Undergraduate Open Day Thursday 8 Jan 2026

UG Open Day Online Thursday 8 January 2026

Escape Studios is hosting an online undergraduate open day on Thursday 8 January 2026 with Deputy Principal Simon Fenton from 5-6pm GMT.

Escape Studios' Open Days are a chance to find out about our undergraduate degrees in Animation, The Art of Games and Visual Effects.

An Open Day is an opportunity for potential students to find out how they can follow in the footsteps of our award-winning alumni and to find out more about our courses.

Undergraduate Portfolio Advice

If you're applying for our BA/MArt in The Art of 3D Computer Animation, or The Art of 2D Computer Animation, you might be wondering what should go in your portfolio.  The short answer is - a bit of everything: drawings, painting, life drawing, sketches, scribbles, 3D digital artwork - whatever you have to hand - ideally uploaded to your own website or blog.  In particular, it helps if you have tried some animation: 2D, 3D or Stop Motion.  

BA/MArt 3D Computer Animation Returns Sept 2026

Spiderman animation by Escapee Giorgos Konstantinou

Escape Studios is accepting applications for our BA/MArt in The Art of 3D Computer Animation; teaching starts in September 2026.

Applications are through UCAS, and you can find out more about our undergraduate 2D & 3D Computer Animation courses at the official site.

Our  BA/MArt in The Art of Computer Animation was first launched in 2015, and our first group of animation students graduated in 2019, going on to find jobs and success in the industry.  

3D Animation Evening Class Returns 30 March 2026

Chameleon by Dave Novis 

Our 3D Animation Evening Class runs for 20 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 7-10pm, and is taught online by veteran animator Matteo Sanna.

Students start with basic exercises and build towards an industry-ready demo reel.

The 3D Animation Evening Class returns on 30 March 2026. 

"Night Terrors" Wins "Best VFX" at EEFF

"Night Terrors" wins Best VFX at Eastern Europe Film Fest  

Congratulations to the makers of the VFX short film "Night Terrors", which has won "Best VFX" at the Eastern Europe Film Festival.  

Directed by Erminas Surgautas and produced by Xhoana Tola, "Night Terrors" was a collaboration between undergraduate animation students and VFX students at Escape Studios, working together to create an original story.  The Art Director was Ruby Ebbs, Yusuf Saddique was the 2D VFX Lead, and Samuel Greer was the 3D VFX Lead.  This is its first festival award. 

Merry Christmas from Escape Studios

"God Bless Us Every One"

A Very Merry Christmas from all of us at Escape Studios - and God Bless Us Every One.  

Many years ago, aged three or four,  I was the voice of Tiny Tim in my father's 1971 animated version of A Christmas Carol, a TV Special produced by animation legend Chuck Jones, of Bugs Bunny and Road Runner fame.  

BA/MArt 2D Animation Returns Sept 2026

2D Animation by Clarence Tamakloe

Our BA/MArt in 2D Animation is now recruiting for September 2026.  

In recent years 2D Animation has experienced a significant revival, both in the UK and overseas, as Studios such as Blue Zoo, Aardman Animation, and Brown Bag Films adopt new software such as ToonBoom Harmony.

Taught by seasoned industry professionals, this degree prepares students for work in the 2D animation industry. 

"Good Soup" Wins Best Director at Onyko Festival

Good Soup wins "Best Film Director" at Onyko Awards

Congratulations to the makers of "Good Soup", an animated short created by our graduating class of animation students at Escape Studios, which has won "Best Film Director" at the Onyko Film Festival. 

Directed by Jessa Timog-Santiago and produced by Iulineia Filip,  Good Soup was made with Maya, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine.  The editor was Rohnak Sharma.   This is Good Soup's sixth festival award. 

BA/MArt Motion Graphics Launches Sept 2026

Our new BA/MArt in Motion Graphics launches at Escape Studios in September 2026.

Motion Graphics is a key part of the animation industry, an expanding area of jobs and creativity.

We have been teaching Motion Graphics  at Escape Studios for many years - now for the first time we can offer a fully accredited undergraduate course.

Harmony Evening Class Returns 26 March 2026

Evening class in Toonboom Harmony returns 26 March 2026

Our 2D Animation Online Evening class in Toonboom Harmony returns to Escape Studios on 26 March 2026.

Learn the fundamentals of 2D animation over 10 weeks, one evening a week using Toonboom Harmony, one of the leading software packages for the creation of 2D animation.

