Stop Motion Animation and Puppet making BA Hons at Staffordshire University
Key features
The countries only purely Stop Motion Animation course
Strong industry ties at every stage of the animation process
At the front of the development of new technologies for the Stop Motion industry
What our students say
“Just to keep you informed as of the start of April i will be a full time paid member of the Cosgrove Hall costume dept……..got told today i was being offered a 3 month contract! i know its mad, working on Fifi and the Flower Tots.”
Lucy sturley Graduated 2005 Currently employed at Cosgrove Hall Manchester
What it’s about
The course aims to develop you as a creative Stop Motion animator or articulated puppet maker. This animation route offers the opportunity for you to specialise in modelling, animation and composite based applications in the creation of stop motion character film-making.
What you do
We offer a series of specialist lectures, demonstrations and seminars, introducing students to professional stop-frame animation, puppetry, camera, lighting and editing. Built on core animation principles you will develop a series of pilots and shorts for television.
Level 1 provides a structure for learning the major principles of animation. You will explore a range of techniques developing how to create puppets, armatures and sets for physical animation. Core visual skills such as sculpture, life drawing and materials development are integral to your practice and development.
Level 2 involves the development of Stop Motion Characters in greater depth. This includes advanced replacement puppet parts to enhance audio dialogue and body gesture, introduction to professional level blue screen composite and effects for live action integration and advanced lighting and camera work for greater shot composition. There are also options to study CGI or experimental animation as well as fine metal fabrication.
In Level 3 you will be expected to produce a series of short films which display excellent performance based animation. Personal tutorials support you through a negotiated programme of study, culminating in the exhibition of your work in the graduate presentation. Emphasis is placed on professional practice in preparation for graduation and greater employment prospects through Stop Motion Futures module and Stop Motion External brief.
Where next
Our animation graduates have gone onto internships at Aardman and a wide range of other companies within the animation industry in the UK and Europe.