Course People

In-Studio Stop Motion is taught and staffed entirely by leading Aardman talent and creatives.

During all 28 weeks of the course, you will be supported through the essential stages of short film development and production as you work on your own independent short film idea from concept to final realization.

Aardman Technicians, Course Leaders, Aardman Academy and Admin support are available 5 days a week.

Aardman specialist mentoring support each week that supports your current production phase.

Set and puppet construction technician support through key stages of production.

Structure:

Weeks 1-4 all happen before the Christmas break. This time is spent working from home and remotely online on your initial script and story phase of production. During this time, we will meet daily as a class, have script meetings, and mentor sessions with specialists in script and story. 

We designed it like this to allow people to continue working and reduce the time needed to move to Bristol and therefore the cost implications. It also allows individuals travelling to the UK from abroad to only need to stay in the UK for under six months. 

After the Christmas holiday, on the 8th of January, the remaining 24 weeks begin. These 24 weeks are held entirely at our Gas Ferry Road studios in Bristol, UK. 

Weeks 1-4: (remote)

Development

Week 1: Welcome and Begin

Weeks 2-4: Script & Story

Move into Aardman

Weeks 5-12: 

Pre-Production

Weeks 5-7: Animatic & Storyboard

Weeks 7-12: Construction

_{During Weeks 1-12 you will also engage in weekly hands-on, technical and creative animation exercises (individually and in small groups) that will help build your professional portfolio but will also prepare you for the animation stages of your production schedule by refreshing and re-mastering existing skills as well as developing new and essential animation skills.}

Weeks 12-24:

Production 

Weeks 12-24: Shooting and LAVs

Weeks 24-28:

Post-Production 

Weeks 24-28: Grade, Sound, Edit.

_{In-Studio Stop Motion culminates with an in-person graduation screening and alumni celebration held at our Gas Ferry Road Studios, where we will celebrate your work with an opportunity to see and share your finished film - screened in our studio cinema, as well as a chance to meet up with your graduating classmates, course & Aardman Academy staff and other members of the Aardman Academy Alumni network.}

The In-Person teaching will begin on Monday 8th January 2024, in our Gas Ferry Road studios in Bristol, UK.

If your normal place of residence is outside of the UK and you do not hold a UK passport, it is solely your responsibility to ascertain the legality of you visit during the course.

The Aardman Academy is not a registered Training Provider, so you cannot come to the UK on the student visa or use proof of attendance on our course for any type of student status.

For most overseas nationals, it is possible for you to visit the UK for up to six months for business or as a tourist using a Standard Visitor Visa.

Visit on business

For many overseas nationals, you can visit the UK for up to six months for these two business activities:

_{^{1 - attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars.}}

_{^{2 - get work-related training if you’re employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country.}}

Please check to see the specific rules for your country using the link at the bottom of this page.

Visit for Tourism

For many nationals, you can visit the UK on holiday or to spend time with family and friends. While in the UK as a tourist, you cannot:

_{^{1 - do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person.}}

_{^{2 - claim public funds (benefits).}}

_{^{3 - live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits.}}

_{^{4 - marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. You’ll need a Marriage Visitor visa instead.}}

Please check to see the specific rules for your country using the link at the bottom of this page.

Please go to the UK Government site to check if you need a UK visa:

Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You should:

_{^{1 - check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor Visa.}}

_{^{2 - check if you need a visa to visit the UK.}}

_{^{3 - apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one.}}

_{^{This information is taken directly from the UK Government's website and is not offered by the Aardman Academy as legal advice or proof of the right to enter this country.}}