The class is taught by experienced industry professionals.

MA in 2D & 3D VFX Returns 23 February 2026

VFX created at Escape Studios

Our Short Course and Masters' Degree in VFX is back - returning to Escape Studios on 23 February 2026.  

Taught by VFX veteran Dan Shutt and Klaudija Cermak,  the MA and Short Course in VFX teaches the art and craft of 2D and 3D visual effects. 

VFX sits at the heart of Escape Studios, it's what we started doing 25 years ago when we first began to train talent for the growing visual effects industry.  VFX remains our core mission, with thousands of VFX Escapees having joined VFX houses in the UK and overseas. 

Sköll Aurora Wins Best Animation in Florence

Sköll Aurora wins "Best Super Short Film" in Florence

Congratulations to the makers of Sköll Aurora, the animated short film created by our third year graduating class of 2D animation students at Escape Studios, which has won "Best Super Short Film" at the Florence Film Awards. 

Sköll Aurora tells the story of light re-entering a dark and desolate world; it was written and directed by Mahamat Souleymane and produced by Amos Mathias.  This is its third festival award. 

Film Soc Presents: "The Snow Queen" 18 December

Watch The Snow Queen on Thursday 18 December at 5pm

Escape Studios’ Film Society will screen the 1957 Russian animated film The Snow Queen on Thursday 18 December at 5pm. 

Based on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, The Snow Queen was directed by Lev Atamanov and produced at the Soyuzmultfilm animation studios. 

Dreamy and fantastical, The Snow Queen was a key influence on the works of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki.

MoGraph MA Returns 23 February 2026

Master's Degree in Motion Graphics Returns 23 Feb 2026

Our new Short Course and Master's Degree in Motion Graphics returns on 23 February 2026.

Motion Graphics is a key part of the animation industry, an expanding area of jobs and creativity.

We have been teaching Motion Graphics  at Escape Studios for many years - now for the first time we can offer a fully accredited masters-level post-graduate course.

Life Drawing for Escape Animation Students at DNEG

Our 2D Animation undergraduate students will soon be attending life drawing classes at DNEG, one of the UK's leading animation & VFX houses, courtesy of DNEG's Andrew Schlussel and Dara McGarry.  

Character Design is Back on 10 Feb 2026

Character Design by Luzia Soares

Our 2D Character Design evening class returns to Escape Studios on 10 February 2026. 

Character Design is an eight week evening class taught by industry veterans.

Steve guides students through the principles of character design, building up to an industry brief.

MA 3D Animation Returns 23 Feb 2026

Animation by Jamie Floodgate

Our next Short Course and MA (Master of Arts) in 3D Animation returns on 23 February 2026.

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".  

"Keep Cooking" Wins Best Animation at EEFF

"Keep Cooking" wins "Best Animation" at Eastern Europe Fest

Congratulations to the makers of "Keep Cooking", which has won "Best Animation" at the Eastern Europe Film Festival.   Keep Cooking was created by our third year graduating class of 2D Animation students at Escape Studios.  

Keep Cooking was written and directed by Nathan Blackman and produced by Mai Lu.  Chieri Kagata was the Lead Animator, and Gustav Chin was the Art Director.  This is the latest of a number of festival awards. 

Storyboarding Evening Class Returns 26 Jan 2026

Our Evening Class in

Giles & Rupert's Prehistoric Predicament - Storyboards

Storyboarding returns on 26 January 2026.  This evening class in storyboarding is an online class, taught from 7-10pm, and runs for ten weeks.

Storyboarding is a growing area of the animation industry; one which has recorded significant skills shortages in recent years.

Our storyboard students have gone on to successful careers at studios such as Walt Disney, Brown Bag Films and Blue Zoo Animation.

MoGraph Evening Class Returns on 20 Jan 2026

Motion Graphics Evening Class returns on 20 Jan 2026

Our Motion Graphics 12 Week Evening Class returns on 20 Janaury 2026.  The course is taught by experienced industry professionals, and aims to prepare students for careers in the motion graphic and motion design industries.

The market for skilled motion designers has never been bigger, and London is host to the world’s largest motion design community.   To find out more, visit the official course page here.

"Hubris" Wins "Best Animation" in Makizhmithran

"Hubris" wins "Best Animation" at the Makizhmithran Fest

Congratulations to the makers of "Hubris" which has won "Best Animation" at the Makizhmithran Film Awards.  

