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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Animation Mentor looking to host live Improv Class in the Bay Area: looking for your feedback

I had lunch today with Rebecca Stockley and Luci Napier. We were discussing the possibility of doing a live, in-person improv class for animators. Rebecca has taught improv to Pixar, DreamWorks and Disney animators. She knows her stuff and I think these classes could be a HUGE value add to people who experience "animators block." Who doesn't experience that stuff?!

She was discussing charging $250 for a 6 week training session meeting once a week for 3 hours. I wanted to put this out there to see if this is something people would be interested in. It would be a physical workshop in the Bay Area and one that we may open up to the general animation community. Please post your thoughts, suggestions and comments here. This could be the beginning of something really cool and is something that could possibly spread to other areas of the world depending on the need.

32 comments:

  1. The Rebecca Stockley lecture during AM was one of my all time favorite lectures. She made a huge impression on me, and I would LOVE to be part of something like this.

    (But I have to get a job first Then I would be all over that!)

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  2. Ooh, this sounds like fun. Would be interested! :D

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  3. If I lived near there, I would definately go. I should probably get out and do some improv around here. I'd be interested in video of this as well.

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  4. Sounds great, I don't live near SF, andI couldn't spend that much time there. It would be cool if it were a few days straight surrounding AM gatherings in SF. Just a thought.

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  5. I live in SF and would love to take some improv classes.

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  6. I would love to see you guys record the lecture so all of us AM students can see it on the site. :)

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  7. Aww man Bobby that would be awesome!
    and what a bargain!
    lol, I would want to move down to San Francisco if you started that class. :)

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  8. I'd be all over that if I lived out there!
    In addition to this being a potentially regular course, I think the idea of having a workshop session (6 classes in 6 days?) around an AM event would be super awesome for all of us who are not in the area but might make an extended trip for the BBQ/graduation/etc.

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  9. Totally awesome ! Now I feel more and more to move to SF !

    Wish there was some such kind of improv for Animators in my place too.(Mumbai, India) :-(

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  10. Oh man, I wish I was close by.
    I went through the entire Improv Olympic program in LA and loved every class!

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  11. sounds cool! Shame I'm 7,000 miles to the Left in the UK though. Bit I agree with Jason. Maybe having a few hours class around the main AM events would let people go to them in person.

    It would be good to have another lecture like missp says.

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  12. This idea is GOLDEN... can lodging be planned/organized for those of us how are traveling from far far away? (for extra charge)

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  13. I live in San Francisco and would be really interested in this!

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  14. I'm definitely interested in this and would jump in right away! :)

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  15. Yah! It would definitely be a good opportunity if it can be a few days intensive course so for people like me who doesn't live near the bay area can just go down for a trip for a week and do this. Thanks

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  16. Great feedback so far! Keep 'em comin'.

    1. Have the event be more condensed into consecutive days instead of once a week.

    2. Organize this around other AM events such as graduation or Siggraph so people can dove tail trips into this type of event.

    3. Film the class - however, we're not so inclined to do this as improv is one of those things MUCH better experienced than watched. We'll kick this one around.

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  17. I started doing improv just before i stated attending mentor, and it has helped me out a lot, not just in animation but in everyday life, improv is a great tool to have underneath your belt,i am actually about to graduate from my improv school this month and it has been a blast , never in a million years would i of thought that i would be a improviser performing in front of crowds, it as helped me while being at mentor also, open up a whole range of ideas, and really taught me more about getting into character, emotions and body language. I recommend everybody to try t not just animators

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  18. That sounds like a fantastic Idea. When can you deliver that to LA?

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  19. Please film the class.So people all over the world could benefit from it.

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  20. In addition to Jason´s suggestion on a week workshop...depending on how long lessons have to be, if you are not local, you may want to take more than one workshop to make the best out of your time there. Last year Cris Derochie and a group of mentees made a little observation exercises after graduation ceremony and for me was just a great learning experience.

    So I like the idea of continuing education in the form of workshops on dates close to AM job fairs.

    I short...I would be in! :D

    adiós!

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  21. yeah... although it's been said that filming it would not be the best idea, watching it is still better than NOT experiencing it... ;)
    it would be really great having one of these events here in Brazil, but I don't see it happening in a easy and cheap and fast way...
    looking forward to see it on tape...

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  22. Yes! I live in Emeryville and would be very interested. Rebecca's AM lecture was awesome!

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  23. i'll be sure to make it if it doesnt interfere with my work time.

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  24. W A R N I N G:

    Rebecca was my first improv teacher...and after that class my life changed forever!

    And I am deeply grateful to her.

    It sounds like an improv class but it could be something much more.

    Run to this class. Her experience at Pixar and with improv make her a uniquely skilled trainer for animators!

    Enjoy.

    William Hall
    www.ImprovPlaybook.com

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  25. This would be an amazinng addition to animation mentor. I would love to take the course.

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  26. That is so amazing!! I could definitely make it out to SF for that!

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  27. Awesome! Thanks for the input and feedbacks. Looks like something we will definitely explore in the not too distant future! WOOT WOOT!

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  28. Great idea! i probably would take the classes myself if i find a nanny for stella!

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  29. i think this is a really great idea. i dont see why u cant have it live on AM site while doing it or at least filmed, so we could practice at home too :D

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