Admissions. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 1

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1 Admissions Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 1

2 Admissions Student work by Francesco Corvino GNOMON School Address: 1015 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (a)(4) Administrative Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Office Phone: (323) Office Fax: (323) Lab Phone: (323) Catalog Effective from January (b)(1) MISSION STATEMENT Gnomon specializes in computer graphics education for careers in the entertainment industry. OBJECTIVE STATEMENT Gnomon strives to be recognized globally as the foremost educational authority in 3D computer graphics; committed to offering the highest quality education, instruction and comprehensive educational experience, thereby preparing graduates for successful careers. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 2

3 Admissions INTRODUCTION Gnomon specializes in computer graphic training by employing only working, top-tier professionals in the entertainment industry, while preparing Gnomon students for careers by mimicking every aspect of productive and working visual effects studios. Gnomon has created an educational environment unlike any other. More than just class lectures and homework, the Gnomon experience is one that includes an expansive range of educational activities that include industry events showcasing the latest artistic and CG techniques, among others. Through multiple methods, such as studio tours, open houses and industry-related events, students at Gnomon gain a broad understanding of the operational characteristics of different studios, a unique insight into the current job market and ultimately, the accumulated knowledge of how to market one s self upon completing a Gnomon program. Because of Gnomon s adherence to this well-established mission, our students are guaranteed a full range of educational opportunities well beyond the traditional classroom setting. Gnomon recognizes that high quality artistic and technical education is only a portion of the necessary components needed to train students for success. In the industries Gnomon serves, productive teamwork, successful collaboration, extensive networking, artistic professionalism and high ethical standards are paramount to success. The school s vision reflects our commitment to provide world-renowned training that ensures Gnomon programs are on the cutting edge of the computer graphics and visual effects industries. To this end, students are provided a competitive level of skill and understanding that emphasizes the artistry and techniques of computer graphics. Gnomon students are groomed to move beyond linear processes and develop heightened critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. HISTORY OF GNOMON Founded in 1997, Gnomon is located in the heart of Hollywood and provides specialized training in the visual effects field. We offer two- and three-year programs for individuals without prior visual effects experience, online courses, skill enrichment for individuals already in the industry, and custom training programs for studios. Our curriculum is guided by our esteemed Advisory Board, which was assembled from professionals working with several major studios across Los Angeles. With their input, our programs and facilities are constantly evolving to reflect the changing demands of the entertainment industry. (See Appendix #5 for Advisory Board.) Most of Gnomon s directors, Advisory Board members and instructors are working professionals, and the offered curriculum is continually developed, tested and delivered by some of the most highly regarded visual effects professionals who work and consult for studios including DreamWorks, Disney, Rhythm & Hues, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Sony Interactive, Digital Domain, Electronic Arts, Activision, Rockstar Games, Blizzard and others. (See Appendix #4 for staff and Appendix #6 for faculty.) Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 3

4 Admissions INSTRUCTION Gnomon s goal is to create an educational environment unlike any other; to pioneer a more effective way of learning and a better way to prepare students for introductory careers in the computer graphics entertainment industry. Gnomon s instructors are working professionals who bring their passion and experience to the classroom. They use their real-world experience to ensure that Gnomon's curriculum moves in tandem with the industry. To prepare students for the collaborative nature of a career in special effects Gnomon's classrooms mimic the inner-workings of effects studios. Our curriculum takes students through to completion of collaborative and inclass projects. Gnomon students are able to develop their creative concepts into fully realized production assets; utilizing similar methods and workflow used every day in the entertainment industry. Gnomon graduates enter the video game, broadcast and film industries armed with competitive portfolios and a network of peers and industry-affiliated professional to provide sustainable support. ACCREDITATION Gnomon is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a private, non-profit, independent accrediting agency that provides accreditation to institutions that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers. ACCSC s mission is to serve as a reliable authority on educational quality and to promote enhanced opportunities for students by establishing, sustaining, and enforcing valid standards and practices which contribute to the development of a highly trained and competitive workforce through quality career-oriented education. Gnomon has been recognized by ACCSC as a 2015 ACCSC School of Excellence. ACCSC Contact: 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302 Arlington, Virginia Phone: (703) Fax: (703) State Approval Gnomon is approved to operate as a private postsecondary school in the State of California is based on provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009, which was effective January 1, The Act is administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, under the Department of Consumer Affairs (a)(2) & 94897(l) Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, Telephone (local): , (toll-free): Fax: (a)(3)(A) Notice to Prospective Students As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement (a)(3)(B) Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 4

5 Admissions tudent work by Adam Ruzycki ADMISSIONS DIGITAL PRODUCTION FOR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN & DIGITAL PRODUCTION PROGRAM All applicants to our two-and three-year programs must: Complete an application form Submit a portfolio that demonstrates artistic ability Pay an application fee Provide proof of high school completion Be interviewed by an admissions representative Applications and portfolios may be submitted: Electronically: Complete the appropriate application form found at and follow the instructions to submit the form along with a portfolio. In person: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. By mail: Gnomon, Attn.: Admissions, 1015 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Physical portfolios will not be returned unless specified by the applicant. Applicants should send sufficient return postage and insurance fees with their portfolios and indicate the amount for which the portfolio should be insured. Gnomon is not responsible for portfolios lost in the mail. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 5

6 Admissions Upon receipt Gnomon will follow up with a confirmation or phone call from our Admissions Department. Spaces are reserved once applicable tuition and fees are received. (See Appendix #1 for tuition and fee information.) Applications are accepted on an on-going basis though students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to obtain their desired start dates. (See Appendix #2 for an academic calendar.) Once all components of the application have been completed, the Admissions Review Committee will survey the applications. A student may be denied admission for failure to meet any of the requirements listed above or if determined incapable of benefiting from the training offered. Applicants denied acceptance are encouraged to obtain further course advisement from the Admissions Department. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION AND ONLINE COURSES A personal interview with an Admissions Representative is encouraged prior to registration and may be required to ensure adequate experience and appropriate course selection. Please contact our Admissions Department to make an appointment for a campus tour or course advisement. (See Appendix #3 for contact information.) Confirmation of enrollment is electronically mailed upon receipt of payment. Online registration is available at Space in the course is reserved once a registration form, tuition and applicable fees have been received. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Gnomon is able to issue I-20 student visas for our Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design & Digital Production programs. A $150 student visa processing fee applies and is non-refundable once issued. International applicants must meet the same admission requirements as U.S. citizens. In addition to the application, a Certificate of Finances must be completed and submitted with the application. All documents must be accompanied by an official English translation and evaluation from an approved service provider. All applicants are required to speak with an Admissions representative via phone or in person to ensure that their program of interest is appropriate. Gnomon does not offer English language services. Applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 6

7 Admissions While Gnomon requires students to speak and read English fluently to be admitted and participate in a course, any student whose primary language is not English may obtain translation services before enrollment for the purposes of understanding the terms of the Enrollment Agreement. Accordingly, if English is not the primary language of the student completing this agreement, and the student is unable to understand the terms and conditions of the agreement, the student has the right to obtain a clear explanation of the terms and conditions and all cancellation and refund policies in his or her primary language. Translation services for the enrollment agreement will be provided by a school official upon request at no cost (a) & (b) EVIDENCE OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY Students must be able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English. All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. The minimum requirements by Gnomon, are as follows: TOEFL score of at least 75 on the Internet-based test (IBT) IELTS band score of at least 6 on a 9-point scale Applications from international students may not be reviewed if they do not include a TOEFL score. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 7

8 Digital Production for Entertainment Student work by Luca Nemolato DIGITAL PRODUCTION FOR ENTERTAINMENT Gnomon s certificate in Digital Production for Entertainment is a full-time, two-year program that creates wellrounded, production-ready artists who are versed in digital and traditional skills. It is intended for students with a background in art and who desire a career as a digital artist in the game, broadcast or film industries. The curriculum is designed to expose students to production-specific concepts, tools and techniques. Projects are geared towards providing students with real-world experience. Students follow a pre-set curriculum and are automatically registered into required courses each term, and class sizes are limited to eighteen students. (See Appendix #10 for a list of courses) We offer five specialized career tracks for student enrolled in the Digital Production for Entertainment program: Modeling and Texturing Character and Creature Animation Visual Effects Animation 3D Generalist Games Gnomon's instructors are established industry professionals with extensive production experience. In addition to being graded and evaluated in every course, students benefit from in-depth feedback on their work through regular, formal critiques and reviews by working industry professionals familiar with the program to ensure that students are developing artistic, technical and problem-solving skills. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. International visas are available. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 8

9 Digital Production for Entertainment PATHWAYS TO CAREERS IN 3D ARTISTRY Our curriculum prioritizes the development of artistic and technical skills by profession rather than by industry. Both fundamental and specialized skills in digital production are transferable across media, so our graduates aren't restricted to working on any one type of production. Gnomon's courses are specifically designed to develop studio-ready professionals. After emphasizing fundamentals during the first two terms, the remainder of the program is dedicated to mastering a field of specialty. Modeling and Texturing In this track students are guided through the process of asset creation from inception to delivery of content. Assets may vary from a simple insertion of a building into a live-action shot to a complex combination of many elements for a 3D feature or game. Modeling and texture artists are required to have a strong understanding of form, texture and detail, so our students take fundamental courses on anatomy, sculpture, painting and design. Character and Creature Animation Animators are the actors of the game and visual effect industries, enlivening their creations with personality and emotion. Applying fundamental animation concepts, software techniques and acting skills, animators must demonstrate their ability to capture believable and appealing performances in their characters and creatures. Coursework covers a variety of animation methods including traditional, stop motion and computer, including technical character rigging. Visual Effects Animation Visual effects animators integrate realistic elements into shots that would otherwise be too costly, dangerous or impossible to capture on film. This track emphasizes the various processes by which imagery is created or manipulated outside of a live action shot, including the blending of background plates or matte paintings with 3D architectural, character or elemental assets. Courses concentrate on lighting and filming techniques, tracking and compositing of elements and creating both particle and dynamic effects. 3D Generalist This track covers all aspects of 3D production along with a strong visual art foundation and is ideal for students who are unsure of what area of digital production in which they'd like to excel. This program has plenty of allowances to choose elected specialty courses where further focus is desired. Games The Games Track combines core digital production education with a specific focus on game art, design, tools and pipelines embedded in game production. Students are guided through in-depth training of games-industry software such as Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush, Unity, Marmoset, Quixel, Xnormal and Unreal. Games artists will also have opportunities to create and collaborate on playable game demos. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 9

10 Digital Production for Entertainment PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The objective of the Digital Production for Entertainment program is to produce production-ready artists who are well rounded in their skill-set yet also specialized in distinct disciplines within 3D production. Students will: Learn how to effectively use external production equipment to capture resource images through the use of high-definition digital cameras, lighting rigs and grip material; Know how to develop 3D imagery within a collaborative environment; Possess a knowledge of computer graphics tools and processes, preparing them to work in a multitude of studio production formats including games, episodic television and film; and Build and maintain a representative compilation of work demonstrating proficiencies and specializations within computer graphics and related fields. Gnomon alumni are sought after in the entertainment industry because of their problem solving skills, comfort in collaborative environments and artistic underpinnings. Our graduates leave with a representative compilation of their work and a strong network of peers and industry-affiliated professionals who provide sustainable support. Program Specifics Eight 10-week terms Two years to complete 1,920 clock hours 165 quarter credit units Course Delivery Most courses consist of three hours of lecture and demonstration per week. A typical full-time student load consists of 18 hours of lecture and six to nine hours of monitored lab per week. Some courses may be offered online. Because courses are taught by working professionals, instruction may be held any day of the week. Throughout the term, six to nine hours of mandatory studio lab time per week is assigned, scheduled and monitored. Students are encouraged to utilize additional studio lab time, up to 24 hours per week, to complete assignments. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 10

11 Digital Production for Entertainment DIGITAL PRODUCTION FOR ENTERTAINMENT CORE CURRICULUM Term 1 Introduction to Maya Photoshop for Digital Production Texture and Shading 1 Visual Communication 1 Storyboarding Overview of Visual Effects and Games 3D Fundamentals Lab 1 Digital Design Lab 1 Term 2 Hard Surface Modeling 1 Introduction to Compositing Texture and Shading 2 Animation and Visual Effects Principles of Animation Character Sculpture 1 3D Fundamentals Lab 2 Rendering Lab 1 Course descriptions are in Appendix 10 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 11

12 Digital Production for Entertainment DIGITAL PRODUCTION FOR ENTERTAINMENT TRACK CURRICULUM Modeling and Texturing Track Character and Creature Animation Track Term 3 Surface Modeling Hard Surface Modeling 2 Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Digital Sculpting Character Design Anatomy Rendering Lab 2 Modeling Lab 1 Term 3 Character Animation 1 Cinematography for Visual Effects Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Timing for Animation Character Design Gesture Drawing Rendering Lab 2 Animation Lab 1 Term 4 Character Modeling and Sculpting Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Hard Surface Texturing and Shading Character Sculpture 2 Visual Structure Rendering Lab 3 Modeling Lab 2 Term 4 Character Animation 2 Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Improvisational Acting Zoological Drawing Visual Structure Rendering Lab 3 Animation Lab 2 Term 5 Creature Modeling and Sculpting Character Rigging Fundamentals Character Texturing and Shading Look Development Expressions and Scripting Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Modeling Lab 3 Term 5 Character Animation 3 Character Rigging Fundamentals Creature Animation 1 HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects Expressions and Scripting Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Animation Lab 3 Term 6 Character Creation for Games Character Rigging for Production Cinematography for Visual Effects Environment Creation for Games Digital Sets Environment Design Digital Design Lab 2 Modeling Lab 4 Term 6 Character Animation 4 Character Rigging for Production Previsualization and Animatics Matchmoving and Integration Creature Animation 2 Character Development Digital Design Lab 2 Animation Lab 4 Term 7 Demo Reel Career Realities Cloth, Hair and Fur Shave and a Haircut Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 8 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Commercial Production Techniques Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Term 7 Demo Reel Career Realities Story Development Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 8 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Acting for Animators Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 12

13 Digital Production for Entertainment Visual Effects Animation Track 3D Generalist Track Term 3 Dynamics Effects 1 Cinematography for Visual Effects Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Rotoscoping Cloth, Hair and Fur Motion Graphics Expression and Scripting Rendering Lab 2 Modeling Lab 1 Term 4 Dynamic Effects 2 Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Hard Surface Texturing and Shading Digital Photography Visual Structure Rendering Lab 3 Dynamics Lab 2 Term 5 Dynamic Effects 3 Character Rigging Fundamentals Commercial Production Techniques HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects Visual Effects Design Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Dynamics Lab 3 Term 3 Surface Modeling Hard Surface Modeling 2 Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Digital Sculpting Cinematography for Visual Effects Anatomy Rendering Lab 2 Modeling Lab 1 Term 4 Character Modeling and Sculpting Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Hard Surface Texturing and Shading Digital Photography Visual Structure Rendering Lab 3 Modeling Lab 2 Term 5 Character Animation 1 Character Rigging Fundamentals Look Development HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects Expressions and Scripting Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Animation Lab 1 Term 6 Dynamics Effects 4 Character Rigging for Production Previsualization and Animatics Matchmoving and Integration Digital Sets Scripting for Production 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Dynamics Lab 4 Term 7 Demo Reel Career Realities Intro to Houdini/Visual Effects for Games 1 Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 8 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Digital Matte Painting/ Realflow Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Term 6 Dynamic Effects 1 Character Rigging for Production Previsualization and Animatics Matchmoving and Integration Digital Sets or Env. Creation for Games Scripting for Production 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Modeling Lab 4 Term 7 Demo Reel Career Realities Dynamics Effects 2 or Char. Animation 2 Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 8 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Commercial Production Techniques Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 13

14 Digital Production for Entertainment Games Track Term 3 Anatomy Hard Surface Modeling 2 Visual Structure Game Design Digital Sculpting Anatomy of Games Games Lab 1 Modeling Lab 1 Term 4 Character Modeling and Sculpting Level Design Engine Cinematics and Machinima Props and Weapons for Games Digital Photography Expression and Scripting Games Lab 2 Modeling Lab 2 Term 5 Character Animation 1 Character Rigging Fundamentals Game Creation 1 Environments for Games Scripting for Production Texturing and Shading for Games 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Games Lab 3 Term 6 Dynamic Effects 1 Character Rigging for Production Game Creation 2 Character Creation for Games VFX for Games Creature Modeling and Sculpting 3D Fundamentals Lab 4 Games Lab 4 Term 7 Demo Reel Career Realities Game Creation 3 Elective Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 8 Demo Reel Interview & Resume/Business of Production Game Creation 4 Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Course descriptions are in Appendix 10 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 14

15 Entertainment Design & Digital Production Student work by Curt Binder Concept by Kefka ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN & DIGITAL PRODUCTION Gnomon s Certificate in Entertainment Design & Digital Production is a full-time, three-year program comprised of one year of foundational art and design courses with two years of instruction in digital production. The curriculum is geared towards students who desire careers as digital artists in the game, broadcast or film industries, but have limited traditional art skills. As with all of Gnomon's programs, the goal is to create wellrounded artists who are versed in digital and traditional skills. (See Appendix #10 for a list of courses) Gnomon offers five unique career tracks for students enrolled in the Entertainment Design & Digital Production program. Students build general artistic and technical skills in the first six terms then specialize in one of the four following career tracks: Modeling and Texturing Character and Creature Animation Visual Effects Animation 3D Generalist Games Gnomon's instructors are established industry professionals with extensive production experience. In addition to being graded and evaluated in every course, students benefit from in-depth feedback on their work through regular, formal critiques and reviews by working industry professionals familiar with the program. Small class sizes that are limited to eighteen students, offer students access to each of their instructors. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. International visas are available. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 15

16 Entertainment Design & Digital Production Pathways to Careers in 3D Artistry Our curriculum is geared towards the development of artistic and technical skills by profession, not by industry. We teach our students to be accomplished artists first so they graduate with skills applicable to all areas of the entertainment industry, be it games, broadcast or film. Gnomon's courses are specifically designed to develop studio-ready professionals. Students choose from four different career tracks Modeling and Texturing In this track students are guided through the process of asset creation from inception to delivery of content. Assets may vary from a simple insertion of a building into a live-action shot to a complex combination of many elements for a 3D feature or game. Modeling and texture artists are required to have a strong understanding of form, texture and detail, so our students take fundamental courses on anatomy, sculpture, painting and design. Character and Creature Animation Animators are the actors of the game and visual effect industries, enlivening their creations with personality and emotion. Applying fundamental animation concepts, software techniques and acting skills, animators must demonstrate their ability to capture believable and appealing performances in their characters and creatures. Coursework covers a variety of animation methods including traditional, stop motion and computer, including technical character rigging. Visual Effects Animation Visual effects animators integrate realistic elements into shots that would otherwise be too costly, dangerous or impossible to capture on film. This track emphasizes the various processes by which imagery is created or manipulated outside of a live action shot, including the blending of background plates or matte paintings with 3D architectural, character or elemental assets. Courses concentrate on lighting and filming techniques, tracking and compositing of elements and creating both particle and dynamic effects. 3D Generalist This track covers all aspects of 3D production along with a strong visual art foundation and is ideal for students who are unsure of what area of digital production in which they'd like to excel. This program has plenty of allowances to choose elected specialty courses where further focus is desired. Games The Games Track combines core digital production education with a specific focus on game art, design, tools and pipelines embedded in game production. Students are guided through indepth training of games-industry software such as Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush, Unity, Marmoset, Quixel, Xnormal and Unreal. Games artists will also have opportunities to create and collaborate on playable game demos. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 16

