Start your journey with the experts

academy of interactive entertainment

Seattle, WA & Lafayette, LA Sydney Melbourne Canberra Adelaide

Learn from the industry expertsAIE is an education leader, specializing in games, animation and visual effects. We offer you a cutting-edge education that equips you with everything you need to be a success.

AIE is a non-profit educator established to grow the game and film industries by preparing highly skilled graduates through world class education.

Our teachers are a highly qualified team of industry veterans who’ve built their names creating the games you’ve played and the movies and film visual effects you’ve watched.

Combine our expert knowledge, innovative environment and hands-on learning and you’ll understand why AIE is one of the leading educators in this field.

Our highly-regarded graduates have been handpicked and employed by industry giants such as Bungie, Dreamworks Animation, Bioware, Weta Digital and Rockstar, to name a few.

Our experienced staff link graduates with real work opportunities using their personal industry connections — if you’re awesome, the industry wants to know about it.

Let our industry success build your industry success.

www.theaie.us1

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Why study at AIE?At AIE innovation is its own reward, our success is measured by your success, and experience counts for everything.

Level up by completing industry-standard projects taught by teachers with hundreds of years of collective experience making games and films. When you join us, you enter a realm of possibilities where you learn how to create new worlds, stories, and experiences.

We’ve Got the Industry Connections AIE is one of the oldest, most experienced educators in the industry and has built strong ties to many world-famous companies. Our curriculum advisory board members come from such companies as Valve, Hidden Path, PopCap Games and Epic.

Curriculum Focused on Industry Skills Our programs are taught in a hands-on, studio-style setting that simulates actual industry environments. During 1,600 contact hours with AIE faculty, students create show reels, complete team projects, and learn everything they need to know through a task-based learning system.

Teachers Who Have “Been There and Done That” AIE faculty are experienced industry veterans credited on numerous game and film projects. They offer invaluable insight into the world of games and film.

We Are Where the Action is Seattle has long been a hub for the video game industry, home to Microsoft, Bungie, Nintendo, Valve and many emerging independent game studios. Our Lafayette campus is located in the state-of-the-art LITE Center, home to both industry and academic institutions, where collaboration happens every day.

Known Around the World Renowned for the quality of its education and close ties to industry, AIE has been fuelling the industry with highly skilled artists, programmers and designers since 1996. Our alumni are working in the top studios around the world.

www.theaie.us/whyaie3

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GAME PROGRAMMINGAdvanced Diploma of Professional Game Development Specializing in Game ProgrammingLearn C++, C# and industry standard game engines, game libraries and version controls as well as artificial intelligence, networking, console hardware and managing medium to large scale software projects.Are you

interested in games or film?

If you are technically-creative

If you are visually-creative

3D ANIMATION & VFX FOR FILMAdvanced Diploma of Screen & Media Specializing in 3D Animation & Visual FXLearn advanced animation techniques; concept art and production planning, lighting, rendering, visual effects, compositing and post production.

GAME ART & ANIMATIONAdvanced Diploma of Professional Game Development Specializing in Game Art & AnimationLearn 3D tools to concept, model and animate characters, create environments, and create art assets for game development within the context of level and game design.

Your Pathway into Games, 3D and VFXDemand and opportunity continue to grow for graduates as the fields of animation, simulation and 3D design evolve. The interactive game sector has rapidly expanded over the past three years due to the rise of accessible platforms and technology. The TV and film industry is undergoing the same transition as the internet brings producers and consumers together.

Today, AIE graduates are just as likely to be found in the world’s top simulation, training and design visualization companies as they are at the top game, film and VFX studios. A selection of AIE graduate destinations and the names of some of the movies and games they have helped develop are listed on page 19.

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“AIE has been a great influence in my development as an artist. With the guidance and support of the teachers along with hard work, it definitely helped me get to where I am today and furthermore break into the industry.”

