Animsquad Master Class Disney S Zach Parrish Brent Homman May 2026
The proof is in the reel. Several graduates of the AnimSquad Master Class have gone on to work at Sony Imageworks, Nickelodeon, and even Walt Disney Animation Studios directly.
These stories circulate frequently on animation forums like Animation Mentor and CGTalk, solidifying the class's reputation.
The search term highlights two distinct but equally influential animators:
Here, Parrish dives into his specialty: weight and physics. If your character is throwing a ball or turning around, Parrish will analyze the center of gravity. He uses references from sports and dance.
In an industry currently facing contraction and higher hiring standards, your demo reel is your only weapon. Generic tutorials from YouTube won't teach you the specific "Disney sparkle."
The Animsquad Master Class Disney's Zach Parrish Brent Homman offers something rare: a bridge between "fan art" and "professional."
Final Recommendation: If you are serious about character animation and want to know what it actually feels like to work under a Disney lead, take this class. Parrish will teach you how to move the body with rhythm. Homman will teach you how to think with the face. Together, they represent the best live critique available online today.
Keep your eyes on Animsquad’s roster. The next time Zach Parrish and Brent Homman open their virtual classroom, do not hesitate. Your career as a professional animator starts the moment they click "Accept" on your shot submission.
Are you ready to animate like the pros? Share your thoughts on the Animsquad teaching style in the comments below, and check back for our interview with other Disney mentors later this month.
AnimSquad Master Class featuring Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
is an intensive, 17-hour deep dive into professional feature film animation workflows. Recorded in HD, the class follows these two Disney veterans as they demonstrate their personal processes in Maya, covering everything from initial file setup to final polish. Master Class Curriculum Overview
The course is structured into distinct segments focusing on different animation challenges: Zach Parrish: Fast-Paced Workflow & Cartoony Shots : Approximately 10 hours of desktop/Maya footage.
: Zach demonstrates a high-speed workflow for a "cartoony" shot, verbalizing every decision from setup to blocking and breakdown. : Includes anecdotes from his work on major films like Wreck-It-Ralph Brent Homman: Subtle Acting & Delicate Performance : Approximately 7 hours of additional instruction.
: Brent tackles the difficulty of maintaining "appeal" and "fleshiness" in a subtle, close-up female character performance. : He draws on techniques used for characters in to manage complex, nuanced performances. Key Learning Objectives The Workflow Cycle
: Detailed walkthroughs of the blocking, breakdown, and polish phases. Feature Film Tricks
: Learn "golden nuggets" used at studios like Disney to increase speed without sacrificing quality. Character Specifics
: Specialized focus on both exaggerated cartoony movements and subtle, realistic acting. This masterclass was originally available at
and remains a benchmark for students looking to bridge the gap between student work and professional-level feature animation. structured syllabus to organize your notes from this class, or would you like a comparison of their individual animation styles?
Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer - Vimeo
Looking to level up your animation game? offers an intensive 17-hour Master Class featuring top-tier industry veterans Zach Parrish Brent Homman
This workshop pulls back the curtain on the high-level workflows used at Walt Disney Animation Studios to create world-class character performances What’s Inside the Master Class?
The course is split into two deep-dive demonstrations covering different ends of the animation spectrum: Zach Parrish: Animating a Cartoony Shot
Zach takes you through his entire process in Maya—from setting up files and blocking to final polish. Experience: Known for his work as the Head of Animation Big Hero 6 Animation Director for Disney's Includes fun anecdotes from working on with Glen Keane and pushing cartoony styles on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Brent Homman: Subtle, High-Appeal Performance
Brent tackles the challenge of a subtle, close-up performance, focusing on maintaining "appeal and fleshiness" in a female character. Experience: Animation Supervisor Big Hero 6 , Brent has contributed to hits like Raya and the Last Dragon Strange World Technique:
He shares how to wrangle extremely difficult, nuanced performances into something believable and appealing. Class Details Total Content:
17 hours of HD recording (including 10 hours of over-the-shoulder Maya footage from Zach). Available for download for Who it’s for:
Animators looking to see the "how" and "why" behind every frame, including tricks for speed, weight, and character appeal.
