Combining high tech visual effects with traditional sculpture techniques, the new VSFX 447 Models & Miniatures course meets in the ACA Sculpture studio, thanks to the generosity of the SCAD Atlanta Sculpture department. Students work with a variety of materials, including high density foam, to create characters, props, and background elements to composite into screen-based media. In this photo, Pixar’s Director of Photography for “Toy Story 3″, Kim White visits with Professor Clarke Stallworth and the first class of Models and Miniatures students during White’s May 2012 tour of Atlanta Visual Effects and Animation classes.

Pixar Director of Photography, Kim White (second from right) joins Professor Clarke Stallworth (right) and VSFX Miniatures and Models students from Animation, Visual Effects, and Motion Media

Yuri Takimoto (VSFX), Professor Clarke Stallworh (VSFX), Ginger Tontaveetong (ANIM), Dan Wegendt (MOME), and Charles Quinniey (ANIM) check over progress on Yuri's street scene and Charles' spaceship

Visual Effects MFA Yuri Takimoto's completed forced perspective street scene model