Luke Pham 3D Artist, Catalyst Interactive

AttributesCareer Pathway> Game engine programmer

> Physics engine programmer

> Graphics engine programmer

> Artificial intelligence programmer

> Sound programmer

> Gameplay programmer

> Software engineer

> UI programmer

> Input programmer

Salary Trends*Game artists in the U.S. made an average of

$74,349 in 2013. The average salary for game artists with under three years experience in 2013 was $50,463. www.gamasutra.com/salarysurvey2014.pdf

Career Pathway> Character Animator

> Environment Modeler

> Technical Director

> Fur/Feathers FX Artist

> Water FX Artist

> Modeler

> 3D Tracker/Match Mover

> Digital/Matte Painter

> Surfacing/Texture Painter

Career Pathway> 3D Animation

> Environment Modeler

> Texture Artist

> UI Design

> Level Designer

> Technical Artist

> Character Animator

> Rigger

> 2D Artist

Salary Trends* Programmers are often the highest-paid in the

game industry. The average U.S. programmer’s salary in 2013 was $93,251. The average pay for U.S. programmers with less than three

years experience in 2013 was $70,637. www.gamasutra.com/salarysurvey2014.pdf

> Technically-oriented

> Can think logically and "outside the box"

> Always learning > Collaborative

Attributes

Attributes

> Creative problem-solver

> Vivid and unique imagination

> Understands player relationship with visual elements of game

> Collaborative

> Can envisage finished animation

or effect

> Vivid and unique imagination

> Can meet challenging deadlines 6

Salary Trends*According to the US Bureau of Labor, Multimedia Artists and Animators working in the motion picture and video industries earned an annual average wage of $84,610 in 2013.

www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271014.htm

* Please note that salaries vary between US states and studios. Applicants are encouraged to do their own research into the career opportunities and salaries in the locations and industries they wish to pursue a career in.

Game programmers write the programs necessary to make games work properly. They may design the overall framework for a game, or create the artificial intelligence programs to power characters in the game and make them react and respond to other characters. They test to see how games are working and make necessary corrections. The two-year, full time Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development specializing in Game Programming, has been developed in response to industry needs.

Year 1The first year is a foundation year. The course takes students through languages and technologies used heavily by the gaming industry, including C, C++, C#, OpenGL, game libraries and version control as well as developing math, problem solving and practical programming proficiency.

Year 2The second year builds on the students’ core language skills with more advanced techniques and development using industry standard game engines. Students focus on polishing their skills in all aspects of C++ programming before focusing on specialized areas and develop on multiple platforms. By the end of the second year, students will have experience in 3D Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Networking Physics and Collision, Console Hardware, Profiling and Project Management.

Major Game ProjectIn the last half of year 2, game art and game programming students work together in development teams to design and produce playable video game demos. The training environment closely mirrors the real world production cycle as it would occur in an industry studio, covering the entire process from pitching the game idea, through writing game design documents, evaluating technical requirements, managing workload, meeting deadlines, bug-fixing, QA testing and market analysis of the game.

Portfolio Requirements for Game ProgrammingPortfolios should include actual code samples as well as compiled working applications. Past portfolios have included IOS/Windows/Android mobile applications, game engine mods, Visual Basic/Studio projects, and various other examples. Good grades in math, physics, information technology, and other computer-related classes are useful indicators of an aptitude to learn how to program and may be used in lieu of a portfolio for individuals with no previous experience. If you have a passion for programming, a willingness to learn directly from the industry, and an aptitude for problem solving, then we want to talk with you!

Game ProgrammingAdvanced Diploma of Professional Game DevelopmentCIP CODE 11.0804

Students utilize industry standard software and resources such as: › Visual Studio — Programming in C, C++ and C#

› Open GL — Graphics development

› Unity — Game Design and Prototyping

› GITHUB — Collaboration and version control

“AIE Seattle has proved to be an invaluable catalyst for my career. Their unique class structure allowed me the time to maintain an income while I polished myself into a Game Artist who is not only skilled, but also highly competitive in the game industry. The industry veteran teachers and staff went above and beyond to connect me with highly influential and knowledgeable people and taught me the networking skills needed to take make the most of them. I would not be anywhere near where I am if it wasn't for my AIE family.”

Vinessa Mayer Environment Artist, Camouflaj

www.theaie.us/gameprog7

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Build environments, create characters, and craft the vehicles for the games you love to play. Develop your special creativity in modeling, texturing, and animation or level design. You will work with other artists and programmers to design and create your own unique entertainment experience wielding cutting-edge game technology used in the industry. The two-year full time Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development, specializing in Game Art and Design, has been developed in response to industry needs.

Year 1Students will concept, model and animate characters, design game levels, create high-detail creatures, build realistic environments and craft a short animated movie, developing skills in 3D Modeling, Texturing, UV Unwrapping, Rigging, Animation, Lighting, Using Cameras, Rendering and Compositing.

