Department of Animation and Interactive Media

Mike Meredith, Chair, Assistant Professor Animation & Interactive Media
Eric Stars, Assistant Professor Animation & Interactive Media
Tony Bancroft, Assistant Professor Animation & Interactive Media
Mike Nawrocki, Assistant Professor, Film

B.A. in Animation

Portfolio submission for review is required. See Animation section for details. This pre-professional degree allows the dedicated animation student an opportunity to take classes across the broad spectrum of animation production and art courses. The B.A. concentration gives students a good overview of the entire animation process with the intent that students would begin to discover their sub-interests within the field. The degree is appropriate for those who upon graduation wish to go directly into the field of professional animation filmmaking.

B.F.A. in Animation

Portfolio submission for review is required. See Animation section for details. This pre-professional degree allows the dedicated animation student an opportunity to take classes geared toward a specific interest in animation. Students will drill down deeper into specific areas of animation production and will choose a learning track with a higher concentration on 2D drawing related classes (concept art and storyboarding) or CG animation track (modeling and animation). In the B.F.A., students will make their own senior thesis short animated film for their portfolio. This degree is appropriate for those who upon graduation wish to go directly into the field of professional animation filmmaking.

Animation Minor

Portfolio submission for review is required. See Animation section for details. This pre-professional degree allows the student an opportunity to take classes across the broad spectrum of animation production and art courses. The Animation Minor gives students a good overview of the entire animation process with the intent that students would begin to discover their sub-interests within the field.

B.A. in Game Art & Design

Portfolio submission for review is required. See Game Art & Design section for details. This pre-professional degree allows the dedicated game art student an opportunity to take classes across the broad spectrum of animation production and art courses. The B.A. concentration gives students a good overview of the entire game art process with the intent that students would begin to discover their sub-interests within the field. The degree is appropriate for those who upon graduation wish to go directly into the field of professional game art.

B.F.A. in Game Art & Design

Portfolio submission for review is required. See Game Art & Design section for details. This pre-professional degree allows the dedicated game art student an opportunity to take classes geared toward a specific interest in game art & design. Students will drill down deeper into specific areas of game production and will choose a learning track with a higher concentration on 2D drawing related classes (concept art and storyboarding) or CG animation track (modeling and animation). In the B.F.A., students will make their own senior thesis game demo for their portfolio. This degree is appropriate for those who upon graduation wish to go directly into the field of professional game art & design.

Faculty Are Working Professionals

Our faculty don’t just teach, they do! Steve Taylor is an internationally known musician as well as an accomplished filmmaker with two theatrical releases under his belt. Brinn Daniels is an accomplished cinematographer who offers students guidance and mentorship in lighting, cinematography and music video production. Tony Bancroft leads our animation program. As a former animator for Disney films, Tony continues to be sought after for his work. He also runs a popular podcast about animation with his twin brother Tom who is also a former Disney animator and founded our animation program. The co-creator of Veggie Tales, Mike Nawrocki is a full time assistant professor and continues to work in the industry as a voice over artist, screenwriter and children’s book author. He teaches courses in both film and animation. All of our faculty value mentorship of students in discovering their talents, voices and career paths. These relationships continue beyond graduation.

5 Minute Film Festival

Lipscomb’s 5 Minute Film Festival was created by the Cinematic Arts department as a way to encourage students from all across campus to use their God-given creativity and make a short film. A panel of entertainment industry professionals will review the submissions and award cash prizes and trophies to outstanding films from narrative (fiction) and documentary, as well as Music Videos and Screenplay - and the Grand Prize winner will be screened at the Nashville Film Festival, which will make it eligible for Academy Awards® consideration. Prizes are also be awarded to; Best Animation film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Music, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Design and Best Poster Design.

Program of Study Requirements

Animation, B.A.

Animation, B.F.A.

Game Art & Design, B.A.

Game Art & Design, B.F.A.

Animation Minor