iACADEMY offers animation courses

The first school to offer Animation in the country, iACADEMY remains a Toon Boom Center of Excellence since its distinction as the first educational institution in Southeast Asia and in the Philippines to receive the accreditation in 2019.

Toon Boom is a Canadian software company that specializes in animation production and storyboarding software. Founded in 1994, Toon Boom develops animation and storyboarding software for film, television, web animation, games, mobile devices, training applications, and education. Their software is used by the best animation studios in the world namely Universal, Boulder Media, Ubisoft, Fox, NBC, Lucasfilms, Cartoon Network, South Park Studios, and many others.

The COE accreditation given to iACADEMY attests that its animation program meets a high standard of depth, breadth, and quality that ensures students are given a superior learning environment through a comprehensive exposure to Toon Boom software.

"This recognition truly places iACADEMY among the top schools of choice for design and the arts in Asia. Apart from being a Toon Boom Center of Excellence, this has been evident in the achievement of our students and the recent award given by the International Business Magazine that declares iACADEMY the Most Innovative Design School for 2022 under the category for Asia.  I am thankful for the concerted efforts of our educators and staff who continue to strive to provide a game-changing education for our students", shares Vanessa Tanco, CEO and president of iACADEMY.

A known powerhouse in the arts and design industry, iACADEMY has produced graduates that made exceptional contributions to the industry. Among them is Mikee Sevilla, one of the first graduates of AB Animation, who has worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios and participated in the making of animated films Encanto (2020) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2020).

iACADEMY animation students Danica Sy and Jeriah Capil were also among the iACADEMY Game Changers who were recognized in local and international competitions for their animated works. Danica Sy, who is a 2nd-year animation student was short-listed in QCinema Shorts for the animated film "Silbi", which tackled mental health issues, and a Philippine eagle character named Silbi. Also a 2nd-year animation student, Jeriah Capil's "Bahala Na Si Darna" is among the 20 shortlisted projects from more than 200 entries to the Sine Kabataan 5 Short Film Lab and Festival from all over the country.

"Having the complete technical skills and exposure to industry practices are both crucial to ensure students emerge as successful professionals in the animation industry. With iACADEMY's strong focus on intensive industry training and partnership with global leaders like Toon Boom, we are certain they will meet the technical challenges of both local and international animation studios", says Weena Espardinez, chairperson of the animation program.

The BS Animation program of iACADEMY consists of veteran animators who have worked locally and internationally from known animation studios. Part of their roster of faculty members are AJ Siytangco, who worked as FX Artist for Lucasfilm Animation; and Hamill Buyco, a 3D Artist who worked on the Big Hero 6 TV series. Notably, among the small number of Toon Boom certified members in the Philippines, four are from iACADEMY, namely Toon Boom Harmony Professional and iACADEMY instructor, Benjie Maure; Toon Boom Storyboard professional and iACADEMY instructor,  John Nano;  and Toon Boom Harmony Professional and iACADEMY alumni Arianne Arbolado and Aleks Isla.