You can check out the official trailer and full course details on the AnimSquad Masterclass page transition to Brent Homman's work on the
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Animsquad’s Master Class features legendary Disney instructors Zach Parrish and Brent Homman. This high-level program is designed for animators looking to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and feature-film-quality performance. 0;16; 0;92;0;a3; 0;ea;0;79;0;a3; 0;baf;0;63c; 🎓 The Mentors 0;16; 0;52d;0;431;
Zach Parrish: Former Head of Animation at Disney (Big Hero 6); worked on Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, and Frozen0;948;.
Brent Homman: Longtime Disney veteran and mentor; known for his work on Moana, Zootopia, and Bolt. 0;2a; 0;7a;0;a5; 🚀 Key Learning Pillars 0;16;
Appeal & Design: Learning how to push poses to be "Disney-level" aesthetic while maintaining physical believability.
Acting Choices:0;439; Moving beyond "pantomime" to find deep, subtext-driven performances.
The "Disney Snap": Mastering the specific spacing and timing that gives modern feature animation its energy.
Workflow Efficiency:0;61b; Advanced techniques for blocking and splining to meet high-pressure studio deadlines. 0;2a; 0;7a;0;a5; 💡 Why This Class Stands Out0;595; 0;16;
Direct Feedback: Students receive frame-by-frame critiques from the industry's top leads.
Industry Standards:0;820; You learn the exact pipeline and quality expectations used at major studios.
Emotional Range: Focuses on subtle facial acting and eyes, which are the "windows" to a believable character. 0;2a; 0;7a;0;75c;
⭐ Pro Tip: This class is highly competitive and usually requires a strong demo reel for entry. It is considered a "finishing school" for professional-level animators. 0;16; If you are thinking about applying, I can help you: 0;16; Review your current demo reel for weak spots.
Break down specific animation principles Zach Parrish often highlights.0;79d;
Find alternative workshops if the Master Class is currently full. 0;2a;
Which would be most helpful for your animation career right now? 0;16;
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18;write_to_target_document1b;_b1TtabDqGeCX4-EPq8GL2Q4_100;6; animsquad master class disney s zach parrish brent homman
Inside the Vault: The Animsquad Master Class with Disney’s Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
For animators looking to bridge the gap between student work and professional Disney-tier quality, the Animsquad Master Class
offers a rare, deep-dive into the workflows of two industry leaders. Featuring Zach Parrish (Head of Animation for Big Hero 6 Brent Homman (Animation Supervisor for Big Hero 6
), this 17-hour intensive course breaks down the "Disney magic" into actionable, technical steps. Master Class Highlights
The course is designed as a start-to-finish demonstration of professional feature-film workflows, drawing on the mentors' combined experience from films like Wreck-It Ralph Zach Parrish: The Cartoony Shot Workflow
A 10-hour deep dive into animating a highly stylized, cartoony shot.
Zach demonstrates his full pipeline, from initial Maya file setup to the final polish. He is particularly noted for his ability to "verbalize every step," making complex concepts like "smear frames" and extreme squash-and-stretch accessible. Golden Nuggets:
Throughout the demo, Zach shares anecdotes from working with Glen Keane on and pushing stylization on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Brent Homman: Subtle Appeal and Performance Animating a subtle, close-up performance.
