Andrew Sonntag
Assistant Professor
School of Film and Animation
College of Art and Design
Andrew Sonntag
Assistant Professor
School of Film and Animation
College of Art and Design
Currently Teaching
SOFA-225
Performance Resources for Animation
3 Credits
This course will give students an opportunity to explore the visual language of acting that will strengthen their storytelling abilities. The difference between live action and animated performances will be discussed. Students will build a library of expressions, poses, and movements for emotional and visual expression. Students will study performance principles applied in silent and animated films. Students will also create their own reference material for use in future film projects.
SOFA-522
Stop Motion Puppet Fundamentals
3 Credits
This is an introductory course that will give students a basic and solid understanding of stop-motion animation. The class covers all aspects of stop-motion in its various forms but will mainly concentrate on stop-motion puppet/character animation. There will be demonstrations on model fabrication, animation techniques and camera/grip techniques. More in-depth topics, like latex and silicon mold making and intensive post production techniques will be introduced. There will be opportunities for students to practice animation with specific goals and assignments.
SOFA-533
Advanced Stop Motion Techniques
3 Credits
This course will introduce stop motion students to advanced techniques of photographic single frame production. This course will concentrate on fabrication techniques from sculpting to mold building, including an introduction to three-dimensional printing. History and the specific language of stop motion will be covered. Camera and camera lenses and lighting are explored along with various exercises in animation.
SOFA-582
Alternative Frame by Frame
3 Credits
This course will give all students a chance to explore three different approaches to stop-motion animation. The class will study and experiment with pixilation, time-lapse and relief animation with a “down-shooter.” These techniques will expand the student’s knowledge of traditional and experimental animation and present an alternative means of expression. The class will study existing work with these techniques, analyze and discuss them with the instructor and then produce several examples of their own work after instruction for each approach. There will be a final project in the technique of the student’s choice.
SOFA-599
SOFA Independent Study
1 - 6 Credits
SOFA Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, should propose a course of study or project with clearly defined deliverables. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. Student must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply.
SOFA-617
Stop Motion Puppet Fundamentals
3 Credits
This introductory course will give graduate students a basic and solid understanding of stop-motion animation. The class will cover aspects of stop-motion in its various forms but will mainly concentrate on stop-motion puppet / character animation. There will be demonstrations on model fabrication, animation techniques and camera / grip techniques. Topics, such as latex and silicon mold-making and intensive postproduction techniques will be introduced.
SOFA-623
Stop Motion Master Class
3 Credits
This course will introduce SOFA students to advanced techniques of photographic single frame production. This course will concentrate on professional animation techniques used in studios. Fabrication techniques will also be introduced, including: sculpting, mold building, and basic prop making. Camera and lighting are explored along with rig removal and other post-production processes specific to stop-motion. The class will be divided into teams that will execute a final project complete with post and sound work.
SOFA-625
Animated Acting Principles
3 Credits
This course will give students an opportunity to explore a visual language of acting and posing that will help their storytelling abilities. Acting, timing and pacing are critical elements to any successful character animated film. Identifying and building a library of expressions, poses, and movement for emotional and visual expression is the goal for each student. Students will study reference material from silent and animated films. Students will also create their own reference material through acting and filming. The visual references will be scrutinized on a frame-by-frame basis for a deeper understanding of this visual language. Students will produce animated studies related to the acting principles.
SOFA-652
Alternative Frame by Frame
3 Credits
This course will give all students a chance to explore three different approaches to stop-motion animation. The class will study and experiment with pixilation, time-lapse and relief animation with a “down-shooter.” These techniques will expand the student’s knowledge of traditional and experimental animation and present an alternative means of expression. The class will study existing work with these techniques, analyze and discuss them with the instructor and then produce several examples of their own after instruction for each approach. There will be a final project in the technique of the student’s choice.
SOFA-790
Research and Thesis I
4 Credits
This is the first of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their thesis. Students will work independently on their approved plan of work for their thesis while meeting on a regular basis with their committee chair. They are required to meet at least twice with their full committee during the semester.
SOFA-890
Research and Thesis II
4 Credits
This is the second of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their thesis. Students will work independently on their approved plan of work for their thesis while meeting on a regular basis with their committee chair. They are required to meet at least twice with their full committee during the semester as well as present a final screening of their thesis.
In the News
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January 24, 2024
New exhibition guides visitors through RIT's stop motion history
"40 Years in Motion" holds RIT student-made stop motion animations dating back to the 1970s, paired with a display of the original puppets and props used to make the films.