In the world of professional animation, there are tutorial videos, and then there are master classes. The difference often lies not just in the software tricks, but in the philosophy, the workflow, and the lineage of the teacher. When you hear the phrase "AnimSquad master class Disney s Zach Parrish Brent Homman top," you are not looking at a casual YouTube tutorial. You are looking at the gold standard of character animation education.
AnimSquad, founded by veteran animator Waylon Dunn, has built a reputation for bridging the gap between student work and the quality expected in a major studio. However, two names consistently rise to the top of their roster: Zach Parrish and Brent Homman. Both veterans of Walt Disney Animation Studios, their master classes offer a rare, unfiltered look into how to bring digital puppets to life with soul, weight, and comedic timing.
This article breaks down exactly what makes this specific pairing—Parrish and Homman via AnimSquad—the pinnacle of online animation education.
If you are applying their teachings to your work, run through this checklist:
AnimSquad Master Class , featuring Disney veterans Zach Parrish Brent Homman
, is widely regarded in the industry as a definitive deep dive into the high-energy "cartoony" style that defines modern feature animation. Class Overview & Value
The course is built around a comprehensive workflow for animating a single, complex cartoony shot. It is available as a recorded HD masterclass, historically priced around Approximately 13 hours and 52 minutes of detailed instruction. Software focus: Primarily uses Autodesk Maya Instructor Pedigree: Zach Parrish: Renowned for his work on Disney hits like Wreck-It Ralph Big Hero 6 Brent Homman:
Brings years of expertise in stylized motion and character performance. Curriculum Breakdown
The masterclass is structured to follow the full production pipeline, split between the two instructors: Core Focus Areas
Initial posing, timing, and establishing the "bones" of the shot.
Bridging the gaps between key poses to define the specific rhythm of cartoony motion.
Fine-tuning arcs, spacing, and the "Disney-style" appeal that makes shots look professional. Key Strengths "Cartoony" Specialization:
Unlike general courses that focus on realism, this class explicitly teaches the exaggerated physics, "squash and stretch," and extreme posing required for high-end studio work. Complete Visibility: The instructors explain the
behind every decision, from initial blocking to the final polish pass, ensuring students don't miss technical nuances. Direct Translation to Industry:
The techniques taught are the exact methods used at major studios like Disney and Pixar. Considerations Skill Level:
This is not a "basics" course. It is best suited for animators who already understand the 12 principles of animation and Maya's interface but want to elevate their work to a feature-film level. Legacy Content:
While the core principles remain timeless, original recordings date back several years (circa 2013-2016).
You can view the original teaser and purchase information on the AnimSquad YouTube channel or through third-party educational platforms like technical tips from the Blocking or Polishing chapters of this course?
The AnimSquad Master Class featuring Zach Parrish and Brent Homman is an intensive, 17-hour deep dive into the professional animation workflows used at major studios like Disney. This masterclass provides a rare "behind-the-scenes" look at how top-tier animators approach character performance, workflow efficiency, and technical execution in Maya. Masterclass Highlights
This recorded program, originally released for $299, is divided into two major segments led by seasoned Disney veterans: Zach Parrish: Animating a Cartoony Shot (10 Hours)
Focus: Rapid workflow, blocking, breaking down, and polishing highly stylized, "cartoony" animation.
Expertise: Parrish, a former Head of Animation at Disney (Big Hero 6) and current Animation Director at Netflix, shares "golden nuggets" of workflow efficiency.
Insights: Includes anecdotes from his work on Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, and Sony’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Brent Homman: Subtle Character Performance (7 Hours)
Focus: Mastering subtle, close-up acting and maintaining "appeal and fleshiness" in female characters.
Expertise: Homman, an Animation Supervisor on Big Hero 6 and Moana, demonstrates how to manage difficult, high-stakes performances.
Insights: Lessons are grounded in his experience working on blockbuster hits like Frozen, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Strange World. Why This Masterclass Stands Out
Unlike generic tutorials, this AnimSquad session focuses on the logic and verbalization of every step. Students see the exact desktop and Maya footage of these masters as they work, learning not just how to animate, but why specific creative choices are made to push character appeal.
Comprehensive Workflow: Covers everything from Maya file setup to the final polish stage.
Industry Standards: Teaches the "Disney style" of weight, timing, and appeal that is highly sought after in the feature film industry.
Skill Level: While it strengthens foundational skills, it is specifically designed to revamp the workflow of intermediate to advanced animators looking to transition into feature-quality work.
This was my favorite part.
Zach shared a directing principle he uses for every shot: What is the ONE big feeling you want the audience to feel?
Not two. Not three. One.
He walked through his Short Circuit film Puddles. Every single shot of the elderly man was designed around longing—even the funny beats came back to that core emotion. Brent added that in Encanto, Isabela’s “What Else Can I Do?” sequence is about liberation—not happiness, not anger—liberation.
