Outline your current level of stop motion experience, creative motivations and why you wish to join the In-Studio Stop Motion course with Aardman Academy. 

Please note that applicants will not be selected based on their writing ability! We just want to know a little bit about who you are and why you’re applying. Feel free to write a short summary about you and what you’ve done as a bullet-point list if you’d like. In fact, use whatever style, form or structure that you find easiest. 

Also feel free to just copy and paste in the text from a pre-prepared document.

This is a key part of the application process. Please upload a single document which forms a proposal for the short film idea you would like to make while on the course. It should detail the concept for your project, which you will develop through all stages of production whilst on the In-Studio Stop Motion course. Your film world needs to be animated in a regular small stop motion unit, so please be conscious of creating anything that requires a huge set build.  

Your proposal must communicate the themes, visual style and treatment, and directorial intent of your film.

How you communicate your film ideas is up to you – but we suggest your proposal includes the following: 

•  SYNOPSIS 
•  TREATMENT / PRODUCTION ‘BIBLE’ 
•  POTENTIAL AND FEASIBILITY of IDEA 
•  DIRECTORIAL INTENT – CAN YOU TELL A STORY? 

It’s up to you, but it might also include: 

•  SCRIPT 
•  STORYBOARD 
•  CHARACTER DESIGNS 

Your proposed film project can be based on any theme or subject matter, but must be stop motion in nature and achievable within the 28-week structure of the In-Studio Stop Motion course. 

Again - please note that applicants will not be selected based on their writing ability – but on their passion for visual storytelling, the strength of the idea, its feasibility and potential. What is important is the visual communication, so we can see what you have in mind. 

Please export your final proposal as a single PDF document. You will only have the ability to upload one document, so make sure everything is in there!

Applications that do not include a short film proposal cannot be considered. 

All applicants must submit a portfolio as part of the application process. This is an opportunity for you to show us what you can do and that you have the developing skills needed to support you in completing your short film proposal.

You can include more than one link if you need to.

Your portfolio/showreel, must demonstrate your recent experience in character stop motion animation with a confident understanding of the principles of animation and filmmaking, including, but not exclusive to: 

• Scenes that involve character acting and physical performance through stop motion character animation 
• Understanding of visual storytelling, film and narrative construction and shot composition. 
• Evidence of skills required to direct/create a short film from concept to final realization. 
• Your creative potential! 

You can also include an online portfolio of examples of still images.

You must also submit your postal address, phone number, name and email.

If you are already logged in to the Aardman Academy as a member, you will not be asked to enter your email or name when you apply. Don't panic! It will simply add your application to your account, and we will receive the application with your details attached.