Dwarf Academy specializes in a curriculum geared towards high-end computer graphics careers in the entertainment industry. This training department is unique thanks to its intimate links to Dwarf Labs, a busy and successful studio. Each student will be mentored by a professional from Dwarf, ready to show them how it’s done using real-world, deadline-driven examples.
This innovative concept of integrating study into the working conditions of an active production and R&D laboratory informs multiple aspects of the course; even the pipeline that the students use is based on that used at Dwarf Labs. This benefits not only the students but also Dwarf, as the best artists and technicians will be asked to join the studio.
“Our training sessions are on a human scale, using state-of-the-art hardware and our unique in-house software technologies, where the student benefits from courses tailor-made to impart effectively the knowledge and skills they need to build the strongest career foundations possible,” said a spokesperson in a statement.
The staff is experienced, well-regarded professionals in their fields, and come from the world’s most respected studios such as Pixar, PDI/DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Weta Digital.
Minhyung is moving out of Pixar to head the Academy at Dwarf CEO Olivier Pinol’s request. “Dwarf Academy is such a unique place. Its program is very similar to the training courses at Pixar and PDI. It is organized to show the big picture of team play in a production, but also is very clear in letting you know how you as an individual artist or technician will be expected to contribute,” he adds.
Minhyung further explains: “We have designed a course where artistic and technical skills development are balanced, and one that focuses not only on the fundamentals of visual concepts and theory, but complements them with master classes by leading professionals in their discipline, and practical exercises that are absolutely essential for the student to be able to hit the ground running as soon as they graduate.”
“I’m so excited to share my professional industry experience and all the knowledge I’ve gained from the Oscar-winning studios I’ve worked at. I will bring the spirit of Hollywood to Dwarf! Olivier and I have shared the vision of training the next global leaders of artists and engineers since we met at PDI so when he asked me to join Dwarf, I answered ‘Of course!’ without hesitation,” he ended.