"Hubris" was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.  "Hubris" was written and directed by Sohaib Mehar and produced by Secander Sadat.  The editor was Gleb Migas, and the art director was Leona Lu.  This is its fifth festival award. 

"Meet The Masters" with Kevin Richards 16 Dec 2025

"Meet The Masters" with Kevin Richards 16 Dec at 6pm

Join us on Tuesday 16 December at 6pm for our next "Meet The Masters" events with Escape Studios' animation tutor Kevin Richards.  To sign up for this free event, follow this link. 

Escapeverse Live is Back: 24th - 26th Feb 2026

Escapeverse Live is back!  Escapeverse Live  is a free, global online event celebrating VFX, animation, games and tech art. 

Escapeverse Live  runs from 24th - 26th February 2026, and we'll be sharing behind-the-scenes insights from the best of the screen industries. 

To find out more, and learn when tickets become available, follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/hs5d67rh

Alex Williams 2D Animation Demo Reel

2D Animation has been expanding at Escape Studios, with a growing student body, many new short films - and many festival awards.  Our 2D animation tutors include Shane Woodson, Rebecca Perrone, Kevin Richards, Steve Lall and Iliana Franklin - all have many years of experience working on 2D animated projects.  Above is a selection of 2D animation on various films by our Dean of Animation & VFX Alexander Williams.  Edit by Escapee Miguel Teixeira, music by Pixabay.  

"Father's Blade" Wins "Best Trailer" at Vesuvio Fest

"Father's Blade" wins "Best Trailer" Vesuvio Film Fest 

Congratulations to the makers of the short film "Father's Blade", which has won "Best Trailer" at the Vesuvio Film Festival. 

"Father's Blade" was directed by Thomas Husband and produced by Hugo Whitworth; the editor was Alfie Williams and the lead animator was Brandon Rai.  This is the latest of many festival awards for Father's Blade. 

Meet The MoCap Masters: Adam Bennett 17 Dec 2025

Join us for our next "Meet the Masters" event at Escape Studios with Motion Graphics veteran Adam Bennett on Wednesday December 17th at 6pm GMT.  Adam will introduce motion graphics beginners to "Five Motion Graphics Techniques That Actually Work", focusing on practical solutions that bring fast results.  To sign up for this event, follow this link. 

Escapees on "Wicked: For Good"

Congratulations to Escapees Sofia Caldeira and Harry Pearson who contributed their skills to the new feature film "Wicked: For Good". 

Sofia Caldeira and Harry Pearson have been working as Visualisation Artists at The Third Floor in London.  

Undergraduate Taster Day 6 December 2025

Sat 6th Dec 2025 - Undergraduate (UG) Taster Day

Join us on Saturday 6th December 2025 for our next Undergraduate (UG) Taster Day for an introduction to our undergraduate degrees in animation, games and vfx.  Come along and find out what it's like to study at Escape Studios. 

"Meet The Masters" with Dan Shutt 15 Dec 2025

Meet The Masters with Dan Shutt 15th Dec 2025

Join us on Monday 15th December at 6pm for a free "Meet The Masters" Event with veteran VFX artist Dan Shutt. 

Dan Shutt is one of our most experienced VFX tutors, with over 23 years’ experience in a wide variety of 3D fields, from feature film effects and games graphics, to TV commercials and architectural rendering.  Dan has been with Escape Studios since 2009.  To sign up, follow this link. 

"Dusty Memories" Wins "Best Super Short" in NYC

Dusty Memories wins "Best Super Short Film"  in NYC  

Many congratulations to the makers of "Dusty Memories", which has won "Best Super Short Film"  at the New York Movie Awards.  

"Dusty Memories" was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.   "Dusty Memories" was written and directed by Grace Lam, and edited and produced by Max Ebdon.  This is its third festival award. 

Why Animators Always Start With a Story

Storytelling animation by Sunny Asadi

Animators are story tellers; animation should always have an idea behind it, one that tells a story.

Junior animators focus on learning technique - and technique is important. But it is also important to think carefully about the story behind your shot.

Who is your character, and why are they doing what they are doing?  What is the scene about? What do they want, and what do they fear?  These things are important because if your shots forms part of an interesting story, it will be much more interesting to watch.

Escapee Erminas Surgautas Joins Framestore

Erminas Surgautas

Many congratulations to Escapee Erminas Surgautas who has joined Framestore, one of the UK's leading VFX and animation houses. 

