Animating Lipsync for VFX on "Underdog"

The short video above (15 minutes) is about animating dialogue and lipsync on the Disney live action film "Underdog". The VFX work was done at Cinesite (and also Framestore) in London back in 2006. As part of the development process I drew expression sheets, some of which you can see below. The purpose of these was to help the modelling department create blend shapes for the character rigs, showing a range of expressions and moods, which could then be captured in the animation.  Underdog was a great project, directed by veteran director Frederic Du Chau, with whom I had worked previously on "Quest for Camelot" and "Racing Stripes". 

Escapee Amelia Watson Joins ETC

Escapee Amelia Watson joins Electric Theatre Collective

Many congratulations to Escapee Amelia Watson who is joining Electric Theatre Collective.

Amelia Watson studied the Art of Computer Animation at Escape Studios, and contributed to a many award-winning short films including "Love, Mum", Tatty, The Stellar Rescue and Queerbaiting.

Amelia has been working at Escape as a Studio Assistant, helping to teach our second year students 3D Animation.

Why Writers Need Screen Credit

Don't forget to credit the writer 

The screen credit most commonly neglected by our student filmmakers is that of writer. Why should this be? Probably because, as animators and visual effects artists, our students tend to think visually, not in terms of language or story.  

But, however your film is imagined, it always starts with a story.  And whoever conceived that story should be credited as the writer.  

The writer credit is one of the key roles on a film, just as important as the director and producer. Why? Because in the end, it's all about telling a story.  

How to Get Screen Credits Right

Screen Credits are important to get right. Leave people out, spell their names wrong - there are all kinds of ways to annoy your fellow film-makers. 

Most important of all - be sure to credit all the key roles on your film.  In general, credit for the key heads of department will go to one person only.  There should be only be one director, and usually (but not always) one producer and one writer. 

If you need to credit someone else, give them a title such Associate Producer or Assistant Director. Extra writers can be credited under "Additional Story".

Make sure you credit (at least) the following roles; Director, Producer, Writer, Editor, Art Director, VFX Supervisor, Animation Director (or Head of Animation), CG Supervisor.  

2025 Rookies Opens 7 April 2025

Rookies info on Monday 17 Feb 2025

In less than two months it will be time for our students to enter The Rookies Awards 2025, the international competition for young creatives.  The competition opens on 7 April 2025 and the deadline is 20th June 2025.

The Rookies is hosting an information session tomorrow Monday 17 February for anyone who wants to know more. 

But don't wait until the deadline - it's always a good idea to get your project ready for entry.  Your checklist includes screen credits (don't forget Special Thanks), a One Sheet poster, development art - all these things can be prepared in advance of the 7 April opening. 

Meet The 2D Animation Team at Escape Studios

2D Animation Team at Escape Studios

Who Teaches 2D Animation at Escape Studios? Meet our talented 2D Animation team, the folks who are delivering our 2D Animation BA at Escape Studios as well as our Evening class in 2D Animation in Toonboom Harmony.

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.

"Mog's Christmas" BAFTA Nom Best Animated Short

Mog's Christmas - BAFTA Nominated

We're delighted to congratulate two of our newest tutors at Escape Studios, Shane Woodson and Rebecca Perrone, who both worked on the BAFTA-Nominated Short Film "Mog's Christmas", which has been nominated for Best Animated Short at this year's BAFTA awards. The awards ceremony takes place this Sunday 16th February 2025 at the Royal Festival Hall. 

Mog's Christmas is a TV Special created for Channel Four and animated at Lupus Films in London. 

"Vivid" Wins "Best Animation" at Milan Gold Awards

"Vivid" wins "Best Animated Film" in Milan

Congratulations to the makers of "Vivid", the latest short VFX film from Escape Studios, which has won an award for "Best Animated Film" at the Milan Gold Awards.

"Vivid" was created by our third year graduating class of VFX students.  Vivid was written and directed by Kia Claire, and produced by Amber Coventry.  Samuel Greer was the 3D VFX Lead and Williams Griffith was the 2D VFX Lead.  This is the film's second festival award. 

"Teamwork Panel" Tuesday 25 Feb 2025 at 6pm

On Tuesday 25th February  at 6pm I'll be hosting a "Teamwork Panel" of Escapees, part of the EscapeVerse Live Festival, which is now accepting bookings. 

The 2025 EscapeVerse Live Festival (formerly The VFX Festival) will be held live online from 24-27 February 2025.  

At the Teamwork Panel at 6pm I'll be talking with a number of Escapees about why teamwork matters, why the industry isn't a solo sport, and how they manage the challenges of group projects in industry. 

