Both animators usually walk through a shot from start to finish. This is the "Golden Standard" of Disney workflow:
The course is structured into distinct segments focusing on different animation challenges: Zach Parrish: Fast-Paced Workflow & Cartoony Shots : Approximately 10 hours of desktop/Maya footage.
AnimSquad is renowned for bringing industry professionals into the online classroom. The partnership with Parrish and Homman provides the closest experience possible to studying inside the Disney animation building without actually working there.
Are you an aspiring animator? What's the biggest challenge you're currently facing in your work? I'd love to hear about your experiences and goals in the comments below.
An aging, bitter animator stuck doing corporate ads signs up for an Animsquad master class taught by Disney legends Zach Parrish and Brent Homman, only to discover that the secret to great animation isn't movement—it’s vulnerability. animsquad master class disney s zach parrish brent homman
In the world of 3D character animation, the gap between an amateur shot and a feature-film-quality performance lies in the workflow. Aspiring animators often struggle not because they lack creativity, but because they lack a systematic approach to tackling complex movement, fleshiness, and emotional subtlety. Recognizing this industry-wide hurdle, the animation training platform Animsquad released a groundbreaking educational tool: a comprehensive, 17-hour masterclass featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios industry veterans and Brent Homman .
Brent Homman brings a wealth of equally impressive experience, with a career spanning roles at Blur Studio before he joined the team at Disney. His work at Disney on blockbuster after blockbuster is a testament to his talent and leadership:
Transitioning from stepped keys to smooth curves is where many animators lose their original intent. The master class focuses heavily on maintaining the punch of the blocking while adding feature-film weight.
Homman focuses heavily on the subtext of a scene. He teaches students how to look past the surface-level dialogue to animate what a character is thinking and feeling , rather than just what they are doing. Program Structure: The Master Class Workflow Both animators usually walk through a shot from
The master class is structured to cover both high-energy, cartoony action and delicate, subtle performance. 1. "How To Animate A Cartoony Shot" with Zach Parrish
To help you get the most out of this workflow, let me know in Maya and the specific type of shot (physical mechanics or subtle acting) you are trying to master. Share public link
Parrish commands the largest block of the class, tracking a fast-paced, high-energy shot completely from scratch. Rather than demonstrating idealized, pre-recorded snippets, Parrish models the actual reality of production animation—mistakes, pivots, and all. His segment is divided into clear production phases:
Making poses dramatic while adhering to the laws of physics. The partnership with Parrish and Homman provides the
High-energy cartoony shot mechanics and subtle, flesh-driven facial performances. Instructor Profiles: Elite Disney DNA
It teaches techniques used in feature-film production.
Those who already understand the 12 principles of animation and want to polish their reels for studio submission.
Control the rhythm by managing the frames between key poses. C. The "Polish" Phase
Inside AnimSquad’s Master Class with Disney Animation Veterans Zach Parrish and Brent Homman