Year 2Students polish their 3D skills while working on art assets for game development. All facets of 3D game modeling and animation are covered including Character Creation, Level Design, Environment Modeling, Game Design, Concept Art, Animation and Custom Texturing.

Major Game ProjectIn the last half of the second year, game art and game programming students work together in development teams to design and produce a playable video game demo. The training environment closely mirrors the real-world production cycle in an industry development studio, covering the entire process from pitching the game idea, through writing game design documents, evaluating technical requirements, managing workload, meeting deadlines, delivering commercial quality artwork and animation, bug-fixing, QA testing and market analysis of the game.

Students graduate at the end of year 2 with an extensive showreel of 3D modeling, animation and a complete game level. The showreel forms the basis of an industry standard portfolio to present to prospective employers.

Portfolio Requirements for Art & AnimationThe portfolio should demonstrate the aptitude to visually communicate. Provide 5-15 examples with at least one drawing from life (still, gesture, environment, etc.). Past portfolios have included oil paintings, gesture drawings, still lifes, poster designs, short animations, sculptures, concept art, character and level designs, and many more. Provide examples of your art that you are proud of. We will ask you about your creative process from concept to presentation during the portfolio review. We will accept either digital (e-mail/DropBox/Flash Drive/etc.) or physical copies. Please contact us directly wiwth questions.

Students utilize industry standard software and resources such as: › Maya — Modeling, rigging, animation & rendering

› ZBrush — High detail sculpting

› Photoshop — Concept art and texturing

› Unreal Engine — Game level design

› Unity — Game design and prototyping

Game Art & AnimationAdvanced Diploma of Professional Game DevelopmentCIP CODE 11.0803

“AIE provided a curriculum that allowed me to learn in my own way and at a pace that was comfortable for me. The course also allowed me to branch out into more specific areas that interested me and I wanted to learn. The support was always there.”

Emma Koch Game Artist, Halfbrick

www.theaie.us/gameart9

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Do you want to develop photorealistic special effects for the cinematic special effects industry, television editing or animation for cartoons? The two-year, full time Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, specializing in 3D Animation & VFX for Film is a practical course, designed by industry experts to give you the best technical training to work as a 3D artist using industry standard technology.

Year 1Students will concept, model and animate characters, design real-time environments, create high detail creatures and craft a short animated movie. Students develop skills in 3D modeling, Texturing, UVW Unwrapping, Rigging, Animation, Lighting, Using Cameras, Rendering and Compositing.

Year 2Students will work in teams which emulate real-world industry workplaces. Skill base will expand to include Advanced High Polygon Modeling, Lighting, Texturing, Advanced Character Animation, Time and Project Management, Compositing and Story Boarding.

Major Screen Projects and ShowreelStudents are required to complete two major group projects during the second year. One is a group project that simulates the industry, and the other is an individual assessment following the pre-production model, beginning with concepts and storyboard, and following through to the final project. These projects along with individual projects will supply impressive footage for individual graduate showreels, demonstrating proficiency in all aspects of animation production, ranging from animatic and character modeling to post-production.

Portfolio Requirements for 3D Animation and VFX for FilmYour portfolio is your evidence of creative ability. If you have explored animation and/or visual effects, do provide your best examples. If you have a strong interest in the area, but do not have previous experience, use your portfolio to demonstrate your ability to imagine and realize a creative piece of work in media that you are more familiar with. Provide at least one drawing from life (still, gesture, environment, etc.). Portfolios can include short animations, gesture drawings, poster designs, sculptures, concept art and character designs. We will ask you about your creative process from concept to presentation during the portfolio review. We will accept either digital (e-mail/DropBox/Flash Drive/etc) or physical copies. Please contact us directly with questions.

Students utilize industry standard software and resources such as: › Maya — Modeling, rigging, animation rendering

› ZBrush — High detail sculpting

› Photoshop — Concept art and texturing

› After Effects — Compositing and lighting

› Nuke — Compositing and match-moving

› Adobe Premiere — Video editing

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3D Animation & VFX for FilmAdvanced Diploma of Screen and MediaCIP CODE 10.0304

“My time at AIE, for me, was a journey. In the 2 years I attended, I made some really great friends, but more importantly I acquired the skills and understanding of visual effects and animation. With these I was able to train and display what I'd learned about rotoscoping and cleaning up a scene from AIE at Pixel Magic Visual Effects here in Lafayette. I'm very happy with my decision to attend AIE. It's the best decision I ever made.”

