.

Vancouver Intitute of Media Arts
VanArts offers one-year industry-based diploma programs in: 2D/3D character animation, digital entertainment art and visual effects for film, television & video games, digital photography, and acting for film & television

Find more film schools in Vancouver »

Salaries

The average salary for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer animation can vary depending on the size of the company. Entry-level animators in Canada earn between $35,000 - $45,000 (Canadian) per year. With more experience, that number can double or more. The average salary for animators in British Columbia ranges between $36,912 and $57,391 Canadian.

Additional Resources

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