Former Pixar Story Artist Matt Jones has taken a unique approach to online animation education during the pandemic. He created a feature-length animatic, YOKAi, an anime-inspired horror film for kids, and had his students storyboard the entire thing. This ambitious project not only taught his students the mechanics of storyboarding but also provided them with a valuable portfolio piece. Jones' background in the animation industry, including his time at Pixar, allowed him to develop YOKAi quickly and effectively. The animatic, featuring stunning color keys by Ukrainian artist Kate Fedorchuck, showcases the potential of online animation education beyond the pandemic. While the project didn't initially gain a massive audience, it served as a valuable learning experience for Jones' students, many of whom have since found jobs at major studios. Jones believes that this model could be expanded into a virtual studio-school, covering the entire pipeline and producing a student feature. However, he emphasizes the importance of shared ownership and profit-sharing to ensure fair compensation for participants. As Jones continues to focus on his own work and pursue independent projects, he remains optimistic about the future of the animation industry, anticipating an exciting wave of industry change.
