Info on Los Angeles ABD for an aspiring animator

[rnorwo1]

This question is not about "is it worth it," but, rather, the exact nature of some of the tours included in this trip.

My DS 15 is an artist, and he's considering going into animation (as well as computer graphics, architecture, and engineering). He wants to go to Los Angeles to look at some schools; while there, we would visit some art museums and movie studios for their limited info on animation, set design, etc. He desperately wants to see some of the animation studios, but you have to know someone who works there, and we don't

I've always eyed these ABD trips, but they're so pricey for a family of 5. With this being his possible career and this only being a trip for him, DH and me, however, I'm seriously considering it just to get the couple of tours that are normally closed to the public.

Sorry for the long post, but what I'm wondering is if the animation and Henson tours are technical/in depth enough for him to learn something that may guide his decision in choosing his direction in college? I am absolutely certain that he will enjoy it and be fascinated by it, but that doesn't justify $12k to me.

Any specific info on those tours that will help me understand if they'll be the experiences he needs will be so appreciated!

 

[OKW Lover]

Sorry for the long post, but what I'm wondering is if the animation and Henson tours are technical/in depth enough for him to learn something that may guide his decision in choosing his direction in college?

There is precious little in the Studio tour that would likely be new to him. Henson studio tours are very interesting, but this isn't animation as much as puppetry.

 

[rnorwo1]

There is precious little in the Studio tour that would likely be new to him. Henson studio tours are very interesting, but this isn't animation as much as puppetry.

Thanks. Henson was one of the ones that he wanted to see the most... he's just fascinated by all of these artistic creations. I would love to go on this trip, but I can send him to CA for an entire summer of art classes for the cost of this one week, so I doubt we do it. Makes me very sad

 

[White Rose]

They showed us virtual puppetry that involved graphic software and computer animation...not sure if this would be interesting... a lot of the info is trademarked. The tour was more designed for an every day person, not someone looking for a mentor. The did not discuss what college classes to take or what computer software or such to learn...

There was one person in my group who is a puppeteer and also has some medical issues that make it hard for her to continue her craft. She had some one on one time with a Henson puppeteer and had tears of joy after her experience.

In the imagineering office, we got to experience the dish, but you can not guarantee that you will be able to see it. The dish is used after computer animators have created a ride, and allows imagineers to experience a ride that does not exsist, and work on sight lines and ride details before they become a reality. The Henson part was only a piece of one day, and we never spent any time talking to animators, or graphic design folks at Disney studios.

 

[rnorwo1]

I think we've definitely decided against it. We are going to visit a few art schools there and museums, and maybe we can do a behind the scenes tour of DL. Thanks for the info, it does sound like an amazing trip!