Challenge: Before you touch your next shot, write down ONE word. If your animation doesn’t scream that word, rework it.
Walking out of the Animsquad class, the vibe wasn't intimidation—it was possibility. Parrish and Homman demystified the "Disney Magic" and put it back where it belongs: in the hands of the artist who draws the next frame. In the world of professional animation, there are
Whether you are a student fighting with the graph editor or a pro stuck in a rut, remember Brent Homman’s closing line:
"We aren't making machines move. We are making memories breathe."
Did you attend the Animsquad master class? Let us know your favorite moment in the comments below!
The AnimSquad Master Class, featuring Zach Parrish and Brent Homman, is a comprehensive digital workshop designed to bridge the gap between student-level animation and the high-performance workflow used at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released in 2013, the course provides 17 hours of high-definition recording that follows two of the industry’s leading animators as they demonstrate their personal processes for creating professional-grade shots. Overview of the Instructors Both instructors are veterans of the "Disney Revival" era:
Zach Parrish: Former Head of Animation for Big Hero 6 and director of Disney shorts like Us Again. In the masterclass, he is recognized for his "super fast" workflow and ability to clearly verbalize every technical and creative step.
Brent Homman: A seasoned Disney Animation Supervisor who worked on hits such as Tangled, Frozen, and Moana. His focus in the class is on the delicate balance of appeal and "fleshiness" in character performance. Curriculum and Content
The class is structured to show a shot’s evolution from a blank Maya file to a final polished product. It is divided into two primary demonstrations:
Animating a Cartoony Shot (Zach Parrish):Zach provides 10 hours of Maya footage focusing on high-energy, "cartoony" animation. He breaks down his workflow into four distinct phases:
Maya Setup: Organizing files and preparing the workspace for speed.
Blocking: Establishing the core poses and timing of the shot.
Breaking Down: Transitioning between key poses to refine the character’s movement.
Polish: Adding the final nuances that separate professional work from amateur efforts.
Subtle Character Performance (Brent Homman):Brent’s portion focuses on the difficult task of subtle, close-up character acting. He emphasizes maintaining "appeal" in female characters, drawing on his experience from Tangled and Frozen to show how to handle fleshy deformations and emotional nuances. Key Learning Outcomes
The masterclass goes beyond software tutorials by offering "golden workflow nuggets" and industry anecdotes. Students learn:
Weight and Physics: Techniques for animating weight, as seen in Zach's work on The Incredible Hulk and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Professional Efficiency: How to use Maya effectively to maintain a fast-paced production schedule without sacrificing quality.
Creative Decision-Making: Insights into why certain poses or timing choices are made to best serve the story.
For more information on current offerings or to view the original trailer, you can visit AnimSquad or their Vimeo channel.
Unlocking the Secrets of Animation: Animsquad Master Class with Disney's Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
The world of animation is a magical realm where creativity knows no bounds. For aspiring animators, getting a glimpse into the techniques and expertise of industry leaders can be a dream come true. Recently, two of Disney's top animation experts, Zach Parrish and Brent Homman, shared their insights and experiences in an exclusive master class organized by Animsquad. This rare opportunity allowed attendees to learn from the best in the business and gain valuable knowledge on what it takes to succeed in the world of animation.
Who are Zach Parrish and Brent Homman?
Zach Parrish and Brent Homman are two highly acclaimed animation professionals who have made significant contributions to Disney's success. With years of experience in the industry, they have worked on some of Disney's most beloved films, including "Moana," "Frozen," and "Tangled." Their impressive resumes boast a range of roles, from animation supervision to directing, and they have received numerous awards and nominations for their work.
The Animsquad Master Class
Animsquad, a renowned organization dedicated to nurturing animation talent, brought Parrish and Homman together for an exclusive master class. The event provided a unique chance for attendees to learn from these Disney experts and gain a deeper understanding of the animation process. The master class covered a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of animation to advanced techniques and industry insights.
Key Takeaways from the Master Class
During the master class, Parrish and Homman shared their expertise on various aspects of animation, including:
Zach Parrish's Insights
Zach Parrish, known for his work on "Moana" and "The Princess and the Frog," shared his expertise on:
Brent Homman's Insights
Brent Homman, recognized for his work on "Frozen" and "Tangled," shared his expertise on:
Conclusion
The Animsquad master class with Disney's Zach Parrish and Brent Homman was an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring animators to learn from two industry leaders. The event provided a unique glimpse into the world of animation, covering topics ranging from storytelling and character development to animation techniques and industry insights. As the animation industry continues to evolve, events like this master class serve as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning, creativity, and collaboration.
