Brigham Young University, abbreviated as BYU, doesn’t make headlines often. The school’s name will appear whenever an article about its sports teams appears. It may even come up in conversation when discussing one of its famous graduates. But now, the school has gained attention for an entirely different reason. Students of its animation program won third place during an event, gaining immense recognition.
Talking About Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University was established in 1875 and founded to provide young Mormon religious education. It follows the traditions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The educational courses help students earn well-deserved lives and futures. They boost the spirit, elevate intelligence, and create the pupils’ character. Most importantly, BYU devotes itself to bringing its disciples spiritually closer to the lord. Prophets also guide them in the hopes their light makes the world a better place.
BYU was named Brigham Young Academy after its president, Brigham Young, during its earlier years. When he died in 1877, the school had to consider local sources for funding. It also lacked an appropriate building and campus until 1892. In 1903, the school name became slightly modified to Brigham Young University. This institution of education changed over time but kept its religious core values. One of the things added throughout the years was the animation program.
The BYU Center for Animation
Any young mind passionate about animation should visit the BYU Center for Animation. This program grants them the skills they’ll need to succeed in Entertainment. It also bestows students the crucial decision-making and technical skills they’ll need to go pro. The BYU Center for Animation encourages teamwork by having students work together on collaborative projects. It’ll even grant them a peek into the industry’s professional cooperative setting. This glimpse happens when the students partake in the Senior Film or Game Project.
The BYU Center for Animation only accepts a maximum of 25 students a year. Those who get in either have a degree in animation or computer science. They’re also familiar with drawing, designing, and computer-generating programs. The faculty overseeing the program act more like mentors rather than teachers. Instead of using lesson plans, they let pupils practice their desired fields independently. This unique approach has led to countless graduates going on to bigger and better things.
BYU Animation’s Newest Film, Student Accomplice
The many students at the BYU Center for Animation have created countless short films. They are on the program’s corresponding YouTube channel for public viewing. Student Accomplice is the latest visual masterpiece from the educational course. The feature follows a young girl taking her driving test, but things take a turn. A bank robber forces her to be his getaway driver, tossing out the instructor. What follows is an intense car chase involving police and humorous antics.
A team of over 30 students, led by fellow student Spencer Baird, created Student Accomplice. Baird claims responsibility for coming up with the idea for the short film. The group treated the project like a job, putting in 20 to 40 hours. Baird even says he and his teammates practically lived in their assigned animation lab. This level of dedication shows you these young minds love working with animation. Their hard work and passion paid off because Student Accomplice earned a high honor.
Hard Work Reaps an Award
The Student Academy Awards was held in London and featured films from across the globe. Student Accomplice from BYU was the only competitor entered from a U.S. school. Despite the undoubtedly tough competition, the short flick about a student driver won third place! Baird and his team were amazed and honored but deserve this recognition. Not many budding animators can say they brought home the bronze in an international competition.
Final Thoughts
It’s honestly a mind-blowing accomplishment these passionate young minds have achieved. While Student Accomplice isn’t available for public viewing, a behind-the-scenes video did show a little. The animation is so beautiful it looks like something made by Pixar or another studio. You can see the love that went into making this short film. The BYU Center of Animation honestly encourages creative minds to flourish and grow. It’ll be amazing to see what Baird and his classmates do next.