Join us at EscapeVerse Live and find out about the latest tech, the latest jobs, and how to break into the thriving - but rapidly evolving - creative industries.

"Unfamiliar" Wins "Best Short" at Int'l Gold Awards

Unfamiliar wins "Best Super Short" at Int'l Gold Awards

Congratulations to the makers of Unfamiliar, which has won "Best Super Short" at the International Gold Awards.

Unfamiliar was created by our Third Year Graduating Class of 3D Animation Students at Escape Studios.  It was written and directed by Catherine Hall, edited by Lucie Massamba and produced by Xhoana Tola.  The lead animator was Ruby Ebbs.  Industry feedback was generously provided by Charlie Tetlow and Felipe De Lanteuil from Industrial Light & Magic.  This is its first festival award.

"Vivid" Wins "Best Super Short" in London

Congratulations to the makers of "Vivid", the latest short VFX film from Escape Studios, which has won the award for "Best Super Short Film" at the London Movie Awards, based at the CloseUp Theatre in Shoreditch. 

"Vivid" was created by our third year graduating class of VFX students.  Vivid was written and directed by Kia Claire, and produced by Amber Coventry.  Samuel Greer was the 3D VFX Lead and Williams Griffith was the 2D VFX Lead.  This is its first festival award. 

How Big Should a Team Be? The "Two Pizza" Rule

The "Two-Pizza Rule"

How Big Should a Team Be? When we put together teams for our Group Projects at Escape Studios, what is the perfect size for the team?

One good answer is Jeff Bezos's "Two-Pizza Rule", developed in the early days of Amazon.com - any team that can't be fed by two pizzas is too big.  The same principle applies at Escape Studios.

How to Write a Great CV

Everyone needs a CV

As part of Professional Practice Module PR6001 our graduating class of undergraduate students must write a CV, as part of their preparation for entering the industry. 

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae - in Latin: "the story of your life". In the USA it is called a résumé.  Whatever the name, its purpose is to summarise your education, life history and skills as clearly and concisely as possible, and to put the best possible shine on your achievements. 

Why Animators Need to Finish Their Demo Reel

Get Your Demo Reel Done

One of the key tasks for our graduates is to be job-ready at the end of the course, and this includes finishing a professional-quality demo reel.  

An animator's demo reel is the single most important means of landing that crucial first job in the animation industry.  

The key thing is to get it done. Remember that your demo reel will never be perfect - it will always be a work-in-progress. 

"Mob Boss Barkino" Wins Hon Mention at EEFF

"Mob Boss Barkino" wins Hon Mention at the EEFF 

Congratulations to the makers of "Mob Boss Barkino", which has won an Honourable Mention in the category of Best Animation at the Eastern Europe Film Festival. 

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. 

Introducing "Ongo"

Introducing Ongo, a tale of mystery and magic in the woods.  Ongo was created by our third year graduating class of 3D animation students at Escape Studios.  The short film was written and directed by Anna Reyes Ramirez and produced by Stephanie Quelal Castaneda. Industry feedback was generously provided by Charlie Tetlow and Felipe De Lanteuil from Industrial Light & Magic. 

"Back on Track" Wins "Best Micro Short" Award

Congratulations to the makers of the short film "Back on Track", which has won the award for Best Micro Short at the Makizhmithran Film Festival. 

Back on Track was created by our third year graduating class of 3D animation students at Escape Studios.  

This is the third festival award for Back on Track.

Why Animators Should Cast their Net Wide

Landing your first job in the animation industry isn't easy. But what many graduates forget is just how many opportunities are out there - if you cast your net wide enough. 

Alongside world-beating animation companies like Aardman Animation, Blue Zoo, Framestore and DNEG are hundreds of small companies that are much less well known - almost 500 in the UK alone. 

There are just under 500 animation companies in the UK with at least one employee (ie not just a sole practitioner) and this creates a huge opportunity for an animator with the patience to look beyond the famous names.

Alfie Williams Animates Teleflex "Prostate Monster"

Escapee Alfie Williams

Many congratulations to Escapee Alfie Williams who has recently completed a freelance animation job for Teleflex, a US-based medical technology company.  Alfie animated Teleflex's character mascot, the so-called "Prostate Monster", to be presented live as part of an immersive on-stage experience at a medical conference.

Alfie created a series of short animations of the monster walking, blinking, and peeking, all rendered with a transparent background for seamless placement on conference screens. 

"Father's Blade" Wins "Best Trailer" at HoE Festival

Father's Blade wins Best Trailer at Heart of Europe Fest 

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

"Back on Track" Wins Best Animation at the EEFF

"Back on Track", wins Best Animation at the EEFF 

Congratulations to the makers of the short film "Back on Track", which has won the award for Best Animation at the Eastern Europe Film Festival. 