17 Entertainment Design & Digital Production PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The objective of the Entertainment Design and Digital Production program is to produce production-ready artists who are well rounded in their 2D foundational skills yet also specialized in distinct disciplines within 3D production. Students will: Program Specifics Twelve 10-week terms Three years to complete 2,880 clock hours 249 quarter credit units Develop a broad foundation in art history, visual communication, and design; Learn how to effectively use external production equipment to capture resource images through the use of high-definition digital cameras, lighting rigs and grip material; Know how to develop 2D and 3D imagery within a collaborative environment; Possess a knowledge of computer graphics tools and processes, preparing them to work in a multitude of studio production formats including games, episodic television and films; and Build and maintain a representative compilation of work demonstrating proficiencies and specializations within computer graphics and related fields. Course Delivery Most courses consist of three hours of lecture and demonstration per week. A typical full-time student load consists of 18 hours of lecture and six to nine hours of monitored lab per week. Some courses may be offered online. Because courses are taught by working professionals, instruction may be held any day of the week. Throughout the term, six to nine hours of mandatory studio lab time per week is assigned, scheduled and monitored. Students are encouraged to utilize additional studio lab time, up to 24 hours per week, to complete assignments. Gnomon alumni are sought after in the entertainment industry because of their problem solving skills, comfort in collaborative environments and artistic underpinnings. Our graduates leave with a representative compilation of their work and a strong network of peers and industry-affiliated professionals who provide sustainable support. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 17

18 Entertainment Design & Digital Production ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN & DIGITAL PRODUCTION CORE CURRICULUM Term 1 Photoshop for Digital Production Figure Drawing Overview of Visual Effects and Games Perspective Visual Communication 1 Art History 1 Drawing Design Lab 1 Drawing Lab 1 Term 4 Digital Painting Creature Design Environment Design Vehicle Design Character Sculpture 2 Film History Digital Design Lab 3 Drawing Lab 4 Term 2 Visual Communication 2 Anatomy Costumed Figure Drawing Graphic Design Character Sculpture 1 Art History 2 Sculpture Lab 1 Drawing Lab 2 Term 5 Introduction to Maya Introduction to Compositing Texture and Shading 1 Advanced Character Design Advanced Digital Painting History of Visual Effects Digital Design Lab 4 3D Fundamentals Lab 1 Term 3 Zoological Drawing Storyboarding Character Design Product Design Color Theory and Light Design History Digital Design Lab 2 Drawing Lab 3 Term 6 Hard Surface Modeling 1 Motion Graphics Texture and Shading 2 Animation and Visual Effects Principles of Animation Gesture Drawing 3D Fundamentals Lab 2 Rendering Lab 1 Course descriptions are in Appendix 10 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 18

19 Entertainment Design & Digital Production ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN AND DIGITAL PRODUCTION TRACK CURRICULUM Modeling and Texturing Track Character and Creature Animation Track Term 7 Surface Modeling Visual Structure Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Character Sculpture 3 Hard Surface Modeling 2 Digital Sculpting Rendering Lab 2 Modeling Lab 1 Term 7 Character Animation 1 Cinematography for Visual Effects Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Timing for Animation Character Design Gesture Drawing Rendering Lab 2 Animation Lab 1 Term 8 Character Modeling and Sculpting Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Hard Surface Texturing and Shading Digital Photography Character Development Rendering Lab 3 Modeling Lab 2 Term 8 Character Animation 2 Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Improvisational Acting Zoological Drawing Visual Structure Rendering Lab 3 Animation Lab 2 Term 9 Creature Modeling and Sculpting Character Rigging Fundamentals Look Development Character Texturing and Shading Expression and Scripting Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Modeling Lab 3 Term 9 Character Animation 3 Character Rigging Fundamentals Creature Animation 1 HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects Expressions and Scripting Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Animation Lab 3 Term 10 Character Creation for Games Character Rigging for Production Cinematography for Visual Effects Environment Creation for Games Digital Sets Scripting for Production 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Modeling Lab 4 Term 11 Demo Reel Career Realities Elective Cloth, Hair and Fur Shave and a Haircut Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 12 Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Commercial Production Techniques Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits Term 6 Character Animation 4 Character Rigging for Production Previsualization and Animatics Matchmoving and Integration Creature Animation 2 Character Development Digital Design Lab 2 Animation Lab 4 Term 7 Demo Reel Career Realities Story Development Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 8 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Acting for Animators Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 19

20 Entertainment Design & Digital Production Visual Effects Animation Track 3D Generalist Track Term 7 Dynamics Effects 1 Expressions and Scripting Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Rotoscoping Cloth, Hair and Fur Cinematography for Visual Effects Digital Sculpting Rendering Lab 2 Dynamics Lab 1 Term 8 Dynamic Effects 2 Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Hard Surface Texturing and Shading Digital Photography Visual Structure Rendering Lab 3 Dynamics Lab 2 Term 9 Dynamic Effects 3 Character Rigging Fundamentals Commercial Production Techniques HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects Visual Effects Design Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Dynamics Lab 3 Term 10 Dynamics Effects 4 Character Rigging for Production Previsualization and Animatics Matchmoving and Integration Digital Sets Scripting for Production 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Dynamics Lab 4 Term 11 Demo Reel Career Realities Intro to Houdini/VFX for Games 1 Elective Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 12 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Digital Matte Painting/Realflow Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Term 7 Surface Modeling Hard Surface Modeling 2 Lighting and Rendering with mental ray Digital Sculpting Cinematography for Visual Effects Visual Structure Rendering Lab 2 Modeling Lab 1 Term 8 Character Modeling and Sculpting Lighting and Rendering with V Ray Art of Compositing Hard Surface Texturing and Shading Digital Photography Character Development Rendering Lab 3 Modeling Lab 2 Term 9 Character Animation 1 Character Rigging Fundamentals Look Development HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects Expressions and Scripting Advanced Compositing Rendering Lab 4 Animation Lab 1 Term 10 Dynamic Effects 1 Character Rigging for Production Previsualization and Animatics Matchmoving and Integration Digital Sets/Environment Creation for Games Scripting for Production 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Modeling Lab 3 Term 11 Demo Reel Career Realities Dynamic Effects 2/Character Animation 2 Elective Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 12 Demo Reel Interview and Resume Workshop Business of Production Commercial Production Techniques Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 20

21 Entertainment Design & Digital Production Games Track Term 7 Anatomy Hard Surface Modeling 2 Visual Structure Game Design Digital Sculpting Anatomy of Games Games Lab 1 Modeling Lab 1 Term 8 Character Modeling and Sculpting Level Design Engine Cinematics and Machinima Props and Weapons for Games Digital Photography Expression and Scripting Games Lab 2 Modeling Lab 2 Term 9 Character Animation 1 Character Rigging Fundamentals Game Creation 1 Environments for Games Scripting for Production Texturing and Shading for Games 3D Fundamentals Lab 3 Games Lab 3 Term 10 Dynamic Effects 1 Character Rigging for Production Game Creation 2 Character Creation for Games VFX for Games Creature Modeling and Sculpting 3D Fundamentals Lab 4 Games Lab 4 Term 11 Demo Reel Career Realities Game Creation 3 Elective Reel Lab 1 Reel Lab 2 Reel Lab 3 Term 12 Demo Reel Interview & Resume/Business of Production Game Creation 4 Elective Reel Lab 4 Reel Lab 5 Reel Lab 6 6 credits 6 credits Course descriptions are in Appendix 10 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 21

22 Continuing Education CONTINUING EDUCATION & DISTANCE EDUCATION 1 Gnomon was founded as a professional training center for students looking to advance their studies within the visual effects industry. We specialize in supplying students and professionals with the skills they need to succeed in animation and effects for film, broadcast and games. All of our courses, both on-campus and via distance education, are open to individuals with the necessary background or prerequisites. Ideal candidates for Continuing Education are individuals who are: Considering advanced skills in effects, animation, game art or high-end visualization Working industry professionals who want to learn specific skills or software Considering distance education as a mode of delivery 1 Continuing Education and Distance Education courses are not vocational in nature, do not lead to initial employment nor are awarded a completion document Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 22

23 Continuing Education Course Delivery For convenience, courses are offered in 10, five and one-week formats and are available evenings and weekends to accommodate work schedules. Courses are offered on a quarterly basis, four terms per year. Most courses consist of three hours of lecture and demonstration per week. Studio lab time is available. Online instruction is available for some courses. Course assignments are project-based Faculty and staff respond in a timely manner to student questions and concerns, both academic and administrative. Courses are 5 or 10 weeks, and earn 1.5 to 3 units. Course Specifics All instructors have production experience and teach in their area of expertise. Curriculum and projects are geared toward providing students real-world experience. Weekly homework or final projects are assigned in every course. Industry professionals offer weekly video-based critiques. Most courses are transferable into Gnomon programs. Contact an admissions representative for more information. Computer Equipment Students are responsible for their own computer equipment, software, broadband Internet access and other material The predominant 3D software used is Autodesk Maya. Enrolled students will need to secure a version of software that is current with or newer than the one required by the course. Other software requirements will vary. Please see individual course requirements on a course's info page for more details. Access to Online Courses Online courses follow the same schedule and format as our live courses. Class sessions are delivered live via a streaming, interactive virtual classroom system. Real-time instruction ensures instructional techniques and industry references are relevant and current. After enrolling for the course, students will be ed their login/password no later than one week before the start date of the course(s). Students who miss a lecture must follow up with a peer to catch up on missed work/information. Instructors are not obligated to repeat material covered in lecture due to a student s absence. Each class session is scheduled for 3 hours, meeting once per week during the duration of the course. Students will sign in and join the online classroom where an instructor will perform attendance, critiques and full lectures. During lecture, the instructor will break for Q&A sessions. Each course will require 6 or more hours of homework per week. All courses will be delivered in English without subtitles. Online instructors evaluate, grade and provide critiques within one week of the assignment due date. The live online system requires a high speed internet connection. Please visit the FAQ section of our website for more information on the technical requirements before registering for online courses: ne/ Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 23

24 Continuing Education ADMISSIONS Continuing Education courses are designed for visual effects artists seeking further education or first time students considering visual effects as a career path. Consideration for enrollment may be based on previous education or experience required to be successful in a course. Prerequisites may apply. Gnomon reserves the right to close any course or limit the enrollments for any course. Please contact our Admissions Department to make an appointment for a campus tour or course advisement. How to Drop a Course If it is necessary to drop any or all of your courses, a written request to drop must be submitted via to: [email protected]. The request must include the following: Student s full name and Gnomon student ID number The date of request submission Name of the course(s) being dropped Briefly, why the course(s) is being dropped The effective date of the drop is the day the drop request is received, not the last day of attendance. Failure to officially drop a course will result in a failing grade. This transaction receipt can also serve as proof of student status for purchasing educational software. Please note that not all software manufacturers provide educational prices on their software. For questions regarding online registration, visit our website at or call (323) Withdrawal and Refunds Students have the right to withdraw from the program of instruction at any time. If 60% or less of the period of attendance has been completed, a refund may be due. Please address your drop/refund request to [email protected]. Tuition refunds are based on the date your written drop request is received via (or your last date of attendance if no notice is received). Refunds will be made within 45 days of the date of cancellation. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the refund calendar. Requests will be processed during regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration Students may register online at At least 50% of tuition and fees are required to complete registration. (See Appendix #1 for tuition and fee information.) Space is reserved once a registration form, tuition and applicable fees have been received. Confirmation of enrollment is electronically mailed upon receipt of payment. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 24

25 Financial Aid Student work by Nate Healy FINANCIAL AID Gnomon participates in Title IV Federal financial aid programs. For qualifying individuals, Federal financial aid may apply towards Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design & Digital Production programs. For students interested in continuing education and online learning, private credit-based education loans may be available. Please contact our Financial Aid Department at or (323) , Ext. 117 for more information. Students interested in financial aid should start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the gateway to all Federal aid sources and covers July 1 st of one year through June 30 th of the next. This is called the award year. The FAFSA must be completed each year in order for a student to continue to be considered. The FAFSA can be filed electronically at Entering Gnomon s school code (040764) will give the school access to an applicants' FAFSA results. An FSA ID username and password are required and this will act as your electronic signature. Generally, within 72 hours of submitting a FAFSA, Gnomon will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is a summary of information entered on the FAFSA and serves both for proofing the submitted information and as your official receipt of FAFSA submission. If errors are noted on the SAR, they can be corrected online at Once the SAR is correct, contact our Financial Aid Department at [email protected] or by calling (323) , ext. 117 for information on how to proceed. Students who obtain loans to pay for educational programs must agree to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 25

26 Financial Aid FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS Gnomon participates in several Federal student aid programs. (Note: Federal student aid funds can only be applied towards Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design & Digital Production programs.) A brief description of each type of aid we offer follows. Federal Pell Grant Federal Pell grants are based on financial need, cost of attendance and student enrollment status. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the Award Year is $5, The maximum Pell-eligible EFC is 5198 with a minimum award for a full-time student of $ Grant amounts are determined by the Financial Aid Department based on the results of the student s FAFSA. The FAFSA must be received before or during enrollment. FAFSAs received after withdrawal or at the end of a school year cannot be considered. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) FSEOG is another form of grant that is available to Pell grant recipients. Unlike the Pell grant, FSEOG is not an entitlement grant. Funds are allocated to Gnomon each year, and are awarded until all funds are depleted. Federal Direct Loans Federal Direct Loans are for eligible students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student s education after high school. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender and a loan servicer will be assigned to provide services to students on behalf of the Department. Direct Subsidized Loans Students who demonstrate financial need, are not in default on a previous student loan, and are enrolled at least half-time (a minimum of six credit hours) are eligible for a Subsidized loan. The government pays the interest while you are in school, during your six month post-enrollment grace period or in an applicable loan deferment status. The interest rate for Subsidized loans disbursed between 07/1/ /30/2016 is 4.29%. Direct Unsubsidized Loans Unsubsidized loans are not need-based and the student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues during in-school, six month postenrollment grace period and deferment statuses. The interest rate for new Unsubsidized loans first disbursed between 07/01/ /30/2016 is 4.29%. Direct PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) Loans Parents can borrow on behalf of their dependent undergraduate students under this program. Because PLUS loans are credit-based, they not awarded or packaged automatically by the Financial Aid Department. The amount is determined by the Financial Aid Department each year, and it equals the student's cost of education (tuition, fees and estimated living expenses) minus any financial aid the student receives. Between 07/01/ /30/2016, the interest rate is fixed at 6.84%. Interest is charged from the date of the first disbursement until the loan is paid in full. Parents may defer repayment on a PLUS loan until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (six credits). Parents can also decide to pay accruing interest monthly or quarterly, or allow interest to be capitalized. If you are a parent that is considering a PLUS Loan, please contact the Financial Aid Department for information on the two part application process. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 26

27 Financial Aid Notice Regarding Private Education Loans If you still need money after reaching the borrowing limits for federal loans, you may consider private education loans as an alternative. Private loans carry higher interest rates and fees than federal loans and may have less attractive repayment terms. Typically, the interest rates on private loans are variable and can change from month to month. Private loans are usually based on your credit score (including your debt-to-income ratio) and may require a cosigner. The information in your credit report will have an impact on the interest rate you qualify for. If you would like to apply for a private loan, please contact our Financial Aid Department via at [email protected] or by calling (323) We also recommend reviewing the information on this site beforehand: PROGRAM CANCELLATION, WITHDRAWAL AND REFUNDS If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a program and Gnomon cancels or postpones the start date, Gnomon will refund 100% of the tuition and fees collected. Refunds will be paid within 45 days. Student's Right to Cancel You have the right to cancel your agreement for a program of instruction, without any penalty or obligations, through attendance of the first class session or the seventh calendar day after enrollment, whichever is later. After the end of the cancellation period, you also have the right to stop school at any time; and you have the right to receive a pro rata refund if you have completed 60% or less of the scheduled days in the current payment period in your program through the last day of attendance. Cancellation Gnomon will refund 100% of the amount paid for institutional charges, less the non-refundable registration fee of $75.00, if notice of cancellation is received at attendance of first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. Refunds will be paid within 45 days after your notice of cancellation is received. 1. You have the right to cancel the agreement for a course of instruction until midnight of the seventh day after enrollment 2. Cancellation occurs when you give written notice of cancellation via to the Registration Department 3. Gnomon will provide a pro rata refund of nonfederal student financial aid program monies paid to students who have completed 60% or less of the period of attendance within the current term. If you have received federal student financial aid funds, you are entitled to a refund of monies not paid from federal student financial aid program funds Withdrawal Students may withdraw from the school at any time and receive a pro rata refund if they have completed 60% or less of the scheduled days in the current payment period in their program through the last day of attendance. The refund will be less any non-refundable fees and will be paid within 45 days of withdrawal. For the purpose of determining a refund, a student shall be deemed to have withdrawn from a program of instruction when any of the following occurs: 1. The student notifies the Director of Administrative Operations in writing or via of the date of intent to withdraw 2. The institution terminates the student s enrollment for failure to maintain satisfactory progress; failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution; Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 27

28 Financial Aid and/or failure to meet financial obligations to the school 3. The student does not return from a leave of absence For the purpose of determining the amount of the refund, the date of the student s withdrawal shall be deemed the last date of recorded attendance. The amount owed equals the daily charge for the program (total institutional charge, minus non-refundable fees, divided by the number of days in the program), multiplied by the number of days scheduled to attend, prior to withdrawal. For programs beyond the current payment period, students who withdraw prior to the next payment period, all charges collected for the next period will be refunded. If any portion of the tuition was paid from the proceeds of a loan or third party, the refund shall be sent to the lender, third party or, if appropriate, to the state or federal agency that guaranteed or reinsured the loan. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of monies not paid from federal student financial aid program funds. If the amount paid is more than the amount owed for the time attended, then a refund will be issued within 45 days. If the amount owed is more that the amount paid, arrangements must be made to pay the balance due. Refund for Financial Aid Students The U.S. Department of Education certifies this institution as an eligible participant in the Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs established under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. To calculate refunds under the Return of Title IV Funds policy, an institution must determine how much federal assistance a student has earned which can be applied to the institutional charges. If a student received more FSA funds than he or she earned under the Federal Return of Title IV Funds policy, the institution and in some cases the student, is required to return the unearned funds to the appropriate federal programs. The student must pay any unpaid balance that remains after the Return of Title IV Funds policy has been applied to the state/institutional policy to the institution. Any monies due an applicant or student will be refunded within 45 days of the date of cancellation, withdrawal or termination. A withdrawal may be effectuated by the student's written notice or by the student's conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to, a student's lack of attendance. If the amount of refund exceeds the unpaid balance of the loan, the remainder of the monies will be applied to any student financial aid programs from which the student received funding. Any remaining balance of funds will then be returned to the student. If a student does not return following an approved leave of absence on the date indicated on the written request, refunds will be made within 45 days from the date the student was scheduled to have returned. For purposes of determining a refund, the last date of attendance is used when a student fails to return from an approved leave of absence. Returning Funds to the Federal Programs If it is determined that a federal refund is due, the statute and regulations clearly define the order in which remaining federal student aid program funds are to be returned. Based on the student s financial aid award(s) (and his/her parent(s) in the case of PLUS Loans), the return of federal funds will be returned to the appropriate program in the following order: 1. Unsubsidized Direct Loans 2. Subsidized Direct Loans 3. Direct PLUS Loans 4. Federal Pell Grants Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 28

29 Financial Aid 5. FSEOG 6. Other federal, state, private and/or institutional sources of aid 7. The student Return of Title IV Funds Refund Policy All institutions participating in the FSA programs are required to use a statutory schedule to determine the amount of FSA funds a student had earned when he or she ceases to attend, which is based on the period of time the student was in attendance. If a recipient of the FSA Program withdraws from the institution during a payment period or a period of enrollment in which the student began attendance, the institution must calculate the amount of FSA program assistance the student did not earn, and those funds must be returned. Up through the 60% point in each payment period or period of enrollment, a schedule is used to determine how much FSA program funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal. After the 60% point in the payment period or period of enrollment, a student is considered as having earned 100% of the FSA funds. The percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment completed is determined by the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment for which the assistance is awarded divided into the number of calendar days completed in that period as of the last date of attendance. Scheduled breaks of at least five (5) consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment (denominator) and the number of calendar days completed in that period (numerator). Days in which a student was on an approved leave of absence are also excluded in the calendar days for the payment period or period of enrollment. Notice to Students Regarding the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)* & The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students in educational programs who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency program attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following: 1. The school closed before the course of instruction was completed; 2. The school s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school; 3. The school s failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs; 4. There was a material failure to comply with the Act or this Division within 30 days before the school closed or, if the material failure began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, the period determined by the Bureau. 5. An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove and collect on a judgment against the institution for a violation of the Act. However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 29

