Character Animation by Muhanad Al Dasoqi

Above is an excellent piece of character animation by BNU animation masters' student Muhanad Al Dasoqi.  Having a great character animation piece on your demo reel is an important step in landing that crucial first job in the animation industry.  Animation studios are looking for animators who have good technical skills - but can also create genuinely entertaining work - the animation "X factor".

"Is It Good?" by BNU Animation Grad Lee Caller

"Is it good?" from Lee Caller on Vimeo.

Above is a fine acting shot animated by BNU animation graduate Lee Caller, who now teaches animation at Escape Studios in London.  The shot above is one of a number of pieces of animation that Lee has started as a student demo, but - as he puts it - "rarely gets to finish".  In this case, the purpose of the demo was to show students that great animation it not always all about over-the-top super-exaggeration, but more about subtle facial expressions and understated, believable acting choices. 

"Red Whisker Bird" by Joshua Reynolds

Above is an excellent example of bird animation by BNU animation student Joshua Reynolds, using the "Red Whisker Bird" rig by Truong.  Joshua has used live action reference to excellent effect, creating a charming and believable piece of avian animation.  Being able to tackle photo-realistic animal and creature animation is one of an animator's core skills, as studios ramp up production on films with photo-realistic animal animation such as The Jungle Book and The Lion King.

VFX Festival Starts 21 February 2023

2023 VFX Festival is Coming Soon

The VFX Festival is back in London from 21-23 February 2023. 

The 2023 VFX Festival returns to Escape Studios in Central London and, like last year,  will run as a hybrid event, both online and also in person. The event runs from 21-23 February. 

The 2023 VFX Festival will be hosted at Escape Studios at their midTown Campus at 190 High Holborn, and also online. To book your tickets, follow this link to thevfxfestival.com.

DA703 Starts on Monday 3 April 2023

Quadruped animation by BNU graduate Amedeo Beretta

Module DA703 - Animals and Creatures - starts on Monday 3rd April 2023, and is the third module tackled by our students on our Online MA in Animation.

DA703 focuses on animal and creature animation, with an emphasis on the kind of photo-realistic animation in which London VFX houses such as Framestore, MPC and DNeg specialise.  DA703 PR1 is due on Friday 2nd June 2023 at 2pm.

"Artifact" Wins "Golden Merlion Award"

Congratulations to BNU Animation student Kristis Bandzevicius whose animated short "Artifact" has won a Certificate of Achievement at the World Film Carnival Singapore Golden Merlion Awards. 

"Artifact" is an animated short film written, produced and directed by Kristis, studying at BNU for his MA in 3D Animation.   

"Artifact" was created as part of the final module of the Master's Degree in 3D Animation at BNU, Module DA704, which involves the creation of a final project and demo reel. 

Artifact is the story of a lonely robot in a desolate world, searching for signs of life.

This is the latest of many festival awards for Artifact. 

UCAS Now Open for 2023

UCAS - now open

If you're thinking of applying to Bucks to study on our BA in Animation, the official UCAS application system is now open.  Applications for our undergraduate courses are due by 25th January 2022, but MA applications can be made at any time. However it's always a good idea to get your application in early.

Young Cartoonist of the Year Competition 2022

The Young Cartoonists of the Year Competition is back. This year the deadline for submissions is 22 January 2023.

Hosted by the Cartoon Museum in London, the annual competition seeks to reward rising cartoon talent. 

Judges include Martin Rowson (The Guardian), Christian Adams (Evening Standard), Banx (FT), Peter Brookes (The Times), Nick Newman (Private Eye), and Matt Pritchard from the Daily Telegraph.  Entry is free. 

Entries can be mailed in (via old school Royal Mail) to the Cartoon Museum,  at 63 Wells St, London W1T 3PT, or emailed to hello@cartoonmuseum.org.

As always, we encourage all our students at BNU to enter competitions such as this one. 

