MA Animation Production

Program Overview

The MA Animation Production program at Bournemouth Film School emphasizes the interplay between practice, theory, and professionalism in animation. It offers a tripartite approach, enabling students to develop a comprehensive understanding of animation skills, techniques, and discourses. The program culminates in a Masters Project, allowing students to specialize in a specific area of animation and produce a significant body of work. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the animation industry, with alumni working at renowned studios such as Aardman and Pixar.

Program Outline

MA Animation Production

Degree Overview:

• The MA Animation Production course focuses on practice, theory, and professionalism, emphasizing the critical dialogue between them.
• Offered full-time/part-time (starts September) or full-time (starts January).
• Emphasis on understanding traditional animation principles within the context of technology, history, theory, and professional practice.
• Enables students to demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of current developments in animation theory and practice.
• Tripartite approach: Practice, Theory, Professionalism - with each element in "critical dialogue" with the others.
• Ensures students' research and practice are at the forefront of the discipline.
• Part of Bournemouth Film School, alongside other film-related programs.

Objectives:

• Enable students to be part of a "community of practice" fostering research, critique, and production culture.
• Develop a cross-disciplinary understanding of animation skills, techniques, theories, and discourses.
• Produce excellent work synthesizing practice, theory, and professionalism.

Admission Requirements:

• BA degree in Animation or related discipline.
• Applicants from other disciplines (Costume, Graphics, Digital Media, Illustration, Modelmaking, Photography, Fine Art) may be considered with relevant understanding of the animation production process.

Outline:

• Three 60-credit units (180 credits total):
• 1.
Defining Practice, Theory and Professionalism
• 2.
Masters Project 1
• 3.
Masters Project 2
• Individual specialism in Animation - pre-production, production, post-production (character design, storyboarding, concept work, etc.)
• May choose to create an animated film as a "final outcome" but can also develop an MA-level body of work through other forms of specialism.
• Three-unit structure allows clear identification and development of ideas across practical, theoretical, and professional modes, culminating in the "Masters Project 2" unit.
• Part-time option allows working professionals to develop their skills and practice and complete a major body of work over two years.

Teaching:

• Industry-standard kit and software
• Studios mirroring the industry's working environment
• Access to state-of-the-art animation studios, computer workstations, light boxes, specialized software, and a sound recording booth
• Opportunities to work with students from the BA Animation Production course

Careers:

• Alumni work at Aardman, ILM, Lupus Films, Framestore, Pixar, Moving Picture Company, and other companies.
• Course eligible for BAFTA Scholarship applications.
• Develop skills and knowledge for various roles within the animation industry.

Other:

• Program philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding traditional principles in animation while contextualizing them with modern technologies and practices.
• Strong focus on the interdisciplinary nature of animation, drawing from various fields.
• Alumni network of successful professionals in the animation industry.

Application Process:

• Apply directly through online application form.
• Early application encouraged for accommodation and visa arrangements.
• Applicants from all backgrounds considered, with emphasis on potential for success and interview performance.

Portfolio Guidelines:

• Refer to the "Portfolio Guidelines" document for details.

Student Work:

• View examples of student work in the "Student Journal" and gallery.