Steven Subotnick
Steven Subotnick has been making independent animations since 1985. His films have screened in festivals, galleries and curated shows around the world. He has worked as an animator, director, illustrator and author, and has taught animation at numerous institutions, including RISD and Harvard University.
Academic areas of interest
Subotnick makes animated films that are associative explorations of themes found in history, folklore and nature. His techniques are varied, but the poetic quality of the visual image is always his primary concern.
Courses
Fall 2024 Courses
FAV 5195-01
*SENIOR STUDIO: ANIMATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
During the senior year, students synthesize and apply what they have learned in their previous studies to the creation of a year-long project. Students develop, design, animate, direct, and produce these projects independently. Students receive weekly individual guidance from instructors and two critiques by established professionals from the world animation community. Class meetings are devoted to film screenings, group critique, and specialized technical workshops.
Estimated Materials Cost: Varies considerably with production design; average $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 Deposit: $150.00
Fall semester includes a one-week field trip to the Ottawa International Animation Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Majors are pre-registered by the Department Coordinator during the pre-registration period in the Spring semester preceding the senior year. Students make full payment via Slate. Payments can be made at any time once registration begins in May. Payment must be completed by September 1.
Estimated Travel Cost: $700 - $1,000
Please contact fav@risd.edu for permission to register.
Major Requirement | BFA Film/Animation/Video | Animation
Wintersession 2025 Courses
FAV W517-101
SENIOR STUDIO: ANIMATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
During the senior year, students synthesize and apply what they have learned in their previous studies to the creation of a year-long project. Students develop, design, animate, direct, and produce these projects independently. Students receive weekly individual guidance from instructors and two critiques by established professionals from the world animation community. Class meetings are devoted to film screenings, group critique, and specialized technical workshops.
Deposit: $150.00
Please contact fav@risd.edu for permission to register.
Major Requirement | BFA Film/Animation/Video | Animation
Spring 2025 Courses
FAV 5196-01
SENIOR STUDIO: ANIMATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
During the senior year, students synthesize and apply what they have learned in their previous studies to the creation of a year-long project. Students develop, design, animate, direct, and produce these projects independently. Students receive weekly individual guidance from instructors and two critiques by established professionals from the world animation community. Class meetings are devoted to film screenings, group critique, and specialized technical workshops. Spring Semester features speakers from different sectors of the animation field who meet with students to prepare them for professional practice. During the spring semester each student also prepares a professional reel and portfolio. The year culminates with the RISD Senior Festival, a public showcase.
Estimated Cost of Materials: varies considerably with production design; average $1,000.00 to $3,000.00.
Deposit: $150.00
Please contact fav@risd.edu for permission to register.
Major Requirement | BFA Film/Animation/Video | Animation