APPLICATIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2023 COURSE NOW CLOSED. APPLICATIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2024 OPEN LATER THIS YEAR.

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

Ready to Apply?

Course People

In-Studio Producer

Vanessa Batten

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

Sam Morrison

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 Parkyn

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.

Cinematography Tutor

David Sproxton

David has overseen the development of Aardman from a two-man partnership to one of the most prominent animation studios in the industry. He will be sharing his wealth of expertise on how to create cinematic worlds for your project.

Stop Motion Tutor

Andy Symanowski

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 Becher

Will played a vital role in the development of the course. He will be part of the team running interviews, reading applications and a member of the selection panel.

Selection Panel

Laurie Sitzia

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.

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

Contact us

 

If you have any questions about the course, please contact us at [email protected]
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