30 Financial Aid You are not eligible for protection from the STRF if either of the following applies: You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program, or Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party * Effective January 1, 2015, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment will be zero ($0) per $1, Therefore, Gnomon will not collect STRF assessments from students until otherwise notified. VETERAN S EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Gnomon is approved by the Veteran s Administration (VA) to provide educational benefits, and is classified by the VA as a noncollege degree or NCD institution. There are several different types of educational benefits for veterans depending on the type, length and date of service performed. Veterans interested in applying their educational benefits to their enrollment at Gnomon should call the following number: (888)GI BILL-1 or go to for more information. Your Certificate of Eligibility will indicate how much of your benefits are eligible to be applied. Once you have determined how your benefits may be applied at Gnomon, please contact our Financial Aid Department via at [email protected] or by calling (323) , Ext Please forward your Certificate of Eligibility when inquiring about financial assistance. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 30

31 Academic Information ACADEMIC INFORMATION UNIT OF CREDIT Gnomon operates on a quarter term calendar. The unit of measure for the valuation of all courses is a quarter credit hour. A quarter credit hour is defined as: A minimum of 10 lecture hours of not less than 50 minutes each plus outside reading and/or preparation, or 20 laboratory hours, or 30 externship hours, or An appropriate combination of all three Units attempted reflect actual registered units. Units earned reflect actual units completed with a passing grade. CHANGE OF TRACK (This section pertains only to the Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design and Digital Production for Entertainment programs) Students wishing to change their track selection must submit a written request to The Education Department no later than week seven (7) of the term. A student s decision to change tracks may require the student to meet with an Education academic mentor; take additional requirements of the new track and may postpone program completion and graduation. International students who change their track must consult with the Registration Department to review their visa status and make any necessary adjustments. TRANSFER CREDIT Transfer Credit from Courses Taken from Other Institutions: Transfer credit will be considered toward a Gnomon diploma or certificate only if: Earned at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution (or at a foreign academic institution recognized by its government) Previously earned credit is no more than five years old A grade of A, B, C or Pass was given Transfer credits submitted to fulfill coursework requirements will be measured against Gnomon s curriculum and expectations of student learning, and at no time may surpass 35% of total credits required for any Gnomon programs. Gnomon reserves the right to recognize or refuse transfer credit as necessary for student achievement. Typically, course credits from other institutions do not transfer due to Gnomon s highly specialized curriculum. In the event that a required course contains curriculum that may be redundant with an individual student's knowledge base, the student may be evaluated on an individual basis for proficiency by The Director of Education (or designee). On approval, credit will be noted on the transcript as previous education; however, the grade received will not be used in G.P.A. calculations. As a transfer applicant, students must submit official transcripts of previous college work. Students may be required to submit transfer course content, course syllabi and course descriptions. It is the student s responsibility to ensure that Gnomon receives all transfer request documents. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 31

32 Academic Information Transfer Credit from Courses Taken at Gnomon: Gnomon encourages prior and/or current students to continue their education, and thus, all courses taken at Gnomon that are applicable to a student s program of choice will be considered when: The course was taken within the last five years The courses were completed with a C (2.0) or better The course is an equitable transfer Any prior or current Gnomon student must meet with the admissions department to determine the viability of transfer; meet admission requirements for the transfer program, including submission of required materials, and complete a Transfer of Credit Evaluation Form. All coursework for transfer credit must be approved by The Director of Education (or designee). On approval, credit will be noted on the transcript. The grade received will be used in programmatic GPA calculations. Transfer Credit Appeal Process Transfer credit appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A student may submit a written appeal of a transfer of credit decision within five business days of the decision to the Director of Education (or assignee). The appeal should, at a minimum, include: A written appeal Official transcripts The course syllabus, textbook(s), exam(s) and any other pertinent materials to demonstrate comparability Course Proficiency Students who have proficiency in a required course based on previous education and/or experience may petition for course proficiency. If approved, the student must substitute an equivalent course for program requirements. Note that no credits are awarded for course proficiency. In the event that course proficiency is granted, students must substitute the petitioned course with an equivalent course in order to meet graduation requirements. Doing so may affect a student s financial aid and the student s ability to progress in the program may be based on space availability in successive courses. To petition out of a course based on proficiency, a student must meet with the Education Department and provide evidence of proficiency. The Education Department will then evaluate the request to determine if an examination is required to grant a course proficiency waiver. If an examination is required, the student must achieve at least 70% to be granted the waiver. If the request is approved, a student must fill out a Course Substitution Request and return to the Education Department. No waivers will be granted after the second class meeting. The Records Department and Registration Department must be notified immediately upon final approval. No more than 35% of total credit units of a program may be considered for proficiency. The decision on course proficiency is final. The outcome of an appeal will be approval or denial and all decisions are final. The student will be notified in writing of the results of the appeal within ten (10) business days of receipt. The notification will indicate any restrictions or conditions pertaining to the decision. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 32

33 Academic Information COURSE CHANGES To request a course change, a written request or must be received no later than the end of the first week of classes. Please address your request to [email protected]. Changes will be granted based on space availability. Course Cancellations and Changes Due to the nature of the industry that we serve, Gnomon reserves the right to cancel/reschedule a course or change faculty. In the event of a course change, students will be notified as soon as possible via . If the school cancels or discontinues a course or educational program, the school will make a full 100% refund of all charges. Refunds will be paid within 45 days. Transfer between Gnomon Programs Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits and Credentials Earned at Our Institution The transferability of credits you earn at Gnomon is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the diploma or certificate you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or diploma/certificate that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Gnomon to determine if your credits or diploma/certificate will transfer. In order to transfer between Gnomon programs students must: Meet with the Admissions Department to determine the viability of transfer Meet with the Education Department for approvals Fulfill all necessary admission requirements Upon acceptance to the new program, students must follow all requirements of the transfer policy. Articulation/Transfer Agreements Gnomon has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 33

34 Academic Information GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students seeking a certificate/diploma must achieve a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or better to qualify for graduation. Students must complete the program within 1.5 times the normal program length. Satisfactory arrangements for all exit processes must be met, and may include financial obligations, graduate interviews, and financial aid exit interviews. Upon completion of the above and all classroom and practical/laboratory education and training, the student will be issued a certificate or diploma attesting to his/her successful completion of the applicable program. ATTENDANCE A strong attendance record is an essential element of student success. Students are expected to be on time and present from beginning to end of each class and lab. Attendance is recorded. Students who are late for class may be marked absent. Students who do not maintain excellent attendance may receive an unsatisfactory participation grade. Unsatisfactory participation may result in a failing class grade, suspension or termination. Attendance for Online Courses Students are required to access and view all course sessions. Lectures must be viewed in order and a student must have viewed the previous lecture in order to have access to the next lecture. Attendance is monitored by students login to the course delivery system. Weekly reports are generated and students who haven't viewed course materials are marked as absent. Leave of Absence (LOA) A Leave of Absence (LOA) is an approved interruption of a student s program of study at Gnomon. Certificate students may request a single term leave of absence from their studies in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as: Family emergencies and obligations Medical and health related issues Financial reasons Students contemplating a Leave of Absence (LOA) are encouraged to seek consultation from The Education Department, The Registration Department, and the Financial Aid Department prior to requesting leave. To be granted a LOA a student must: Submit LOA form no later than 10 business days prior to the start of the term Make arrangements to discuss the LOA terms with the Education Department Students returning from a Leave of Absence should contact The Education Department and The Registration Department no later than four weeks prior to the start of the term in which they are scheduled to return to finalize their new schedule. Returning students resume studies at the same point in their academic program at which they left. In the event that a student does not return from a Leave of Absence, the student will be deemed withdrawn from the program and subject to a refund in accordance with the school s published refund policy. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 34

35 Academic Information Leaves of Absence for International Students International students must abide by the regulations of the M-1 visa and will only be granted a Leave of Absence if the circumstances adhere to the regulations. Please refer to the "Title 8: Aliens and Nationality" section of the United States Citizen and Immigration Services website: To set up an appointment to discuss taking an LOA as an international student, please contact: [email protected] DISMISSAL AND SUSPENSION POLICY Gnomon reserves the right to suspend or terminate any student whose attendance, academic performance, financial standing or behavior does not comply with school standards, regulations and rules. Reinstatement after Dismissal Students who wish to be re-instated after dismissal must re-apply to the program and contact the Admissions Department. Reenrollment or re-entrance will be approved only after evidence is shown to the administration's satisfaction that the conditions that caused the dismissal have been resolved. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 35

36 Academic Information GRADING Grading is based on conceptual and aesthetic merit, as well as technical execution and effort. Students may be evaluated from the following components: Final exam Midterm exams Presentation of term projects Term projects Weekly assignments Grading guidelines are used to ensure that students actively participate, demonstrate willingness to learn and present measurable effort. Students should consider the following guidelines for grading standards: Effort Final exam Final project Overall improvement throughout course Participation GRADE DEFINITIONS GRADE PERCENTAGE VALUE DESCRIPTION A % B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% A+ 4.3 A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 A-level performance equates to excellence in thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, successful and timely delivery of 90% or more of assignments and superior knowledge acquired through critical thinking and practice. B-level performance equates to sound thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, successful and timely delivery of 80% or more of assignments and sound knowledge acquired through critical thinking and practice. C-level performance equates to adequate thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, successful and timely delivery of 70% or more of assignments and adequate knowledge acquired through critical thinking and practice. C- 1.7 Students must maintain a 2.0 or above cumulative GPA. D+ 1.3 D 1.0 D- 0.7 F 59% and below F 0.6 D-level performance equates to poor thinking and performance within the domain of a subject and course, successful and timely delivery of 60% or more of assignments and subpar knowledge acquired through critical thinking and practice. The student is not developing critical thinking skills and understanding within the domain of a subject and course and/or the student failed to deliver 59% or less of assignments. The student is not achieving competence in his or her academic work. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 36

37 Academic Information APPLICATION OF GRADES AND CREDITS Gnomon uses a system of letter grades and grade point equivalents for evaluating coursework. Grades are configured on a 4.3 scale with + s and s used to accentuate a grade in either direction. The chart below illustrates the impact of each grade on a student s academic progress and what marks will be used in calculating the cumulative GPA. Letter Grade Included in Credits Earned Included in Credits Attempted Included in Cumulative GPA Points A+ Yes Yes Yes 4.3 A Yes Yes Yes 4.0 A- Yes Yes Yes 3.7 B+ Yes Yes Yes 3.3 B Yes Yes Yes 3.0 B- Yes Yes Yes 2.7 C+ Yes Yes Yes 2.3 C Yes Yes Yes 2.0 C- Yes Yes Yes 1.7 D+ Yes Yes Yes 1.3 D Yes Yes Yes 1.0 D- Yes Yes Yes 0.7 F No Yes Yes 0 I No Yes No N/A W No N/A N/A N/A Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 37

38 Academic Information GRADE CHANGES / APPEALS At the completion of every term, grades are made available to students via the Gnomon student web portal. Final grades submitted by instructors are considered permanent. Students may appeal to the instructor in writing for a grade change if they feel the mark is in error, presenting a case to justify a grade change. Should the instructor grant the appeal, the instructor must notify the Education Department via of the corrected grade. Upon receipt of the instructor s approved grade change, the revised grade will be become part of the students permanent record. All grade appeals must be completed and submitted in writing to the Education Department within 30 days of the end of the following term. If attempts to resolve the issue with the instructor are unsuccessful, the student may request an appeal via Petition for Grade Change Form to the Education Department within two weeks of receiving the instructor's decision. Forms are available in the Education Department or may be requested sent by . Administration will consider the evidence and make a final decision. Incomplete Grades A grade of I stands for incomplete and is given in exceptional circumstances. The grade is intended to allow a student extra time to complete coursework. Incomplete grades, or "I", are granted when a student is unable to complete the work for a course because of illness or other extenuating circumstances. Incomplete grades are contingent upon instructor approval and instructors are under no obligation to grant them. Incomplete grades are temporary and must be rectified during the instructor approved timeframe, but under no circumstances later than two weeks after the end of the term. Process for Requesting an Incomplete In order to be considered for an incomplete, the student must: Petition the instructor prior to the last day of the course Provide an explanation of the circumstances and request a grade of "I" (incomplete) Receive approval from instructor Receive timeframe from instructor if earlier than the first Friday of the following term Inform administration and Education Department of the approval Failure to rectify the incomplete mark within the stated time-frame will result in the incomplete I mark converting to an F. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 38

39 Academic Information SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) Gnomon requires students in the Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design and Digital Production programs to make timely academic progress each term towards completion of their certificate. Reasonable progress is measured by the following three qualitative and quantitative standards: Standard 1: Qualitative Standard Meet the minimum requirement of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and a 2.0 quarterly grade point average. Grade point averages are a qualitative measure of students' academic progress. Cumulative GPAs include all Gnomon courses that have been graded and determined to meet the program requirements. Gnomon academic policies determine how GPA is calculated, including which grades count in the GPA calculation and the effect of course repeats on GPA. Students can review their current cumulative and quarterly GPA using the student web portal. Gnomon checks GPA on a quarterly basis. To meet the Qualitative standard, students must achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA as well as a 2.0 quarterly GPA at the conclusion of each quarter. Standard 2: Quantitative Standard Satisfactorily complete at least 67% of cumulative credit hours attempted, and complete the program within 150% of the maximum time frame offered for the program (PACE). A Quantitative measure of progress towards degree completion is determined by the percentage of credit hours successfully completed divided by the credit hours attempted. Credit hours from courses transferred from other institutions are treated as both attempted and completed. Step 1 Determine which courses should be included in the calculation The attempted part of the calculation includes: Credit hours from courses transferred from other institutions, Credit hours form courses repeated while at Gnomon where the initial grade was unsatisfactory, Credit hours from courses with an incomplete or withdrawal status, and Credit hours from Gnomon courses taken prior to program enrollment that have been accepted for credit towards the program. Step 2 Complete the calculation Take the total number of course credit hours completed and divide by the total number of course credit hours attempted. Students must satisfactorily complete at least 67%. For example: 42 credit hours completed divided by 63 credit hours attempted = 67% (An academic year consists of three quarters with 21 credit hours taken per quarter. A student must complete at least 42 of these units to meet the Quantitative standard.) To meet the PACE part of this standard, students must complete an academic program within a reasonable amount of time. The maximum number of course credit hours allowed for the academic program is determined by multiplying the minimum number of course credit hours required for program completion by 150% to Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 39

40 Academic Information determine the maximum a student can attempt. Digital Production requires 165 course credit hours for completion. The maximum number of course credit hours a student can attempt in this program is 247 (165 x 1.5 = 247) Entertainment Design & Digital Production requires 249 course credit hours for completion. The maximum course credit hours a student can attempt in this program is 373 (249 x 1.5 = 373) The total number of course credit hours attempted by the student each quarter is calculated and compared to the maximum allowed. To meet PACE, students must have attempted less than 150% of the course credit hours required for the academic program as calculated above. Students may not continue in a program if they have exceeded this maximum. If at some point it is determined impossible for a student to complete the program within the 150% time frame, the student will be withdrawn at the time of determination prior to exceeding the limit. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 40

41 Academic Information Monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is monitored at the end of each academic term (quarter). Students who fully meet all of the standards above are considered in GOOD standing for SAP. Students who fail to meet the standards will be notified via of the results and the impact on their program and financial aid eligibility. If the parameters of either standard are deficient at SAP review, the student will be placed on ACADEMIC WARNING for one subsequent quarter and will still be eligible for financial aid. The student will be withdrawn from the program if SAP is not met after that subsequent quarter. A student may appeal the withdrawal as outlined in the Academic Withdrawal Appeal Guidelines section below. A student whose appeal is approved will be placed on ACADEMIC PROBATION and will receive financial aid for one additional quarter, or more if successfully completing the academic plan takes more than one quarter. Students who have exceeded the maximum time frame (PACE) are immediately ineligible to continue education in the program and/or receive additional financial aid. No appeal can be submitted in this case. Academic Withdrawal Appeal Guidelines If special circumstances exist which caused a student to fail any of the SAP standards mentioned above, a student may submit a SAP Academic Withdrawal Appeal. The appeal must include: A personal statement explaining the extenuating circumstances that led to the student not meeting the SAP standards and what actions the student is taking to ensure future academic progress Documentation to support extenuating circumstance(s). Examples of extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to: a period of illness or injury for the student; a period of illness or injury for an immediate family member requiring the student s assistance; death of a family member; family difficulties (financial, divorce); etc. An approved academic plan that outlines the courses and the timeframe necessary to achieve SAP A complete appeal must be submitted to the SAP Appeal Committee within one week of the date of the ineligibility notification. The committee will evaluate the appeal within two weeks of receipt. Students will be notified of the results by . If a student wishes to challenge the denial of an appeal, they must provide a clear written rationale for this challenge within two weeks of receipt of the appeal denial to the SAP Appeal Committee. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 41

42 Academic Information Impact on the Disbursement of Financial Aid Financial aid cannot be disbursed to students who are not meeting SAP standards. Students who are in the following statuses will have their aid suspended until SAP has been reviewed: Students who are on ACADEMIC WARNING Students who are on ACADEMIC PROBATION Students who are approaching the Maximum Time Frame (150%) If adjustments such as the ones below are made to a student s academic record after their SAP status has been initially reviewed, a subsequent review will be performed: A grade has been changed, due to resolution of an incomplete, correction of an error or grade petition approval The student changed programs and SAP standards are met for that program Once SAP has been reviewed, the suspension will be released for those who are successfully meeting the standards. The suspension will not be released for those not meeting the standards, and no further appeals will be allowed. Students who have their financial aid suspended can only reestablish eligibility by: Successfully completing a number of credits or enroll for a number of quarters without receiving aid until SAP standards have been met Withdraw from the program for a number of quarters until circumstances improve However, neither paying for one s classes nor sitting out for a quarter affects a student s SAP status alone, so neither is sufficient to reestablish eligibility for aid. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 42

43 Student Services STUDENT SERVICES Orientation for Full-Time Students Prior to starting a full-time program at Gnomon, all accepted students must attend an orientation session. Orientation materials, including the School Catalog and disclosures, are distributed to students in advance. Materials are reviewed and questions are addressed in the orientation session. Orientation is an important element in educating students of Gnomon s policies, procedures, and the criteria for successful matriculation. At orientation, students become acquainted with the campus, the staff and their peers. The directors of the administrative departments explain the ways in which they assist students and clarify students rights and responsibilities. Student handbooks are distributed and clarified. The Academic Mentoring Center (AMC) Upon acceptance into a full-time program at Gnomon, students have access to academic mentoring advisors. Academic advising provides support and motivation to address student needs and enhance overall student satisfaction. As advocates for students, advisors work closely with faculty and staff to promote academic success and campus involvement. In the Education Department, on the north side of the campus is a room dedicated to advising students, including providing additional tutoring with homework, advice on managing course loads and information on career options and Gnomon s tracks. The AMC is staffed by instructors with decades of industry and educational experience. The AMC is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-in visitors are welcome Monday through Thursday, though appointments are encouraged. Friday is by appointment only. To set up an appointment with an academic advisor, please contact: [email protected]. Gnomon Student Assistance Program (GSAP) The Gnomon Student Services Program (GSAP) is a resource to assist students in managing issues that affect their daily lives. The program is a free, comprehensive and fully confidential counseling service that helps students manage a wide variety of issues in support of their personal and academic well-being, including: Stress and anxiety Depression Alcohol and drug dependency Family conflict Performance related fears Fitting in culturally Students in need of counseling may call the service telephone number between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PST to speak with a qualified intake specialist. Should they choose to seek counseling, an assigned counselor will contact them to schedule an appointment within 2-3 business days of their call. Students receive three face-to-face sessions, per problem per year at no cost. The program also provides referrals to a variety of wellness-related community resources such as community and cultural events. In the event that a student feels that their situation requires immediate assistance, a 24-hour crisis hotline is available, in which the student can speak to a licensed counselor. Additionally, the program offers discounts of up to 50% for prescription drugs, as well as discounts on legal, financial, and document preparation services. Students enrolled in a program at Gnomon are provided with a wallet card featuring the phone number and access information. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 43

