Max Porter

Associate Professor
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Bachelors, Rhode Island School of Design

Max Porter is an Oscar-nominated animation director specializing in mixed-media narratives. Since 2003 his short films have screened in over 1,000 festivals worldwide and have received nearly 200 international awards. Working globally, Porter has produced animated films with the Netherlands Institute for Animation Film and CICLIC Animation (France), and he is currently developing his first feature animation script with the support of the Torino Script Lab (Greece, France, Italy). In addition, he is co-founder of the animation studio Tiny Inventions, where he has directed numerous TV commercials, PSAs, music videos and interactive media.

With 12 years of teaching experience, Porter has worked with students at Parsons the New School for Design, the School of Visual Arts and Maryland Institute College of Art, where he was awarded the Trustee’s Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching.

Courses

Fall 2023 Courses

FAV 5106-03 - INTERMEDIATE STUDIO: ANIMATION
Level Undergraduate
Unit Film/Animation/Video
Subject Film/Animation/Video
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

FAV 5106-03

INTERMEDIATE STUDIO: ANIMATION

Level Undergraduate
Unit Film/Animation/Video
Subject Film/Animation/Video
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: TH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Max Porter Location(s): Market House, Room 307 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

The intermediate year of animation study witnesses a significant transformation, in which the student grows from novice to independent director. This year-long studio develops an integrated understanding of the diverse aesthetic tools of animation, and teaches students directing for the animation medium. The course is comprised of four elements. First, weekly in-class structured experiments and homework awaken and refine the student's understanding of movement, timing, writing, editing, sound design, art directing, and use of materials. Second, students receive technical training in 2D animation production. Third, students screen and discuss animated works spanning history, culture, and design approach. Fourth, each student designs, animates, directs, and produces two independent projects, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $300.00 Deposit: $150.00

Please contact fav@risd.edu for permission to register; registration is not available in Workday.


Major Requirement | BFA Film/Animation/Video | Animation

FAV 5123-01 - CHARACTER DESIGN
Level Undergraduate
Unit Film/Animation/Video
Subject Film/Animation/Video
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

FAV 5123-01

CHARACTER DESIGN

Level Undergraduate
Unit Film/Animation/Video
Subject Film/Animation/Video
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: F | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Max Porter Location(s): Market House, Room 307 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This course is a study of the theories and methods of character design as applied to narrative forms. This class asks students to push beyond stereotypical designs to develop two-dimensional characters that are both personally and culturally resonant and imaginative. Particular emphasis is placed on the expressive power of abstract forms and color. Through exploring individual perceptions of good and evil, success and failure, as well as beauty and ugliness, students create characters that are highly original. Research, thorough craftsmanship, and sophisticated design are stressed.

Department permission is required to register for this course; this course is not available via web registration. Please contact fav@risd.edu for permission to register.


Elective

Spring 2024 Courses

FAV 5107-03 - INTERMEDIATE STUDIO: ANIMATION
Level Undergraduate
Unit Film/Animation/Video
Subject Film/Animation/Video
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

FAV 5107-03

INTERMEDIATE STUDIO: ANIMATION

Level Undergraduate
Unit Film/Animation/Video
Subject Film/Animation/Video
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: TH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Max Porter Location(s): Market House, Room 307 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This is the second semester of a year-long animation study, in which the student grows from novice to independent director. This studio develops an integrated understanding of the diverse aesthetic tools of animation, and teaches students directing for the animation medium. The course is comprised of four elements. First, weekly in-class structured experiments and homework awaken and refine the student's understanding of movement, timing, writing, editing, sound design, art directing, and use of materials. Second, students receive technical training in 2D animation production. Third, students screen and discuss animated works spanning history, culture, and design approach. Fourth, each student designs, animates, directs, and produces two independent projects, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Estimated Cost of Materials: varies considerably with production design; averages $300.00 to $1,200.00

Deposit: $150.00

Please contact fav@risd.edu for permission to register.


Major Requirement | BFA Film/Animation/Video | Animation

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Bachelors, Rhode Island School of Design