How to Get Started in Animation

Animation Studio by Helen Piercy

One question we often get asked at BNU is this "My child loves animation - what subject should they study at school?".

And also - "how can I teach my child animation?".

Parents tell me that their 13-year old is really into animation, but doesn't know what they should do to realise that goal.

Today, animation is a mix of art and technology.  So, art subjects, such as Art GCSE or Art A level, will help, as will tech subjects, such as IT or computer studies.

Julien Rashti Animator at MPC

Julien Rashti

Congratulations to BNU graduate Julien Rashti, who is working as an animator at MPC, one of the UK's leading animation and VFX houses, responsible for hits such as "Jungle Book" and "the Lion King".


Julien took our MA in 3D Animation at Bucks, graduating in 2018.  Since then he has worked on animated film such as Disenchanted, Pinocchio, and the forthcoming Snow White - due out in 2024. 

While at BNU Julien learned the art and craft of character and creature animation, polishing his demo reel and preparing himself for a career in industry. 

"Mouse: Impossible" Wins "Best Super Short"

"Best Super Short" at the Future of Film Awards

Congratulations to BNU animation student Robin Herrmann, whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won "Best Super Short Film" at the Future of Film Awards.

"Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   

"Mouse: Impossible"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU; this is the film's fourth festival award.

Should BNU Graduates Work as Runners?

Running - is it just about making coffee?

Should our animation graduates work as runners? Working as a runner is a standard entry-level position in our industry, but is it really necessary?  And should our students and graduates do it - or perhaps hold out for a more creative entry-level role?

Here at BNU we support our students who take running positions.  Running isn't glamorous, but it can - and often does - lead to better things.  

Hang in there, put up with a bit of drudgery, and it can pay big dividends. 

Return of Graduation Day at BNU

Graduation Day at BNU

Graduation Day is back! After a long hiatus, in-person graduation has returned  to High Wycombe, at long last.  

Graduation Day for our animation graduates took place at Bucks last week from 5-9th September 2022.

Last week we welcomed our newest animation graduates to come and celebrate their achievement.

BNU Aid Film "Best Micro Film" Golden Eagle Fest

"Best Micro Short" at Golden Eagle Indie Film Festival

Congratulations to the makers of the short film "What is Wrong With The Global Development Organisation?" which has won "Best Micro Short" film at the Golden Eagle Indie Film Festival.

Directed by Monika Dzikowicz, the two minute micro-documentary tells the story of an aid organisation which has lost sight of its founding principles.  It was made under the aegis of Nano Films, our film co-operative. 

MA animation Joining Instructions Sept 2022

It will soon be time for our new MA Animation students at Bucks to get started, with formal teaching beginning on 26 September 2022.  

Below are some Joining Instructions for our students starting with us on the Online MA in 3D Animation.

"Float Folks" Wins Best Trailer at WIFA

"Best Trailer" at the World International Film Festival

Congratulations to the makers of "The Float Folks", the short teaser/trailer made at BNU by our animation students, which has won "Best Trailer" at the World International Film Awards.

The Float Folks is a trailer for an animated TV Series created by Ian Foyle and directed by Monika Dzikowicz.  The Float Folks has won many festival awards.

"Journey of Life" Wins "Best Micro Short" Award

Many congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrmann whose short film "Journey of Life" has won award for Best Micro Short at Dreamachine International Film Festival.

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Buckinghamshire New University.   

"Journey of Life" has won many festival awards. 

Young Animator of The Year Competition

Young Animator of the Year Competition

There is still time to enter the Young Animator of the Year Competition.  The Competition, created by Access VFX and supported by Screen Skills, BAFTA and the BAA Awards, is judged by professional animators.

Entry must be completed by September 4th. You can find more about it here: https://younganimator.uk/competition #animation #YAYUK

Last Call for Our Online MA in Animation

Sci-Fi scene by Joe Gamble

Last call for our online MA in Animation  recruiting for September 2022.

Our online MA in animation was launched in 2015 and was the very first of its kind - the first online MA in animation which could be undertaken by students anywhere in the world. 

