Escape Studios Ranked No.3 in UK in 2024

2024 Animation Career Review Rankings

The 2024 Animation Career Review International School Rankings are in, and we're delighted to celebrate another successful year.

This year Animation Career Review have ranked us #3 for Animation in the UK, #8 for Animation in Europe and #17 for Animation Internationally. 

Congratulations to all our students on their remarkable work this past year.

Introducing "The Fairy Tree"

Introducing "The Fairy Tree", a new short animated film from Escape Studios.  "The Fairy Tree" was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.  "The Fairy Tree" was written and directed by Maisy Rogers and produced by Tsz Yau “Moses” Ho.  "The Fairy Tree" is currently being entered into film festivals. 

Free Beginner Animation Tutorials in Maya

Animate a squid in motion

Below is a list of simple animation tutorials aimed at junior animators just starting to learn their craft. Each tutorial has been chosen for simplicity; the goal being to learn the basics of animation in Maya. 

One or two are password protected, but most are free. Get started by learning how to Animate a Flag Waving, how to Animate a Telephone Ringing - or Animate a Submarine Travelling Underwater.  And, most of all, have fun animating. 

Meet "Game Heist"

Game Heist - An Escape Studios Student Short Film from Ethan Mainwaring-Taylor on Vimeo.

Meet "Game Heist", the latest VFX short film from Escape Studios.  Directed by Mitchell Wright and produced by Ayesha-Ria Jina, "Game Heist", tells the story of a group of misfit toys trying to steal a video game.  "Game Heist" was a collaboration between undergraduate animation students and VFX students at Escape Studios, working together to create an original story.  Studio projects such as this one form part of The Escape Method; bringing together students with multiple talents to work in teams, responding to industry feedback - in this case from Industrial Light & Magic.

Animate a "Take" With the Pixo Jr Lamp

Animate a "Take" reaction shot with the Pixo Jr lamp

In this simple free tutorial we show how to animate a "take" (a reaction shot), with the Pixo Jr lamp rig which you can download from highend3d.com. 

The tutorial is a simple one, aimed at animation beginners, but it helps if you are already familiar with the Maya Interface.  Follow the thumbnails below to replicate the tutorial.

Writing and Directing Books For the Library

New Books: On Directing Film and Save the Cat

We have new books for the Animation & VFX Library on the 11th Floor at 6 Mitre Passage. 

New books include "Save The Cat" by Blake Snyder on Screenwriting, and "On Directing Film" by Oscar-winning writer David Mamet.  Both books offer important insights into visual storytelling. 

And don't forget to make use of our Tutorial Channel - we have many hundreds of video tutorials on animation and VFX.

Blue Zoo Summer Internships Open May 27th

Applications for Blue Zoo's 2024 summer internships will open Monday 27th May at midnight.  

As always, we encourage our students to apply for internships like this one.  Even if you don't succeed, you will learn valuable skills along the way. 

The internship roles available this year at Blue Zoo are: 3D Look Development Intern, Social Media Intern and Games/Apps Intern.

All the information you will need to apply will be on Blue Zoo's careers website along with the application pages. 

You can read the internship FAQ page at the Blue Zoo blog now: https://lnkd.in/eSTvgeYk

Four Tips for Generating Motion Graphics Ideas

Above is a new free tutorial in Motion Graphics from our Motion Graphics tutor Adam Bennett.  Adam's latest tutorial is titled "Four Tips for Generating Motion Graphics Ideas".  Coming up with new creative material is an important part of success in the creative industries, and motion graphics is no exception.  Adam has also created a playlist of free tutorials, hosted at YouTube, to help students get started and to support their classroom learning.  Our new MA in Motion Graphics is now recruiting for September 2024.

How Animators Get Hired For Games - Today at 1pm

Into Games is hosting a free live-streamed talk today Wednesday 22nd May at 1pm UK time for animators seeking a career as an animator in the Games Industry. 

The title of the talk is "Animation: Communicating the fundamentals. How to Prove You've Got The Experience".

Today's talk is for animators who are either "pre-games or very early in their games industry career". 

The talk will be delivered by Hannah Kravets a Gameplay Animator currently working with Climax Studios. 

Introducing D.A.N.S

D.A.N.S | Short Film from HerbHerbHerbert on Vimeo.

Introducing D.A.N.S, the latest VFX short film from Escape Studios.  Directed by Charlie Wilson and produced by Rajun Madahar, D.A.N.S, tells the story of a robot gone wrong.  D.A.N.S was a collaboration between undergraduate animation students and VFX students at Escape Studios, working together to create an original story.  Studio projects such as this one form part of The Escape Method; bringing together students with multiple talents to work in teams, responding to industry feedback - in this case from Industrial Light & Magic.

