What if I don't receive email confirmation?
First, check to see if your active email account is not blocking any emails from ACME ANIMATION. Add Techsupport@theacmenetwork.org to your address book. If you are a student in an ACME classroom, you will not receive a confirmation code but will be approved to log on once your teacher accepts you. If you are a Professional Animator or a Paid individual and do not receive a confirmation code, send an email to info@theacmenetwork.org.
May I link my personal website to the ACME Animation online site?
No.
TECHNICAL
Do I have to have DSL to participate?
DSL or Cable Internet would be ideal for faster viewing and downloading of content. However, you can still function well on the site with a 56K modem or higher
What type of Software do I need to view animations?
You will need Quicktime, Windows Media Player, Real Player or Flash to view short video clips and any steaming content on the site.
What file size and resolution may I upload?
: Auditioner, College, Intern, and Apprentice. All ACME members under the age of 18 start out as Auditioners. All members over the age of 18 start out as College level. Interns are those students who have a general and solid understanding of the Animation Basics and Apprentices are those students who seriously working towards careers in animation. Apprentices have several artworks approved in a portfolio by professional The preferred file size for videos is 720 X 480 so that the artwork may be enlarged. Still artwork is ideally presented as follows: 7.5x10; 72 DPI (540x720). Thumbnails: 52x52
PARTICIPATION
How much of an animation background do I need to use ACME Online?
People from all levels of interest in animation can use this site-from beginners just learning about animation to those who have decided to make a career of animating.
Do all my tests need be shown using traditional pencil animation?
No. You can post your work using any method of animation you choose.
What format is required for uploading files?
Preferred file formats are QuickTime and Flash for video clips and steaming content.
What are the levels of ACME?
There are four participant levelsanimators, and are very close to becoming professionals themselves.
Where can I upload work?
As an Auditioner, you may upload and comment on work in the AUDITION ROOM GALLERY where other members are also exploring animation and working on the basic principles as well as spend points in the University Review Gallery for feedback from university teachers. College, Interns and Apprentices may upload work into Showtime Gallery or spend points in with the Pro Advice and Professional Review board.
What exactly is a project folder?
A Project Folder contains several files that support ONE project. E.g.. The Bouncing Ball Project, The Sack Pantomime Project, or a Short Film Project. AFTER creating a Project Folder, you may upload as many files as you wish for a particular project to that one folder.
What are points and how do I get them?
Blue Points and Orange Points track your participation in the ACME Online community. The more you earn, the more access you have to the professionals. Earn Blue Points when you upload work into the AUDITION ROOM or SHOWTIME GALLERY. Earn Orange Points when you make a helpful comment to an AUDITIONER. Use your points to join MASTER CLASSES and put work into the REVIEW BOARDS, both of which guarantee PRO feedback. Click here to learn more.
Am I required to comment on the work of others?
In order to advance you must comment on other work. When you use ACME Online you are part of a community of learners. Commenting on others' work and engaging in discussion with those who are attempting the same or similar challenges are always a benefit to you and the community.
In order to advance, should I focus only on challenges on the site?
No. The challenges are there to help you refine your skills. Attempt them if you feel they will help you. You can also post your own original work for feedback.
What is a PRO PICK?
When a professional rates an artwork as Portfolio Ready in the Pro Review Board, the work shows up here.
What are Master Classes?
MASTER CLASSES are opportunities for a group of ACME members to work on a challenge assigned by an animation professional. In a master class, members try the same challenge during the period of time, uploading their work and giving each other feedback. The ACME PRO works with the group, giving feedback and pointing out good examples of the principles. The more time you revise work, the more DIRECT PROFESSIONAL FEEDBACK you will receive!
What is the UNIVERSITY REVIEW BOARD?
