Gnomon announces Master Classes 2011 line-up

The Gnomon School of Visual Effects has announced 14 new interactive online masterclasses hosted by some of the world’s leading VFX and games artists.

This year’s instructors include creature design legend Aaron Sims, fresh from his work on Rise of the Planet of the Apes, discussing the making of his short film, Archetype.

TRON: Legacy holographics supremo Bradley ‘GMUNK’ Munkowitz hosts a session on design direction.

Technical sessions cover cinematic lighting from Pixar’s Jeremy Vickery; VFX production techniques from effects TD Wayne Hollingsworth; and character modelling from freelance sculptor Mark DeDecker.

Games artists can look forward to sessions on combat animations from Bruno Velasquez, lead in-game animator for God of War III; environment sculpting from Blizzard Entertainment’s David Lesperance; and concept design from Naughty Dog’s Aaron Limonick.

One ticket, 14 sessions – unlimited replays
Held from 5-19 December this year, Master Classes 2011 consists of a series of two-hour HD video lectures which can be accessed at any time during the event, and played as many times as the user likes.

A private forum offers the possibility for direct interaction with the instructor and other students.

A single ticket to all 14 masterclasses costs $295 with an early bird discount of $30 for those who register before 14 November. A student discount of $20 is also available; as are group discounts for studios.

Look out for interviews with the instructors on CG Channel between now and December.

Read a full list of instructors and sessions – and register for Master Classes 2011

Full disclosure: CG Channel is owned by the Gnomon School of Visual Effects.