Erminas Surgautas studied the Art of Animation at Escape Studios, and contributed to many award-winning short film projects, including Checkmate, Mob Boss Barkino, Night Terrors and Reconnected.  

Undergraduate Q&A with Ian Palmer 9 Dec 2025

Join us on Tuesday 9th Dec from 5pm - 6pm GMT for an online undergraduate Q&A with Escape Studios' Principal Ian Palmer. 

This online event is an opportunity to find out more about Escape Studios from the man who knows us best - Professor Ian Palmer.  To sign up for this free event, follow this link. 

"Keep Cooking" Wins Best Super Short at Gold Awards

"Keep Cooking" wins "Best Animation" at Int'l Gold Awards

Congratulations to the makers of "Keep Cooking", which has won "Best Animation" at the International Gold Awards.   Keep Cooking was created by our third year graduating class of 2D Animation students at Escape Studios.  

Keep Cooking was written and directed by Nathan Blackman and produced by Mai Lu.  Chieri Kagata was the Lead Animator, and Gustav Chin was the Art Director.  This is its third festival award. 

Evening With...Escapee Josh Kiddie 3 Dec 2025

We're delighted to announce our next "Evening With" Event on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at 5.30pm.  

Escapee and games artist Josh Kiddie returns to Escape Studios to discuss his career in the games industry. 

"Bloom" Wins Best Animation Award in Florence

"Bloom", wins "Best Animation" at Florence Film Awards

Congratulations to the makers of "Bloom", which has won "Best Animated Film" at the Florence Film Awards. "Bloom" was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.

Bloom was written and directed by Vanessa Marques-Navaratnasingam and produced by Grace Lam. This is its third festival award.

Cherelle Owusu Screening at Royal Society of Arts

Cherelle Owusu

Many congratulations to Escapee Cherelle Owusu whose short film "Flame" will be screened at the Royal Society of Arts on Tuesday, December 16th @ 6pm as part of the Nolly-Oh! Nationwide Tour,  part of the BFI Too Much Melodrama Blockbuster Season.   

Cherelle's short film "Flame" has won multiple festival awards, and in 2020 secured a commercial licensing deal with a major US Airline.   

Cherelle took our MA in 3D Animation at Escape Studios, and joined The Third Floor as a previsualisation artist. Her film credits include The Meg and How To Train Your Dragon.

"Barkino" Wins "Best Super Short" in London

"Mob Boss Barkino" wins "Best Super Short Film" in London

Congratulations to the makers of "Mob Boss Barkino", which has won Best Super Short Film at the London Movie Awards. 

Mob Boss Barkino was written and directed by Leon Lau, and produced by Angharad Mathias.  The lead animator was Maisy Rogers, and the Editor was Tobi Ajibola.  Industry feedback was generously provided by Charlie Tetlow and Felipe De Lanteuil from Industrial Light & Magic.  This its fourth festival award. 

2025 Motion Graphics Demo Reel

Congratulations to our Motion Graphics students and tutors on the excellent new 2025 Motion Graphics Demo Reel from Escape Studios. The video above is a compilation of the best work done by Motion Graphics students studying on our short courses, evening classes, and postgraduate classes.  

"Keep Cooking" wins "Best Animation" in NYC

"Keep Cooking" wins "Best Animation" in NYC

Congratulations to the makers of "Keep Cooking", which has won "Best Animation" at the New York Movie Awards.   Keep Cooking was created by our third year graduating class of 2D Animation students at Escape Studios.  

Keep Cooking was written and directed by Nathan Blackman and produced by Mai Lu.  Chieri Kagata was the Lead Animator, and Gustav Chin was the Art Director.  This is its third festival award. 

UCAS Applications Now Open

UCAS - deadline 14 January 2026.

UCAS applications for Escape Studios for September 2026 are now open - the deadline to apply to study with us next academic year is 14 January 2026.  

If you are thinking of applying to Escape Studios to study the Art of Animation, Games, Concept Art, Motion Graphics or Visual effects, it's time to get your application in through UCAS. 

"Held Back" Wins "Best Animation" at EEFF

Held Back wins "Best Animation" at the EEFF  

Congratulations to the makers of the animated short film Held Back which has won "Best Animation" at the Eastern Europe Film Awards.  

Held Back was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.   Held Back was directed by Lewis Sims and produced by Hassan Mahdi.  This its first festival award. 