44 Student Services International Students International students sign and acknowledge on their I-20 student visa to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the United States Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. These regulations supersede any and all regulations set by Gnomon. Gnomon strongly recommends that International students review and familiarize themselves with all of the language on their I-20 or any other legal document pertaining to their student visa. M-1 student visas are only valid for one year. International students will need to work with either an attorney of their choosing or the appropriate Gnomon staff members to extend their nonimmigrant status within 60 days prior to the expiration date of their existing I-20 by filing an I- 539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status). Generally, this is done at the beginning of terms 4 and 8. International students enrolled in the Digital Production for Entertainment program will need to work with either an attorney of their choosing or a Gnomon staff member to file for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the beginning of Term 8 by filing both an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (I-539) and an Application for Employment Authorization (I-765). While Gnomon will assist in all visa issues pertaining to the program, please be advised that we strongly encourage students to utilize International legal counsel. Please be aware that Gnomon cannot guarantee the outcome or decision rendered by SEVIS, the Department of Homeland Securities or the Justice Department. Internal Critiques Internal critiques will be scheduled for certificate students throughout the program and will be coordinated by the Placement & Alumni Relations Department. Internal critiques consist of expertprovided feedback on artistic interpretation and technical execution. This is an opportunity to have professionals evaluate student work and provide invaluable, in-depth advice and guidance. Attendance and participation in these critiques is mandatory. Students will periodically receive s alerting them to internal critique deadlines, instructions and scheduling. Students are required to submit one image per course, per term. Placement and Career Services Career guidance and placement is available through Gnomon s Placement and Alumni Relations Department. Gnomon is proud to have alumni working at film, game and broadcast studios worldwide and has consistently maintained an outstanding record of graduate placement. The Placement and Alumni Relations Department is the liaison between students and employers, serving the students by promoting Gnomon to prospective employers. Gnomon offers assistance with career guidance and placement, in which all registered students, graduates and alumni are supported. Gnomon is pleased to assist those interested with placement, be it full-time students or those taking courses to further professional development. Placement assistance is provided at the completion of studies to all graduates, but placement is not guaranteed. Career services include: Professional career counseling Advisement on reels, resumes and portfolios Guidance in researching openings and companies Referrals for job openings Introductions to individuals and companies in the industry Employer job fairs For the most current placement statistics or further information, please contact the Placement and Alumni Relations Department at [email protected] or call (323) Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 44

45 Student Services Gnomon Externship The goal of the Externship Program for certificate students at Gnomon is to further support our mission. The Externship Program offers students a unique opportunity to utilize knowledge gained in the classroom in a real-world, professional, environment. Students are eligible to apply for externship opportunities at the following program intervals: Digital Production for Entertainment: Term 8 Entertainment Design & Digital Production: Term 12 Any exceptions to the above will be made on an individual basis under guidance of the Placement & Alumni Relations Department. Students interested in perusing an externship should make arrangements with the Placement & Alumni Relations Department to discuss the application process and externship requirements. Externships are not mandatory. Learning Resource System Students are welcome to check out any resources available on the Gnomon campus. Gnomon offers a wide selection of entertainment and training DVDs, games, films, periodicals, books, manuals, etc. Gnomon also has video, cameras, tablets and other equipment available for instructional use. The Systems Engineers Office is open for media checkouts from 9 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Sunday. Resource materials, DVDs and books must be used on the premises and returned on the day borrowed. Media may be viewed in the Student Lounge/Media Center or computer labs from 9 a.m. to midnight when there are no classes in session. To check out resources/equipment, students must: Complete the Gnomon Borrower Agreement: Equipment/Resources Form obtained from an the Learning Resource Coordinator or on-duty systems engineer Abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Gnomon Borrower Agreement: Equipment/Resources Accept full financial responsibility for the care of the materials borrowed Return materials in the same condition as they were checked out To check out materials or for more information on Gnomon s media resources, please contact [email protected]. Student Web Portal The Student Web Portal is a secure website that allows students access to information including schedule, grades, account balance and activity and school notices. Students will be issued logins and passwords that can be used to gain access to the Student Web Portal. Passwords can be changed at initial login. Log into the Student Web Portal at Emergency Notification System Gnomon is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for students, faculty and staff. With the exception of term breaks and holidays indicated in the student catalog, Gnomon is open seven days a week. In the event of natural disasters, severe weather conditions or other emergencies, Gnomon may close in the interest of safety. Should this action be necessary, Gnomon will provide as much notice as possible allowed by circumstances to minimize inconvenience. Closing for the day: When possible, the decision and announcement will be made by 8 a.m. Closing during the day: When conditions warrant closing of Gnomon during the day, administration will relay this Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 45

46 Student Services information to all students, faculty and staff Evening classes: In the event that day classes are canceled, evening classes will also be considered canceled Students, faculty and staff will be contacted through "messagesender," a Campus Alert System designed to instantly alert an entire campus community via SMS, voice-calls and s in the event of an emergency or dangerous situation. This message will come from the designated phone number of: (323) Depending on the nature of the emergency, one or more methods of notification will be used. Record Retention Gnomon will maintain student records on campus for each student indefinitely. Student Activities and Campus Events Gnomon offers students several opportunities to participate in various social activities and industry related events to promote peer and community connections. Activities and events are planned and supervised by Gnomon staff in coordination with student volunteers and industry organizations. Events include: A lecture series focused on the film, broadcast and games industries featuring prominent speakers from various studios Gnomon Gallery openings Presence at major industry trade shows, such as SIGGRAPH, Comic-Con and Game Developers Conference Software partner user groups held on Gnomon s campus For more information about Gnomon Events go to or join our official mailing list at Student Council In order to create an environment conducive to communication amongst the student body and staff, Gnomon has established a Student Council. Student Council meetings are held once per term typically during week 2 or week 3. The meetings are attended by key staff members and address issues concerning faculty, curriculum, facilities, hardware and software, as well as provides a forum for students to receive updates from staff regarding recent placements or upcoming events. Student Council is comprised of at least one representative from every term of the Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design & Digital Production programs. In the first term of each program, students appoint a representative who will be committed to represent the issues and concerns of their term and to act as a conduit of information gathered in the meetings. The Gnomon Store The Gnomon Store sells art supplies and Gnomon merchandise such as t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and hats. Gnomon is proud to promote and sell books, posters and other works authored by Gnomon-affiliated artists. The Gnomon Store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during some special events. Transcript and Letter Requests An official transcript is maintained for each student with a complete record of all course grades and credits earned. Official transcripts and verification letters will be provided upon written request if there is no outstanding financial obligation due and are subject to payment of the prescribed fee. (See Appendix #1 for tuition and fee information.) Transcript requests forms may be obtained from the Records Department or can be requested via to [email protected]. Additional fees for rush orders will apply. Students may request official transcripts through the Student Web Portal under the Student Services tab. Payment made using credit card or PayPal. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 46

47 Student Services Housing Accommodations Gnomon is a non-residential campus and does not have dormitory facilities under its control. The school is not affiliated, does not endorse and is not responsible to locate or assist students to secure housing (b)(13)(C) However, the Admissions Department updates Gnomon s Student Resource Guide, which includes information about local housing that may be of interest. Request a copy of the Gnomon Student Resource Guide or call (323) for more information. The availability of housing located in close proximity of Gnomon and an estimation of the approximate range of cost follows: There is available housing located within 0-1 miles of the school in Hollywood. The cost of housing is between $900 to $1400 per month. There is available housing located within 1-2 miles of the school in West Hollywood. The cost of housing is between $1400 to $2000 per month. There is available housing located within 2 miles of the school in Larchmont. The cost of housing is between $1200 to $2000 per month. There is available housing located within 2 miles of the school in Hollywood Hills. The cost of housing is between $1600 to $2000 per month. There is available housing located within 4-5 miles of the school in the Wilshire/Miracle Mile. The cost of housing is between $1400 to $2000 per month. There is available housing located within 10 miles of the school. The cost of housing is between $500 to $900 per month. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 47

48 General GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES Accidents and Injuries In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. First aid kits are located in the System Engineer s Office, the Main Lobby and the Sculpture classroom. All injuries should be reported to an instructor, systems engineer or administrative staff member immediately. A Gnomon Accident/Injury and Illness Investigation Form must be completed and submitted to the Administration Department as soon as possible. If an accident occurs outside of the school premise but within the Television Center facility, please report the issue immediately to TVC security and the systems engineer or administrative staff on duty. The Gnomon Accident/Injury and Illness Investigation Form must be filled out along with a TVC incident report form. Auditing a Course Continuing education students may choose to audit the first week of a course, providing there is available space in the course section. Space availability is based on the number of maximum seats determined by the school. Students interested in auditing the first week of a course must contact the admissions department for more information and approvals: [email protected]. Bicycles, Skateboards, Skates and Scooters Bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, scooters and other such forms of transportation may not be ridden within the premises of the Television Center Complex. Students and visitors are asked to walk with the above while on campus. Bicycles should only be locked to the bicycle racks provided in designated areas. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 48

49 General Campus Tours Campus tours of our facilities are offered during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please call (323) to make an appointment. For directions to the Gnomon campus, please visit: Campus Security The Campus Security Act (Public Law ) requires postsecondary institutions to disclose the number of instances in which certain specific types of crimes have occurred in any building or on any property owned or controlled by this institution which is used for activities related to the educational purpose of the institution and/or any building or property owned or controlled by student organizations recognized by this institution. For a current statistics report, see Appendix #8. Class Hours/Course Length One class hour equals one class period of 50 minutes. To provide a comparison with programs in other postsecondary schools, the course length is expressed in quarter credit units and weeks. Course Evaluations At the end of each term, students are asked to evaluate their courses and instructors through an evaluation form, located on the Student Portal. The responses help us become aware of what areas are working and where there may be room for improvement. We take our evaluations very seriously and ask that students so as well. Responsibility is the primary form of communication utilized by Gnomon administration. Students are responsible for insuring that administration is informed of their current address and for checking on a regular basis. FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) EDUCATIONAL RECORDS In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Gnomon policies, students have the following rights: 1. The right of the student to inspect and review his or her education records within 45 days of the date that Gnomon receives a request for access. Students may submit a written request that identifies the specific record(s) they wish to inspect to the Records Department, the Registration Department or another appropriate official. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be viewed. Records that are exempted from the right of inspection are: A. Financial records of the parents of the student B. Confidential letters and statements of recommendation C. Records of instructional, supervisory, counseling and administrative personnel with are in their sole possession and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a teacher 2. The right to request the amendment of education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record(s) they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the school will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding hearing procedures will be provided to the student Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 49

50 General when notified of the right to a hearing. 3. The right of consent to disclosures of identifiable information contained in the student s education records, except to the extent that FERPA and California law authorizes disclosure without consent. An exception to the policy against disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support-staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff) and may include a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. 4. Release of Educational Information The school may disclose certain information, known as "directory information," at its discretion without consent. If a student does not want this information released, the student must complete a Non-Release of Directory Information form, available from the Records Department or Registration Department. Upon request, the school may disclose education records without a student s consent to officials of other schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The school has established the following information as directory information: student name, address, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, weight, height, age, major field of study, enrollment status (full-or part-time), dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities, degrees and awards received, student s photograph and the most recent educational institution attended. Without the students consent and upon authorization of the administration, the school may release copies of, or otherwise divulge, material in student education records to the following agencies and individuals who are expressly forbidden from permitting access of said education records to third parties: A. Authorized representative of the Controller General of the United States, the Secretary of Education and administrative head of an education agency, state education officials, or third respective designees of the United States Office of Civil Rights, where such information is necessary to audit or evaluate a state or federally supported education program or pursuant to a federal or state law provided that, except when collection of personally identifiable information is specifically authorized by federal law, any data collected by such officials shall be protected in a manner which will not permit the personal identification of students or their parents by other than those officials, and such personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when no longer needed for such audit, evaluation and enforcement of federal legal requirements. B. Other state and local officials or authorities to the extent that information is specifically required to be reported. C. Officials of other public or private schools or schools systems, including local count, or state correctional facilities where educational programs are provided, where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or is directed to enroll as provided in Section of the Education Code. D. Agencies or organizations in connection with a student s application for, or receipt of, financial aid; provided that information permitting the personal identification of students may be disclosed only as may be necessary of such purposes as to determine the eligibility of the student for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions which will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. E. Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions. F. Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 50

51 General students aid programs and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students or their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it is collected. G. Appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons, or subject to such regulation as may be issued by the Secretary of Education. H. Those who have obtained a subpoena or judicial order. The student is to be given notice by mail or the schools compliance with the order. 5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC Facilities Located in Hollywood, home of hundreds of film, game and television studios, Gnomon is truly in the heart of the industry. The Gnomon campus is located at 1015 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90038, in the center of the famed Television Center Building (TVC). Gnomon s facilities are designed to create a production-like environment with an atmosphere conducive to creativity and learning. Our 25,000 square-foot facility houses seven (7) state-of-the-art computer labs, a theater/auditorium, four (4) sculpture and drawing studios and a sound stage with a 70-foot green screen cyclorama. Other resources available for students include two (2) kitchens, three (3) student lounges equipped with large screen televisions, and vending machines, the Gnomon Store, the Gnomon Gallery, and the Gnomon Library. (See Appendix #9 for a map of the campus.) Grievances To ensure the quality of education at Gnomon, students are encouraged to verbally communicate their concerns to members of the faculty and administration for amicable solutions. Should you feel your concern or problem has not been adequately addressed, you may file an official written grievance. This grievance should be addressed to [email protected]. A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau's internet website (a)(3)(C) Unresolved complaints may also be directed to: The Council on Occupational Education 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA Telephone (toll free): (800) Fax: (770) Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 51

52 General Holidays Gnomon traditionally observes Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Notifications will be posted if any other holidays will be observed. Instructional Schedule Training is offered seven days per week. Class periods are as follows: 1st period: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) 2nd period: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3rd period: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 4th period: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Occasionally schedules may differ from the above based on instructor or room availability. Lab Schedule Gnomon operates computer labs and studios from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven (7) days a week excluding holidays. At least one system engineer is on duty at all times. Students are encouraged to utilize Gnomon s facilities with the added benefit of learning from their peers and upperclassmen. Makeup Classes Gnomon instructors are working professionals and may miss a class during the term. Should a class be canceled during the term, we will make all possible efforts to reschedule the class. Makeups are usually scheduled during the first week of the break. Please keep this in mind when making plans and travel arrangements. Title IX Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 US Code 1681(a), is a federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, and includes addressing sexual harassment, sexual violence and other gender-based harassment occurring in an institution of education. Gnomon is committed to fostering an educational and working climate free from sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence. To define conduct expectations and provide recourse for individuals whose rights have been violated, Gnomon implements a strategic coordination of policies, education, and clear and equitable procedures for reporting and resolution of complaints of sexual misconduct. When sexual harassment or sexual assault has occurred and is brought to the attention of the Title IX Coordinator, Gnomon will take steps to end the harassment or violence, prevent its reoccurrence, and address its effects. A complainant has the right, and can expect to have reports taken seriously by Gnomon when formally reported, and for the prompt, equitable, reliable, and impartial investigation of complaints. The school s Title IX Coordinator has primary responsibility to respond appropriately to, and investigate suspected discrimination or harassment, and identify and remedy systemic problems. With the guidance of the Title IX Coordinator, Gnomon will enact an initial assessment of the conduct, to the extent possible within the complainant s expressed preferences, if any, as to course of action, and the necessity for any interim remedies or accommodations to protect the safety of the complainant and the community at large. Inquiries and complaints regarding the application of Title IX and other laws, regulations and policies prohibiting discrimination may be directed to: Title IX Coordinator 1015 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA (323) , Ext. 127 [email protected] Questions regarding Title IX may also be directed to: Office for Civil Rights, San Francisco Office U.S. Department of Education 50 Beale Street, Suite 7200 San Francisco, CA Telephone: (415) [email protected] Non-Discrimination Policy Gnomon does not discriminate in admission, treatment, or access to its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identification, sexual Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 52

53 General orientation, disability, age, religion, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. These practices include, but are not limited to, hiring, employment promotion and transfer, admissions policies, and administration of loan programs and participation in the benefits and services of education programs or related activities sponsored by Gnomon. The institution complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; California SB-195 Equity in Higher Education Act, and any other applicable federal, state and local law. Gnomon is committed to a multicultural workplace and education programs involving cultural and ethnic diversity among the school s community. For more information or if you believe you have been subject to discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, please contact Gnomon's Title IX and ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at 1015 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) , Ext. 127 or [email protected] Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy Gnomon is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for students and employees that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Sexual misconduct is a form of discrimination. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but not limited to, sexuallyrelated drawings, pictures, jokes, teasing, uninvited touching or other sexually-related comments. Gnomon strongly opposes harassment and sexual misconduct and such behavior is prohibited by school policy, federal and state law. This policy applies to all Gnomon community members, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, and third parties conducting business or having any official capacity with the school or on school property. Gnomon is prepared to take prompt action to prevent and correct such behavior of individuals who engage in sexual harassment, as well as any other unlawful harassment based on factors such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Violations of this policy are not permitted and may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination. Gnomon encourages any student or employee to immediately report these incidents. Gnomon is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence. Throughout the process of investigation of a report every effort will be made to protect the privacy interests of all individuals, and respect and safeguard private information, to the extent possible consistent with the legal obligations of Gnomon to investigate and respond effectively. Adverse action will not be taken against a student or employee who, in good faith, reports or participates in the investigation of a violation of this policy. Retaliation against a person who properly reports, complains about, or participates in the investigation of such harassment is strictly prohibited. For more information, or to file a complaint Gnomon s Title IX Coordinator at 1015 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) , Ext. 127 or [email protected] Complaints may also be filed directly with the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights San Francisco Office. This policy, the Sexual Misconduct Grievance Policy and Procedures, and reporting options are available in full at Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 53

54 General Parking Street parking is available. Refer to posted signs for hours and/or restrictions. Students may purchase parking key cards in the Gnomon Store that will allow them to park in the parking structure located one block south of the Television Center Complex. Student may also purchase parking key cards on the Student Web Portal under the Student Services tab. Payment can also be made online. Personal Safety Gnomon is located in the Television Center (TVC), an industrial complex that provides 24-hour security/surveillance. Students are encouraged to be aware of their surrounding and to take appropriate precautions: Walk in groups to cars at night Students who witness anyone or anything suspicious should notify the security officer on duty Avoid taking short cuts and going to poorly lit areas Stay in places with good visibility and be observant of surroundings Preventive Health and Safety Measures Gnomon facilities provide ergonomically designed workspaces, low reflection wall paint, low frequency lighting that reduces screen reflectivity and glare, along with ergonomically designed chairs at every workstation. Safety precautions are considered when setting up office and lab spaces at Gnomon. Health and Safety binders are located in each studio/lab space and contain information on preventative health and safety measures. Students are encouraged to use them for reference in applicable situations. Reservation of Rights Gnomon reserves the right to change tuition fees, scheduled dates of courses, course offerings, instructors, policies and procedures pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) and California Education Code (CEC). Gnomon also reserves the right to deny enrollment in courses to any student and the right to withdraw any student whose conduct fails to comply with the policies, rules and standards of Gnomon. Gnomon has no pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, and has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (a)(12) Student ID Cards Every Gnomon student is eligible to receive a Gnomon Student ID card. Please contact the system engineer on duty to have one made. Student Work Gnomon reserves the right to retain any and all student work for marketing, exhibition, publication, or for our student gallery. Gnomon labs and facilities may not be used for paid production work. Student Liability Physical injury and/or medical problems, as well as loss of or damage to personal property resulting from natural disasters, theft or other causes are not the responsibility of Gnomon. Gnomon recommends that students carry personal insurance. Visitors/Minors at Gnomon Visitors are welcome at Gnomon. However if visitors plan to stay for an extended period of time, permission must be granted by the administration. Systems engineers have the authority to ask anyone who is being disruptive or disrespectful to leave the premises. Minors under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 54