Brent tackles the difficult task of maintaining "fleshiness" and appeal in female characters, utilizing techniques he refined while working on Elsa and Anna in Key Takeaway:
His section emphasizes character appeal and the nuanced micro-movements required for high-end feature acting. Technical Specifications Total Runtime: ~17 Hours of HD content. Software Used: Autodesk Maya. Key Films Referenced: Wreck-It Ralph Big Hero 6
This masterclass remains a staple for character animators because it moves beyond basic principles to show the grueling, frame-by-frame reality of a professional Disney workflow. offered by Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer
Animsquad Master Class featuring Disney animation veterans Zach Parrish Brent Homman
is a high-level, 17-hour deep dive into the workflows of top-tier feature animators. Originally released as a recorded session, it focuses on the technical and artistic steps required to bring professional characters to life in Maya. The Instructors
Both Parrish and Homman bring decades of experience from major studios, particularly Walt Disney Animation Studios. Xposure Festival Zach Parrish: Known for his roles as Head of Animation on Big Hero 6 and Animation Supervisor on Wreck-It Ralph . His Disney credits also include Brent Homman: A seasoned supervisor and director whose credits include Strange World . He served as an Animation Supervisor on Big Hero 6 and an Animation Director for the Xposure Festival Class Highlights & Curriculum
The masterclass is designed to revamp an animator's workflow by showing not just what to do, but why specific decisions are made. Total Duration 17 hours of HD recording Zach’s Segment
covering a full cartoony shot from file setup to final polish. Includes insights on weight ( ) and cartoony styles ( Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Brent’s Segment Focused on subtle, close-up acting
and maintaining character appeal, specifically for complex female characters like those in Workflow Stages
Blocking, breaking down, and final polishing passes in Maya. Bonus Content
Professional anecdotes from working with legends like Glen Keane. Key Takeaways for Students Golden Workflow Nuggets:
Practical "tricks" for speed and efficiency from a "super fast" professional animator. Handling Performances:
Techniques for "wrangling in" difficult performances and maintaining "fleshiness" and appeal in CG models. Professional Commentary:
Real-time verbalization of every step taken during the animation process.
This class is often cited in the animation community as a valuable resource for those looking to transition from basic movement to feature-quality character acting. Are you planning to take this course to focus more on cartoony action subtle acting performances?
Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer - Vimeo 24 Sept 2013 —
Unlocking Disney Magic: Inside the AnimSquad Master Class with Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
Ever wondered how the fluidity of a Disney character’s performance actually comes together on screen? If you’re an aspiring animator, the AnimSquad Master Class featuring Disney veterans Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
is essentially a blueprint for achieving that world-class "cartoony" polish in Maya.
This massive 17-hour intensive course provides a rare, deep dive into the high-end workflow used at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Here’s what makes this session a must-watch for any digital artist. Meet the Mentors
Both instructors brought a wealth of experience from some of the most iconic animated films of the modern era:
Zach Parrish: Former Disney Head of Animation for Big Hero 6 and director of the theatrical short Us Again. His credits include Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, and Zootopia.
Brent Homman: A seasoned Disney Animation Supervisor who also played a pivotal role in the look and feel of Big Hero 6 and other blockbuster features. What the Class Covers
Unlike short tutorials, this master class is a comprehensive recording of a live demo, taking students through the entire life cycle of an animation shot:
The Workflow Blueprint: Zach Parrish demos over 10 hours of pure Maya footage, starting from Maya file setup and moving through blocking, breakdown, and final polish.
"Cartoony" Mastery: The course focuses specifically on the difference between naturalistic movement and the stylized, pushed "cartoony" shots seen in Disney features.
Golden Nuggets: The instructors share their personal "tricks" for speed and efficiency—Parrish is specifically noted for his ability to verbalize complex technical steps while animating at a professional pace. Why It Matters
For many, the jump from "learning the software" to "acting through a character" is the hardest part of animation. By watching these masters work from start to finish, you see the decision-making process behind every keyframe. You aren't just learning how to move a rig; you're learning how to think like a supervising animator.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your blocking or find that elusive "golden workflow," the AnimSquad Master Class is one of the most direct ways to learn the secrets of the Disney house style. Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer
Homman’s lectures are famous for their timing charts. He rejects the computer’s auto-tangent. In his section of the AnimSquad Master Class, he draws frame-by-frame breakdowns for comedic beats—the "freeze, catch, and release" method used for characters like Maui or Olaf.
Key Takeaway from Homman: "A joke lands in the held frame, not the moving one."
Since AnimSquad's original site structure has changed, these masterclasses are often found:
Recommendation: If you are a student, search specifically for "Zach Parrish Animation Lecture" or "Brent Homman Workflow" on YouTube. Zach Parrish notably gave a very popular lecture at the Computer Graphics Master Academy (CGMA) which covers similar ground to his AnimSquad teachings.
Animsquad Master Class: Learning the Craft from Disney’s Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
Animation is an art form that demands a perfect blend of technical precision and soulful performance. For aspiring animators looking to break into the industry or seasoned pros aiming to sharpen their skills, few opportunities rival the Animsquad Master Class led by Disney veterans Zach Parrish and Brent Homman. This intensive program offers a rare glimpse into the workflows and philosophies that power the world’s most successful animation studio. The Pedigree of Excellence
To understand the value of this master class, one must first look at the instructors. Zach Parrish and Brent Homman are not just animators; they are storytellers who have shaped the visual language of modern Disney classics.