Escape Studios Visits DNEG

Escape Studios visits DNEG

Many thanks to Andrew Schlussel and everyone at DNEG for the inspiring tour of the Great Portland St Studio yesterday. 

The visit was a great opportunity for our students to visit one of the UK's longest-established VFX and animation houses; responsible for multiple blockbuster hits.  

"Mini Mail" Wins "Best Student Film" in Hollywood

 Mini Mail wins "Best Student Film" in Hollywood

Congratulations to the makers of the VFX Short film Mini Mail, which has won "Best Student Film" at the Hollywood Gold Awards.

Mini Mail was created by our third year graduating class of VFX students at Escape Studios; it was written and directed by Thomas Greensmith and produced by Nilufer Refet.  This is its fourth festival award. 

Animation Demo Reels - To Light or Not to Light?

Chameleon by Dave Novis

A strong animation demo reel isn’t just about great animation — it’s also about great presentation.  

Many student reels rely on greyshade renders or raw playblasts, but taking the time to add simple lighting can make a huge difference to how your work is received. 

You don’t need to be a lighting artist to benefit from a basic setup.  A little polish goes a long way, and you can follow one of our super simple lighting tutorials to get a great result in just a few minutes. 

"Keep Cooking" Wins "Best Anim" at Makizhmithran

Keep Cooking wins "Best Animation" in Makizhmithran

Congratulations to the makers of "Keep Cooking", which has won "Best Animation" at the Makizhmithran Film Festival.   Keep Cooking was created by our third year graduating class of 2D Animation students at Escape Studios.  

Keep Cooking was written and directed by Nathan Blackman and produced by Mai Lu.  Chieri Kagata was the Lead Animator, and Gustav Chin was the Art Director.  

This is its second festival award. 

Klaudija Cermak Elected to VES Board of Directors

Escape Studios is proud to congratulate compositing tutor Klaudija Cermak who has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Visual Effects Society (VES), London Section.

Klaudija has over 25 years experience on commercials, broadcast TV and feature films.  Klaudija has worked at most of the major post-production houses in London including MPC, Mill, Millfilm, Framestore, Double Negative and Glassworks.

The Visual Effects Society is an entertainment industry organization representing visual effects artists with 5,000 members in 50 countries.  Since 2002 it has produced the Visual Effects Society Awards, which honours vfx excellence in multiple categories. 

Escapee Scott Middleton Finalist at "Young Arrows"

Scott Middleton (right) finalist at the "Young Arrow" Awards

Many congratulations to Escapee Scott Middleton who is a finalist in the annual "Young Arrows" awards, having received three nominations for Best VFX. 

Scott Middleton studied The Art of Visual Effects at Escape Studios, specialising in compositing in Nuke.

While at Escape Studios, Scott Middleton directed the multiple-award-winning VFX short "Russell".

Why Animators Embed Their Demo Reel at Linkedin

Animation recruiters "live at Linkedin" 

A strong demo reel is essential for launching an animation career — but it only works if people see it. Too many graduates upload their reel to YouTube or Vimeo and stop there. 

One of the smartest places to share your reel is LinkedIn.  It’s quick, it’s professional, and it’s where animation recruiters are already looking. Your reel is your most important asset. Don’t hide it. Put it where the industry can find you easily.

Congratulations To All Our Graduates

Congratulations to all our graduates who attended this year's Graduation Ceremony yesterday at The Indigo at the O2 in North Greenwich. 

On Graduation Day we welcomed all our graduating students for the graduation ceremony and for the reception afterwards. 

It's a day to celebrate hard work and remarkable achievement. 

November "Tasters" at Escape Studios

November Tasters at Escape Studios

We're running a series of "Taster Events" at Escape Studios all through November for prospective students keen to try out our courses. 

To get started with Maya, ZBrush, Nuke, Python and Unreal Engine, follow this link. 

"The Hunt" Wins Hon Mention at CEFF

"The Hunt" wins Hon Mention for "Best Animation"

Congratulations to the makers of the short animated film "The Hunt" which has won an Honourable Mention in the category of "Best Animation" at the Cinematic European Film Awards. 

"The Hunt" was completed as part of Studio Module PR5001, a collaborative module in which second-year animation students work together on short film projects.  

The Hunt was directed by Eva Gifford and produced by Grace Chandler.  Rose Brooksby-Conroy was the art director.  This is its second festival award.