55 General STUDENT CONDUCT Alcohol, Drugs and Weapons Gnomon does not permit the sale, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on school property and adheres to and enforces all state underage-drinking laws. In addition, the institution does not permit the possession, use or sale of illegal drugs by its employees and students and adheres to and enforces all state and Federal drug laws. The violations of these policies by employees, instructors and students may result in expulsion, termination and/or arrest. Information concerning drug and alcohol abuse education programs are posted on the campus and is distributed annually to students and staff. Drugs and weapons are not allowed under any circumstances. Gnomon firmly adheres to California state laws relating to the consumption of illegal substances. No firearms or lethal weapons of any type are permitted at Gnomon. Lecture Etiquette We are sensitive to the fact that a lot of information is given in course lectures. We encourage students to audio record lectures, but please note that students must not film lectures, either with a camera or their cell phones, under any circumstances. Studio/Lab Etiquette Students will be spending many hours in a shared lab space and are encouraged to observe the following rules/courtesies: Eating and drinking is prohibited in the labs. The Gnomon Lounge is available for consumption of food and beverages We ask that all students clean their work area Refrigerators are available for student use Students are responsible for discarding items weekly Use of headphones is mandated If taking a break and conversing, please be respectful of others who are working Remember to back up your work. Gnomon will not be responsible for any lost work Questions regarding backing up should be directed to a systems engineer All lab hard drives are purged each term. No student work will be retained Plagiarism Gnomon maintains high academic standards, including integrity, honesty and responsibility in education. While we encourage students to draw inspiration and reference from other artists, students must resist plagiarism. Gnomon does not tolerate academic dishonesty, which is inclusive of plagiarism. Plagiarism includes all of the following: Stealing someone else s ideas Failing to credit the source of ideas or creative work Claiming the work of others, including passing off images downloaded from the Internet as student work Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in the visual effects and game communities. Students who violate authorial integrity and copyright will be subject to disciplinary action. Gnomon expects students to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in the classroom. Instructors must notify the administration of students who have potentially violated academic integrity policy. Recommended consequences of a student committing academic plagiarism include, but are not limited to: Reduction in credit, if the student is given the opportunity to redo the assignment A failing grade or a zero for the assignment A failing grade for the course Suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the administration The visual effects and games communities are Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 55

56 General inherently collaborative and tightly connected. Plagiarists face long-lasting detrimental effects on their careers. Professionalism and Personal Conduct Gnomon's educational environment replicates realworld production pipelines, including instructors who are working professionals. Programs are structured to develop students into professionals with the highest ethical standards and collaborative skills. Students are responsible for practicing maturity and integrity, attending courses, completing projects, meeting deadlines, and exhibiting professional behavior towards instructors, staff and peers. Students are subject to disciplinary action for several types of misconduct, including but not limited to: Dishonesty, such as cheating, multiple submission, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the school Forgery, alteration or misuse of school documents, keys or identification Theft of, damage to, or destruction of any property of the school or property of others while on school premises Unauthorized entry to or use of school properties, equipment or resources Disruption of teaching, research, administration or other school activities Physical abuse, threats of violence, all forms of sexual assault or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person on school property or in connection with official university functions Sexual harassment (Verbal or Physical) Bullying (Verbal or Physical) Disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace or failure to comply with the direction of a school employee acting in his/her official capacity The use of "fighting words" when they constitute harassment The use, possession, sale, distribution or manufacture of alcohol on school property or at official school functions that is unlawful or otherwise prohibited by, or not in compliance with, school policy or campus regulations (See Appendix #7 for Gnomon s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy Statement.) The unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, identified in federal and state laws or regulations, on school property, or at official school functions Smoking Policy Gnomon respects the smoking policies of the Television Center (TVC) and existing state law. Smoking is prohibited in any enclosed space including labs, classrooms, walkways, catwalks and other common areas. Smoking is allowed on the north campus only including the Tiki area and picnic tables adjacent to the enclosed parking area. Students will honor designated smoking and nonsmoking signs posted throughout TVC. Students should be considerate and maintain a distance of at least 30 feet from any building, entrance, exit or operable window while smoking. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 56

57 Appendix 1 TUITION AND FEES 2 Entire Program Digital Production Domestic Digital Production International Entertainment Design Domestic Entertainment Design International Tuition $74, $74, $90, $90, Student Fees $2, $2, $3, $3, *Registration Fee $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 *STRF Fee *Visa Processing Fee - $ $ Total Domestic $76, $93, Total International - $76, $93, Upon Enrollment DP Term #1 DP/Int'l Term #1-2 EDDP Term #1 EDDP/Int'l Term #1-4 Tuition Installment $9, $18, $4, $16, Student Fee(s) $ $ $ $1, *Registration Fee $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 *STRF Fee *Visa Processing Fee - $ $ Total Domestic $9, $4, Total International - $19, $17, Per Term DP Term #2-8 DP/Int'l Term #3-8 EDDP Term #2-4 EDDP Term #5-12 EDDP/Int'l Term #5-12 Tuition $9, $9, $4, $9, $9, Student Fee $ $ $ $ $ Total per Term, Domestic $9, $4, $9, Total per Term, Int'l - $9, $9, *Please note these one-time fees are non-refundable 2 Tuition/Fee Increases: Gnomon reserves the right to increase tuition/fees at least once each calendar year. Tuition/Fee increases will not exceed 5% per calendar year. 3 Effective January 1, 2015, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero ($0) per $1,000. Therefore, Gnomon will not collect STRF assessments from students until otherwise noted. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 57

58 Appendix 1 TUITION: CONTINUING EDUCATION / ONLINE On Campus Course Tuition $ $2, Online Course Tuition $ $1, Digital Courses: 10 week $1, $2, Digital Courses: 5 week $1, Traditional Courses: 10 week $ $1, Traditional Courses: 5 week $ Non-Refundable Late Registration Fee Applies to registrations received two weeks prior to term start. $75.00 Application Fee $75.00 FEES Payment Plan Fee 3% total tuition admin fee Intl. Visa Processing Fee $ Transcript Fee (72 hours requested for processing) $10.00 Transcript Fee (RUSH) $15.00 Verification Letter Fee $5.00 Verification Letter Fee (RUSH) $10.00 Return Check Fee (A processing fee will be charged for any returned unpaid check and in addition, is also subject to a 2% late fee) $25.00 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 58

59 Appendix 1 PAYING TUITION Returning and Incoming Students Tuition and student fees are due no later than the first Friday of the term Financial Aid students are responsible for any difference in tuition not covered by federal funding Please be advised: Gnomon does not mail out, produce or provide invoices or statements for tuition payments. Students are responsible for knowing the tuition owed and for making payment prior to the above referenced deadlines. Students are encouraged to reference the Gnomon Web Portal to access the total amount due and to make timely payment. In the event that tuition will be delayed, payment arrangements must be secured by the above deadlines. Requests must be submitted in writing ( is acceptable) to the Bursar Department or the Administration Department. Late Fees/Penalties Payments made more than five (5) business days after the scheduled due date are subject to a 2% late fee of the balance due. An additional $100 will be accessed each week the payment is late. Continued failure to make payment may result in a hold being placed on all of the student s Gnomon accounts and/or suspension from classes until payment is rectified. Third Party Payments Please be advised, Federal law dictates that Gnomon is to maintain privacy regulations regarding student affairs and communications for students who are of legal age. Should payment arrangements be made by anyone other than the student, it is the student s responsibility to relay the information to said party regarding payment deadlines or any subsequent changes to tuition. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 59

60 Appendix 1 PAYMENT OPTIONS Student tuition payments, or payment arrangements (Gnomon payment plan, third party payers, financial aid and/or private loans) are required to officially complete registration and reserve a space in the course/program. Financial Aid Gnomon offers Federal Student Aid for qualifying students in the Digital Production for Entertainment and Entertainment Design & Digital Production programs. Fulltime students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens may be eligible to receive Pell Grants and/or Direct Loan financial assistance. Students interested in applying for aid should contact the Financial Aid Department at (323) , Ext Payment Methods Gnomon accepts for payment: Company and personal checks Gnomon payment plans (see below) Wire transfers All major credit cards Money orders Private education loans Corporate purchase orders Cashier s checks Gnomon Payment Plans are contractual agreements with students to defer payment over the term: Tuition is divided into three installments plus a 3% administrative charge. The first installment of 50% is due at the time of registration. Remaining installments are due over the course of the term. Payments made more than five (5) business days after a scheduled due date are subject to a 2% late fee. Continued failure to make payment will result in the student s computer account being frozen and suspension from classes until payment is rectified. Private Student Loans are available, but must be coordinated with the Financial Aid Department: Gnomon offers loans through SLM Financial, a Sallie Mae Company. Prior to submitting a loan application, students must speak with Admissions and Financial Aid. Students must be a US citizen, a US national or a permanent resident and must be creditworthy (or have a co-signer that meets the requirements). Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 60

61 Appendix 2 ACADEMIC CALENDAR The School Calendar is subject to change without notice. Please refer to START DATE: END DATE: WINTER 01/05/ /15/ SPRING 04/06/ /14/2015 SUMMER 07/06/ /13/2015 FALL 10/05/ /13/2015 WINTER 01/04/ /03/ SPRING 04/04/ /12/2016 SUMMER 07/04/ /11/2016 FALL 10/03/ /11/2016 WINTER 01/09/ /19/ SPRING 04/10/ /18/2017 SUMMER 07/10/ /17/2017 FALL 10/09/ /17/2017 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 61

62 Appendix 3 GNOMON CONTACT INFORMATION (Alphabetized by Title) Admissions Advisor Clark Torres [email protected] Admissions Advisor Hannah Webb [email protected] Admissions Coordinator George Vasiliadis [email protected] Art Director/Creative Advertising Eric Carl [email protected] Bursar Mark Bertuldo [email protected] Bursar s Assistant/Store Manager Amanda Edwards [email protected] Designer Danielle Davis [email protected] Designer Garrett Ross [email protected] Director of Administrative Operations Brian Bradford [email protected] Director of Distance Education/CTO Eric Miller [email protected] Director of Education: Vocational Max Dayan [email protected] Director of Educational Administration Andrea Adams [email protected] Director of Financial Aid Chris Freeman [email protected] Director of Systems Administration Anthony Almanzor [email protected] Director Placement and Alumni Relations Shannon Wiggins [email protected] Education Administrative Coordinator Misty Winters [email protected] Education Lead: Technology Anton Napierala [email protected] Education Lead: Technology Matt Rosenfeld [email protected] Event & Social Media Coordinator Crystal Mora [email protected] Founder/President/Board of Directors Alex Alvarez [email protected] Lead Recruiter/Outreach: Media Relations Jason Mendoza [email protected] Learning Resources Coordinator/Systems Engineer Tom Heyerman [email protected] Office Manager Brittany Schaffer [email protected] Receptionist Michelle Vanda Jeri Salazar [email protected] Recruiter/Outreach Coordinator Anna Cicone [email protected] Registration Specialist Paullina Weeks [email protected] School Director Patricia Winters [email protected] Systems Engineer Charley Haugen [email protected] Systems Engineer John Luu [email protected] TA Coordinator/Systems Engineer Skot Whitman [email protected] Vice President/Board of Directors/Director of Education Darrin Krumweide [email protected] Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 62

63 Appendix 4 GNOMON STAFF Alex Alvarez, Founder/President/Board of Directors Education: Art Center College of Design, the University of Pennsylvania. Work Experience: Alias/Wavefront (Applications Engineer). Partial Client List: Lightstorm Entertainment, Bad Robot Darrin Krumweide, Vice President/Board of Directors/Director of Education Education: B.S. (Transportation and Industrial Design), Art Center College of Design Work Experience: Alias/Wavefront (Applications Engineer), Kronos Digital (Senior Animator/Modeler) Partial Client List: Art Center College of Design, Warner Bros., Honda, Sega and MCA/Universal Patricia Winters, School Director Education: B.A. (English Literature), California State Los Angeles; California State, Los Angeles (single subject/clad Certification), UCLA (Creative Writing). Work Experience: Los Angeles Unified School District, Eagle Rock (Instructor), Art Center College of Design (Instructor) Administration Brian Bradford, Director of Administrative Operations Education: Western Governors University (Business Management), Orange Coast College (Art), Gnomon Work Experience: Gnomon (Director of Admissions and Outreach) George Vasiliadis, Admissions Coordinator Education: B.A. (Computer Science), Full Sail Work Experience: Blizzard Entertainment (Quality Assurance), Gamers for Good (Board Member) Clark Torres, Admissions Advisor Education: B.F.A. (Animation), Cal State Northridge Work Experience: Gnomon (Intern) Hannah Webb, Admissions Advisor Education: B.A. (Illustration), Laguna College of Art + Design Work Experience: Laguna College of Art + Design (Admissions Counselor) Chris Freeman, Director of Financial Aid Education: B.A. (Film/TV Editing), Columbia College-Hollywood Work Experience: Antioch University Los Angeles (Director of Financial Aid), Barry Glasser & Company (FSA Compliance Auditor) Shannon Wiggins, Director of Placement and Alumni Relations Education: Loyola Marymount; B.A. (mass communications with an emphasis in TV/film production), University of Denver Work Experience: Pixomondo Recruiting/HR Manager), Digital Domain (Roto/Paint Department Lead); Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks and PDI/Dreamworks (Roto/Paint Artist) Liz Cooper: Associate Director Placement Coordinator and Alumni Relations Education: Continuing Education (Sociology) Work Experience: Games for Good (Director); Game Desk (Project Manager); Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts (Admissions Representative);(Admissions Representative) Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 63

64 Appendix 4 Paullina Weeks, Registration Specialist Education: Los Angeles Valley College (Business) Work Experience: The Hair Shop, Coast Business Centers (Executive Administrative Assistant) Mark Bertuldo, Bursar Education: B.A (Computing in the Arts with an emphasis on Music), University of California, San Diego Work Experience: Smashbox Studios, Quixote Studio Store Amanda Edwards, Bursar's Assistant/Store Associate Education: B.F.A. (Animation), Savannah College of Art and Design Work Experience: Gnomon (Intern) Crystal Mora, Event & Social Media Coordinator Education: B.A. (Animation), Southwest University of Visual Arts Work Experience: Nickelodeon (Post Production Assistant), GreenHouse Studios (Production Artist), Fix 8 (Graphic Artist) Outreach Jason Mendoza, Lead Recruiter/Outreach: Media Relations Education: Gnomon Work Experience: Demiurge (Compositor), X1FX Studios (3D Artist) Anna Cicone, Recruiter/Outreach Coordinator Education: B.A. (Public Policy), University of Michigan Work Experience: Center for Occupational and Personalized Education (Classroom Facilitator) Technology Anthony Almanzor, Director of Systems Administration Education: B.S. (Materials Science and Engineering), U.C.L.A. Work Experience: Vitesse Semiconductor (System Administrator), Korean Air (System Administrator) Tom Heyerman, Learning Resource Coordinator/Systems Engineer Education: Certificate (Generalist) Gnomon Work Experience: Gnomon (Systems Engineer) Skot Whitman, TA Coordinator/Systems Engineer Education: The Kubert School (Illustration), Certificate (Digital Production in Entertainment, Generalist) Gnomon Work Experience: Gnomon (Systems Engineer) Charley Haugen, Systems Engineer Education: B.A (Fine Art/Computer Science) Washington State University State; Certificate (Generalist) Gnomon Work Experience: Red Naval (Compositor), PC Club (Computer Technician) John Luu, Systems Engineer Education B.A. (Art), California State University, Los Angeles; Certificate (Generalist), Gnomon Work Experience: USC's Institute for Creative Technologies (Animator) Design Eric Carl, Art Director/Creative Advertising Education: Vincennes University (Visual Communication) Work Experience: TaigMarks Inc. (Advertising and Public Relations) Danielle Davis, Designer Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Studio Art with emphasis in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History) Work Experience: The Equity Group (Graphic Designer and Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 64

65 Appendix 4 Marketing Coordinator) Garrett Ross, Designer Education: Southern Oregon University (Art with emphasis in Digital Art); Gnomon Work Experience: Grafiik (Founder), Pentimento Music Company (Graphic Designer) Education Eric Miller, Director of Distance Education/CTO Education: A.A. (Fine Art), Diablo Valley College; Certificate (High End 3D Computer Graphics) Gnomon; Academy of Art University in San Francisco Work Experience: Bank of America (Production, Project Specialist and Technical Consultant), Alias Wavefront (Freelance Maya Character Setup Artist, FX Artist and Texture Painter) Max Dayan, Director of Education: Vocational Education: Certificate (High End 3D Computer Graphics) Gnomon, Ivy Tech (Graphic Design), Indiana University-Purdue (Computer Science), Indiana University (Fine Art) Work Experience: Technicolor Interactive, Free Range 3D and Gentle Giant Studios Design, BA (Studio Art/Art History), Wellesley College Work Experience: Art Center College of Design (Instructor) Matt Rosenfeld, Education Lead: Technology Education: Certificate (Visual Effects) Gnomon; BA (International Relations) University of Southern California Work Experience: Saatchi and Saatchi, Psyop, Digital Domain, Wildlife, Blind Studios, Spine, Inc., Selection Studios (3D Generalist & Artist) Anton Napierala, Education Lead: Technology Education: Certificate (Visual Effects), Gnomon; BA (Studio Art, Multimedia Design), Humboldt State University Work Experience: Sony Computer Entertainment America (Senior Environment Artist); Laguna College of Art and Design (Maya Instructor); Technicolor Creative Services (3D Artist) Mauricio Hoffman Education: B.A. (Animation), Universidad Anahuac Work Experience: Laguna College of Art and Design (Instructor), MonkeyBrain Studios (President and Art Directors). Blizzard Entertainment (Senior Animator), High Moon Studios (Animator), Oddworld Inhabitants (Technical Director) Misty Winters, Education Administrative Coordinator / Student Records Education: BA (Cultural Anthropology), University of California, Santa Barbara Work Experience: Gnomon Andrea Adams, Director of Educational Administration Education: MFA (Creative Writing), University of Southern Maine; BFA (Illustration and Entertainment Design), Art Center College of Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 65

66 Appendix 5 GNOMON S ADVISORY BOARD Our Advisory Board is made up of respected and experienced industry professionals who commit their time and expertise to guiding the future development of Gnomon s curriculum and program direction. Board members participate in the development of Gnomon by reviewing course curricula, critiquing student work and giving advice on critical decisions. Our board includes the following people: Jonathan Berube, VFX Art Director, Blizzard Entertainment Tom Bruno, Jr., Senior Layout Artist, Sony Pictures Imageworks Fausto de Martini, Concept/Digital Designer, Blizzard Entertainment Jack Fulmer, Look Development Artist, Walt Disney Animation Studios Neil Huxley, Creative Director, Mothership/Digital Domain Javier Jimenez, Executive Producer/Partner, Motion Theory & Mirada Cecil Kim, Founder/Creative Director, Section Studios Beth Loheed, Secondary English Instructor, Pilgrim School Robert Nederhorst, VFX Specialist, Activision Neville Page, Concept/Creature Designer, Digital Domain Lance Powell, Art Director, Cloud Imperium Games Ross Blocher, Training Project Manager, Walt Disney Animation Studios Kirk Shintani, Head of 3D, A52 Studio Beth Loheed, Educator Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 66