Zach Parrish served as the Head of Animation for Big Hero 6 and has contributed his expertise to hits like Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled, and Frozen. His ability to balance high-octane action with quiet, emotional beats is legendary in the industry.
Brent Homman, a veteran Animator and Layout Artist, brings a wealth of experience from projects like Moana, Zootopia, and Bolt. His deep understanding of character mechanics and cinematic staging provides students with a holistic view of the animation process. What Makes the Animsquad Master Class Different?
Unlike generic online tutorials, the Animsquad Master Class is built on the foundation of mentorship and industry-standard feedback. Here is what sets it apart:
Direct Access to Industry GiantsThe hallmark of this program is the personalized feedback. Students don't just watch recorded lectures; they receive frame-by-frame critiques from Parrish and Homman. This mimics the actual dailies process at a major studio, teaching students how to take direction and iterate on their work. The proof is in the reel
Focus on "The Why," Not Just "The How"While technical proficiency in Maya is expected, the master class prioritizes the thought process behind the movement. Why does a character look away before speaking? How does weight distribution convey a character's internal struggle? Parrish and Homman push students to think like actors.
Advanced Character MechanicsThe curriculum dives deep into the complexities of human and creature movement. Students learn to master arcs, spacing, and squash and stretch in ways that feel organic rather than "cartoony." The goal is to create characters that feel like they have bones, muscles, and a mind of their own.
Appeal and Entertainment ValueIn the world of Disney, every frame must be appealing. The instructors teach the subtle art of "posing for the camera," ensuring that silhouettes are clear and every gesture contributes to the overall entertainment value of the scene. Inside the Curriculum
The Animsquad Master Class is typically structured to challenge students through progressive assignments:
The Foundation: Revisiting the 12 principles of animation through the lens of a feature film animator.The Performance: Moving beyond simple mechanics to complex acting shots involving dialogue and subtext.The Polish: Learning the "secret sauce" of Disney-style polish—fine-tuning finger movements, eye darts, and overlapping action to create a seamless final product. The Impact on Your Portfolio
A demo reel featuring work overseen by Zach Parrish and Brent Homman carries significant weight. Recruiters at top studios recognize the "Animsquad stamp" as a sign that an animator understands weight, timing, and, most importantly, performance. Students emerge from the program not just with better shots, but with a refined eye for detail that will serve them throughout their careers. Conclusion
The Animsquad Master Class with Zach Parrish and Brent Homman is more than just a course; it is an investment in one’s artistic identity. By bridging the gap between student work and professional-grade feature animation, it provides the tools, the critique, and the inspiration necessary to breathe life into digital characters. For those serious about reaching the pinnacle of the animation craft, there is no better roadmap than the one provided by these two Disney masters.
Is this for a personal blog, a news site, or an educational platform?
Bridging the Gap: Industry Insight from Disney’s AnimSquad with Zach Parrish and Brent Homman
In the hyper-competitive world of feature animation, the gap between a polished student reel and a hireable portfolio is often vast. While university programs provide the foundational principles of movement and timing, it takes direct exposure to industry workflows to truly understand the nuances of high-end character performance. This is where the AnimSquad Master Classes have carved out a vital niche. Specifically, the mentorship provided by Disney veterans Zach Parrish and Brent Homman offers a rare window into the creative engine of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Through their instruction, animators not only learn technical proficiency but also absorb the narrative philosophy that drives modern Disney storytelling.
The significance of learning from animators of this caliber lies in their specific pedigree. Both Parrish and Homman have been instrumental in defining the "Disney style" of the modern renaissance. Zach Parrish, perhaps best known for his work as Head of Animation on Big Hero 6 and his contributions to Encanto and Tangled, represents the pinnacle of stylized, character-driven acting. His approach to animation is rooted in the belief that every movement must serve the character’s internal thought process. In a master class setting, Parrish does not merely correct spacing or timing; he challenges students to dig deeper into the psychology of the character. For instance, his famous lecture on the "thought process" teaches that a character does not just move; they move because they are thinking. This elevates the student's work from mechanical exercises in locomotion to genuine, empathetic performances.
