The 3D Animation Program is designed for creative individuals who want to tell stories through animation.
Through industry-standard software and practical instruction, students develop a professional portfolio within one year.
The 3D Animation Program is a project-based, one-year program focused on building a professional demo reel. Students use industry-standard software such as Maya while developing skills applicable to film, television, and video game production.
The Rais Difference
- High quality education with significantly more affordable tuition than out-of-province schools.
- Small class sizes taught by instructors with real industry experience in animation and production.
- An intensive, hands-on curriculum built around real projects.
- Continued access to faculty and facilities as valuable resources beyond graduation.
- A professional facility open to students and alumni from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.
Term Start Date: January 2027
Class Time: 9:00am – 2:30pm (Mon-Fri)
Total Instructional Hours: 1160 hrs
Total Weeks: 50
COURSE OUTLINE
TERM 1 (2 months)
This term introduces students to foundational animation principles and the core skills required for 3D animation. Students learn the 3D animation production pipeline, from concept to completion, and are introduced to Maya, the industry-standard 3D animation software.
Outcomes:
• A foundational understanding of the 3D animation production pipeline
• Introductory experience working in Maya
• An understanding of core animation principles and workflows
TERMS 2-4 (6 months)
These terms focus on project-based work designed to build professional demo reel material. Students complete a series of guided projects in a production-style environment similar to a professional studio. Through this work, students develop skills in pre-production, modeling, UV layout, texturing, surfacing, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing using industry-standard tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine, After Effects, and Photoshop.
Outcomes:
• Multiple completed projects suitable for a demo reel
• Practical experience across key areas of the 3D animation pipeline
• Experience working within production-style workflows and deadlines
TERM 5 (4 months)
Students define and pitch the focus of their final project to instructors. Once approved, students begin advanced work in their chosen area of specialization. Instruction during this term includes increased one-on-one guidance, refinement of technical skills, and management of a full production schedule. Alongside production, students focus on demo reel development and professional preparation, including portfolio presentation and career readiness. Students complete and finalize their demo reel by the end of the term.
Outcomes:
• A completed final project demonstrating advanced skills in a chosen focus area
• Experience managing a full production schedule from planning to final delivery
• Preparation of a CV, demo reel, and professional online presence
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
• A professional demo reel showcasing completed 3D animation projects
• Practical experience working through the full 3D animation production pipeline
• Experience using industry-standard software including Maya
• Portfolio-ready work suitable for entry-level opportunities or independent project development
• An understanding of professional workflows, deadlines, and collaboration
OPTIONAL COMPUTER LAB TIME
The animation studio is available to students from 1pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday, for both school and personal projects. Students also receive access to a Maya license while enrolled at RAIS, allowing them to continue working on class projects outside the facility.
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