Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Animation & Digital Arts Program be offered?

Classes for the Animation & Digital Arts Program begin in Fall 2012. The FSU College of Motion Picture Arts is now accepting freshman and transfer applications.

Where will the Animation & Digital Arts Program be offered?

All classes in the Animation & Digital Arts Program are delivered in West Palm Beach. Students admitted into the program as freshmen will spend their freshman year in Tallahassee (working on liberal studies requirements at the main FSU campus) and will relocate to West Palm Beach for their sophomore, junior, and senior years. Students admitted into the program as transfers will immediately begin classes in West Palm Beach.

What will the curriculum for the Animation & Digital Arts Program look like?

The Animation & Digital Arts Program is a dual-enrollment program in which students earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts and a professional certification diploma from the Digital Domain Institute. The FSU BFA is a project-centered curriculum. Students make a series of short motion picture projects culminating in a senior thesis experience. They write and direct a minimum of three short films and serve in a variety of creative positions on other short films. The major courses include instruction in writing, directing, visualization, digital cinematography, editing, sound, film history, aesthetics, and digital tools for motion picture artists. The DDI certification curriculum provides advanced professional training in the latest digital filmmaking technologies. Areas of specialization include modeling, character animation, visual effects, and lighting and shading. Graduating students will be awarded with industry-recognized certificates that identify the specific skills they have developed in different areas of digital production.

Do I have to enroll at both DDI and FSU to be part of the Animation & Digital Arts Program?

Yes. The Animation & Digital Arts Program is an exclusive course of study that requires dual-enrollment in both the DDI Professional Certification and FSU degree programs. You cannot take one without the other.

Can I visit the program and sit in on classes?

Generally speaking, auditing classes is prohibited.

Will you hold any information or recruitment sessions?

Yes. Information sessions are offered on a regular basis. Please email bfainfo@film.fsu.edu if you would like to be placed on a mailing list for further information about these sessions.

Can I do an internship as part of the curriculum?

Yes. Selected, qualified students have an opportunity to earn an internship where they may apply the technical skills and aesthetic appreciation they have acquired in a professional working environment, in a particular area of specialization, under the supervision of industry professionals.

Do you have a job placement program? How much help will I get in locating a job after graduation?

Since the animation and digital arts industry is extremely fast paced, it is often difficult to locate either an internship or a job until you are actually in the city where you want to work. Our goal is to have graduates working in the industry within a few months after graduation.

How do I apply to the Animation & Digital Arts Program?

Prospective students need to submit an online application to the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts. Students admitted into the FSU BFA program will be automatically enrolled into the DDI certification program. Click here for more information.

What is the deadline for submitting an application?

The deadline for applications is January 18th, 2012.

Who is qualified to apply?

A student seeking to enter the program as a freshman must offer an acceptable high school grade point average, usually above 3.0, and be eligible for admission into FSU. A student seeking to enter the program as a transfer student must offer an acceptable college grade point average, usually above 3.0, and be eligible for admission into FSU. Transfer students will need to have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of liberal studies before commencing courses in the major. A student seeking to enter the program also must be able to comprehend oral/written instructions and must possess the ability to communicate orally in English with others.

Do I need a reel or a portfolio to apply?

No. Neither DDI nor the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts reviews portfolios as part of the admissions process. Prospective students should certainly outline any relevant experience in their application package, but having prior filmmaking experience is not a prerequisite for admission into the program. The admissions committee evaluates prospective students holistically to determine which candidates show the greatest promise for a lifetime career in the motion picture industry.

If I send you a copy of my resume, can you tell me what my chances are of being accepted to the Animation & Digital Arts Program?

No, that is not possible. The application process is not based solely on the contents of a resume. The Admissions Committee looks at the total applicant: grades, test scores, experience, creative background, evidence of ability to collaborate, drive and passion for the digital arts. They carefully review applications based on all of the materials provided. If you are eligible for admission and are interested in the Animation & Digital Arts program, we urge you to submit an application.

Will I need to attend an interview to be admitted?

