Dynamic Action and Cinematic Energy
Action Animation Course — Flight & Fight
Mentored by Filippo Dattola — Lead Animator, 12+ years on major feature productions.
Mentorship Phase 9
The ninth phase in the SquashnStretch mentorship path. This action animation course brings together creature mechanics and cinematic storytelling in high-energy sequences — flying creatures, combat choreography, aerial dynamics, and action performance.
Through direct 1-on-1 mentorship, you will learn to animate with both technical precision and the cinematic impact that feature-film action demands.
What This Mentorship Phase 9 Covers
This phase covers dynamic action animation. You will work through flight mechanics, aerial combat, creature-vs-creature fight choreography, high-speed pursuit sequences, and the physical storytelling of cinematic action. Every shot demands the ability to balance technical accuracy with dramatic impact.
Who This Phase Is For
Designed for animators who have completed Mentorship Phase 8 or have strong creature animation skills. If you want to specialize in the high-energy creature and action work that drives major VFX blockbusters, this phase builds exactly those skills.
What You Will Achieve
By the end of this phase, you will animate dynamic action sequences with cinematic energy and technical control. Your demo reel will include the type of high-impact creature action work that VFX studios actively recruit for — ready for Phase 10 — Dinosaur Animation.
Mentorship Phase 9 Details
LIVE Review
Two 1-on-1 live sessions per week with your mentor. All sessions recorded for you to review anytime.
LECTURES
Live and recorded video tutorials and PDF, covering flight mechanics, combat choreography, and cinematic action.
ASSIGNMENT
1 creature shot with detailed mentor feedback on dynamics, impact, timing, and cinematic staging.
SOFTWARE
Autodesk Maya is the primary software.
Students can also use Blender or other 3D packages
LANGUAGE
All sessions and materials are delivered in English or Italian. Choose your preferred language when you enrol
REQUIREMENTS
Stable internet connection, microphone and webcam. Completion of Phase 8 or equivalent experience.
DURATION
10 weeks of structured training with progressive complexity. Two sessions per week, live and recorded.
Why Choose This Action Animation Course
This action animation course is where technical skill meets cinematic spectacle. Under direct mentorship from a Lead Animator who has animated action sequences for major feature productions, you will develop the ability to create dynamic, high-energy shots that balance physical accuracy with dramatic storytelling.
The feedback you receive is the same standard applied inside real studios — specific, actionable, and focused on developing your ability to animate dynamic action sequences with both technical precision and cinematic impact.
Students who have completed this action animation course describe it as the moment their creature work gained real cinematic energy — when flight felt weightless, combat felt visceral, and every action sequence told a story. If you are serious about animating the high-impact creature work that drives major VFX productions, this is the phase that prepares you.
Apply for This Phase
Get in touch to apply for this Action Animation phase or to find out which phase is right for your level.