40-hour comprehensive video course taught by veteran animation directors from top Japanese studios. Learn professional techniques, workflow management, and directorial approaches used in the industry.
Stream or download all course materials
Access to all example files used in tutorials
The Animation Director Masterclass provides unprecedented access to the knowledge and techniques of five acclaimed animation directors who have worked on some of the most successful anime series and films of the past two decades.
This comprehensive course goes beyond basic animation principles to focus on the specific role of the animation director – the crucial position responsible for maintaining visual consistency, guiding animators, and bringing the director's vision to life.
Learn how animation directors interpret storyboards, develop layouts, and communicate their vision to teams of animators. Discover techniques for providing effective feedback and maintaining quality while meeting tight production deadlines.
Master the technical aspects of animation direction, including camera work, timing, and visual flow. Understand how to plan and execute complex action sequences, emotional scenes, and ensure character consistency throughout production.
The course features actual production materials from notable anime titles, allowing you to see real-world applications of the techniques being taught. Each director breaks down scenes they've worked on, explaining their decision-making process.
Gain insights into career progression within the anime industry, from animator to animation director. Learn how to build your professional portfolio, develop your unique style, and navigate the competitive world of anime production.
| Format | Online streaming + downloadable videos |
|---|---|
| Duration | 40 hours (24 lectures) |
| Language | English (Japanese with subtitles for interviews) |
| Skill Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Prerequisites | Basic understanding of animation principles |
| Access Period | Lifetime access with updates |
As a junior animator at a medium-sized studio in Tokyo, I've been trying to advance to an animation director position for years. This course provided the specific insights I needed. The section on providing feedback to animators while maintaining their creative spirit was particularly valuable. I've already implemented several techniques and my team's work has improved noticeably.
I'm an animation professor, and I've recommended this course to all my advanced students. The quality of instruction is exceptional, and the real production examples make complex concepts concrete. Hiroshi Yamada's breakdown of action sequences is worth the entire cost of the course alone. The fact that they include project files lets students practice with the same materials the professionals are using.
Our indie animation studio invested in this course for our entire team, and it's been transformative. The section on managing production schedules and quality control has completely changed our workflow. We're now completing projects faster without sacrificing quality. The online community access is also valuable - we've made connections with other studios and even found freelancers through it.
