M.A. in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX

Description

The Master’s Degree in Professional Production Management for Animation, VFX and Video Games was created in response to the need to find professionals capable of leading the production of films, animated series and video games.

We have designed this master’s program to enable our students to successfully perform any production position, from Production Assistant to Production Manager.

The master’s degree focuses on production management and supervision, without overlooking the executive aspects of these positions. By the end of the degree, our students are able to analyze a project, propose an appropriate budget, and develop a schedule that ensures timely compliance in line with the established plan. Pursuing this master’s degree, you will learn how to successfully manage production utilizing the industry-standard software, as well as how to manage and effectively communicate with the co-producers at other collaborating studios.

Career Opportunities

• Production Manager
• Production Supervisor
• Production Coordinator
• Production Assistant
• Executive Producer

Paths to Entry

Student Entry Profile:

• People with industry experience who want to specialize and focus their career on production.
• Graduates in Audiovisual Communication, Animation, and related post-secondary vocational training.

Where Our Alumni Work

Our master’s students are prepped to contribute to first-class productions and are working at Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore andGiant Animation.

Partner Companies

Study Plan

• Location: U-tad
• Hours: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CET.
• ECTS: October-June (600 hours)
• Language: Spanish
• Modality: In campus or online
• Centre Attached to: Camilo José Cela University

Course 1

• COURSE NAME
  • FUNDAMENTALS
    • Introduction
    • Artistic and technical fundamentals of animation
    • Fundamentals of video game design
    • Artistic and Technical Fundamentals of VFX: The Creative Process
    • Structure of the creative process
    • Creative Thinking
  • PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL
    • Project Analysis and Development
    • Nature and definition of an animation project
    • Nature and definition of a VFX project
    • Nature and definition of a video game
    • Project development and feasibility analysis
    • Planning and strategic tools in Animation
  • Project Organization
    • Animation Pipeline
    • VFX Pipeline
    • Video Game Pipeline
  • Production Planning and Control
    • Tools and strategic planning in Animation and Video Games
    • Project development and feasibility analysis
    • Methodology and tools for production control in Animation and Videogames (agile methodologies)
    • Reporting and cost control
    • Outsourcing control
    • Monitoring, analysis and learning
  • Budgets
    • Creation and budget control in videogames and VFX projects
    • Elaboration and budget control in animation projects
    • Methodology and tools for production control
  • EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION
    • Financing
      • Financing and operation of an animation and VFX project
      • financing and operation of a video game
    • Legal
      • Intellectual Property
      • Main contracts (distribution, co-production, publishing, etc…)
  • Management Skills
    • Presentation of projects
    • Creative team management
    • Leadership and motivation
  • MASTER’S THESIS

Faculty

Julián Larrauri Escudero

• Master's Director / Professor
• Producer at Arcadia

Laura López García de Blas

• Animation and VFX Production teacher
• Department Production Manager at Weta Digital

Students' Projects and Awards

Real Projects

Upon graduation, you will be able to work at top studios in all different industry disciplines: animation, VFX and video games. By this time, you will have worked on real projects with industry professionals.

Talent Awards

The projects developed by our students during their studies have won the most prestigious industry awards in different disciplines. Check them out.

Students' Feedback

In 2014, I founded TrendPicStudio, where I leveraged my work as a designer and 3D artist with art direction and advertising projects production. It is a privilege to be able to have the first-hand experience of working with top industry professionals, not only because of the amount of contacts and friends I’ve made, but because, throughout the master’s program, they provide all the knowledge and tools necessary for efficient production management, not only in the world of animation and video games but with other projects as well, such as real image and VFX. We’ve learned to master the creative processes, pipeline, planning and task tracking with the latest software, leadership and team management skills, efficient time management, script breakdowns and much more to be able to budget and move forward with any project. Today, we are working alongside many global studios, and we have done a 360º in the daily management of our project production.

Tania Palma Online student. Mexico

For the last 6 years, I've been running Tiny Cosmonauts, my own transmedia educational content creation studio for children. There are many things that I know now, having pursued the Master’s in Production at U-tad, that I would never have discovered on my own. My master's degree experience has been totally eye-opening. The teaching staff is first-class and has worked on prestigious projects. They share their production knowledge with patience, love and passion. The Master's program is wonderfully designed. One of its best facets is its multifaceted nature, covering all three branches (animation, video games and VFX). It’s great practice for a professional entry to the labor market.