Yes. The FSU College of Motion Picture Arts holds mandatory interviews as part of the admissions process. Information about the time and location of interviews will be provided to selected applicants in Spring 2012.

When will interviews be held?

Those selected to interview for Fall 2012 admission will be notified as far in advance as possible, but not less than 10 days prior to the interview session. We anticipate that interviews will take place in February 2012; specific dates have not yet been determined.

Can I transfer into the Animation & Digital Arts Program?

Yes. Transfer applicants who are eligible for admission into FSU are encouraged to apply. Admission into the FSU BFA as a transfer student requires that a minimum of 30 semester hours of liberal studies be completed prior to Fall admission. Transfer students who have completed an Associate degree must be prepared to commit to an additional three years of classes to complete all major requirements.

Does the Animation & Digital Arts Program accept international students?

Yes. International students who are eligible for admission into FSU are encouraged to apply.

Do you have quotas governing how many males and females you invite into the program?

Though we are concerned with admitting a diversified class based on gender, race, and nationality, we do not have gender quotas. The final selection process is comparative in nature. It attempts to select from the competing candidates those individuals the Admissions Committee believes show the greatest promise for a lifetime career in the digital arts industry.

Since FSU is a part of the State University System, do you have to accept a certain percentage of Florida students into your program?

The State of Florida does not impose a quota system on its universities or partner institutions.

What is the cost of tuition for the Animation & Digital Arts Program?

Check out the tuition page for current information.

Can I get Financial Aid?

Financial Aid is not available for DDI programs. Eligible students can, however, apply for Financial Aid for costs associated with the FSU BFA degree. Students are encouraged to investigate and apply through the FSU Office of Financial Aid.

Can apply Bright Futures and/or Florida Prepaid towards the cost of the program?

Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid can be applied towards the fees for the FSU BFA degree. Please note, however, that the fees for the BFA degree exceed the maximum Bright Futures/Florida Prepaid entitlements, and students are individually responsible for making up the difference.

How much will I have to spend on books and supplies?

Students are advised to anticipate an approximate annual expense of $1,000 for books and supplies.

Do I need health insurance?

Students seeking degrees from FSU in certain majors, including film, assume any exposure to the particular hazards associated with that major. As protection for our students, the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts requires that majors present proof of health and accident insurance prior to registration in the Fall semester each year. Students are expected to maintain this insurance throughout their enrollment in the program. Registration will be administratively canceled at the end of the second week of classes for any students failing to provide proof of insurance.

Can I seek outside employment while I'm a student?

Freshmen are permitted to seek outside employment while working on their liberal studies requirements in Tallahassee. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in West Palm Beach, however, will not be permitted to hold outside employment while enrolled in courses for the major. The program is a very intensive, collaborative, hands-on experience, during which you work not only on your own projects but on those of your classmates as well. Thirteen-hour days tend to be the standard and weekends are solely for filmmaking. Holding a job just doesn't work!

Does DDI or FSU provide housing in West Palm Beach?

No, we do not provide housing in West Palm Beach.

How do I find an apartment?

Successful applicants will be provided with a list of available rental units in and around West Palm Beach. It is the student's responsibility to arrange all accommodations.

How do I find roommates?

Successful applicants will be invited to join a social network site to connect with other students.

What student services will be provided?

A support staff at the West Palm Beach campus provides student services in academic advisement, placement services, and financial aid.

Will meal plans or other dining options be provided?

The West Palm Beach facilities will be conveniently located near a wide selection of commercial dining establishments and grocery stores. The school itself does not provide meal plans or other dining options.

Will the West Palm Beach facilities be ADA compliant?

Yes.

Is West Palm Beach a safe place for students?

West Palm Beach is a resort city located in a prosperous zip code and it offers levels of safety comparable to any other developed metropolitan region. Check out the information at this link to learn more about the local area.

Do I need a car while attending the program?

All housing is off-campus in West Palm Beach. While public transportation is accessible and there are many private apartment options within walking distance of the campus, students may find that a car is a necessity.

What is the closest airport to the DDI campus?

The closest airport to DDI is the Palm Beach International Airport, a ten-minute drive from campus.

When will the Professional Certification program be offered?