The MA in animation partners with the online animation school www.animationapprentice.org

"Mouse: Impossible" Wins "Best Super Short"

Congratulations to BNU animation student Robin Herrmann, whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won "Best Super Short Film" at the London Movie Awards.

"Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   

"Mouse: Impossible"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU; this is the film's fourth festival award.

"Float Folks" Wins Best Trailer at Onyko Film Fest

The Float Folks Best Trailer at Onyko Awards

Congratulations to the makers of "The Float Folks", the short teaser/trailer made at BNU by our animation students, which has won "Best Trailer" at the Onyko Film Festival.

The Float Folks is a trailer for an animated TV Series created by Ian Foyle and directed by Monika Dzikowicz.  The Float Folks has won many festival awards.

Artifact Wins Best Sci-Fi at Future of Film Awards

"Artifact" wins Best Sci-Fi at FOFA

Congratulations to BNU animation student Kristis Bandzevicius whose animated short "Artifact" has won "Best Sci-Fi" at the Future of Film Awards.

"Artifact" is a short film created by BNU animation student Kristis Bandzevicius.   "Artifact" was written, produced and directed by Kristis, studying for his MA in 3D Animation at BNU.   This is the film's sixth festival award. 

DA702 Character Performance Starts 9 Jan 2023

11 Second Club winning entry by Robin Herrmann

DA702, the second animation module on our online masters' degree in 3D animation, starts on 9 January 2023.

The module is titled DA702 - Character Performance, and builds up to an entry into the March 2023 Eleven Second Club competition.  

On March 1st 2022 the club's official line of dialogue will be released, and our students have until the end of March to submit their finished work.  DA702 PR1 assignment is due on Thursday 30th March 2023 at 2pm.

"Mouse: Impossible" Wins "Best Creative"

Mouse: Impossible Best Creative at Halicarnassus

Congratulations to BNU animation student Robin Herrmann, whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won an award for Best Creative at the Halicarnassus Film Festival.

"Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   

"Mouse: Impossible"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU; this is the film's third festival award.

DA701 Locomotion & Mechanics Starts 26 Sept

"Journey of Life" by Robin Herrmann

DA701 Animation Mechanics is the first module that our new MA animation students will encounter at Bucks.

DA701 starts on 26 September 2022, and is taught primarily in Autodesk Maya. The module deals with animation basics, such as locomotion and mechanics.

It starts with simple actions such as a bouncing ball, and builds up to more complex physical actions, such as jumps and throws. There are two assignments due: DA701 PR1, and DA701 CW1. DA701 PR1 is due on Friday 9th December at 2pm.

"Mouse: Impossible": Best Student Film in Milan

Mouse: Impossible: Best Student Film in Milan

Congratulations to BNU animation student Robin Herrmann, whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won an award for Best Student Film at the Milan Gold Awards.

"Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   

"Mouse: Impossible"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU; this is the film's first festival award.

Academic Deadlines MA Animation 2022-24

2021-2023 deadlines

Below is a list of deadlines for the online MA in 3D animation. This is for our new cohort of student animators, those who are joining us in September 2022, and will graduate "Master of Arts" in the summer of 2024.

Note that this list of deadlines is a draft list only, and is subject to change. Students should always check the appropriate Module Guide and Assignment Brief to be certain of the correct submission date. And, of course, check with your tutor.

This list gives our MA students a broad idea of what to expect over the coming 18 months.  But always double-check these dates - if in doubt, email your tutor.

"Journey of Life" Best Student Film in Hollywood

Journey of Life Best Student Film in Hollywood

Many congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrmann whose short film "Journey of Life" has won award for Best Student Film at the Hollywood Gold Awards.

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Buckinghamshire New University.   "Journey of Life" has won many festival awards. 

"Mouse: Impossible" Wins Best Animated Short

Congratulations to BNU animation student Robin Herrmann, whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won an award for Best Animation at the Golden Eagle Indie Festival.

"Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   

"Mouse: Impossible"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU; this is the film's first festival award.

Meet "Mouse: Impossible"

Herrmann_Robin_DA703_HQ from Rob in on Vimeo.

Meet "Mouse: Impossible", a new short film created by BNU animation student Robin Herrman.  "Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   "Mouse: Impossible"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU, and is currently being entered into film festivals. 

"Artifact" Wins "Best VFX" at Singapore Fest

Artifact wins Best VFX at Singapore World Film Carnival

Congratulations to BNU animation student Kristis Bandzevicius whose animated short "Artifact" has won "Best VFX" at the Singapore World Film Carnival. 

"Artifact" is a short film created by BNU animation student Kristis Bandzevicius.   "Artifact" was written, produced and directed by Kristis, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   This is the film's fifth festival award. 

What Kind of Laptop Should You Buy in 2022?

What kind of laptop should I buy?" is a question that we are often asked at Bucks New University. 

Computer specifications change regularly and much depends on exactly what you want to use your laptop for.  But let's say you want to buy a laptop capable of running Autodesk Maya, for computer animation and to render out your shots.

What sort of laptop should you buy, and how much do you need to spend? BNU Animation Master's graduate Amedeo Beretta offers some advice to our students.

DA704 Animation Module Starts 12 Sept 2022

Amedeo Beretta - CG Animation Reel - VFX, Cine, TV from Amedeo Beretta on Vimeo.

Our Master's Degree animation students start their final animation module, DA704, on Monday 12th September 2022.  The final animation assignment, DA704 PR1, is titled "Demo Reel and Final Project" and students will create a piece of character or creature animation, showing the skills they have learned over the last year, and also cut a demo reel that will help them to find work in the animation industry.  The demo reel above is by Bucks New Uni MA animation student Amedeo Beretta. DA704 PR1 is due on Monday 5th December 2022 at 2pm.

Journey of Life Wins Best Director Award

"Journey of Life" wins Best Director (Short Film) at FOFA

Many congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrman whose short film "Journey of Life" has won award for Best Director (Super Short Film) at the Future of Film Awards.

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Buckinghamshire New University.  

"Journey of Life" has won many festival awards. 

Walt – The Man Behind the Myth

Sometimes it's time to down tools and learn a bit about the history of animation. The pioneering giant upon whose shoulders all animators stand was Walt Disney. To understand why Disney was such a transformative figure in the history of the animation industry, watch "Walt – The Man Behind the Myth" -  a biographical documentary on the man who founded the Walt Disney Studios.  The documentary was narrated by Dick Van Dyke and directed by Jean-Pierre Isbouts.

Online Animation MA Returns in Sept 2022

Sci-Fi scene by Joe Gamble

We are now taking applications for our online MA in Animation - recruiting for September 2022.

Our online MA in animation was launched in 2015 and was the very first of its kind - the first online MA in animation which could be undertaken by students anywhere in the world.  The MA in animation partners with the online animation school www.animationapprentice.org

Key Creative Roles on an Animated Short

 

What are the key creative roles on a short animated film? Or, simply put, what are the jobs that absolutely have to get done in order to finish the project?  Below are the key roles that we believe must be filled in order to achieve a successful outcome.

BAFTA Scholarships Close on 20 May 2022

BAFTA is now taking applications for three UK based post-graduate scholarships in film, TV and Games (and animation, of course) worth up to £12,000 each. The deadline is May 20th 2022.

The BAFTA scholarships are supported by Warner Bros and the Duke of Cambridge, and include a work placement and also free access to BAFTA events. They can also be used to help finance post-graduate study in the creative arts.

How To Create Thumbnail Sketches for Animation

How do you create thumbnail sketches for character animation? Learning how to create thumbnail sketches is a very important skill, even for animators who don't draw well, because thumbnail sketches are an important tool for planning animation.  Even 3D animators who aren't that comfortable with drawing are encouraged to have a go at the thumbnailing process.  Watch the video above to see how we would go about creating some rough thumbnail sketches for this month's "11 Second Club". 

