The ratings seem skewed. Doug is a very good professor for 181A. He's very available, coming in every weekday (when he's only teaching a few days a week) and managing the animation workshop. He goes off in tangents, but I like them (because I'm into animation like a closet-nerd). The class difficulty is directly proportional to how ambitious you are in your final film, and your drawing ability. You have weekly assignments up to half-way through the quarter, mandatory attendance, and a 15 second silent-film final project. Everything must be hand-drawn/made without the use of computers. If you want an amazing Disney princess with flowing hair and a crumply dress in your final project, then this may be one of the hardest classes depending on your drawing ability. If you want a Spongebob-like final project, you've got a good chance, especially if you invest in some cel paints. If you want a stick figure, it's much more doable. The hardest part was coming up with a story to fit in 15 seconds. He's one of the most concerned teachers I've had here, because he wants you to do well, to finish your film, and to not fall behind especially. I'm very grateful to him. Overall, he's a good teacher for an intro to traditional animation.

Doug is apparently one of the most amiable, encouraging, and patient professor in UCLA (speaking from a junior student who takes 7 class / quarter on average). He comes in almost everyday and even the Holiday to help students with their projects. His lecture can be dry at times but animation is so interesting that you never feel bored. He is very concerned with student's learning. I am a disobedient person (mostly because I am in the science world so I question a lot), but he is still patient with me. Remember to use the paints he recommends, because he did a lot of tests. Other paints might look nice, but they can be vulnerable. Highly highly recommend this class.

Doug is honestly one of the sweetest professors I've ever had. He is truly passionate about the subject, and cares deeply about his students and their success. If you have the chance, take his class! It is a lot of work, but you learn so much and grow so much as an animator through it.