
Stories Are Made, Not Just Told.
Come make your story with us.
A 28-week, in-person course taught entirely by Aardman's leading talent in scriptwriting, story, pre-production, art department, modelmaking, and direction, delivered from Aardman’s world-famous Gas Ferry Road Studios in Bristol, UK.
Fully supported and mentored through all stages of short film development and production. We want to help you to tell your story your own way. This is a unique course that supports your unique voice.
Four weeks of script and development at your home, then an intensive six months at Aardman, making the studio your own.
Designed for creatives in stop motion wanting to study alongside the best stop motion studio, animators, writers, modelmakers and creatives worldwide. This is unlike any other extensive training available in the world.
Nothing’s academic. Everything’s practical.
In-Studio Stop Motion is delivered from Aardman's fast-paced and vibrant production studios on Gas Ferry Road in Bristol, UK, where Aardman has made its home for over 25 years.
A place for you to truly thrive in a community of like-minded creatives. Our canteen is wonderful too.
Exclusively open to everyone.
Important Dates
Commencing 20th November 2023
Course Ends 21st June 2024
Application Process
Applications Open: Now
Application Deadline: July 3rd 2023
Interviews Start: July 17th 2023
Places Offered: August 7th 2023
Final Course Fees Paid by October 23rd 2023
Course People

In-Studio Producer
Vanessa will be supporting you every step of the way. She will run and arrange all your masterclasses and sessions, plus help you plan and hit your schedule.

Script & Story Tutor
Writer of Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig, Robin Robin, Shaun The Sheep, Star Wars "I Am Your Mother" to name but a few, Sam will help you find the best version of the story you want to tell.

Model Making Tutor
Jim's extensive experience will lead the model making stage of the course, supporting everything you take on set. He will support your character creations in all pre-production phases.

Stop Motion Tutor
Andy will be joining the course twice a week during the Stop Motion Training phase of the course. He will mentor, set tasks and help develop your skills alongside your story.

Selection Panel
Will played a vital role in the development of the course and is part of the selection panel. Will is working full-time in the features department but will drop into the course.

Selection Panel
Laurie was instrumental in the development of the course alongside the Aardman Academy team. She will be part of the selection team during the application and interview stage.

Production Assistant
Amy Upchurch
Amy will be with you for your entire time on the course at the Aardman Academy. She will be on hand to resolve any of your production issues.

Head of the Aardman Academy
Mark Simon Hewis
Mark heads up the Aardman Academy and will be on-site each week, offering support with your projects for the entirety of the course.
And More Names To Add As We Draw Closer To The Course Launch, Including...

Storyboarding Tutor
TBA
An Aardman storyboarding artist will mentor and support you through the process of turning your script into a workable and dynamic film world and shooting plan.

Art Direction Tutor
TBA
A talented Aardman Art Director will mentor and support you in creating sets, props and devising a cohesive film world based on your own narrative vision.

Cinematography Tutor
TBA
Mentoring and technical support from an Aardman Camera and Lighting professional. They will collaborate with you to help create a cinematic world for your own individual project.

Editing Tutor
TBA
Aardman has its own edit department where you will each have time towards the end of production to work with the team in a professional environment to bring all your hard work together.

Sound Design Tutor
TBA
An Aardman Sound Specialist will support and guide you both technically and creatively in the creation of cinematic and professional sound design to support your film's vision.
Some
Important
Information
Course Fees
Course Structure
Visas & Travel
Join An Online Open Day To Find Out More...
Next Open Day:
22nd June 2023 at 7pm BST.
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