Archie Dennis Special Projects Coordinator DNEG

Archie Dennis

Many congratulations to BNU Graduate Archie Dennis who is now working as a Special Projects Coordinator at DNEG in London.

Archie graduated from BNU with a first class degree in Animation & VFX, and is now working at one of the UK's leading VFX houses.

DNEG are responsible for multiple blockbuster hits and recently won their seventh Academy Award for their VFX on "Dune".

"Journey of Life" Wins Hon Mention at DSFF

"Journey of Life" wins Hon Mention at DSFF

Many congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrman whose short film "Journey of Life" has won an Honourable Mention for Best No Budget Film at the Dreamer's Short Film Festival (DSFF).

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation Buckinghamshire New University.  It has won many festival awards. 

How Many Seconds Per Week?

How many seconds?

How much animation does a studio expect an animator to deliver each week? The answer depends on the studio, and what kind of work is being expected. On a high-end feature film such as the kind made by Disney and Pixar, an animator might be expected to complete around five seconds of animation each week - and sometimes even less.

On a TV series where budgets are tight and deadlines loom, an animator might be expected to complete as much as 30 seconds of completed animation each week.

Journey of Life Hon Mention at Florence Fest

"Journey of Life" wins Hon. Mention at Florence Awards

Congratulations to BNU Animation student Robin Herrmann whose short film "Journey of Life" has won an Honourable Mention in the category of Animation at the Florence Film Awards.

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Buckinghamshire New University.  This is the film's third festival award. 

Paul Hilton External Examiner at BNU

Paul Hilton

We're extending a very warm welcome to Paul Hilton, our new External Examiner for our Online MA in 3D animation.  Paul is a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) in Animation at The Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), making him well qualified to keep an eye on our animation work here at Bucks.

External examiners ensure that standards are consistent across the animation sector. They check our grades, making sure we're awarding marks appropriately, and that our standards are consistent with other universities and colleges in the UK.

Of course, we also second mark all the grades at MA level at Bucks, but the role of the external examiner is to add a third layer of quality control to make sure everything is done right.

Graduation Day at BNU: 5-9 September 2022

Graduation Day at BNU

Graduation Day is back! After a long Corona hiatus, in-person graduation is returning to High Wycombe, at long last.  Graduation Day for our animation graduates takes place at Bucks from 5-9th September 2022.

On that day, we will be welcoming all our animation graduates to come and celebrate their achievement.

Who's Who in Animation at BNU

Alex and Rusty at BNU

Who's Who on our Online Master of Arts in Animation?

For our new animation students, there is a good deal of information to take on board, including who does what at Bucks.

There are a number of people involved in delivering our MA - the first ever online MA in animation.

Below is a brief guide to help our new cohort of students figure out who's who, who does what, and how to get in touch with the key people whose job it is to help our students get excellent results.

Why Lipsync Should be "Two Frames Ahead"

Cliff Nordberg

Why should your lipsync always be at least two frames ahead of the audio? Because there is a very slight time delay between our mouths making a shape, and the sound being expelled from our lips.

For your audience to be able to read the lip sync clearly you'll want to offset the jaw opening at least two frames before the audio is actually heard. 

If you have the jaw opening and closing exactly on the frame that the audio is heard, your lip sync will feel slightly "off sync", ie a little late. 

Journey of Life Best Director at Halicarnassus

Congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrman whose short film "Journey of Life" has won an award for "Best First Time Director" at the Halicarnassus Film Festival.  

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   "Journey of Life"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU.  This is the film's second festival award. 

BNU Graduate Lee Caller Hon Mention in Tokyo

Jelly Cars Hon. Mention for Best Cinematography at TIMFF

Buckinghamshire New University is proud to congratulate animation graduate Lee Caller whose short film Jelly Cars has won an Honourable Mention for "Best Cinematography" at the Halicarnassus Film Festival. 