Top Takeaways
For those who missed the master class, here are the top takeaways:
By applying these takeaways to their own work, aspiring animators can unlock the secrets of the industry and take their skills to the next level. As Zach Parrish and Brent Homman demonstrated, with dedication, hard work, and a passion for animation, anyone can succeed in this magical and ever-evolving world. AnimSquad Master Class , featuring Disney veterans Zach
Animsquad Master Class a high-level animation workshop led by industry veterans Zach Parrish Brent Homman
, both of whom are prominent figures at Walt Disney Animation Studios. The course is designed to provide a deep dive into the Disney-style animation workflow, spanning approximately of HD instructional content. Core Content & Workflow
The workshop is divided into two primary segments, each focusing on a different aspect of character animation: Zach Parrish (Cartoony Shots): Parrish, who served as the Head of Animation for Big Hero 6
, covers roughly 10 hours of the class. He demonstrates a complete workflow in Autodesk Maya
, taking a "cartoony" shot from initial setup through blocking, breakdown, and final polish. He shares "golden nuggets" of workflow efficiency and anecdotes from his work on Wreck-It Ralph Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Brent Homman (Subtle/Female Performance):
Homman focuses on the complexities of subtle character acting, specifically addressing the difficulty of maintaining "appeal and fleshiness" in female characters. Drawing on his experience from
, he teaches how to manage intricate, close-up performances. Key Learning Pillars Production Speed:
Parrish is specifically highlighted for his ability to animate and verbalize his process rapidly, making it ideal for those looking to improve their efficiency in a studio environment. Technical Breakdown:
The course covers the standard professional pipeline including multiple blocking passes , detailed breakdowns , and meticulous Expert Insight:
Beyond technical skills, the instructors provide professional context, discussing how to animate weight (e.g., his work on
) and push the boundaries of "cartoony" physics versus realism. Master Class Details ~17 hours total Instructors
Zach Parrish (Disney Head of Animation), Brent Homman (Disney Animator) Autodesk Maya Availability Recorded HD sessions originally priced at $299 You can view the original Animsquad Trailer on Vimeo or check for current availability on the official AnimSquad website animation techniques Parrish uses for blocking, or are you interested in other AnimSquad mentors
Here’s a strong, engaging post for social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Discord) promoting the Animsquad Master Class with Disney’s Zach Parrish and Brent Homman:
🔥 ANIMSQUAD MASTER CLASS ALERT! 🔥
Ever wanted to animate like the best in the industry? Here’s your chance.
We’re thrilled to welcome Zach Parrish (Disney, Raya and the Last Dragon, Zootopia, Short Circuit) and Brent Homman (Disney, Encanto, Frozen 2, Moana) for an exclusive Master Class!
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💡 Whether you’re a student, a junior artist, or a seasoned pro — this session will level up your skills.
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The AnimSquad Master Class featuring Disney veterans Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
is an intensive 17-hour deep dive into professional feature-film animation workflows.
The course is structured around over-the-shoulder demonstrations that cover the entire pipeline, from initial Maya setup to final polish, using techniques developed on blockbuster films like Tangled, Frozen, and Big Hero 6. Key Learning Components Zach Parrish
's Workflow (10 Hours): Known for his speed and clarity, Parrish provides a comprehensive walkthrough of his technical and creative process.
Pipeline Stages: He demos file setup, blocking, breakdown, and polishing. Creative Insights:
His session includes "workflow nuggets" and anecdotes from his time as Head of Animation on Big Hero 6 and his work on the Hulk and cartoony movements for Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Brent Homman
's Subtle Performance: Homman focuses on the nuances of close-up, high-appeal character acting.
Appeal and "Fleshiness": He specifically demonstrates how to maintain the appeal and soft deformations in female characters, drawing on his experience as an Animation Supervisor for Disney.
Performance Management: His demo focuses on wrangling difficult performances into cohesive, believable shots. Core Takeaways
Professional Speed: The class emphasizes developing a fast, efficient workflow essential for high-pressure studio environments.
Practical Demonstrations: Rather than theoretical lectures, the content is centered on desktop footage that reveals the exact button presses and decision-making steps used by top-tier animators.
Technical Maya Setup: Includes specific tips for configuring Maya to support a smoother animation process.
This master class is primarily targeted at intermediate to advanced animators looking to "revamp" their workflow by learning the specific "tricks" used at Walt Disney Animation Studios. For more information, you can view the official trailer on Vimeo. This was my favorite part
Are you interested in learning more about specific animation techniques used in these Disney films, or would you like to explore other master classes offered by AnimSquad? Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer
The AnimSquad Master Class with Disney animators Zach Parrish and Brent Homman offers a 17-18 hour, feature-film-quality course on animation workflows, focusing on cartoony animation in Maya. The curriculum covers blocking, breakdowns, and polishing techniques, providing insights into efficient production workflows, character weight, and arc refinement. Watch the trailer at Перевод всем
AnimSquad Master Class: Unlocking the Secrets of Disney Animation with Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
Are you ready to take your animation skills to the next level? Look no further than the AnimSquad Master Class, featuring two of Disney's top animators: Zach Parrish and Brent Homman. In this exclusive master class, you'll get to learn from the best in the business and gain valuable insights into the world of Disney animation.
About Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
Zach Parrish is a renowned animator and director at Disney, known for his work on films like "Moana" and "The Little Mermaid". With a career spanning over two decades, Parrish has worked on some of the most iconic Disney projects, including "Tangled", "The Princess and the Frog", and "Lilo & Stitch".
Brent Homman is a talented animator and artist, currently working at Disney on projects like "Raya and the Last Dragon" and "Strange World". With a strong background in traditional animation, Homman has honed his skills in character animation, storyboarding, and visual development.
What to Expect from the Master Class
In this comprehensive master class, Zach Parrish and Brent Homman will share their expertise on various aspects of animation, including:
Key Takeaways
By attending the AnimSquad Master Class, you'll gain:
Who Should Attend?
This master class is designed for:
Join the AnimSquad Master Class Today!
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from two of Disney's top animators. Register now for the AnimSquad Master Class and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential as an animator.
Elevate Your Workflow: The AnimSquad Master Class with Disney Legends Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
For aspiring animators and seasoned pros alike, the path to "Disney-level" quality often feels shrouded in mystery. How do they achieve that perfect blend of weight, appeal, and personality? The AnimSquad Master Class featuring Zach Parrish and Brent Homman is designed to pull back that curtain, offering over 17 hours of high-definition insight into the workflows of two industry titans.
Meet Your Mentors: The Architects of Modern Disney Animation
The value of this masterclass lies in the pedigree of its instructors. Both Parrish and Homman have spent over a decade shaping the look of modern animation at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Zach Parrish: Renowned for his speed and clarity, Parrish served as the Head of Animation on Big Hero 6 and an Animation Supervisor on Wreck-It Ralph. His portfolio includes work on Tangled, Frozen, Moana, and Zootopia. He is widely praised for his ability to verbalize every technical and creative decision he makes while animating.
Brent Homman: A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Homman served as the Animation Supervisor on the Oscar-winning Big Hero 6 and Animation Director for Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. He is a specialist in character appeal and the nuanced "fleshy" feel of characters, bringing experience from Tangled, Frozen, and Moana. Inside the Curriculum: From Blocking to Polish
Unlike general courses, this masterclass is a deep dive into specific, professional-grade workflows using Autodesk Maya. The curriculum is split into two primary demonstrations:
The Cartoony Shot (Zach Parrish): Over 10 hours of footage follow Parrish from the initial Maya file setup through blocking, breakdown, and final polish. He focuses on "pushing" the animation—showing how to achieve the snappy, appealing style seen in hits like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Disney's recent features.
The Subtle Performance (Brent Homman): Homman tackles the immense challenge of a close-up, subtle performance. He demonstrates how to maintain character appeal and anatomical integrity while wrangling complex emotional performances, a skill honed through his work on female leads in Tangled and Frozen. Key Takeaways for Students
The AnimSquad experience is built on "tough animation love" and professional emulation. In this masterclass, you will learn:
Workflow Efficiency: Discover how to work faster without sacrificing quality.
Problem Solving: Learn "what not to do" to avoid common pitfalls that derail professional shots.
Golden Nuggets: Industry secrets regarding weight, timing, and character physics.
Anecdotal Wisdom: The recordings are "sprinkled" with stories from the production floors of major Disney and Sony films, providing context for why certain creative choices are made. Is it Worth it?
At a price point typically around $299 for the HD recording, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to "sit behind the shoulder" of directors and supervisors. While some students note that AnimSquad can be less structured than schools like Animation Mentor, many appreciate the direct, no-nonsense feedback from mentors who are currently working on the world's biggest films.
Title: Inside the AnimSquad Master Class with Disney’s Zach Parrish & Brent Homman: Next-Level Tips You Can’t Miss
If you’re serious about animation—I mean really serious—you’ve probably heard of AnimSquad. And if you haven’t, let me put you on: it’s one of the most intense, high-level, industry-respected online animation workshops out there.
Recently, they dropped a master class featuring two Disney heavyweights: Zach Parrish (Director/Animator – Raya and the Last Dragon, Short Circuit: Puddles, Big Hero 6) and Brent Homman (Supervising Animator – Encanto, Zootopia, Frozen).
I managed to sit in (and rewatch it twice). Here’s the full breakdown of what they covered—and why you should care.
If you enroll in this specific track, here is a snapshot of the top lessons you will encounter: