Mumbai: Sony Pictures Imageworks’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s IPAX education program has announced the launch of its new online mentor program, which will begin in the winter of 2009, and will leverage Animation Mentor’s unique learning model and online technology. The three-month program will pair top students from 18IPAX member schools from around the world with top Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Pictures Animation artists who will provide individual online mentoring, training, and guidance.
Animation Mentor’s teaching model and online learning platform will enable Sony mentors to work with students to help them develop their skills and grow their craft. Tools include live video conference question and answer sessions with mentors, video guest lecturers with industry experts and eCritiques where mentors can provide video commentary while drawing directly on the student’s work to illustrate their concepts.
"We continue to lead the way in working with top schools to bring new solutions to the industry," said IPAX collaboration initiative animation and artist development senior vice president and chair Barry Weiss, "We’re very excited about this opportunity to showcase how IPAX schools can work together to develop cooperative and collaborative programs that will propel aspiring digital artists forward in their career. Animation Mentor’s innovative technology and teaching methodology is the ideal medium for our new mentorship program."
"We are honoured to extend our interactive student experience to the IPAX education program and be the first to support IPAX in creating this exciting new knowledge centre for the digital arts industry," said Animation Mentor chief executive officer and cofounder Bobby Beck.
"There is nothing more valuable than the guidance a professional can give a budding animator who is honing their craft. This partnership really validates the unique teaching model Animation Mentor embodies and the powerful technology we’ve created to support an incredible learning experience — no matter where you are on the planet," he added.
This is an opportunity for IPAX member schools to engage future visual effects and animation professionals with the mentor learning model perfected by Animation Mentor’s online teaching program.. The program is designed specifically for advanced students who are working on a range of special projects including short films, animation, or visual effects. Their respective faculty will initially recommend candidates who will ultimately be selected based on the quality of their work.