Anthony D. Sterling, JrVFX Intern, Pixel Magic

www.theaie.us/3danimation11

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InterviewCome in for your interview and show us your portfolio of art or programming work.

Accepted!After your interview, we’ll let you know if you are accepted, and send enrollment materials.

Check the website You can find the next Priority Application Date on the website ~ www.theaie.us/apply

Application Process

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Apply Submit an Application Packet to the campus of your choice (online, mail or in-person).

› AIE application forms are at www.theaie.us/apply

› High school diploma OR GED certificate OR college diploma — current High School Seniors provide latest transcript

› 250 word personal statement: What draws you to Game Programming, Game Art or VFX as a career? What have you already accomplished? What do you hope to do in the industry?

We will arrange an interviewWe will contact you to schedule an interview at a time that suits you. Interviews can be in person or over Skype.

AIE admission interviews are relaxed and informal. This is your chance to ask questions and demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and potential to complete the program to a high standard. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour the campus and see our students in action. Common questions discussed in the interview relate to teamwork, educational history, what you want to gain from the program and your long-term career aspirations. During the interview you’ll also need to show examples for your work from your portfolio. We will assess which level of the course would best suit you and let you know if you need to submit further materials.

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www.theaie.us/faq

The tuition fee per year for the Advanced Diploma programs is: › $16,500 for 2014-2015; and

› $17,000 for 2015-2016.

Please note:

› Financial aid is available for eligible students enrolling at AIE Seattle;

› Students may be eligible for a payment plan, which allows tuition to be paid via installments. Contact us for more information.

› AIE's enrollment fee of $100 is applied towards the tuition;

Tuition Fees

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Do you have scholarships?We will release our scholarship information before the end of January 2015 for the 2015-2016 school year. Please check www.theaie.us/scholarships for more information.

Is AIE accredited?Yes, the Seattle campus is accredited . Academy of Interactive Entertainment is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898 / FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org.

Do you accept FAFSA?Yes! Our Federal School code for the Seattle campus is: 042236

Still have more questions? Visit our full FAQ at www.theaie.us/faq or contact us using the details on the back cover of this viewbook.

FAQ

www.theaie.us/fees

Not quite entering college yet, but want to get your feet wet in programming or animation? Join us for our Summer Camps!

› High School level introductory courses in programming and animation

› Offered in both Seattle and Lafayette › Week-long day camps — multiple sessions throughout the summer

› Take your completed game or animation home with you at the end of the week

2D Animation › Foundation skills in traditional animation

› Create a hand-drawn animated walk cycle

› Transfer your creation onto a computer and animate with Toon Boom Studio

3D Animation 1 › Foundation skills in 3D computer animation

› Create facial expressions and poses for your own character

› Computer animate a walk cycle with the program Maya

3D Animation 2 › Learn advanced modeling techniques using Zbrush

› Use projection painting and texturing to build high detail sculpts

› Learn basic rigging skills

Level 1 Programming › Foundation skills in C# programming language

› Create a playable game

› Learn the basics of the game engine software Unity

Level 2 Programming › HTML5 or advanced C# programming language

› Create a multi-level game

› More tips and tricks in Unity

Game Level Design › Introduction to the Unity Game engine

› Build your own video game level

› No programming experience required

Graphic Novel Development › Introduction to graphic novel development

› Create your own short comic strip

› Ideal for comic book enthusiasts

These are examples of camps, please check our website for availability, dates and locations. For more information and to download a registration form, head to www.theaie.us/camps.

Summer Camps

www.theaie.us/camps

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SeattleOur Seattle, WA campus is located in the Seattle Center Armory — right next to the iconic Space Needle. One of the fastest growing hubs of the video game industry, Seattle is home to over 300 game companies of all sizes, like Valve, Nintendo, Bungie, Microsoft Game Studios, PopCap Games, Harebrained Schemes, and Hidden Path Entertainment, not to mention numerous emerging independent game studios.

The Seattle campus hosts a weekly Industry Speakers series, a monthly Art Group (TAG), an annual indie games Festival (iFEST) and Global Game Jam. These events and meetings of the local chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) are all opportunities for students to network with members of the local game community which can lead to internships and jobs.

With input from our local industry Advisory Committee, AIE offers exciting courses in 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX), Game Art and Game Programming taught in studio style with emphasis on hands-on practice with industry standard technology and software.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898 / FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org.

