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Nicole Almeida

Assistant Professor

Availability:

Bio

Nicole Almeida is a Dene animation director and assistant professor based in Vancouver. A graduate from the Classical Animation program at Sheridan College, she has worked in the CG Animation industry for over 18 years and has contributed to high profile animation and VFX productions. Since 2024, she has shifted her focus to academia as an Assistant Professor in 3D Animation at ECU.

Research Interests

Her current focus of practice and research is investigating indigenous representation in 3D animation and contributing to meaningful animated projects, aiming to bring modern lived indigenous experiences to the screen while mentoring emerging animation talent.

Thesis Supervision

Supervised Programs:

Courses

Course Name Department Course Code Term
3D Computer Animation 3DAN 213 27/SP

Description

Intermediate 3D Character Animation continues the study of advanced animation principles begun in Introduction to 3D Character Animation. Through a series of assignments, students will advance and polish their ability to bring characters to life by studying, practicing and animating strong character-driven movement and acting. Students will progress beyond the basics of body mechanics, towards refining their ability to create believable characters acting in dramatic dialogue scenes. Lectures, demonstrations, texts and action analysis studies will further students' understanding of motion design and stylization for 3D character animation.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

3D Computer Animation 3DAN 410 27/SP

Description

This course is a continuation of Senior 3D Computer Animation Production I, where students complete a complex 3D animation or digital media project. Students will follow professional workflows, maintain a production plan, present work-in-progress regularly, meet scheduled milestones, and work toward an exhibition-ready final project. They will deliver each element as requested for the final graduation exhibition of their projects- which may include professionally presentable press-kits, posters, sound mixes, and promotional trailers for their projects. The course includes lectures, presentations, and individual consultation with the instructor. Throughout the course, students participate in regular peer critique sessions, giving and receiving feedback on project development.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

3D Computer Animation 3DAN 200 26/FA

Description

This course is designed to introduce students to a general understanding of all the aspects of 3D Computer Animation, from conception of an idea to production. The course encourages students to experiment with the various specialized areas of 3D Computer Animation and develop introductory skillsets. Students engage with assigned and self-directed projects to further their interests and explore their artistic goals. Class demonstrations and presentations address various 3D Computer Animation production topics and foster dialogue within the discipline. The course structure includes lectures, hands-on demonstrations, discussions, and critiques.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

3D Computer Animation 3DAN 400 26/FA

Description

Students will work on complex 3D computer animation or digital media productions individually or in teams. They will explore previous or current work in the relevant fields, in the process of shaping their own project proposal. Productions may include films, installations, interactive environments, or other projects that foreground 3D computer animation at the senior level. Students will identify their main areas of creative interest and will articulate a project concept, student initiated or through partnerships, that reflects and advances those aspirations. Students will follow professional, ethical, critical and artistic standards, maintain an ongoing production plan, present their work-in-progress regularly, and meet milestones according to a production schedule. The course involves lectures, presentations, one-on-one consultations, and weekly critique sessions with their instructor and peers, where they will give and receive feedback on project progress. By the end of the course students will be fully engaged in the production of their project and should be in good standing for project completion by the April deadline.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.