67 Appendix 6 GNOMON FACULTY A primary determining factor in the quality of education at any institution is the faculty. Our location in the heart of the entertainment community and our commitment to providing instruction by production professionals allows Gnomon s faculty to be comprised of an extraordinary group of educators. Gnomon faculty are experts in their field of training. All of our instructors are industry professionals with a minimum of three years of real-life production experience. They earn their living using the tools and techniques that they then pass on to our students. For detailed industry experience on Gnomon Instructors, please go to: INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Adams, Andrea 2008 B.F.A. (Illustration), Art Center College of Design; B.A. (Studio Art/Art History), Wellesley College 20 Art History 1, Art History 2, Design History, Story Development, Film History, Character Development and Design, Storyboarding, Visual Structure, Zoological Drawing Aguirre, Raul 2010 Certificate (Maya) Glendale Community College; Mount San Antonio College (Fine Arts); Art Institute of Southern California (Illustration) 16 Principles of Animation, Timing for Animation Alvarez, Alex 1997 Art Center College of Design, University of Pennsylvania 14 Demo Reel Lighting and Compositing, Demo Reel Character Construction and Design, Natural Environments Arno, Van 2011 B.A. (Illustration), Otis College of Art and Design 20 Figure Drawing 1, Figure Drawing 2, Anatomy Baytler, Yakov 2013 B.F.A. (Animation), School of Visual Arts 18 Introduction to Houdini, Houdini Effects, Advanced Techniques in Houdini Berkstein, Andres 2013 Blanchard, Kevin 2013 B.S. (Communications), Universidad Iberoamericana B.F.A. (Illustration), Art Center College of Design 4 Dynamic Effects 3, Dynamic Effects 4 7 Advanced Character Design Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 67

68 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Bourbeau, Travis 2009 Gnomon (Creature Design) 9 Brown, John 2002 N/A 20 Overview of Visual Effects and Games, Interview and Resume Workshop Character Sculpture 1, Character Sculpture 2, Character Sculpture 3 Bui, Tu 2013 Canter, Jessica 2013 Carl, Eric 2010 Casillas, Anjelica 2013 Cayo, Luis 2012 A.S. (Computer Animation), Art Institute of Dallas, Dallas, TX M.F.A. (Visual Effects), Savannah College of Art & Design; B.F.A., Bowling Green State University (Computer Animation) Vincennes University (Visual Communication) B.A. (Communication Arts), Loyola Marymount University Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 8 Digital Matte Painting 7 Texture Painting with Mari 11 Graphic Design 26 History of Visual Effects 7 Digital Sculpture, Shave & a Haircut Chung, James 2014 Colburn, Michael 2011 B.F.A. (Illustration), Art Center College of Design B.F.A. (Graphic Design), Metropolitan State College of Denver; Certificate (High End computer graphics), Gnomon 14 Environment Design 13 Photoshop for Digital Production Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 68

69 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Connors, April 2013 Art Center College of Design Night Program (Illustration); 3Kicks Art Studio (Illustration/Fine Art); Concept Design Academy (Illustration/Fine Art) 5 Gesture Drawing, Long Pose Figure Drawing Cornwell, JC 2010 Cuevas, Michael 2014 B.S.E.E. (Electrical Engineering), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo A.S. (Computer Science), Edmonds Community College; Certificate (Digital Media), Platte College 12 Introduction to Maya 18 Character Animation 2, Character Animation 3 Dayan, Max 2010 Certificate (High End 3D Computer Graphics) Gnomon, Ivy Tech (Graphic Design), Indiana University-Purdue (Computer Science), Indiana University (Fine Art) 7 Photoshop for Digital Production, Hard Surface Modeling 1, Hard Surface Modeling 2, Maya Cloth Hair and Fur, Introduction to 3D Maya DeDecker, Mark 2010 B.F.A. (Visual Communication/TV Production), Columbia College; Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 8 Character Modeling and Sculpting, Character for Games, Digital Sculpting, Character Texturing and Shading, Anatomy in ZBrush DeLalla, Stephen 2011 Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 6 Lighting and Rendering with V-Ray, Lighting and Rendering with Arnold Deuel, Eric 2013 B.A. (Media Arts and Animation), Art Institute of Colorado 12 Creature Animation 1, Creature Animation 2, Character Animation 4 Downing, Debra 2013 M.F.A. (Animation and Digital Arts), University of Southern California; B.F.A. (Digital Media Arts), University of California, Los Angeles 17 Introduction to Houdini Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 69

70 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Downing, Greg 2003 Dunn, Jason 2013 B.A. (Theater Arts/Political Science), Sonoma State University B.A. (Fine Art), Loyola Marymount University 14 Digital Sets 14 Digital Painting Durand, Fred 2011 M.A. (Graphic Design), Ecole Nationale des Arts Decoratifs 14 Lighting and Rendering with mental ray, Lighting and Rendering with V-Ray Eckardt, Chris 2006 B.F.A. (Fine Arts), Washington State University 10 Commercial Production Techniques Elliot, Craig 2013 B.F.A. (Illustration, Graphic Design and Architecture), Art Center College of Design 10 Advanced Digital Painting, Photoshop for Concept Design, Imaginative Landscapes, Visual Development (all online) Ellsworth, Kirstin 2010 Farre, Rosa 1999 Fay, Devon 2013 Ph.D. (Art History), Indiana University Bloomington; M.A., (Art History), Indiana University Bloomington; M.A. (English), Indiana University Bloomington; B.A. (English), Butler University M.A. (Computer Science), Autonomous University of Barcelona Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 9 Design History 27 Visual Effects Design, Animation of Visual Effects 5 Environment Modeling and Sculpting Greenberg, Mark 2013 N/A 18 Motion Capture with Motion Builder Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 70

71 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Hall, Martin 2003 M.F.A. (Film Production), Loyola Marymount University; B.F.A. (Studio Arts), University of California, Davis 19 Advanced Compositing, Art of Compositing Hannah, Mark 1999 B.S. (Graphic Design), Oregon State University; B.S. (Industrial Design), Art Center College of Design 15 Perspective, Visual Communications 1, Visual Communications 2, Product Design, Vehicle Design Harris, Mike 2013 Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon; A.A.S., ITT Technical Institute (Computer-Aided Drafting and Design) 9 Expressions and Scripting, Scripting for Production Holland, Phil 2011 N/A 15 Digital Photography Hu, Charles 2005 Imhof, JD 2013 B.F.A. (Illustration), Art Center College of Design B.S. (Computer Animation), Miami International University of Art and Design 14 Figure Drawing, Anatomy, Costumed Figure Drawing 9 Look Development, Lighting and Rendering with Arnold Kater, Geoffrey 2011 Art Center College of Design (Transportation Design) 19 Motion Graphics 1, Motion Graphics 2, Introduction to Compositing Keller, Eric 2009 B.S. (Music), Florida State University 12 Digital Sculpting, Introduction to 3D Maya Krichevsky, Jared 2013 B.A. (Theater, Film Study and Liberal Arts), William Woods University 5 Intro to Digital Sculpting, Creature Modeling and Sculpting Krumweide, Darrin 1997 B.S. (Industrial Design), Art Center College of Design 21 Hard Surface Modeling 1, Hard Surface Modeling 2, Surface Modeling Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 71

72 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Ksander, Joe 2014 Kuehne, Craig 2014 Kwon, Songgu 2012 B.A. (East Asian Languages and Cultures), University of California, Los Angeles, CA B.A. (Communication Arts), California Lutheran University B.F.A. (Painting and Drawing/Visual Communication), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago 12 Story Development 14 Cinematography for Visual Effects 14 Character Design Legaspi, Chris 2013 Concept Design Academy (Concept Design and Illustration); Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art (Drawing and Painting) 19 Advanced Digital Painting, Character Design, Drawing for the Entertainment Industry, Introduction to Digital Painting Lemen, Ron 2013 Lopez, Rich 2013 Louie, Jason 2013 Mancha, Eric 2014 Certificate (Illustration, Concept Art), The Atelier System Art Institute of California (Game Art and Design) B.S. (Transportation Design), Art Center College of Design Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 14 Anatomy (online) 4 Visual Effects for Games 1, Visual Effects for Games 2 5 Environment Design 5 Dynamics 3, Dynamics 4 Marantz, Jerad 2004 Art Center College of Design (Art) 9 Creature Design McClure, Stephen 1998 B.F.A. (Fine Art Photography), Art Center College of Design; B.F.A. (Photography), The Art Institute of Chicago. 20 Introduction to 3D Maya, Texture Mapping 1, Digital Photography, HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects, Matchmoving and Integration, Animation and Visual Effects, Lighting with Mental Ray Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 72

73 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT McDermott, Casey 2011 Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon; Butte College (Character Animation) 5 Character Animation 1, Animation Demo Reel Miller, Eric 2005 A.A., Diablo Valley College (Fine Art); Academy of Art University, San Francisco; Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 13 Hard Surface Texture and Shading, Texture and Shading 2, Texturing Shading 1 Moghadam, Shawn 2010 Mooy, David 2012 Mulqueen, Kyle 2011 B.S. (Transportation Design), Art Center College of Design B.S. (Manufacturing Engineering Technology), Brigham Young University Manufacturing B.A. (Illustration), University of Hartford; Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 8 Vehicle Design 22 Hard Surface Modeling 1 6 Introduction to Unreal, Environment Creation for Games Ortega, Miguel 2012 Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 9 Introduction to Digital Sculpting, Intro 3d Maya,, Photoshop, Texturing Shading 1 Pace Carstensen, Toni 2009 Pastrana, Robert 2010 B.A. (Experimental Psychology), Catholic University of America B.F.A. (Illustration), Art Center College of Design 7 Business of Production 22 Perspective, Color Theory and Light Pohl, Brian 2004 B.S. (Broadcast Design), Oral Roberts University 13 Previsulization and Animatics Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 73

74 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Roché, Mitchell 2011 B.A. (Theater), Cal State Northridge 13 Improvisational Acting Schauf, James 2013 Certificate (High End Computer Graphics), Gnomon 5 Hard Surface Modeling 2 (online) Schwartz, Lopsie 2013 B.A. (Social Sciences), U.C. Irvine 12 Material Indication (online) Shaw, Joshua James 2011 Shindell, Jay 2011 B.A. (Illustration), Columbus College of Art and Design B.A. (Cinema), University of Southern California 10 Advanced Digital Painting 20 Rotoscoping Shum, Jason 2011 Certificate (3D Animation And Visual Effects), Vancouver Film School; University of Saskatchewan (Fine Art), 13 Character Animation 4, Demo Reel: Animation for Video Games Silva, Edgar 2008 B.F.A. (Illustration), Art Center College of Design 7 Figure Drawing, Painting with Light, Color, and Composition, Anatomy, Costume Figure Drawing, Gesture Drawing Spencer, Maddie Scott 2006 B.F.A. (Animation), Savannah College of Art and Design 9 Intro to ZBrush, Creature Design, Advanced Digital Sculpting and Texturing (all online) Steiner, Ingrid 2013 M.F.A. (Humanities/Art History), California State University Dominguez Hills; B.A. (Art History), Randolph-Macon Woman s College 12 Art History 1, Art History 2 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 74

75 Appendix 6 INSTRUCTOR NAME INSTRUCTOR SINCE DEGREES HELD / CONFERRING INSTITUTION YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE COURSES TAUGHT Strong, Seth 2010 B.A. (Film/TV Broadcasting), California State University Los Angeles 6 Introduction to Compositing Targete, JP 2014 B.A. (Illustration), School of Visual Arts 20 Creature Design Tucci, Louie 2013 Young, Brandon 2013 B.A. (Brand Management), York University; Certificate (Business Management), Ryerson University A.A. (Animation And Design), Art Institute of Seattle 4 Intro to ZBrush (online) 5 Realflow Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 75

76 Appendix 7 DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE POLICY STATEMENT In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (EDGAR Part 86), Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F and California Drug Free Workplace Act of 1990 this institution is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and a drug-free school. Gnomon does not permit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances by its students and employees in any Gnomon facility or at any Gnomon function. Possession and use of medical marijuana is not allowed on school property or sponsored events. Gnomon adheres to and enforces all state underage-drinking laws. The sale, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on school premises or as part of any of its activities is strictly prohibited. Students and employees are required, as a condition of enrollment and/or employment, to abide by these policies. To the extent allowed Gnomon will impose disciplinary action against students and employees for violating school, local, state, or federal alcohol and drug policies and laws. These actions may include suspension, expulsion and termination of employment, referral for prosecution and/or required completion of a drug or alcohol rehabilitation or similar program. In addition to institutional sanctions, students and employees convicted of the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol could face local, state and federal legal penalties which include the loss of eligibility for federal financial aid, fines, imprisonment and the seizure of drug related assets. Drug awareness programs, counseling, treatment, rehabilitation and other related services are available on an ongoing basis to students and employees through the National Treatment Referral System 24-hour hotline ( HELP). This hotline number can tell you how and where to get help for alcohol and other drug problems. Students and employees seeking assistance in overcoming a drug or alcohol related problem are encouraged to contact this organization. Parental Notification Policy In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Gnomon reserves the right to notify the parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age, and the parents/guardians of dependent students, regardless of age, of any incident in which the student is found responsible for violating the school alcohol and drug policy. Special requirements for employees engaged on Federal or State contracts and grants This institution, as required by federal regulation (34 CFR and Appendix C), will report all employees convicted of a criminal drug offense occurring in the workplace to the U.S. Department of Education. Consistent with these same regulations, employees, as a condition of employment, are required to provide written notice to this institution of their conviction for a criminal drug offense occurring at the workplace within five (5) days after that conviction. In addition, students receiving Pell Grants who are convicted of a criminal drug offense during the period of enrollment for which the Pell Grant was awarded, are required by federal regulation to report that conviction in writing to the: Director of Grants and Services United States Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW. Room 3124, GSA Regional Office Bldg. #3 Washington, DC The report must be made within 10 days after the conviction. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 76

77 Appendix CAMPUS SECURITY ACT DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Gnomon prepares a report each year in compliance with federal law that discloses campus crime. The crime statistics are compiled using reports made to TVC security, Gnomon faculty and staff and the Hollywood Police Department. A copy of the crime statistics is filed with the U.S. Department of Education and is available online at ope.ed.gov/security. The Annual Security Report is published annually in compliance with the Campus Crime Statistics Act of The Campus Security Act (Public Law ) requires postsecondary institutions to disclose the number of instances in which certain specific types of crimes have occurred in any building or on any property owned or controlled by this institution which is used for activities related to the educational purpose of the institution and/or any building or property owned or controlled by student organizations recognized by this institution. In compliance with that law, the following reflects this institution's crime statistics for the period of 1/1/ /31/2014. This institution does not employ campus security personnel but encourages employees, instructors and students to immediately report suspected criminal activity or other emergencies to the nearest available campus security officer, school official and/or in the event of emergency to directly contact local law enforcement or other emergency response agencies by dialing "911". Only staff members, instructors, students and other parties having business with this institution should be on institutional property. Other individuals present on institutional property at any time without the express permission of the appropriate institutional official(s) shall be viewed as trespassing and may as such be subject to a fine and/or arrest. In addition, employees, instructors and students present on institutional property during periods of non-operation without the express permission of the appropriate institutional official(s) shall also be viewed as trespassing and may also be subject to a fine and/or arrest. 0ffense Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter Negligent manslaughter Sex Offenses, Forcible Sex Offenses, Non-Forcible Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Arrests Weapons: Carrying, possessing, etc Drug Abuse Violations Liquor Law Violations Disciplinary Referrals Weapons: Carrying, possessing, etc Drug Abuse Violations Liquor Law Violations Hate Crimes Larceny - Theft Simple Assault Intimidation Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property Though this institution does not offer regularly scheduled crime awareness or prevention programs, students are encouraged to exercise proper care in seeing to their own personal safety and the safety of others. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 77

78 Appendix 9 Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 78

79 Appendix 10 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Acting for Animators (3) To successfully simulate realistic movement, animators learn how the body reacts to emotions and environments. This course teaches students to better understand how to locate the emotional genesis, how to relate to that emotion and then animate it. Advanced Character Design (3) This course takes character design further by teaching students how to create characters that convey life and purpose. Students explore the use of photographic reference, textures and digital painting techniques in Adobe Photoshop to create production-ready character designs. Once the course is completed, students will be able to research, develop and create memorable and resonant character design. Advanced Compositing (3) Using real-world examples, students will utilize The Foundry's NUKE to further explore topics such as color space, bit depth and various film formats. Advanced keying, de-spill techniques, along with working with matte edges will also be covered in depth. Students will also learn how to import and export track data between NUKE and Autodesk Maya. The course also covers advanced colorcorrection (ranges, curves, targeting specific colors), blur and grain, warp and morph, shadow creation (direction, distance, soft or hard) and DOF (near versus far color, contrast, sat and environmental fog). Students learn to evaluate the best way to approach a shot and what tools provide the most viable solutions for a specific shot. Advanced Digital Painting (3) Building on the principals covered in Digital Painting, this course focuses on developing high-end concept art for the film and game industries. Emphasis is placed on originality, strong composition and dramatic lighting. Students have the opportunity to tailor their work to the style of their choosing, from realistic to highly stylized. There are weekly demonstrations and in-class assignments, as well as portfolio critiques and industry tips. Anatomy (3) In this course students learn the foundation of anatomy by exploring the structure of the human body. Technical concepts like skeletal structure, musculature and articulation will be combined with artistic elements like form, gesture and rhythm to provide students with an introductory but thorough knowledge of realistic and designed anatomy. Anatomy of Games (3) This course examines what makes certain games fun and successful. By delving into early games like dice and board games before moving into electronic and video games, the class will explore the roles that art, design and gameplay each employ in the creation of a successful game. The course will explore the history and principals behind some of the most successful games produced and will provide students with an analytical approach to creating both game art and game play. Animation and Visual Effects (3) The Animation and Visual Effects course exposes students to the methodologies by which high-quality effects are digitally achieved. Via discussions and lectures, students learn tools in context with how they are used in a production environment. This course focuses on the core tool set for producing motion keyframing, procedural modeling and animation, dynamics and sound synchronization. Students are guided to focus their skills on complexity, problem solving, design and motion. The first eight weeks are devoted to instruction and homework, as students proceed with the initial setup phases of their own personal projects. One-onone help and project guidance by the instructor occur weekly. Art History 1 (3) Art History 1 is a survey of architecture, painting, sculpture and related art forms created by early Western cultures and civilizations. Emphasis is placed on integrating the development of art forms with the geographic, social, political, philosophical and religious characteristics of cultures. Art History 2 (3) In this course, the visual arts of the Renaissance, Baroque and Modern periods in Europe are explored, with emphasis on the integration of the development of art forms with the geographic, social, political, philosophical and religious characteristics of these cultures. Art of Compositing (3) This course introduces the fundamental concepts and production practices used by professional Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 79