DDI is now accepting applications for the Professional Certification program through January 27, 2012.

Where will the Professional Certification program be offered?

All classes in the Professional Certification program are delivered in West Palm Beach.

What is the cost of tuition for the Professional Certification program at DDI?

Check out the tuition page for current information.

Can I work part-time while enrolled in a Professional Certification program at DDI?

Yes. You can even work full time or be a full time student. The program is designed for working professionals, with 10-week programs that provide comprehensive technical training in specific areas of digital media production. Classes are held at our West Palm Beach campus during convenient nighttime hours, and labs are held on Saturdays.

What will the curriculum for the Professional Certification program look like?

The 2012 program offers professional-level training in essential digital media skills, digital compositing, paint, and rotoscoping. We plan to add courses based on our continual evaluation of industry needs and student demand.

Can I enroll in both the Professional Certification Program and the Animation & Digital Arts Program?

No. These two programs conflict in the times classes are offered.

Can I visit the program and sit in on classes?

Generally speaking, auditing classes is prohibited.

Will you hold any information or recruitment sessions?

Yes. Information sessions are offered on a regular basis. Please email bjefferson@media.d2.com if you would like to be placed on a mailing list for further information about these sessions.

How do I apply to the Professional Certification program?

Prospective students need to submit an online application here.

Who is qualified to apply?

Students seeking to enter the program as freshmen must offer an acceptable high school grade point average, usually above 3.0, and must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, e.g. a GED. Students seeking to enter the program must also complete a basic computer skills and knowledge test successfully, must be able to comprehend oral/written instructions, and must possess the ability to communicate orally in English with others.

Do I need a reel or a portfolio to apply?

Yes. Check the admissions page for more information on portfolio requirements.

If I send you a copy of my resume, can you tell me what my chances are of being accepted to the Professional Certification Program?

No, that is not possible. The application process is not solely based on the contents of a resume. The Admissions Committee carefully reviews applications based on all of the materials provided. If you are eligible for admission and are interested in the Professional Certification program, we urge you to submit an application.

Will I need to attend an interview to be admitted?

Yes. DDI holds mandatory interviews as part of the admissions process. Information about the time and location of interviews will be provided to selected applicants in Spring 2012.

When will interviews be held?

Those selected to interview for Spring/Summer 2012 admission will be notified as far in advance as possible, but not less than 10 days prior to the interview session. We anticipate that interviews will take place during March and May 2012; specific dates have not yet been determined.

Does the Professional Certification program accept international students?

Yes. International students who are eligible for admission are encouraged to apply.

Do you have quotas governing how many males and females you invite into the program?

Though we are concerned with admitting a diversified class based on gender, race, and nationality, we do not have gender quotas.

Can I get financial aid?

Financial aid is not available for DDI programs.

How much will I have to spend on books and supplies?

Students are advised to anticipate an approximate expense of $200 for books and supplies.

Does DDI provide housing in West Palm Beach?

No, all housing for DDI is off campus.

How do I find an apartment?

We will provide applicants with a list of available rental units in and around West Palm Beach. It is the student's responsibility to arrange all accommodations.

What student services are provided?

A support staff at the West Palm Beach campus provides student services in academic advisement.

Will meal plans or other dining options be provided?

The West Palm Beach facilities will be conveniently located near a wide selection of commercial dining establishments and grocery stores. The school itself does not provide meal plans or other dining options.

Will the West Palm Beach facilities be ADA compliant?

Yes.

Is West Palm Beach a safe place for students?

West Palm Beach is a resort city located in a prosperous zip code and it offers levels of safety comparable to any other developed metropolitan region. Check out the information at this link to learn more about the local area.

Do I need a car while attending the program?

All housing is off-campus in West Palm Beach. While public transportation is accessible and there are many private apartment options within walking distance of the campus, students may find that a car is a necessity.

What is the closest airport to the DDI campus?

The closest airport to DDI is the Palm Beach International Airport, a ten-minute drive from campus.

Do you think other questions should be listed here with answers?

Let us know. Contact Bruce Bullock, Director of Education bbullock@media.d2.com