Foundation Degree Animation Arts at Plymouth College of Art

Animation? frame by frame reconstruction of time and motion – breathing life into the un-living – four dimensional visual and sonic alchemy! Whatever your definition of this wonderful subject, the Foundation Degree in Animation Arts course at Plymouth College of Art will provide you with the technical and critical skills to pursue your own creative approaches.

Described as the most important art form of the 20^th Century (Professor Paul Wells) this discipline has expanded beyond the entertainment sector of film and television. The philosophy of the Foundation Degree in Animation Arts course is to further expand opportunities for communication and functions of animation in the 21^st Century where digital tools push boundaries of film language, representation and simulation.   Underpinning this aim, studying animation involves the development of sound drawing skills through Life Drawing and visualization excersizes. The craft of animating is learned through 2D drawn and digital methods as well as CGI and stop-motion. All forms of animation are taught and supported, (software includes Premiere-Pro, Photoshop, Audition, Flash). In addition, editing, compositing, creative use of sound and track-laying are essential skills that will be developed from level 1. Storyboarding, conceptual development and an appreciation of narrative and non-narrative structures will provide a theoretical basis to practical learning.

At Level 2 of the Foundation Degree in Animation Arts, students are encouraged to specialize and develop more sophisticated technical skills. Option modules provide the opportunity study software applications at an advanced level (Maya, Toon Boom, After Effects). The Major Project module then allows you to implement your knowledge through team and/or individual production, leading to good codes of practice and a professional understanding of working in this industry.  At the end of the two years, students will produce a showreel and also project work in a school-wide screening.

Where appropriate students will be encouraged to attend and take part in animation and film festivals, (local festivals includes ‘Encounters’ at Bristol and ‘Animated Exeter’). Embedded throughout the curriculum is the fostering of skills to promote work as well as manage projects. Through the two work based learning modules (WBL), students will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience within the work place, enabling contact with professional practitioners, to develop interpersonal skills and confidence.