Also, why is it that a certain CB blog admin seems to not take into consideration that the remaining nine old men (most notably, Frank and Ollie) who lived to see the fruition of CG loved what they saw when it succeeded in achieving goals they had set for themselves: great characters, great story?

I think CG’s doing GREAT in it’s evolution as a medium, especially when compared to the evolution of 2D. Albeit, 3D has the advantage of being shepherded by the collective experience of almost a century. Nevertheless, I don’t think that serves to discredit contributions made by those new to the medium or, more importantly, the accomplishments within the medium itself.

I established the animation department at the Art Institute of California-San Diego 7 years ago,and worked there for 7 years.We went from a total enrollemnt at the school starting at 400 students (in All of the programs offered) to this year,1000 students in the animation program alone,the whole school has 2500 students altogether.

I noticed that as we began to be succesfull with the school and my curriculum,some of the staff that I hired decided to divide the animation program into a 2d curriculum,and a 3d curriculum.They also split the department into Game art and Media arts and Animation?

The reason was for “marketing”,which I understand.Business is business,but it does also “market”this divisive 3D versus 2D mentality that is overall detrimental to the future of our various bussinesses within the animation community.
It only leads to the type of short sided observations expressed in this article by it’s author.(I am not very objective in my opinion,so it is what it is).

I believe we were stronger when we promoted an animation department.When I chose to become an animator,I never defined what type of medium I want to animate in…I simply love to animate,whatever the medium!I graduated from the experimental animation department at CalArts in 1985,and my mentor Jules Engal promoted every animation medium known at that time,and never discriminated between any medium.I feel comfortable that I have more than one option to express myself in the animation art form!

It is irresponsible to promote a 2D versus 3D mentality,or I should say,to set up the dynamic where these divisions can be fostered.As parents and adults,we must take responsibility for the direction and messages that we deliver to the new generation of animators,and know that it is “okay”to educate your mind and revise your opinion.

I am like a proud father whenever my students gain employment in the animation field,whatever the medium.It does not matter if they are animating on a feature film,or a forensics film,it’s all good,because it all takes talent.

It’s 2008 people,and we should celebrate our options.Learning new techniques is difficult,but not impossible,and new knowledge does not invalidate the methods we currently have mastered.

Best regards,
Jerry Brice
(aka 1Malcolmlee)