As an Auditioner, if you feel that you have a piece of work that meets University Criteria, you will spend points to place it in the UNIVERSITY REVIEW BOARD. Here, an ACME MASTER TEACHER will decide if it is good enough to be placed in your UNIVERSITY PORTFOLIO. If the work meets ACME standards, you will receive your points back, AND be working towards a portfolio that will further your animation education. Be selective in submitting work, because if it does not meet the requirements you will not receive your points back and will have to spend more points to place the revised work into the UNIVERSITY REVIEW BOARD again.
What is a UNIVERSITY PORTFOLIO?
A UNIVERSITY PORTFOLIO is where you will keep work that has been approved by an ACME MASTER TEACHER in the UNIVERSITY REVIEW BOARD. After you have TEN approved works, you will become College Level and have access your portfolio and be able to make it visible to other ACME members as well as admissions at any university!
What is the Pro Advice Board?
If you are a College, Intern or Apprentice and want advice prior to submitting work in the review board, you may place it here. Professional animators will advise you on any changes but will not rate the work for your portfolio.
What is the PRO REVIEW BOARD?
If you are a College, Intern or Apprentice and feel that your work meets Studio Criteria, you will spend points to have it reviewed by Three ACME PROS. If two professionals out of the first three ratings decide the work meets professional standards, you will receive your points back AND it will be placed in your own PRO PORTFOLIO. This is not a gallery in which you get to comment and revise work. Be selective in submitting work, because if it does not meet the requirements you will not receive your points back and will have to spend more points to place the revised work into the PRO REVIEW BOARD again.
What is a PRO PORTFOLIO?
A PRO PORTFOLIO is where you will keep work that has been approved by two ACME PROS in the PRO REVIEW BOARD. After you have 2 approve works, you will ascend from College to Intern. After you have FIVE approved works, you will automatically become an ACME APPRENTICE. After you have 10 approved works, you will have access your portfolio and be able to make it visible to other ACME members as well as use it for getting jobs in the Animation Industry
What if I have studied animation before and already have good-quality work to show?
Great! If you think your work meets Intern Standards, show it right away in the Intern Review Board and find out what the professionals think. Remember, if your work meets the standards, you earn your points back. So, you can use the same points to show new work, until 10 pieces are approved!
How will I know if my work has been reviewed?
In the Feedback window you'll be able to see comments from other site users. The icon next to the person’s name giving the feedback identifies whether they are a professional artist, an auditioner, intern or apprentice. If there is a video icon next to it, this means that an illustration or video feedback file has been attached to your work. Click on the icon to view the feedback. A yellow star next to a piece of work means that an ACME PRO has commented. You can also view the Daily Activity Report to see quickly if a Pro has made a comment to you or you peers' artwork.
Is it possible to be denied access to this site?
We expect a high level of professionalism from all participants. If you do not abide by the Terms of Use and the Codes of Conduct, or engage in activities that would be detrimental to the program, you will be prohibited from further use of the site and any money paid to participate on this site will be forfeited. The first time ACME is aware of any inappropriate activity you will be issued a warning. The second time, points will be deducted from your status. The third time, you will be denied all access from ACME online participation.
Is ACME An Online Class?
ACME is not a class. ACME connects students, teachers and professional artists in a learning community.
How are students assessed?
ACME doesn't get involved in grading, assigning credit, or any other of the teacher's or schools functions. On the ACME Online site, students earn progression through their participation and performance.
What is a “Sheltered Site” and how does it benefit teachers or groups?
Sheltered sites are an excellent way for teachers and students to view work within a particular group. Sheltered sites have access to all ACME capability but give teachers and students the ability to comment on particular projects within a classroom or group setting shielded from the entire ACME site. It also offers teachers a roster to help track their student progress.
Is life drawing shown on the site?
Yes, an important part of the artist skill development is anatomy and life drawing. Different districts have different rules about “life drawing”. The participating teachers send home their own participation release form for their students parents to sign. The responsibility is assumed by the teachers.
What kind of animation tool(s) may the students use?
Students can choose their own tool. Students can use Computer Generated Imagery software, pencils, paper cut out animations, or what the imagination inspires.