This is the latest award for Jelly Cars, a short comedy about a cartoon car trying to find a parking space.  Jelly Cars has won many festival awards.

Robin Herrmann Wins March 11 Second Club

Robin Herrmann wins 11 Second Club

Congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrmann who has won the monthly 11 Second Club for March 2022. 

Robin Herrmann's superb animation was created as part of Module DA702 - the character animation module taught as part of the MA in 3D Animation.

This is the latest success for Robin whose short film "Journey of Life" has been winning festival awards. 

Journey of Life" recently won an award for "Best First Time Director" at the Halicarnassus Film Festival. 

DA703 Starts on Monday 4 April 2022

Gorilla rig and animation by Michael Davies

Module DA703 - Animals and Creatures - starts on Monday 4th April 2022, and is the third module tackled by our students on our Online MA in Animation.

DA703 focuses on animal and creature animation, with an emphasis on the kind of photo-realistic animation in which London VFX houses such as Framestore, MPC and DNeg specialise.  

DA703 PR1 is due on Friday 3rd June at 2pm.

Rookies Deadline 1 June 2022

At Bucks New University we encourage all of our students to enter The Rookies Awards, the international competition for young creatives, which and closes on 1st June 2022.

The Rookies was founded in 2009 to "showcase the most talented student designers, illustrators, film makers, animators, developers, digital artists, and launch them into the career of their dreams."

This year the deadline is 1st June 2022, so there is plenty of time to start crafting a great project.

Arcs and Paths of Action in Animation

Path of Action

Animators always need to keep an eye on the Path of Action in their animation. Paths of Animation, also known as Arcs, are one of the original 12 Principles of Animation identified by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnstone in their classic work "The Illusion of Life".

A moving object should follow a smooth flowing arc, with no sudden abrupt changes of direction.

How We Tackle External Projects at BNU

At BNU we often get asked if our animation students can take on external projects. Our students are very busy with their own work, but on occasion we can tackle "live briefs" for outside clients.

There are however a few things we need in advance, most important of which is a brief (ideally a single page PDF), explaining what the client wants and expects.  Below is a list of things for clients to think about to make sure that the project is a success. 

Journey of Life Wins Best 1st Time Director

Journey of Life Wins Best 1st Time Director at Vesuvius

Congratulations to BNU student Robin Herrman whose short film "Journey of Life" has won an award for "Best First Time Director" at the Vesuvius Film Festival.  

"Journey of Life" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   "Journey of Life"  was completed during the course of Robin's studies at BNU, and is currently being entered into film festivals. 

Artifact Wins Best No Budget Film at DSFF

Artifact wins Best No Budget Film at DSFF

Congratulations to BNU animation student Kristis Bandzevicius whose animated short "Artifact" has won "Best No Budget Film" at the Dreamer's Film Festival. 

"Artifact" is a short film created by BNU animation student Kristis Bandzevicius.   "Artifact" was written, produced and directed by Kristis, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at Bucks.   This is the film's fourth festival award. 

Anton Alfimenko Nominated for BAA Award

Anton Nominated for "Best Animation in a Commercial"

Many congratulations to BNU Animation Graduate Anton Alfimenko who has been nominated for "Best Animation in a Commercial" at the biennial British Animation Awards ("BAAs") in London. 

The BAAs, which were held last night at the BFA South Bank, celebrate the very best of British Animation. 

Nine Ways to Create a Great Pose

How do you create a great pose in animation? Creating great poses is a necessary skill for all animators to learn. In the video above, I suggest nine ways that an animator can create a great pose - the key starting point for a great acting scene. 

Apply Now For Our Online MA in 3D Animation

Gorilla by Michael Davies

We are now taking applications for our online MA in Animation - recruiting for September 2022.

Our online MA in animation was launched in 2015 and was the very first of its kind - the first online MA in animation which could be undertaken by students anywhere in the world.