80 Appendix 10 compositors in the film industry. Using The Foundry's NUKE as the primary compositing software, the course will focus on teaching students the essential techniques necessary to create and problem-solve production level composites. Production situations and examples are used to explore techniques used for matte generation, tracking, color correction and image compositing. Business of Production (1.5) 3D Computer Animation and Visual Effects are collaborative industries. This five-week course explores the communication, planning skills and techniques required to establish a cooperative and creative atmosphere, conducive to creating greatlooking work on schedule and within budget. Topics covered include dealing with directors and team members, breaking down shots and translating that into a production plan and bid, making a presentation to a client, revising an original plan, building trust and understanding the multiple steps of digital production from start to finish. Career Realities (3) This course explores the realities of a career in the digital production industries, including visual effects, animation and game development. Lectures cover industry jobs, company types, working abroad, goalsetting and how to navigate a career in the entertainment industry. For five weeks, students create online portfolios that showcase their work and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired in their specialized program. Focus is placed on designing a simple web layout, interface design, user navigation and technical proficiency. Course lectures include lessons in personal brand identity, utilizing the web as a means to showcase artwork and demo reels, and learning the basics of HTML and CSS programming languages. Students design a layout mockup of their site then implement the design. Emphasis is placed on presentation skills and strategies suitable for gaining employment. Character Animation 1 (3) This course is an introduction to the art of 3D character animation in Autodesk Maya while focusing on the application of the 12 principles of animation. Production workflows and techniques will be thoroughly discussed and students will learn the fundamentals of animation: keyframing, tangents, graph editor, dope sheets and operating a character rig. Character Animation 2 (3) This course covers the process and techniques used to create believable and appealing bipedal body mechanics. The exploration of topics such as walking, running, jumping, throwing, and heavy lifting will be utilized to create physically accurate motion for bipedal characters. Character Animation 3 (3) This course will cover acting and performance aspects of character animation. Building upon the mechanical and technical concepts covered in the previous two animation courses, student will be introduced to methods for adding appeal, purpose and emotion to their character animations. Character Animation 4 (3) This course provides students with an in-depth look at facial animation and lip-sync techniques. The process of creating appealing facial animations that range from cartoonish to realistic will be covered in great detail. Students will learn to create strong facial expressions and emotionally convincing performances through expression along with the use of dialog. Character Creation for Games (3) This course will present the fundamentals in creating a deformable character for an interactive product. Subjects will include maximizing detail in your allowed triangle count and texture size, visual hierarchal detail, color theory, faked volume using light, and predictive creation. Many techniques will be presented on how best to deliver artistically creative character models that are optimized for game engines. Character Development (3) This class builds students' skills in character design including anatomy, form, costumes, story analysis and historical armors and weapons. Through extensive research on a literary character, students draw and then execute their own interpretations of that character in either an analog or a digital format. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $15 to $30. Character Modeling and Sculpting (3) This course guides students to build balanced bipedal characters through the application of anatomy and technical efficiencies, fusing the traditional art of sculpting human forms with digital modeling techniques. Autodesk Maya is used to build base meshes and Pixologic ZBrush for Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 80

81 Appendix 10 sculpting detail. Students focus on the technical processes needed to create high-quality, deformable, detailed production models while staying true to modeling's roots in classical sculpture by incorporating an understanding of structure, musculature and proportions. Lectures cover the use of anatomy as it pertains to modeling bipeds, as well as the technical needs for creating high quality deformable and detailed surfaces. Character Rigging for Production (3) Character Rigging for Production will give students the tools they need to tackle complex rigging situations encountered in the work environment. Throughout this course, students will explore the many different creative solutions offered by Maya, and leave with a good tool set to tackle any rigging challenge. Students will learn how to setup complex limbs, understand the needs of a production rig, and write tools to support team using their rigs. Character Rigging Fundamentals (3) This entry-level course introduces students to the features in Autodesk Maya that are used to create complex bipedal character rigs. Students will learn about joints, skins, forward and inverse kinematics, constraints and more in this step-by-step introduction to rigging in Maya. Character Design (3) The main focus of this course is teaching the process of character design in the entertainment field. Students develop characters from start to finish, going through the preproduction stages of research, "blue sky" and editing before a final presentation. Tools such as thumbnails, silhouette design, figure invention, props, costumes, character archetypes, marker sketches and digital painting are demonstrated in this course. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $50 to $75. Character Sculpture 1 (3) Knowledge of the traditional aspects of sculpture and character design enhance students' understanding and comprehension when modeling characters in Autodesk Maya. This course offers students more traditional options when designing and implementing characters into the 3D workspace..and uses a rudimentary approach to advanced techniques for establishing form and function. Beginning with learning to design a character, students learn armature construction, dynamic and neutral posing, and then concentrate heavily on primary and secondary form. Once established, students learn to detail sculptures with skin texture, wrinkles, scales, etc. Finally, students learn to polish sculptures to a professional finish using a variety of techniques. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $175 to $210 Character Sculpture 2 (3) Character Sculpture 2 reinforces the fundamental concepts of its predecessor while introducing more advanced concepts such as gesture, rhythm, negative space and structure as they pertain to fullbody characters and busts. This course uses intermediate to advanced techniques for establishing form and function. Once established, students learn how to detail sculptures with skin texture, wrinkles, scales, etc. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $100 to $150. Character Sculpture 3 (3) With over 60 hours of fundamental sculpture training preceding this class, Sculpture 3 focuses on the development of a conceptual piece through the creation of a life-sized character or creature bust. Students learn to correctly research and develop their ideas though multiple stages. These include creating a character's backstory, character ideation sketches, roughing out a quarter scale maquette and finally sculpting a life-size version. Students also share and critique each other's concepts in an open class forum for the betterment of their projects. This is a traditional portfolio building class. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $100 to $150. Character Texturing and Shading (3) This course expands students' knowledge of texturing and shading production-quality characters or creatures. Students explore the workflows, techniques and uses of photo references and texture libraries. Concepts such as creating believable eyes, skin (subsurface scattering), teeth, horns and clothing are emphasized. Software used includes Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, The Foundry's MARI and Pixologic ZBrush as they apply to character texturing and shader creation. Cinematography for Visual Effects (3) This course examines the relationships between traditional cinematography, visual effects and CG animation. A range of technical concepts and their practical applications are covered during lecture and class discussions including dynamic range, color Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 81

82 Appendix 10 temperature, green/blue screens, depth of field, digital video, film formats, match moving, motion control, film-to-digital and digital-to-film transfers, matte painting, stock footage, telecine, perspective, miniatures and models, rough and final layout, concept and key art, lighting and compositing concepts and digital storyboarding. Cloth, Hair and Fur (1.5) This five-week course focuses on the individual modules of ncloth, nparticles, nhair and Fur, culminating with integration of different systems using the nucleus solver. A portion of the course will be spent learning the specifics of how each module works, followed by effective and creative ways to use nucleus-driven modules in a workflow. Color Theory and Light (3) Students explore practical applications of the fundamentals of light and color for both 2D and 3D artists and learn how light works in the real world. Lectures cover topics such as bounced light, camera effects, shadows and atmospherics. The coursework demands going beyond basic color theory, Historic examples from paintings reinforce successful applications of color harmonies and atmospheric principles. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are $80 to $120.. Commercial Production Techniques (3) This course uses a hands-on and interactive approach to developing students' skills for creating photorealistic product renderings for broadcast, film and print. Students learn to creatively meld disciplines to develop and hone skills in creative seeing, lighting, lens work and composition. The main tool sets used in the course are Autodesk Maya, V-Ray, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Students approach and solve various creative issues found in everyday production, using examples from commercials and films. Students produce a number of highly developed stills and animations. Costumed Figure Drawing (3) This course explores drawing a fully-realized character in costume. Students will learn to analyze figures with special emphasis on understanding the anatomical form beneath the costume The course provides a strong foundation in figure construction, use of available landmarks and proportion. Gesture, volume, perspective and foreshortening are used to portray movement, personality, expression and storytelling. Assignments, both in and outside of class, expose students to issues that animators and character designers face in their profession. Creature Animation 1 (3) This course covers the basics of realistic creature animation. Using the skills and knowledge gained in the first two character animation coursees, students will learn how to animate a variety of quadrupeds and flying creatures. Concepts like weight, body mechanics and gate will be taught to ensure animations are aesthetically pleasing and believable. Creature Animation 2 (3) In this course students focus on creating quality animations of fantasy creatures. Core animation concepts are used alongside new techniques for making characters fly, swim and slither. Students will gain technical understanding of anatomy and locomotion and learn to analyze the motivations and limitations of fantastical creatures to create believable high-quality animations. Creature Design (3) In this course students learn the processes used to develop fantasy creatures. Anatomy, form, texture and detailing are used to create believable and appealing creature designs. Digital and traditional tools and techniques are leveraged to create production quality design work. Creature Modeling and Sculpting (3) Creature Modeling and Sculpting follows the pipelines learned in Character Modeling and Sculpting. Using Pixologic ZBrush as a foundation, students create initial creatures in class, with a focus on silhouette and gesture.this creature course is focused less on lecture and more on hands-on time with the instructor. Students create and design one rough creature a week for the first six weeks. Demos and lectures are focused on resolving pipeline issues that may occur during the process, such as baking normal maps using multiple UV sets and topology. Knowledge of polygon modeling and the ZBrush interface are required. Demo Reel (6) In this 10-week portfolio development course, students create five final deliverables. Each student has two weeks per design to model, texture, develop shaders, light, render. By the end of the term, students have a real understanding of what is needed to create projects for production in both film and/or games. Also, they gain five professional- Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 82

83 Appendix 10 quality pieces to add to their demo reel or portfolio to help them start their career. Design History (3) Design History discusses form, function and styling found in architecture, products and vehicles of the modern age. Students learn about the origins of design and its purpose throughout history and examine how designs influence everyday life. The course begins with the Arts and Crafts movement and explores how fine art influences mainstream products, architecture and automobiles. Students learn how technologies and concepts in design become the foundation of many film and games themes. Digital Matte Painting (3) This course includes hands-on intensive study of matte painting techniques used in background and establishing shots. Knowledge of color theory and multiple-point perspective is essential. Photorealism in painting is discussed using examples from both art and film and approaches to painting architecture, nature and interiors are also explored. Students are taken through the process of creating mattes utilizing traditional painting techniques, collages of imagery and working with the aid of simple 3D geometry. Lectures cover the use of keying, creating custom brushes and working with Adobe Photoshop's perspective tools. Autodesk Maya is used to project paintings onto 3D geometry in preparation for the final camera move Digital Painting (3) In this course students learn the basics of painting in Adobe Photoshop. Fundamental concepts such as perspective, value, color and composition are reinforced as students learn the painting tools and techniques of digital art production. Students learn digital painting process and technique through lectures, demonstrations, in-class exercises and homework. Technical concepts such as layers, blending and brush creation are also covered in this course. Digital Photography (3) This immersive course covers the basics of digital photography and its role in the visual effects and game industries. Specific topics covered include color correction, color grading, accurately photographing textures, spherical panoramic photography, high-dynamic range imaging, working with camera raw files, post-production workflow, color theory, lighting and composition. Digital Photography (3) This immersive course covers the basics of digital photography and its role in the visual effects and game industries. Specific topics covered include color correction, color grading, accurately photographing textures, spherical panoramic photography, high-dynamic range imaging, working with camera raw files, post-production workflow, color theory, lighting and composition. Digital Sets (3) This course provides a compressive examination of the techniques and strategies used to create rich and believable digital sets, environments and set extensions. Topics covered include a photography, photogrammetry, modeling, texturing, environmental lighting, as well as proper camera work, setup and composition. Digital Sculpting (3) This hands-on course introduces students to Digital Sculpting and its application in 3D art, 3D printing and illustration work. Students learn the interface, tools and workflows used to create and detail digital models and sculptures using Pixologic Zbrush. Production processes like importing, exporting and map generation will be also be addressed to ensure models and textures can be utilized in other 3D and 2D software. Dynamic Effects 1 (3) In this course students explore the foundation of Autodesk Maya's dynamics system, beginning with a mastery of Maya's native particle and advanced nparticle systems. Students learn how particle attributes work, explore techniques for particle emission, use particle emitters and creatively control particle motion with the use of fields with the goal of producing rendered particle-based effects that display natural behavior and appearance. Maya's tools for particle emission are analyzed, which includes point, particle/particle, curve and surface emitters. Students examine hardware rendering techniques and how to composite these renders into CG or live-action work. Examples demonstrated in this course include mist, steam, shockwaves, smoke, fire, sparks, dust, nebulae, stars, galaxies, pixie dust and many more commonly used effects. Dynamic Effects 2 (3) Through a comprehensive examination of particle emission, fields, goals, collisions, rigid and soft body dynamics, students will learn to create a wide range of dynamically driven effects. Discussions and Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 83

84 Appendix 10 demonstrations will illustrate ways to control particle appearances when rendered and composited to ensure production quality results. This course also provides an overview of Maya's ncloth and liquid simulation tools in the Nucleus dynamic system. Dynamic Effects 3 (3) This course focuses on Autodesk Maya fluid dynamics. Students learn to set up dynamic fluid simulations for production shot assets. Effects such as water, fire, clouds, dust and smoke are demonstrated. The course also covers the concepts for rendering fluids and compositing them into a shot. Beginning with the fundamentals of 3D and 2D fluids, along with their individual properties and options, students then learn the usage of each type of fluid and how to implement them as effects. Throughout the course, students are exposed to a wide variety of tools, techniques and effects. The goal of this course is for students to be able to recreate all the demonstrated effects, while also developing problem-solving skills. Dynamics Effects 4 (3) This course builds upon Dynamic Effects 1, 2 and 3 with real-world effects shot examples. Each week, students take the test example from the previous class and apply it to a visual effects shot complete with rendering and compositing. The goal of this course is for students to be able to recreate all the demonstrated effects, while also developing problem-solving skills. This course works through an effects sequence, building each shot up to a cohesive collection of full-screen effects examples. Students are tasked to come up with solutions presented in their respective shots using techniques they've learned. Students produce at least one demo reel-quality visual effects shot by the end of the course Engine Cinematics and Machinima (3) Machinima is the use of real time rendering technologies (typically game engines) to create a cinematic experience. When game companies create their engine cinematics, the assets and techniques they use are typically modified slightly from the rest of the game engine, whether by using higher resolution models and textures or a different set of camera controls. Composition and storytelling will be a primary focus in this real time cinematography class. All of these elements require the cinematic artist to have a slightly different skillset from many other game artists. This course covers the tools and techniques for creating real-time cinematic experiences. Environment Creation for Games (3) This course was designed to present students with the techniques currently used in game design. Course lectures include LODs (level of detail), vertex lighting, UV unwrapping for tile textures and other related topics. The main focus of this course is to better prepare artists for successful employment in the PC or console game industries. Lectures flow organically, driven by student questions and the instructor's critiques. Similar to a studio environment, students are required to adapt the game designer's vision into playable levels lead by the art director and producer. Environment Design (3) This course covers the basics of designing different types of environments for animation, film and games. Students learn perspective, composition, the tonal differences between interior and exterior environments, research techniques for believable detail, clear tonal reads and modeling within established values. Expressions and Scripting (3) Autodesk Maya's embedded language (MEL), in conjunction with Maya's expression language, offers unprecedented flexibility in the design of all aspects of 3D production, from particle system design and dynamics to modeling and character animation. This course offers an in-depth study of the advanced scripting techniques available in Maya, including interface design, scripting, utilities and procedures.. Figure Drawing (3) Drawing the figure is a foundational skill with applications in all aspects of artistic communication. This course analyzes the application of both traditional and unconventional principles and techniques for drawing the human figure using any instrument of drawing, whether it is graphite pencil, charcoal, paint or computer software. Students learn to analyze and conceive of free-flowing forms and explore principles that enable students to communicate more effectively in drawings. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $50 to $80. Film History (3) The importance of the visual arts in film, as representative of story and character, is emphasized as students study films from Metropolis to Blade Runner and the impact their concepts have had on culture, society and the industry. Production design, visual and practical effects, and character and Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 84

85 Appendix 10 costume design are discussed. Students are shown films with particular impact from throughout the medium existence and will, through lecture and analysis, learn how to break down visuals within a film. Game Creation 1 (Formerly Introduction to Unreal) (3) This course introduces students to the various elements of the Unreal 4 Engine: level layout, brush modeling, lighting, effects, shaders, game design, cinematics and more. This course also gives students an understanding of the game-making process, including level design, artwork and final polish. During this ten-week course, students design and create their own basic level. Game Creation 2 (3) Game Creation 2 focuses on creating immersive real-time worlds. The emphasis of the course is level design, including important concepts such as lighting and advanced texturing and shading workflows. Modular mesh assembly and terrain techniques allow large scale maps to be created while focusing on playability. The course also addresses controlling cameras, LOD swapping, level streaming and assembling a compelling experience. Game Creation 3 (3) The focus of Game Creation 3 is exploring the more technical side of designing an immersive real-time experience. Animation and script based elements drive interactive game time events like opening doors, creating damaged states of assets and importing and building playable and non-playable characters. Game Creation 4 (3) Game Creation 4 continues to explore interactive elements like dynamic simulation and animation. PhysX is used to create dynamic-driven events, like rag doll and ridged bodies. A comprehensive look at performance optimization and content management helps to create enjoyable experiences. The course guides students through the process of creating a fully playable build. Game Design (3) This course focuses on the fundamental ideas and techniques that define cogent game design and will provide students with the means to rapidly prototype their own games. Students will learn the most efficient methods to communicate the concepts and ideas of a game to others. Gesture Drawing (3) Complementary to Figure Drawing, this course focuses exclusively on gesture as applied to animation, centering on drawing from live models, both nude and costumed, in a variety of character and story-suggestive poses. By drawing quickly and spontaneously, students learn to be more creative, inventive and versatile. The central importance of acting is stressed so that students are trained to feel as well as see gestures. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $30 to $60. Graphic Design (3) While graphic design is used in an array of everyday items such as advertising, magazines and products, this course focuses on graphic design as a visual medium for both practical and entertainment purposes. Hard Surface Modeling 1 (3) Students learn the fundamentals of creating 3D models with polygon geometry. Lectures consist of the various production techniques of asset creation through the exploration of polygonal modeling and the preparation of constructed models for texturing. Students learn the basic toolset in Autodesk Maya and discuss the technical and aesthetic issues that modelers face while modeling environments, props and human-created items like buildings, furniture, appliances, weapons and more. Hard Surface Modeling 2 (3) This course teaches students how to model assets that are complex in both form and detail such as vehicles, robots and weapons. Lectures focus on the use of polygonal modeling tools in the development of form and detail, as well as production-specific issues pertaining to poly count, surface quality and texture preparation. Over the term, students become familiar with the techniques used to create highquality hard surface models efficiently. Students learn different modeling techniques from box modeling to sculpt and resurfacing and compare the strengths. Students complete two production-quality hard surface models (one model per five week period). Hard Surface Texturing and Shading (3) In this course, students will utilize a number of production texturing and shading techniques to add realistic finishes and surface qualities to complement their hard surface models. Using mental ray as the primary rendering solution, lectures will initially focus Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 85

