Sadaf Amini is an Iranian-Canadian animation director and educator whose work spans the art of character animation, visual storytelling and animation direction.
Her industry experience includes productions for Disney Jr, Netflix, DreamWorks, and acclaimed independent films including Window Horses and The Prophet. Since 2023, she has brought this experience into university animation classrooms, teaching character performance, storytelling and film production while helping emerging animators develop their own creative voice.
Alongside teaching, Sadaf is currently developing an original children’s animated IP inspired by playful learning, imagination and character-driven storytelling.
Sadaf's research interests explore how animation can connect children and adults through universal themes emotions, and shared experiences. She is interested in involving young audiences in the creative process and exploring how digital animation can extend beyond the screen into physical, interactive and real-world experiences.
Courses
Course Name
Department
Course Code
Term
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 235
27/SP
Description
The art and storytelling capabilities of
cinematography encompass layout and
previsualization: essential production strategies
in contemporary animated and visual effects
filmmaking. This course supports students working
towards senior projects in developing the
cinematographic language of their work. Students
design shots through composing environmental sets,
staging characters and setting camera angles,
addressing the integration of digital, live action
and hybrid scene elements such as drawn or stop
motion animation. Shot sequences are developed
into a layout reel, where character locomotion and
rough poses are choreographed and timed. By the
end of the course, students will be able to use
cinematography and layout in order to tell their
stories more effectively.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 235
27/SP
Description
The art and storytelling capabilities of
cinematography encompass layout and
previsualization: essential production strategies
in contemporary animated and visual effects
filmmaking. This course supports students working
towards senior projects in developing the
cinematographic language of their work. Students
design shots through composing environmental sets,
staging characters and setting camera angles,
addressing the integration of digital, live action
and hybrid scene elements such as drawn or stop
motion animation. Shot sequences are developed
into a layout reel, where character locomotion and
rough poses are choreographed and timed. By the
end of the course, students will be able to use
cinematography and layout in order to tell their
stories more effectively.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 235
27/SP
Description
The art and storytelling capabilities of
cinematography encompass layout and
previsualization: essential production strategies
in contemporary animated and visual effects
filmmaking. This course supports students working
towards senior projects in developing the
cinematographic language of their work. Students
design shots through composing environmental sets,
staging characters and setting camera angles,
addressing the integration of digital, live action
and hybrid scene elements such as drawn or stop
motion animation. Shot sequences are developed
into a layout reel, where character locomotion and
rough poses are choreographed and timed. By the
end of the course, students will be able to use
cinematography and layout in order to tell their
stories more effectively.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 310
27/SP
Description
Working individually or as collaborative teams,
students will produce a media project by executing
the production pipeline based on their research
and development to completion, integrating 3D
animation techniques. Under the supervision of the
instructor, students create and maintain a
production schedule to manage the completion of
their required tasks while navigating production
challenges. Increasing their self-direction,
students develop workflows, collaborate with
peers, and perform independent technical research
unique to their projects. Students will apply
communication skills by contributing
constructively during peer feedback sessions,
working towards clear articulation of intention,
and receiving and reflecting feedback in a
community setting. This collaborative capstone
project allows students to specialize and explore
the nuances of the 3D production cycle by rotating
through or focusing on critical production roles.
The course structure includes lectures, hands-on
demonstrations, discussions, presentations, and
critiques.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 203
26/FA
Description
This course is a detailed study of character
animation principles and techniques for 3D
computer animation, covering how to animate a 3D
character to create believable character
animation. Students are given a series of
exercises designed to broaden their understanding
of movement, posing, timing, acting, staging, and
scene dynamics. An emphasis is placed on
understanding body mechanics as integrated with
expression and personality in character
animation. At the end of the course, students
will have a portfolio of pieces ranging from walk
cycles to complex dialogue scenes. This course is
the first in a series of two 3D character
animation courses.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 203
26/FA
Description
This course is a detailed study of character
animation principles and techniques for 3D
computer animation, covering how to animate a 3D
character to create believable character
animation. Students are given a series of
exercises designed to broaden their understanding
of movement, posing, timing, acting, staging, and
scene dynamics. An emphasis is placed on
understanding body mechanics as integrated with
expression and personality in character
animation. At the end of the course, students
will have a portfolio of pieces ranging from walk
cycles to complex dialogue scenes. This course is
the first in a series of two 3D character
animation courses.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
3D Computer Animation
3DAN 300
26/FA
Description
Working individually or as collaborative teams,
students engage in ideation processes and
experimentation with a range of approaches to
articulate stories and the development of a short
3D computer animation project. Students also
research historical and visual references to
contextualize and support the production's
narrative, vision, and goals. By exploring a range
of technical requirements, tools, processes, and
relevant 3D production pipeline workflows,
students submit a proposal for their third year 3D
computer animation film / digital media projects
that integrates their findings in a statement of
intent, production schedule, and CG animation or
digital media prototype with sound. The course
structure includes lectures, hands-on
demonstrations, discussions, presentations and
critiques.
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
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