Back on Track was created by our third year graduating class of 3D animation students at Escape Studios.  It was written, directed and produced by Tsz Yau “Moses” Ho.  The lead animator was Pablo Castilla, and the Art Director was Taylor Da Silva. Industry feedback was generously provided by Industrial Light & Magic. This is its second festival award. 

Alastair Cross CG Supe at Framestore Australia

Alastair Cross

Many congratulations to Escapee Alastair Cross who is CG Supervisor at Framestore in Australia.

Alastair Cross took our short course in 3D VFX at Escape Studios, cut a professional-quality demo reel (you can see Alastair's reel below), and soon found work in the VFX industry.  

Alastair Cross's movie credits include Thor Ragnarok, Legend of Tarzan, The Martian, and Fast & Furious. 

Framestore is a global VFX house, with studios in London, Australia, Canada and elsewhere. 

Giorgos Konstantinou Director at Eaglet Films

Escapee Giorgos Konstaninou joins Eaglet Films

Many congratulations to Escapee Giorgos Konstaninou who is leaving Escape Studios - where he has been working as a Studio Assistant, and later as a Recruitment Officer -and joining London-based Eaglet Films as an Assistant Director. 

Giorgos Konstaninou studied the Art of Computer Animation at Escape Studios, and worked on a number of award-winning short film projects.  

Most notably, Giorgos directed the multiple-prize-winning short "Papercut".

UCAS Deadline 29 January 2025

UCAS - deadline 29 January 2025

There's still time to make the Wednesday 29th January deadline for UCAS applications to apply to study at Escape Studios.

If you are thinking of applying to Escape Studios to study the Art of 3D Animation, Motion Graphics, Games or Visual effects, it's time to get your application in through UCAS. 

Producing Animation with Steve Burch

Producer Steve Burch

Escape Studios welcomes back veteran animation producer Steve Burch to teach a class to our second year animation students on Producing Animation.

Steve, who has worked on animation classics such as The Iron Giant, Space Jam, and Osmosis Jones, will deliver a workshop on Producing Animation to our second year animators.

Producing animation is an increasingly important part of what we teach at Escape Studios, as our students collaborate on short film projects, enter festivals, win awards, and also find work in the industry as production assistants and producers.

"Post-Mortem" Wins Best VFX at Janjira Film Fest

"Post Mortem" wins "Best VFX" at Janjira Film Festival

Congratulations to the makers of  the VFX short "Post Mortem" which has won "Best VFX" at the Janjira Film Festival.

Post Mortem was directed by Toby Haslam and Ridma Suriyagoda, and produced by Aidan Callaghan, who was also the 3D Lead.  Scott Middleton was the 2D Lead. 

Mattia Binda Pipeline TD on Emmy-Winning "Ripley"

Mattia Binda

Many congratulations to Escapee Mattia Binda who is celebrating being part of the Emmy-winning team at Effetti Digitali Italiani (EDI) in Milan for their work on the Netflix series Ripley.

Mattia Binda described holding the Emmy for Ripley as "an incredible surprise" and "one of the proudest milestones of my professional journey" since he graduated with an MA from Escape Studios, after studying Visual Effects. 

Mattia Binda worked on Ripley as a Pipeline TD, at Effetti Digitali Italiani. 

Mattia took our MA in VFX Production at Escape Studios, learning the art and craft of visual effects film-making.

Escapee Callum Reeve Compositor at Bluebolt

Escapee Callum Reeve

Many congratulations to Escapee Callum Reeve who is celebrating a year working as a compositor at Bluebolt, the London-based VFX house.  

While at Escape Studios, Callum studied the Art of VFX, specialising in 2D compositing Visual effects. 

Callum Reeve worked as a digital compositor on two successful short VFX films: "Joe", and The Lost City of Aztlan, both of which have won many festival awards. 

BlueBolt. is an award-winning VFX house based in London.

Introducing "Vivid"

 

Introducing "Vivid", the latest short VFX film from Escape Studios. "Vivid" was created by our third year graduating class of VFX students.  Vivid was written and directed by Kia Claire, and produced by Amber Coventry.  Samuel Greer was the 3D VFX Lead and Williams Griffith was the 2D VFX Lead. 

"Power Up" at The Science Museum

One of the great advantages of studying at Escape Studios is access to central London and the industry networking opportunities that exist here, as well as the chance to take advantage of the cultural landscape of the capital.   

The Science Museum's "Power Up" exhibition currently on display in South Kensington is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of video games.  It's a great chance to see where the games industry has come from - and where it is going.