Chema Juarez Online student. Mexico

Degree Overview:

The Master's Degree in Professional Production Management for Animation, VFX, and Video Games responds to the need for professionals capable of leading the production of films, animated series, and video games. The program aims to equip students with the skills for any production position, from Production Assistant to Production Manager. The focus is on production management and supervision, with an emphasis on the executive aspects of these roles. By the program's end, students will have the ability to analyze projects, propose appropriate budgets, and develop schedules that ensure timely compliance. They will also gain expertise in managing production using industry-standard software and effectively communicating with co-producers at collaborating studios.

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Outline:

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Course 1

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FUNDAMENTALS

• Introduction
• Artistic and technical fundamentals of animation
• Fundamentals of video game design
• Artistic and Technical Fundamentals of VFX: The Creative Process
• Structure of the creative process
• Creative Thinking
• Project Analysis and Development
• Nature and definition of an animation project
• Nature and definition of a VFX project
• Nature and definition of a video game
• Project development and feasibility analysis
• Planning and strategic tools in Animation
• Project Organization
• Animation Pipeline
• VFX Pipeline
• Video Game Pipeline
• Production Planning and Control
• Tools and strategic planning in Animation and Video Games
• Project development and feasibility analysis
• Methodology and tools for production control in Animation and Videogames (agile methodologies)
• Reporting and cost control
• Outsourcing control
• Monitoring, analysis, and learning
• Budgets
• Creation and budget control in video games and VFX projects
• Elaboration and budget control in animation projects
• Methodology and tools for production control

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EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION

• Financing
• Financing and operation of an animation and VFX project
• Financing and operation of a video game
• Legal
• Intellectual Property
• Main contracts (distribution, co-production, publishing, etc...)
• Management Skills
• Presentation of projects
• Creative team management
• Leadership and motivation

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Teaching:

The program is taught by industry professionals with experience on prestigious projects. The faculty provides their production knowledge with patience, love, and passion. The program is designed to be multifaceted, covering animation, video games, and VFX, which provides great practice for professional entry into the labor market.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to contribute to first-class productions and are working at top studios such as Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore, and Giant Animation. The program's career opportunities include:

• Production Manager
• Production Supervisor
• Production Coordinator
• Production Assistant
• Executive Producer

U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design

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Overview:

U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design is a private university located in Madrid, Spain. It specializes in digital education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like animation, video games, digital design, and computer science. U-tad is known for its focus on practical skills and industry connections, preparing students for successful careers in the digital world.

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Services Offered:

Academic Programs:

U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various digital fields.

Student Information:

The university provides resources and support for students, including academic advising and career services.

Campus Services:

U-tad offers various campus services, including a library, computer labs, and student clubs.

Research Projects:

The university encourages research and innovation, offering opportunities for students to participate in research projects.

Employment and Internships:

U-tad assists students in finding internships and jobs through career fairs and networking events.

International Student Exchange:

U-tad facilitates international student exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad and gain global perspectives.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

U-tad provides a vibrant and international campus environment. Students have access to various student clubs and organizations, fostering a sense of community and allowing them to pursue their interests. The university also organizes events and activities throughout the year, enriching the student experience.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry-Focused Curriculum:

U-tad's curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital industry.

Strong Industry Connections:

The university has strong partnerships with leading companies in the digital sector, providing students with internship and job opportunities.

Award-Winning Faculty:

U-tad boasts a faculty of experienced professionals and academics, providing students with high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Modern Facilities:

The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, studios, and workshops, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields.

International Environment:

U-tad attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following areas:

Computer Science:

Software Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics and Software Engineering

Animation:

Animation, 3D Animation, VFX

Digital Design:

Digital Design, Graphic Design, UX/UI Design

Video Games:

Interactive Design of Products and Video Games, Game Design, Game Development

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Other:

U-tad is a partner of the Universidad Camilo José Cela and the Software Center of Excellence. The university is also a Rookies Certified School, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality education in the digital arts.