THE EXPERIENCE:
A student sits in the silent, save the purr of the state-of-the-art G5 computers, digital media hub. Through his headphones, he is gently nudging one audio track on a multi-layered video. The audio, that of the doppler effect from a freight train arriving and passing, directly contrasts the video of children playing on a swing-set. The video has been manipulated, not extravagantly, to resemble a yellow-shifted 8mm film. After several minutes of reflection, the seven-second scene is complete. Onto the next clip.

In the adjoining room, another student hovers over a glowing animation table, a round sheet of glass about the size of a platter. On this table several sheets of translucent vellum are being flipped between her left fingers, trying to capture the subtle movements of a character turning at the waist. Some might consider this form of animation to be antiquated in the realm of computer animation, but it reinforces a basic fact – drawing is the essence of animation. There is time for computers later. Small but clear changes are made to smooth a rough edge, give sensibility to the motion and make it come alive. After all this effort, less than 1/4 of a second of animation is refined. A good day's work.

A third student is at the lakefront, videotaping the waves and seagulls. The final piece, now only a vague idea, will incorporate video, computer animation, and fully utilize the new sound recording studio.

At MIAD, Time-Based Media is an amazing hybrid of video and animation, with you as the focal point. Sophomore year sets the stage; you will take coursework in video, animation and sound production. You will be stripped from your attachment to commercial media work, and be presented with the media blank, in the same way a painter is presented a raw canvas – endless potential. You will be given the skills and latitude to create your own unique approach to narrative, technique, presentation.

Time-Based Media is driven, in large part, by technology, which is a potentially dangerous trap. You may expect the technology to dictate your style, imagery, concept, content, story, idea. But in fact, it is the other way around. Concept, idea and content always come first, and the technology follows that lead. And the technology at your fingertips is formidible: fully loaded G5 towers, high end digital cameras, animation tables and stands, a professional quality sound recording studio, an auditorium for final presenation. Software includes Final Cut Pro HD, Soundtrack, Motion, After Effects, LightWave, Maya Wavefront, Flash and much more.

Upon junior year, there are three main tracks to choose from: video, animation or time-based media (a combination of both). Within these tracks there continues to be much flexibility, with the tracks as a framework of intent. Production techniques are expanded, the role of the computer expands and clarifies. By senior year, you will have a strong body of work which focuses on your particular approach. You will be prepared to enter the professional commercial workforce within the video or animation industry; you may also choose to create independent, personal work as a time-based fine artist. The opportunities are only limited by you.