Introducing "X-Terminate"

X-Terminate short film from Maria Eduarda Freitas on Vimeo.

Escape Studios is proud to present X-Terminate, the latest short film created by our third year animation students and VFX students at Escape Studios.  Directed by Maria Freitas and produced by Emmanuel Rahman,  X-Terminate was a collaboration between undergraduate animation students and VFX students at Escape Studios, working together to create an original story.  Studio projects such as this one are part of what we call The Escape Method - bringing together students with multiple talents to work in teams, responding to industry feedback from Industrial Light & Magic.

Portfolio Tips for Motion Graphics MA

MA in Motion Graphics - Portfolio Tips

Thinking of applying for our new MA in Motion Graphics?  One of the most common questions we get asked by prospective students is: What should go into my portfolio? The short answer is - a bit of everything: design, drawings, painting, life drawing, sketches, scribbles, 3D digital artwork - ideally uploaded to your own website or blog.  

In particular, we're looking for a good sense of design and visual composition.

Funding for Higher Education in Animation Library

Grant-making Trusts, Grants Register & Educational Grants

Our Animation & VFX Library at 6 Mitre Passage has copies of three of the key books on charitable funding for Higher Education: The Directory of Grant Making Trusts, The Grants Register and The Guide to Educational Grants.  

These books are comprehensive sources for the many charities that support the funding of higher education in the UK.

For any of our students who are short of cash, these resources can help. 

Priya Shah Wins Disney/Blue Zoo Pitch Competition

Many congratulations to Escapee Priya Shah whose pitch to the Walt Disney/Blue Zoo Pitch Competition has been successful. 

Priya Shah, currently a Studio Assistant at Escape Studios, is one of the winners of the Success Story Competition by The Walt Disney Company and Blue Zoo Animation Studio.

MA 3D Animation Returns 23 Sept 2024

Animation by Sunny Asadi

Our next Short Course and MA (Master of Arts) in 3D Animation returns on 23 September 2024.

The Short Course and MA in animation is taught both online and in-class at our new North Greenwich Campus.

Our Short Course and MA animation students have created many award-winning film projects such as "Alma", "Flame", "Hat Shop", "Mafia Mix-Up" and "Moon Rockz".  

Smear Frame Animation Tutorial in Maya

In this brief tutorial we show how to animate a "Smear Frame". Smear Frames simulate motion blur in super-snappy animation, in the style of the old Tex Avery or Chuck Jones cartoons.

But how do you do a Smear Frame in 3D animation, using Maya character rigs? Watch our free tutorial to find out.

"The Hunter" Wins Hon Mention at EE Film Fest

"The Hunter" wins Hon. Mention at the EEFF 

Congratulations to the makers of the animated short film "The Hunter" which has won an Honourable Mention in the category of Best Student Filmmaker at the Eastern Europe Film Festival. 

The Hunter was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.  The Hunter was written by Nishana Paul, directed by Rhea Ilanthirayan and produced by Naarah Bonti Asmarah.  This is its second festival award.

Animation Tutorial in Maya - Fish Swimming

Animate a fish swimming in Maya

In this simple tutorial we show how to animate a fish swimming, and then add some underwater lighting using Maya's software renderer. 

Start with a single side-to-side rotation of the fish; then copy and paste the curves down the fish's body, offsetting each curve by two frames. 

The result is the distinctive swish of a fish's tail.  The underwater lighting with caustics can be done with a few clicks. 

Why Escape Studios is Like a Gym

Monty in the Gym by Sam Baker

Escape Studios' Head of Creative Technology Michael Davies likes to say that studying at Escape Studios is like joining a gym. 

Joining a gym won't make you fit, but regular use of the equipment will.  The same principle applies at Escape Studios, where we offer a system of blended learning, a mixture of classroom teaching and also self study using our video tutorials, available exclusively for our students. We call this "The Escape Method".

More Books for the Animation & VFX Library

Hollywood Memoirs by William Goldman and David Niven

We have new books for the Animation & VFX Library on the 11th Floor at 6 Mitre Passage.

New books include "Adventures in The Screen Trade" by William Goldman, double-Oscar-winning writer who wrote "The Princess Bride" and David Niven's Hollywood autobiography "The Moon's a Balloon".  

For all our students looking to understand how the movie business works, this is a great place to start.  And don't forget to make use of our Tutorial Channel - with many hundreds of video tutorials on animation and VFX.

