The world of animation is a magical realm where creativity knows no bounds. For aspiring animators, getting a glimpse into the techniques and expertise of industry leaders can be a dream come true. Recently, two of Disney's top animation experts, Zach Parrish and Brent Homman, shared their insights and experiences in an exclusive master class organized by Animsquad. This rare opportunity allowed attendees to learn from the best in the business and gain valuable knowledge on what it takes to succeed in the world of animation.
Before diving into the class content, it is essential to appreciate the caliber of talent guiding you.
In the world of animation, few names carry the weight of Walt Disney Animation Studios. For aspiring animators, learning directly from the masters who brought iconic films like Tangled , Big Hero 6 , and Frozen to life is a dream opportunity. That's the exact experience offered by the . Recorded live and running over 17 hours, this intensive video workshop is a treasure trove of professional techniques, industry secrets, and hard-won wisdom.
2. Brent Homman: Micro-Expressions & Character Appeal (7+ Hours) The world of animation is a magical realm
: Adding the final nuances that separate professional work from amateur efforts.
: Ensuring a character’s silhouette remains instantly readable even without textures or lighting.
The class emphasizes developing a fast, efficient workflow essential for high-pressure studio environments. This rare opportunity allowed attendees to learn from
: How to use Maya effectively to maintain a fast-paced production schedule without sacrificing quality.
Verdict and recommendation The Animsquad Master Class with Zach Parrish and Brent Homman is a high-impact investment for animators who want clear, production-ready guidance on performance animation. If your goal is to make shots that read strongly, win director notes, and elevate your reel, this course gives repeatable frameworks and specific practices you can apply immediately.
is an equally impressive figure. A member of both the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and BAFTA, he worked for over 15 years at Disney. He served as an Animation Supervisor on both Big Hero 6 (winning an Oscar) and Moana (Oscar-nominated), and was the Head of Animation on Olaf's Frozen Adventure and the Emmy-nominated Disney+ series Baymax! . His work includes a staggering list of films: Bolt , Tangled , Wreck-It Ralph , Ralph Breaks the Internet , Frozen 2 , Raya and the Last Dragon , and Strange World . He is an expert in conveying human emotion, particularly adept at crafting subtle, nuanced performances. He now leads projects as an Animation Director at Paper Games. For aspiring animators, learning directly from the masters
: Homman focuses on the challenges of subtle, close-up acting. He specifically demonstrates how to maintain "appeal and fleshiness" in female characters, drawing from his work on Frozen and Tangled . Key Learning Objectives
: A seasoned Disney Animation Supervisor who worked on hits such as Tangled , Frozen , and Moana . His focus in the class is on the delicate balance of appeal and "fleshiness" in character performance. Curriculum and Content
: Renowned as the Head of Animation for Disney's Oscar-winning feature Big Hero 6 , Parrish has lent his masterful character work to defining films like Tangled , Wreck-It Ralph , Zootopia , and Moana . He is globally recognized for his ability to merge snappy, classic "cartoony" timing with highly nuanced, emotional facial acting.
: Serving as an Animation Supervisor on Big Hero 6 , Homman's extensive industry experience covers crucial Disney features. He brings an immense wealth of knowledge regarding pipeline management, high-stress shot problem solving, and complex character physics. Core Curriculum: What the Master Class Teaches
If you are interested in more, check out the Animsquad Masterclass teaser on Pinterest or look for the full 17-hour video on their site.