Conversely, Brent Homman brings a perspective that highlights the bridge between technical rigging challenges and artistic performance. With credits ranging from Frozen to Moana and Ralph Breaks the Internet, Homman possesses a deep understanding of how to push a rig to its limits without breaking the illusion of life. In the AnimSquad environment, mentorship from animators like Homman is invaluable because it replicates the production pipeline. Students learn that an animator’s job is not done in isolation; they must understand the constraints of the technology while maintaining the fluidity of art. Homman’s instruction often focuses on the subtleties of physicality—how a character carries their weight, the intricacies of a walk cycle, or the specificity of a gesture—which are the hallmarks of Disney’s polished visual standards.
The true power of the AnimSquad Master Class, however, is found in the synthesis of these philosophies. When Parrish focuses on the "why" (the acting choice) and Homman demonstrates the "how" (the physical execution), students receive a holistic education. In the animation industry, specifically at a studio like Disney, "appeal" is a rigorous requirement. It is not enough for an animation to be correct; it must be charming, fluid, and engaging. Through rigorous critique sessions—known in the industry as "dailies"—these mentors recreate the high-pressure environment of a studio review. They teach students how to receive feedback, how to iterate, and most importantly, how to know when a shot is finished. This "soft skill" of artistic resilience is often what determines who gets hired and who does not.
Furthermore, the presence of active industry professionals like Parrish and Homman in an educational setting serves as a networking pipeline. Their mentorship goes beyond the curriculum; it provides a realistic expectation of the industry’s work ethic. They demystify the magic of Disney animation, showing students that the polished final product on screen is the result of countless hours of refining arcs, checking silhouettes
The Animsquad Masterclass featuring Zach Parrish and Brent Homman is widely regarded as a high-value resource for animators looking to learn professional workflows from top-tier Disney talent. The course focuses on practical, start-to-finish demonstrations rather than just theoretical concepts. Key Highlights
Expert Instruction: Zach Parrish (Head of Animation for Big Hero 6) and Brent Homman (Animation Supervisor) bring experience from major films like Tangled, Frozen, and Wreck-It Ralph.
Comprehensive Workflow: The class includes approximately 17 hours of HD footage covering the entire pipeline—from initial Maya setup and blocking to final breakdown and polish. Actionable Techniques:
Zach Parrish is noted for his ability to clearly verbalize every step of his fast-paced workflow, including "golden nuggets" for cartoony animation and managing weight in characters.
Brent Homman focuses on the nuances of subtle, close-up performances, specifically how to maintain "appeal and fleshiness" in female character animation.
Industry Insights: The instructors provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes and lessons learned from their time at Disney and Sony. Pros and Cons Pros
High Clarity: Complex steps are verbalized clearly during live demos.
Specific Software: Primarily focuses on Autodesk Maya, which may be a hurdle for users of other software. In-Depth: Offers 10+ hours of pure desktop/Maya footage.
Age of Content: Some of the specific Maya tools shown may be dated, though the core animation principles remain relevant.
Affordability: Often cited as a cost-effective alternative to full-term animation workshops.
You can find more details or purchase the course directly through the Animsquad Masterclass Trailer on Vimeo. Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer
Based on the AnimSquad Master Class featuring Disney veterans Zach Parrish (Head of Animation, Big Hero 6) and Brent Homman
(Animation Supervisor, Big Hero 6), here is a structured white paper overview of their 17-hour deep dive into high-end character animation. The "Disney Standard" Workflow: From Block to Polish
This master class bridges the gap between technical execution and the "Disney appeal" found in films like Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, and Frozen. 1. Mastering the "Cartoony" Shot (Zach Parrish)
Zach Parrish focuses on the "fast and appeal-driven" workflow required for expressive, non-realistic characters. Key pillars include:
Workflow Optimization: Setting up Maya for maximum efficiency to allow for more creative iterations. The Three-Stage Process:
Blocking: Defining strong silhouettes and key storytelling poses.
Breaking Down: Transitions and timing that preserve energy without losing clarity.
Polishing: Refining arcs and spacing to achieve the signature "snappy" Disney feel.