How To Get Hired in Motion Graphics

We're delighted to offer a new free tutorial in Motion Graphics from our Motion Graphics tutor Adam Bennett.  Adam's latest tutorial is titled "Seven Showreel Tips to Help You Get Hired".  Putting together a great demo reel is the key to getting hired in the creative industries.  Adam has also created a playlist of free tutorials, hosted at YouTube, to help students get started and to support their classroom learning.  Our new MA in Motion Graphics is now recruiting for September 2024.

"Portfolios That Pack a Punch" Monday 13 May

We're hosting a new portfolio review clinic titled "Portfolios That Pack a Punch" on Monday 13 May at 3.30pm.

This event is aimed at our games students but is also very relevant to animators looking to break into the games industry.  The games industry needs animators too. 

The creative industries are in a constant state of flux - events like this help us keep abreast of the latest changes, and in particular help us identify where the entry-level jobs are, and what is needed to get them. 

Who is hiring, for what jobs, and what skills do you need?

To sign up for this event, follow this link to the official website.

Backtrack Wins Best Trailer at Dreamachine Awards

"Backtrack"wins "Best Trailer" at Dreamachine Fest

Congratulations to the makers of "Backtrack", the teaser/trailer created by our second year animation students at Escape Studios, which has won "Best Trailer" at the Dreamachine Film Festival.

The Backtrack trailer was directed by Philippa "Pip" Cowen, edited by Pelumi Oyekunleye and produced by Sihaam "Simu" Weheliye.  Backtrack has won many festival awards.

"The Hunter" Wins "Best Super Short" in London

The Hunter wins Best Super Short Film in London

Congratulations to the makers of "The Hunter", the latest short animated film from Escape Studios, which has won "Best Super Short Film" at the London Movie Awards. 

The Hunter was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.  The Hunter was written by Nishana Paul, directed by Rhea Ilanthirayan and produced by Naarah Bonti Asmarah.  This is its first festival award.

Introducing "Breakdown"

Introducing the short animated film "Breakdown", completed by our students at Escape Studios.  Breakdown was made by our second year animation students, working together as a team to replicate as closely as possible the workings of a commercial animation studio.  Breakdown was directed by Anna Pinart and produced by Caroline Geddis. The editor was Belle Leuschke and the art director was Daniel Joseph. 

"Outpatient" Wins Best Micro Short at Vesuvius Fest

"Outpatient" wins "Best Micro Short" at Vesuvius Film Fest

Congratulations to the makers of the VFX short film "Outpatient", which has won "Best Micro Short" at the Vesuvius Film Festival. 

"Outpatient" was directed by Charlie Wilson, co-directed by Idris Driver, produced by Harry Symonds, and co-produced by Emmanuel Rahman. "Outpatient" tells the story of a hospital patient on the edge of survival.  This is the film's third festival award. 

Animation by Seb Armstrong

Escape Studios undergraduate animation student Seb Armstrong animated this excellent short piece for our undergraduate core animation module - Animation Module AN4001 - a 15 Credit module that teaches all our first year students the fundamentals of character and creature animation.  AN4001 lasts four weeks, and covers the basic principles of animation.  To see some of the best work done by our first year undergraduate animators, follow this link.

Show Pointer Location Tool for Windows

Show Pointer Location Tool

A handy teaching tool that we recommend for all our tutors at Escape Studios is the "Show Pointer Location Tool" in Windows (see image left). 

The Show Pointer Location Tool creates a little animated target for your audience. When you press the control ("CTRL") button on your keyboard, the target shows your audience exactly where your pointer is and what you are clicking on. 

When you are demonstrating how to use software, this tool helps our students keep track of what you are doing.  To see how to activate Show Pointer Location Tool, follow the steps below.

Animate a Submarine Underwater in Maya

Animate a Submarine Underwater

In this super simple tutorial we show how to animate a submarine traveling underwater.  This is a very basic tutorial aimed at beginners in Maya. 

The idea is to do some simple animation of an underwater scene, then add a caustic effect to reproduce the effect of light penetrating water. 

Introducing "Little Pirates"

Little_Pirates_FINAL from Angharad Mathias on Vimeo.

Introducing "Little Pirates", the latest short animated film from Escape Studios.  Little Pirates was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.  Little Pirates was written and directed by Anna Reyes Ramirez and produced by Angharad Mathias.  Little Pirates is currently being entered into film festivals. 

Animate a Simple Camera Shake in Maya

Animate a Camera Shake in Maya with Monty

In this free animation tutorial we show how to animate a camera shake in Maya.  It's a simple tutorial aimed at beginners learning 3d animation in Autodesk Maya. 

To animate the camera shake is simple - it's just a few keyframes on the x rotation on the shot camera, simulating what might happen to a real camera operator if (as in this example) a school bus were to whizz past at high speed.