Elevator (to 4th Level)

Children’s Museum

MonorailFood Court

4th Level

3rd Level

2nd Level

1st Level

Academy of Interactive Entertainment

www.theaie.us/seattle17

LafayetteOur Lafayette, LA campus is located in a region called Acadiana, which is known as the “Heart of Cajun and Creole French Louisiana”. The campus is located on the second floor of the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) building near the Lafayette Cajundome and Convention Center.

LITE is a 3D immersive visualization and high-performance computing center, hosting clients in commercial industry, government and university sectors. AIE Lafayette’s partnership with the Opportunity Machine (OM) and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) gives us the tools and resources needed in order to train students efficiently and effectively in a production studio environment.

The city of Lafayette has officially been named the “Happiest City in the U.S.”, was ranked number one in the U.S. for “Economic and Job Growth”, and is one of the fastest growing mid-size cities in the country. Lafayette hosts a range of technology-industry events including INNOV8 Lafayette, iFEST, Global Game Jam and Cajun Code Fest which, combined with the growth in local technology companies, has given the region the name “Silicon Bayou”.

By incorporating young, creative minds and innovative thinking, AIE was brought to Lafayette to assist with job development for the growing digital media industry. AIE Lafayette is proud and thrilled to be a part of a growing city full of technology, arts, music, food and culture!

The campus in Lafayette campus is working towards it's candidacy for accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.

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Alumni DestinationsThe following list is a small sample of the studios where our graduates have found work and projects our graduates have been credited on.

› Epic

› Industrial Light & Magic

› Konami

› Framestore

› Animal Logic

› UbiSoft

› Halfbrick

› BioWare

› Weta Digital

› BigWorld

› Harebrained Schemes

› Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

› Deepfried Entertainment

› Jim Henson Creature Shop

› LucasArts

› Dreamgate Studios

› Dreamworks Animation

› Splash Damage

› Rockstar Games

› Ninja Theory

› Autodesk

› 2K Australia

› EA Games

› Bungie

› Microsoft

› Pik Pok

› Dice

› Method Studios

› CBS Interactive

› Catalyst Interactive

Games › L.A. Noire

› Dead Space

› Dragon Age

› Jetpack Joyride

› Fruit Ninja

› Bioshock 1 & 2

› Bioshock: Infinite

› Grand Theft Auto IV

› World of Tanks

› Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

› Shadowrun Returns

› Tribes: Vengeance

› Freedom Force vs The 3rd Reich

› Guitar Hero

› de Blob

› Puzzle Quest

› Neopets

› Battlefield 4

› The Legend of Spyro

Films › Avatar

› 300

› Terminator: Salvation

› Harry Potter

› Happy Feet

› Lord of the Rings

› The Hobbit

› Iron Man

› X-Men

› The Wolverine

› The Avengers

› Man of Steel

› Prometheus

› The Great Gatsby

› Guardians of the Galaxy

“I can definitively say that AIE was the main factor that got my foot in the door and allowed me to build a career in games. More so than any university degree, the AIE taught me the skills needed to make it in the industry that I love.”

Andrew Hung Software Developer, Minfos, Symbian

www.theaie.us/graduates19

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Our Mission StatementAIE trains students for employment and career opportunities in 3D animation, game development and related fields through the provision of world class education as well as acting as a catalyst to build these industries.

Non-discrimination PolicyThe Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors. As such, AIE does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admissions, policies, scholarships, loans and any other programs or activities administered by AIE based on, but not limited to, the following: class, sex, gender identification/expression, sexual identification, nation, religion, race, color, creed, ethnic origin, veteran/military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, education, age, domestic/marital status, and any other perceived differences. AIE encourages individuals from all backgrounds to be themselves and feel welcome at our campuses and at AIE sponsored events.

www.theaie.us/ndp

www.theaie.us/mission

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Seattle305 Harrison Street, Suite 405 Seattle, WA 98109

206.428.6350

206.428.6354

seattle@aie.edu.au

facebook.com/AIESeattle

Lafayette537 Cajundome Boulevard, Suite 211 Lafayette, LA 70506

337.456.1848

337.232.0790

lafayette@aie.edu.au

facebook.com/AIELafayette

academy of interactive entertainment Seattle Lafayette Sydney Melbourne Canberra Adelaide Online

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