Industry Insights: Lessons learned from working under Glen Keane and transitioning between styles, from the weight-heavy Hulk to the snappy physics of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. 2. Subtle Performance & Appeal (Brent Homman)
Brent Homman shifts the focus to high-stakes, subtle character performance, particularly for heroines where appeal is critical.
Maintaining Appeal: Techniques for keeping female characters "fleshy" and appealing even during complex facial or body movements.
Subtle Animation: A demo of close-up acting where the smallest change in eye-dart or brow-twitch conveys the internal thought process.
Technical Supervisor Lens: How to supervise a shot to ensure it aligns with the director's vision while maintaining technical integrity. Key Takeaways for Animators
Verbalizing the "Why": The course emphasizes why a frame works, not just how to click the buttons in Maya.
Speed vs. Quality: Zach’s "super fast" workflow demonstrates how to hit production deadlines without sacrificing the artistic "golden nuggets" that make a shot stand out.
Universal Principles: While focusing on 3D, the principles are rooted in traditional hand-drawn concepts of weight, timing, and appeal.
For those looking to study these specific workflows, the full 17-hour recording is available for purchase on Vimeo via AnimSquad. Animsquad Zach Parrish & Brent Homman Masterclass Trailer
The AnimSquad Master Class featuring Zach Parrish and Brent Homman is an intensive, 17-hour high-definition instructional program designed for animators seeking to master the specific workflows used at major studios like Disney. Course Overview
Originally released in 2013, this masterclass provides a rare, deep dive into the practical techniques of two industry veterans. It is structured around live demonstrations where the animators verbalize their internal decision-making processes while working in Autodesk Maya.
Zach Parrish’s Workflow (approx. 10 hours): Focuses on "cartoony" shot creation. He demonstrates the entire pipeline, including file setup, blocking, breakdown, and final polish. He shares specific "nuggets" and anecdotes from his work on films like Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Brent Homman’s Workflow: Centers on the subtleties of close-up performances and maintaining "appeal" in female character animation. His section draws heavily from his experiences animating characters for Tangled and Frozen. Key Technical Pillars
The class is noted for teaching not just what to do, but what not to do when handling difficult performances.
Workflow Efficiency: Lessons on how Parrish manages speed without sacrificing the "golden" quality required for Disney-level shots. These stories circulate frequently on animation forums like
Physicality and Weight: Specialized training on animating weight, specifically referencing Parrish's work on characters like the Hulk.
Performance Nuance: Homman’s techniques for "wrangling" complex facial performances and ensuring fleshiness in digital rigs. Instructor Backgrounds Instructor Notable Film Credits Specialization Zach Parrish Zootopia, Moana, Big Hero 6, Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph Fast-paced workflow, cartoony style, weight distribution Brent Homman Tangled, Frozen Subtle close-ups, character appeal, performance wrangling
The course was originally available for download via Vimeo and YouTube teasers hosted by AnimSquad.
Title: The 12 Frames
Logline: An aging, bitter animator stuck doing corporate ads signs up for an Animsquad master class taught by Disney legends Zach Parrish and Brent Homman, only to discover that the secret to great animation isn't movement—it’s vulnerability.
Leo Marek had animated dragons, dancing candlesticks, and a talking sponge that made billions. That was twenty years ago. Now, at fifty-two, he spent his days rigging PowerPoint puppets for a pharmaceutical company’s internal training videos. His soul had been replaced by keyframes.
He signed up for the Animsquad Master Class: “Emotion in Every Line,” featuring Zach Parrish (Director, Us Again) and Brent Homman (Supervising Animator, Encanto), out of spite. He wanted to see if these new Disney “golden boys” actually knew what they were talking about.
The class was held in a sun-drenched Los Angeles studio. Twenty students surrounded their Cintiq tablets. Leo sat in the back, arms crossed, wearing a faded Tarzan crew hoodie as armor.
Zach Parrish walked in first. He didn’t look like a guru. He looked like a guy who still forgot to eat lunch because he was too busy sketching. He wore a plain black t-shirt and glasses, and he held up a single frame of animation.
"This is a blink," Zach said. "Not a fast blink. A slow one. Brent, show them."
