Three Month Bristol Animation Course
The Three Month Animation Course is a new activity to be supported by the MEDIA Programme
The Three Month Animation Course has been designed to offer talented and motivated people the chance to develop their craft in either 2D (Drawn) or 3D (Model) Animation over a period of eleven weeks. The main course tutor, Arril Johnson has worked in animation on commercials, feature films and productions for television since 1968 and is able to provide students with a skilled and specialist level of support. He tutors students through a series of exercises and projects concentrating on the subtlety of kinetics (movement) in animation.
Introductory exercises include a look at how hybrid techniques using both graphic and model animation can complement each other, thumbnailing storyboards, and utilizing simply shaped cutouts (2D) or rigid objects (3D), to try and convey thoughts and/or emotions such as fear, curiosity and affection. The main aim of the course is to prepare the trainees for the professional expectations of both a studio and freelance environment and to make trainees aware of the level of craft demanded for professional practice.
What makes this training course unique from any other animation skills based training course that we know of, is that we are lucky enough to have the support of a wide range of top animation studios including Aardman Animations, Fictitious Egg, A Productions, 4:2:2, bolexbrothers, Beryl Productions and the BBC Bristol Animation Unit amongst others. Professional animators, model makers, producers and sound specialists from the industry all contribute seminar sessions to the course programme, making for a rich and unique learning experience.
The Courses Modules
Aims of the 2D/3D Three Month Bristol Animation Course:
- to enhance the professional potential of practicing animators and graduates through an intensive training programme in either 2D or 3D animation
- to promote cultural exchange through the delivery of a programme designed to acquaint students from around the world with the UK animation industry
- to provide master classes and professional experience in the animation industry
Objectives
By the end of the programme students will have:
- improved their knowledge and understanding of the craft skills associated
with either 2D or 3D animation - improved their skills in performance, character design and character animation
- gained an understanding of hybrid animation techniques involving graphic and model animation
- improved their drawing, design and kinetic skills and understanding
- gained professional knowledge and understanding of the UK animation industry
- developed a showreel for the presentation to potential employees
Course Modules
All students study either the 2D Animation module or the 3D Animation module.
Animation 2D (Optional Module)
Students develop their drawing and design skills to develop a series of studies and exercises, which aim to improve the application of their drawing skills to the design, movement and articulation of 2D characters. The experience of life drawing and performance is assimilated into the 2D animation module. At the end of the module students produce a short showreel of their work.
Animation 3D (Optional Module)
Students develop their kinetic skills and techniques to develop a series of studies and experiments, which aim to improve their kinetic skills and understanding of 2D character animation. The experience of life drawing and performance is assimilated into the 3D Animation module. At the end of the module students produce a short showreel of their work.
Life Drawing and Movement (Core Module)
Students consolidate their knowledge and understanding of movement through drawing. This module is delivered as a series of practical workshops, which are then applied to the drawing, design and movement of 2D and 3D animated characters.
Performance (Core Module)
Students study performance as a way of understanding the kinetic subtleties of character development for animation. Run as a series of workshops, the understanding of performance is considered central to the development of successful
character animation.
Professional Practice
All students make a series of visits to Bristol-based animation studios. Representatives from the studios visit the school, speak with students and present their work. In addition, guest speakers from London-based studios visit the students in their studios. At the end of the course, all students pitch and present their work according to the professional protocols learnt during the course.
Visit the website for more information on how to apply
Storyboarding Competition
Win a place on the autumn session of the Three Month Bristol Animation Course, with accommodation included. Deadline is 1 March 2005
Course Requirements
Participants should have some experience of animation. Although industry experience is not required, it would be a bonus.
Course Audience
Target Group: Professional and graduate animators from across Europe.
Course Cost
Price of course: £1.100 for home and EU students
£3.900 for non EEA residents
Fees do not include accommodation.
When
The next course at the Bristol School of Animation runs from June until September and the deadline is 1 April. There is also a later course running from October until December with a registration deadline of 10 July.
Principal Contact for this course
The Project Office
The Three Month Bristol Animation Course
The University of West England
Bristol
UK
Telephone: +44 117 328 4810
email
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