86 Appendix 10 on capturing the correct shading qualities of materials including a variety of raw metals, glass, liquids, plastics, stone and wood surfaces. Relying heavily on material reference, students will add paint, distress, weathering, damage and decals using a combination of Adobe Photoshop and The Foundry s MARI to add visual complexity to their materials while also learning how to move assets efficiently between the various 3D and paint applications. Advanced layering and masking techniques will be demonstrated to add artistic control over surface qualities like surface roughness, reflectance, transparency, and scatter. History of Principles of Animation (3) This course introduces students to the history of and techniques of animation using the twelve basic principles of animation as a springboard into deconstructing both animated and live-action films. The traditional animation technique of pencil on paper are emphasized as students learn to address issues such as planning a scene, thumbnails, keys, extremes, volumes and mass. History of Visual Effects (3) From the earliest days of filmmaking, visual effects have been employed to create illusions of the fantastic. This course covers the history of visual effects from the first matte paintings and stop-motion animations up to the most outrageous effects used today. Improvisational Acting (3) In this course students learn to move and speak in the voice of their characters. This class focuses on the process by which animators organically develop a character around a set of circumstances. Through improvisational games and exercises, students learn a valuable acting process that will expand creativity and character development. Interview and Resume (1.5) This five-week course is designed to help students produce professional and successful job marketing campaigns directed towards companies specializing in computer graphics and visual effects for film, broadcast, gaming and Internet design. Students refine and prepare their resumes and demo reels Introduction to 3D with Maya (3) This course focuses on the basics of 3D computer graphics using Autodesk Maya. Students are introduced to the Maya interface and philosophy, as well as 3D modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering. Lectures cover the application of these tools in the film, television and game industries. The first eight weeks are devoted to instruction and homework, with one-on-one help from the instructor. The remainder of the term is devoted to personal projects, beginning in week five. Students complete the course with a series of stills. Introduction to Compositing (3) This course introduces the basic concepts inherent in combining separate 2D layers to create a final image. Through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on learning, students gain an understanding of the underlying technologies used. Topics covered include image sources, working with color and alpha channels, composition types using key frames and effect filters. Introduction to Houdini (3) This course introduces students to Houdini's interface and establishes familiarity with the software and then presents Houdini's powerful step-by-step procedural approach, which allows for substantial variation in results and a faster production workflow. Examples include driving animation with audio data, modifying geometry using moving image sequences, particle animation setup and basic shader creation. Coursework covers Houdini's unique approach of SOPs and VOPs, rendering, attributes, shaders and modification. The course is structured around the creation of a portfolio project so that students complete the class with a demo reel-ready sequence. Level Design (3) The focus of this course is clarifying level design, and its process of defining and generating the playable space of the game. The design of a level allows a game to evolve according to the rules and conditions set forth in the game design process. The level designer is responsible for creating a variety of gameplay elements and scripted events that occur at defined points within a level. Working closely with a team of environment artists, they bring the finished environment assets into the game s play space. The level designer must prioritize game function over artistic aesthetic to ensure smooth and seamless gameplay. Lighting and Rendering with Mental Ray (3) This course introduces students to the mental ray renderer as it is implemented in Autodesk Maya including the core features unique to mental ray such as global illumination, final gather, caustics, Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 86

87 Appendix 10 subsurface scattering, ambient occlusion and HDRI. Lectures focus on the aesthetics of quality lighting, production considerations and the physics of natural light, and are illustrated with various deconstructed images. This course utilizes production-style shot reviews and critiques. Students enhance their practical and aesthetic skills via a final project that demonstrates their comprehensive understanding of the game, television and film applications of material covered in this class. Lighting and Rendering with V Ray (3) This course introduces students to uses of the V-Ray renderer as it is implemented in Autodesk Maya. Throughout the course, students learn the fundamentals of lighting with V-Ray in multiple situations and styles, shading and texturing techniques with V-Ray materials, global illumination, advanced render layer setups and using render layers and passes inside of The Foundry's NUKE. Course instruction examines adjusting, tuning and troubleshooting V-Ray through real-world examples. The coursework is structured around weekly exercises in lighting to familiarize students with the rendering engine culminating in a final project. Look Development (3) This course is an in-depth introduction to the tools and techniques of look development for film and broadcast. Lectures and demonstrations cover intermediate to advanced shading, texturing and surface principles. The course delves into the mental ray and V-Ray shading and texturing techniques that give surfaces their on-screen look. Principles discussed include light and reflection, refraction and other surface qualities. Scene files are set up for reverse engineering to help show the technical challenges that occur on a production. Several outof-the-box surface nodes are used for fine bump, fine displacement, among others. The course aims to educate students on various surface qualities to achieve their desired result with a deeper understanding of materials. Matchmoving and Integration (3) This course is an overview of the commercial production process and focuses on integrating 3D elements into live back plates. Over the term, students learn the techniques of integrating and tracking 3D animation and special effects into live footage in order to produce CG integrated shots for inclusion on students' demo reels. Production tricks and techniques are addressed through in-class demonstrations and student projects. A variety of effects work from film and television is analyzed, focusing on how the final result was achieved. While this course provides the fundamentals of compositing, the focus is on learning the essential techniques necessary to problem solve difficult composites. Motion Graphics 1 (3) Motion Graphics introduces students to the creation of motion graphics for film and television. Students explore how motion design is utilized in feature film title sequences, film and broadcast trailer graphics, branding, show openings and popular commercials. Students receive information on the essential elements of motion graphics, including typography, style frame creation, animation, delivery and presentation. Emphasis is on design, conceptualization and the ability to sell ideas in a professional environment. Students also learn to use Adobe After Effects and MAXON Cinema 4D in a production environment. Rendering, compositing and typical delivery specifications are also covered. Motion Graphics 2 (3) This course emphasizes sophisticated design, advanced 2D/3D animation, illustration, storyboarding and visual effects for motion graphics. This course also includes a more advanced approach to the technical aspects of motion graphics, including green screen compositing, audio, tracking for motion graphics, multi-layer rendering, particle effects, dynamics and flawless delivery. Stereographic motion graphics production is also touched upon due to its demand in the industry. Real-world client scenarios are explored and students learn a basic approach to pitching their ideas. A working knowledge of Adobe After Effects, MAXON Cinema 4D and Adobe Photoshop is required. Overview of Visual Effects and Games (3) This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the phases, artists and processes involved in the production of content for film, broadcast and games. Students learn the different types of facilities that produce VFX media, from small to large, and how their pipelines may differ. This course also explores the tasks that artists complete on a daily basis, including storyboarding, design, animatics, modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, animation, motion capture, effects, compositing and game engines. With the convergence of techniques used in the film and game industries, students learn where techniques Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 87

88 Appendix 10 have become virtually the same and what makes each industry unique. This also includes discussion about the various software tools used in the industry and where each fits into pipelines. Enrollees are expected to cover travel costs that may incur from off-site field trips estimated $20 to 30. Perspective (3) A representation of the 3D world on a 2D surface requires a thorough foundation in the principles of perspective. This course teaches students how to approach a variety of subject matters including architecture, the human figure, products and vehicles. Students learn to utilize the rules of one-, two- and three-point perspective while sketching and storyboarding. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $50 to $80. Photoshop for Digital Production (3) Adobe Photoshop is the most commonly used application for creating computer-generated art. Its applications are wide reaching, ranging from its beginnings in photography to applications in the 3D visual effects world. Understanding how to use Adobe Photoshop's tools and techniques is necessary for any digital artist. This course begins with an exploration of the interface and tools, providing a working foundation. In the following weeks, the course covers tools for photographic retouching, color treatment, use of layers and selections, photographic manipulation and finally the use of Photoshop as a production tool in the 3D pipeline. Previsualization and Animatics (3) From script to screen, this class examines the digital previsualization planning and technical processes of modern filmmaking. Traditionally, storyboards have been the primary method of conceptual discovery for the director. Today, previs supplements process with the advantage of computer animation. Using computer animation and modeling techniques, directors can now watch complicated sequences before they're ever shot on film, allowing experimentation with different staging and art direction options such as lighting, camera placement and movement, stage direction and editing without having to incur the costs of actual production. Principles of Animation (3) This course introduces students to the history of and techniques of animation using the 12 basic principles of animation as a springboard into deconstructing both animated and live-action films. Product Design (3) This course explores the visual language of various styles and time periods (past, present and future) to develop students' ability to execute conceptual props and products based on a script. Props and Weapons for Games (3) This course presents the fundamentals for creating weapons, props and vehicles for video games. Even with today's video game technology, model resolution is always limited to a specific polygon count. Prop modelers must know how to design geometry within the limitations set by game technology without sacrificing the integrity of the conceptual design. This course presents techniques for best delivering artistically creative models that are optimized for real-time engines. Realflow (3) This course introduces students to the basics of Next Limit RealFlow, beginning with workflow and interface and quickly moving to in-depth topics. Students learn to create, refine and render production-quality fluid simulations. Topics covered include emitters, particle parameters, daemons, importing and exporting data, Hybrido Solver, rigid body and soft body techniques and pipeline integration with Autodesk Maya. Emphasis is placed not only on understanding the tools and techniques, but on designing an appealing visual effects shot. Rotoscoping (1.5) Rotoscoping, frame painting and wire removal are all part of a cleanup or preparatory process used in visual effects. These techniques are used to either remove unwanted parts of a film frame in a sequence or to mask out parts of the frame to be composited elsewhere. This five-week course uses examples of digital video live action imagery to demonstrate the use of various roto, paint and wire techniques for visual effects production. Students are able to develop their own visual effects shot using 2D, 3D and filmed elements in a composited shot. Scripting for Production (3) Much of Autodesk Maya's flexibility rests on its ability to design and script custom tools and procedures that can be used in specific production pipelines. The Python language is richly featured and widely used. Its inclusion into Maya 8.5 makes its power available to creators of 3D content. The course focuses on using MEL and Python to create tools and interfaces Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 88

89 Appendix 10 for speeding up daily work and automating complex repetitive tasks. Students learn to create production tools from geneses and manipulate existing scripts. Shave and a Haircut (1.5) Shave and a Haircut is a powerful plugin for Autodesk Maya that creates realistic and dynamic moving hair effects. This five-week course covers the creation of hair-based effects for characters ranging from development of a head of hair to fullyfurred creatures. Lectures are a blend of technical and esthetic hair creations. Students learn the software's intricacies in a moderately-sized production pipeline, including the grooming of hair, painting attribute maps, proper modeling and UV mapping for optimal performance, dynamics, compositing and creating great looking fur and hair with realistic rendering. Students taking this course should be familiar with dynamics-based animation, rendering tools within Maya and mental ray. Story Development (3) The development or adaptation of a story into an animated project requires multiple processes and revisions from pitch to final boards to execution. Students learn what makes a story engaging both visually and verbally through analysis. This class allows students to experiment with story development and prepare a final project created either as an individual or in a group. Storyboarding (3) This course introduces the film grammar necessary for a career in film or special effects. Storyboard drawings, which map out camera angles, continuity and lighting, create a guide for effects artists. Through an analysis of scripts, character and set design, students translate these elements into finished storyboards. As an exercise, storyboards from major motion pictures are compared shot-forshot to images from the films. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $10 to $30. Surface Modeling (3) This class offers in-depth training on the suite of NURBS modeling tools as they pertain to hard shell surfaces. This includes the modeling of props, products, automotive forms, architecture and environments. Within these surface types, techniques for modeling are factored based on speed, accuracy and level of detail. Students receive in-depth training on advanced modeling tools, as well as case-specific techniques for optimized modeling of architecture, vehicles, products and environments. Students learn a variety of modeling styles, from quick mock-ups to refined productionquality surfaces. Modeling tools explored include polygonal, NURBS and subdivision surfaces. Conversions between model-types is also demonstrated. Texture and Shading 1 (3) Within Maya s Hypershade, artists can create a variety of unique textures and materials that can be assigned to their models. This course is designed to expose students to the various techniques available for designing materials and textures that can then be mapped to their models. Students learn to use texture techniques as tools to achieve a level of complexity that would be too difficult or too computationally expensive by modeling alone. Beginning with material studies and building shading networks within Maya's Hypershade, students first learn to replicate real-world materials in Maya. Next, students are introduced to the multiplicity of texture nodes, utilities and techniques including parametric and UV mapping, bump and displacement mapping and projection mapping/baking to apply textural detail to 3D models. Students will be expected to create their own custom image-based textures and apply them using techniques demonstrated in the course lectures to create a more realistic set of materials. The course culminates with a final project of students' choosing that will be developed throughout the course. Texture and Shading 2 (3) The course begins by exploring the fundamentals of the texture painting process using Adobe Photoshop to generate rich and complex surface textures that can be easily controlled using Photoshop s advanced layering capabilities. Students then learn how to extract a variety of control maps including specular, roughness, bump and displacement maps and utilize those maps in a shading network in Maya. Students learn how to translate these concepts to MARI. After a comprehensive overview of the MARI interface, tools and settings, students explore more advanced layering, masking and texture generation processes. Class discussions and demonstrations include methods for handling complex scenes and assets, importing assets into MARI, managing layers, channels and shaders within MARI, and finally exporting textures from MARI that can be used within Maya. The course culminates with a final project. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 89

90 Appendix 10 Timing for Animation (3) This course teaches students to apply 2D animation techniques to computer animation. From the bouncing ball with attitude to a fully developed character, students learn to create personality and character through timing. Different methods of animating a scene on paper and techniques for translating drawings to 3D are addressed. UI Design (3) A successful user interface (UI) is designed using both creativity and logic. In games, the prime objective of a UI is to provide a player with relevant information quickly and clearly, while maintaining functionality without being a distraction during gameplay. In this course, students will gain insight into the process of creating a workable UI while exploring the history and theory of good UI design. Vehicle Design (3) This courses teaches students to sketch, style and render vehicles in digital entertainment, including crafts designed for land, water, air and space. Students learn design cues that allow the audience to understand vehicles' roles in narratives and how visual language can illustrate vehicles' purposes. Visual Communication 1 (3) In this course students learn to recognize and effectively utilize forms to communicate ideas, even very complicated or abstract ones. Time is spent on value, shade, shadow, perspective and composition. Visual Communication 2 (3) A continuation of Visual Communications 1, this course focuses on developing design, sketching and illustration techniques as they apply to industrial design. Visual Effects for Games 1 (3) In this course students learn to design, create and optimize visual effects for video games. Students create special post-process effects used to enhance the overall look of a video game. Lessons focus on the use of 3ds Max and the Unreal Development Kit, the same game engine used by hundreds of studios to create their games, allowing students to become rapidly efficient with the main middleware. Visual Structure (3) This course guides students towards a better understanding of script/story analysis and interpretation as it applies to the entertainment industry. This is a drawing intensive course and includes a fair amount of reading. Students learn to dissect stories and discuss how personal and cultural perspectives inform interpretation. Zoological Drawing (3) This course is an intermediate studio course that teaches students to sketch and draw animals. In addition to on-site visits by animals and their handlers, students take field trips to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Equestrian Center in Burbank and other offcampus locations. Initial emphasis is on the construction of the subjects from within as opposed to simple outward appearances. Students are expected to utilize anatomy, proportion and analysis of character movement. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of admission and supplies, or any other expenses that may incur from off-site field trips, estimated to be $50 to $80. Visual Effects Design (3) The course focuses on the preproduction stages of visual effects. Based on a shot list, each element is separated into the visual components required. Students develop a complete plan for the implementation of a visual effects shot that enables them to start the creation of shot elements. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 90

91 Appendix 10 ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS For electives, students may take course for which they have sufficient skills. Advanced Drawing (3) Drawing the human form in a dynamic way typically requires capturing the form while in motion. This course builds upon knowledge gained in previous figure drawing courses and will focus on teaching students to observe and recreate the human form while in motion. Broad actions are reduced to a series of poses to isolate key gestures within these actions. Students will learn to examine various muscle groups, identifying areas of relaxation and tension, while also studying the use of concepts like balance, counter-balance and gravity to generate a more dynamic form. Advanced Techniques in Houdini (3) Advanced Techniques in Houdini takes a more indepth look at creating a variety of effects using Houdini. The course delves deeper into dynamic operators and using various rigid body solvers, including the Bullet solver, to produce more accurate rigid body simulations. Students learn to fracture objects in various ways, including art-directed precollision fracturing and dynamic physically-based fracturing, and the various ways in which RBDs interact, including constraints and relationships. Grid-based fluids and particle based fluids are covered as well as volumetric fire and smoke effects, cloth, wire dynamics, CHOPs and VEX. This course emphasizes the use of expressions and will explore the new Houdini DOPs particle system and how it integrates into other dynamic solvers. Anatomy in ZBrush (3) This course explores skeletal anatomy, focusing on boney landmarks and human musculature, while working in Pixologic ZBrush. Lectures address how age and gender affect the proportion and structure of human physiology. To develop an in-depth understanding of constructive anatomy, numerous body types will be compared to the archetypical human structure. Animation for Games (3) This course covers the process and practices of creating character animation for the games industry. Students will learn the technical and artistic process of game animation while adhering to the needs of game engines. The class will also provide a better understanding of movement, mechanics and purpose through the interactive medium. Environment Modeling and Sculpting (3) This class covers the creation of dynamic environments in 3D. Going through the processes of interpreting concept art, blocking out the environment, modular modeling, sculpt mesh preparation, sculpting and map creation, students learn the nuances of environment creation. Facial Rigging (3) This course focuses on topics related to advanced facial deformations for characters. Special attention is given to realistic human faces and their range of motion. Topics include facial anatomy, expression and emotion, lip sync and setting up intuitive controls for animation. Soft eyes, sticky-lips and tongue rigs will also be demonstrated. Figure Drawing 2 (3) This course focuses on the observation and recreation of the figure in motion. Lectures include the study of relaxation versus tension and the use of balance, counter balance and gravity to bring movement and drama to figure drawings. Houdini Effects (3) Side Effects Houdini, one of the most powerful 3D packages available, is used by many preeminent production studios to produce technically complex effects. Students are introduced to a series of effects problems during this course that will require learning Houdini's procedural workflow. This gives students valuable knowledge on how to scale visual effects elements to fit multiple shots in their sequences. Lessons focus on geometry in forms not discussed in other applications, dynamics in a range of uses, particles as more than previously understood and shaders used in effects (i.e. not lighting). The goal of this class is to provide a foundational understanding of Houdini's various contexts and allow artists to create effects in ways they've never imagined. Lighting and Rendering with Arnold (3) Solid Angle's Arnold render is a new, unbiased, physically based, path tracing rendering engine that has taken the industry by storm. Arnold is highly customizable and handles extremely large data sets, but maintains simple workflows. The course covers the entire process of building materials, lighting and rendering for film and commercial production using Arnold. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 91

92 Appendix 10 Long Pose Figure Drawing (3) By developing students' understanding of lighting, value structure and composition, this course encourages students to refine their figure drawing skills and deepen their understanding of the human form. Taking the time to draw figures in detail is an essential preparation for both traditional and digital painting. Motion Capture with Motion Builder (3) This course covers several areas of a motion capture production pipeline for film and games. Topics covered include character preparation, post capture data processing and clean up, re-targeting and character solving fundamentals, motion editing, prepping files for final animation and a full shoot on a motion capture stage. Students also learn virtual production concepts, previsualization and layout in MotionBuilder. Natural Environments with Maya (3) This course explores a variety of tools and techniques for creating natural outdoor environments. From rocky mountainscapes to lush forests, lectures delve into how to build complex realistic scenes that include terrain building, rocks, plants, grass and trees. Modeling, layout, texturing, shaders and lighting and rendering with mental ray are demonstrated in detail. Both manual and procedural methods are utilized, as well as techniques for populating scenes with instancing, proxies and scripts. While working knowledge of Maya, Photoshop and ZBrush is required, other tools will be introduced for beginners including Paint Effects, Onyx, IvyGen and World Machine. At the end of the course, students understand how to design and create complex photoreal landscapes. Photoshop for Concept Design (3) This course introduces students to using Adobe Photoshop for creating concept art and designs. Covering specific workflows, techniques and customization, this course teaches tools and tips specific to creating high-end concept art for film and games. Texture Painting with MARI (3) This course takes a comprehensive look at the process of texture painting using The Foundry's MARI, a flexible, cutting-edge application that allows users to paint directly onto 3D models using MARI's powerful layer-based paint system. Lectures focus on the workflow of production texture painters, and will explore the use of MARI's tools, including the paint buffer, UDIM, shaders, mask stacks, adjustments and more. Students gain experience with the artistic principles and highly specialized techniques that are the core of texture painting. Visual Effects for Games 2 (3) Building upon skills developed in Visual Effects for Games 1, this course takes students abilities to design, create and optimize visual effects for video games to the next level. Painting with Color, Light and Composition (3) Painting from direct observation using the costume figure as a subject matter, this introductory painting course focuses on light, value, color and design. Students learn to observe, identify and mix accurate value and color relationships. The light constantly changes to emphasize how the function of light dictates the relationships we see. Emphasis is put on solving the problems of representing the figure in space by applying the elements of composition, perspective, value and color. Students learn to break subjects down, simplify and see composition design. Most importantly, learning how to mentally organize and prioritize the student's problem solving and working process. Enrollees are expected to cover the cost of supplies, which are estimated to be $90 to $130. Gnomon Catalog 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA gnomon.edu 92