Brent Homman, taller, calmer, with the quiet intensity of a man who had animated the emotional breakdown of Bruno Madrigal, stepped forward. He pulled up a simple rig: a generic old man sitting on a park bench.
Brent animated the blink. It took two seconds. The eyelids descended like theater curtains at the end of a tragedy. When they opened, the character’s shoulders dropped half a millimeter.
The room gasped.
Leo leaned forward. He knew the mechanics of a blink—the sphincter muscle, the wetting of the cornea. But Brent had animated resignation. The blink said: I’ve been waiting here for forty years, and I’ll wait forty more.
"The challenge," Zach said, pacing, "is that we’re trained to think animation is about movement. Run cycles. Action poses. But the Disney magic you remember? It’s in the stillness. Brent, show them the mistake."
Brent clicked a button. The same character pointed at a bird. The arm moved fast, crisp, perfect arcs. Technically flawless. Emotionally dead.
Leo scoffed. "That's just blocking," he muttered.
Zach heard him. He walked to the back row. "You’re Leo Marek. You worked on The Lion King cleanup crew."
"Thirty years ago," Leo said. "Before pixels stole the soul."
Zach didn’t flinch. "Then you know the secret. But you’ve forgotten it." He grabbed a marker. "I want you to animate a character saying goodbye to their dog. You have forty-five minutes."
The class turned. Leo felt the heat of twenty younger, hungrier pairs of eyes.
"That's manipulative," Leo said.
"Storytelling is manipulation," Brent replied from the front, his voice soft but firm. "The question is: are you manipulating the audience, or are you protecting yourself?"
That hit Leo like a punch to the gut.
For the next forty-five minutes, Leo forgot about the pharmaceuticals. He forgot about his bitterness. He drew a scruffy terrier sitting on a porch. The owner, a silhouette, knelt down. Leo animated the dog’s tail. Not a wag—a single, hesitant thump against the wooden floor. Then the dog placed its paw on the owner’s knee.
He hated how much it reminded him of his daughter’s last visit before she moved across the country.
"Time," Zach said.
The class projected their work. Most were good—smooth arcs, nice smears. Then Leo’s clip played.
The room went silent. The dog’s tail thumped. Thump. Pause. Thump. The paw lifted. Trembled.
Brent Homman walked up to the screen. He stared for ten long seconds. Then he turned to Leo.
"You animated the space between the thumps," Brent said. "That’s not technique. That’s grief."
Leo’s throat tightened.
Zach Parrish put a hand on his shoulder. "That’s the master class, Leo. Anyone can draw a running wolf. But a dog waiting for an owner who’s already left? That takes a broken heart and the courage to show it."
Leo blinked. Slow. Like Brent’s character.
For the first time in a decade, he opened a new file. No corporate logo. No deadline. Just a blank canvas and a daughter who loved dragons.
He started to draw.
After the class, Leo lingered. Zach and Brent were packing up.
"Your Tarzan hoodie," Brent said, nodding. "I used to study those drawings. The way the water moved in 'You'll Be in My Heart'? That’s why I became an animator."
Leo looked down at his faded sleeves. "I thought I’d retired that part of me."
Zach smiled. "Animation doesn't retire. It just waits for the right director to call 'action' on your heart."
He handed Leo a business card. On the back, Zach had sketched the dog from Leo’s animation. But in this version, the dog was standing up, paw raised, ready for the next scene.
The caption read: "Keep animating, Leo. The world still needs your thumps."
Leo walked out into the Los Angeles sun. He didn’t feel young. But for the first time, he felt useful.
And that night, he animated a dragon flying across a digital sunset. Its wings flapped once—slow, heavy, graceful.
Then it blinked.
And the blink told the whole story.
In the ever-evolving world of character animation, staying relevant means learning from the best. While tutorials and online forums offer a wealth of information, nothing compares to the concentrated expertise of a live master class. Recently, the animation community has been buzzing about a specific educational powerhouse: the Animsquad Master Class featuring Disney animation legends Zach Parrish and Brent Homman.
If you are an aspiring animator looking to break into the industry, or a professional wanting to refine your storytelling chops, this deep dive into the Animsquad offering is for you. We will break down who these artists are, what the master class entails, and why this specific combination of instructors is a dream ticket for animation students worldwide.