animation school

Vancouver: The operating licence for the Vancouver School of Animation and Multi Media was suspended June 30 by a provincial government regulator for ‘lack of financial responsibility.’

After an on-site inspection, Patrick Floyd, executive director of b.c.’s Private Post Secondary Education Commission, says that the classical animation school was losing its instructors for non-payment of wages, was behind on its bills, and could not provide a full accounting because its accountant quit, or depending on who you’re talking to, got fired.

About 40 to 60 animation students are affected, he estimates, though he isn’t certain whether the three-year-old school’s records are complete or up to date.

Courses began every three months and one-year courses cost about $12,000.

Floyd says the students are protected. Tuition equal to the value of the undelivered portion of their training will either be refunded or be applied toward the tuition of another educational center.

About 10 students are currently negotiating with a competing private school – Vancouver Film School – for admission to its classical animation program. Its 45-week program costs $11,000.

Floyd adds that there are about 30 students considering or undertaking legal action against the Vancouver School of Animation for ‘misrepresentation,’ developments that prompted his inspection.

Vancouver School of Animation owner Julie Ferguson says she is working to solve the students’ complaints and has done everything she can to have a strong program.

She says one student was able to get money through small claims court.

Ferguson was planning to appeal Floyd’s decision.

Delna Bhesania, a co-owner of Bardel Animation Coloring House and vp of the Association of British Columbia Animation Producers, says the closure looks bad for the entire animation industry.

‘The quality of instructor, from an industry point of view, was poorer in my opinion,’ says Bhesania, who adds she’s never hired a student from the Vancouver School of Animation.

abcap will be looking at ways of accrediting animation schools to ensure students graduate with marketable skills, says Bhesania. ‘There is a talent shortage’