Escapee Kayleigh Boshoff Roto Artist at BlueBolt

Kayleigh Boshoff joins BlueBolt

Many congratulations to Escapee Kayleigh Boshoff who has started work as a Roto Artist at the London VFX House BlueBolt.  

Kayleigh Boshoff studied the Art of Visual Effects at Escape Studios, specialism in 2D VFX Compositing. 

While at Escape Studios.  worked on a number of award-winning short films, including Curiosities of The Ruthless Roupell St,  Lux Mediae Noctis,  Lucky Break and Luciferin.  

BlueBolt. is an award-winning VFX house based in London.   

Evening With..."The Teamwork Edition" 30 Jan 2025

"Evening With" Teamwork 30 Jan 2025 at 5.30pm

We're delighted to announce our next "Evening With" Event on 30 January 2025.  

Our guests are Escapees Adam Dewhirst (Tenet, John Carter, World War Z) and Oly Spinks, Head of CGI at Figment Productions. 

The theme for this "Evening With..." event is teamwork - why it matters - and how to do it right. 

Escapeverse Live "Goes Live" - Tickets On Sale Now

EscapeVerse Live is now accepting bookings; the festival returns on 24-27 February 2025.  

The 2025 EscapeVerse Live Festival will be held live online.  

To book your tickets either in-person or online, follow this link.  

The 2025 Escaperverse Festival at Escape Studios celebrates the latest developments in Animation, VFX and Interactive Media.

Join us at EscapeVerse Live and find out about the latest tech, the latest jobs, and how to break into the thriving - but rapidly evolving - creative industries.

"Back on Track" Wins Best Animation in Milan

Back on Track wins Best Animation in Milan

Congratulations to the makers of the short film "Back on Track", which has won the award for Best Animation at the Milan Gold Awards.

Back on Track was created by our Third Year Graduating Class of 3D Animation Students at Escape Studios.  The  short film was written, directed and produced by Tsz Yau “Moses” Ho.  The lead animator was Pablo Castilla, and the Art Director was Taylor Da Silva.  Industry feedback was generously provided by Industrial Light & Magic. This is its first festival win. 

Introducing "Unfamiliar"

Introducing Unfamiliar, a tale of mystery and magic in the woods.  Unfamiliar was created by our third year graduating class of 3D animation students at Escape Studios.  The short film was written and directed by Catherine Hall, edited by Lucie Massamba and produced by Xhoana Tola.  The lead animator was Ruby Ebbs.  Industry feedback was generously provided by Charlie Tetlow and Felipe De Lanteuil from Industrial Light & Magic. 

Kiah Maaño Liwag Animator at ILM

Kiah Maaño Liwag joins ILM

Many congratulations to Escapee Kiah Maaño Liwag who has joined Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) as an animator. 

Kiah took our Evening Class in 3D Animation at Escape Studios, taught by veteran animator Michael Morgan.  

ILM is one of the world's leading animation and VFX houses, pioneers in VFX work and also software development.  

Escape Studios Anim & VFX Courses Roundup

We offer a lot of different courses at Escape Studios, and it can be confusing to know which one to choose to study.  

Part of the purpose of this blog so much is to provide as much information as possible on what each course is about, who teaches the course, and what kind of jobs and opportunities are available for graduates and Escapees.  Below is a roundup of links to blog posts about some of our most popular courses, with information about each one. 

Short Course and MA Animation Returns 24 Feb 2025

Animation by Sunny Asadi

Our next Short Course and MA (Master of Arts) in 3D Animation returns on 24 February 2025.

The Short Course and MA in animation is taught both online and in-class at our 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".  

BA/MArt Computer Animation Starts Sept 2025

Spiderman animation by Escapee Giorgos Konstantinou

Escape Studios is accepting late applications for our BA/MArt in The Art of Computer Animation; teaching starts in September 2025.

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.   The UCA deadline this year is 29 January 2025. Don't be late!

Learn AI for Animation: Free Webinar 21 Jan 2025

AI Webinar Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 6pm

Join us on Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 6pm for a free one hour webinar on the use of AI in Animation & VFX, with veteran animator and Escape Studios' tutor Alex Dawson, Owner and Director of the Animation Production company Carnival Figures.

AI is changing the face of the creative industries; find out how you can use the new tools and join the revolution.  

BA/MArt Motion Graphics Starts September 2025

Our new Master's Degree in Motion Graphics

Our new BA/MArt in Motion Graphics starts teaching in September 2025.

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.

Escape Studios' Mission: "Studio-Ready Talent"

VFX by Emmanuel Rahman

At Escape Studios our mission is to produce "Studio-Ready Talent".  That means equipping our graduates with real-world skills, ensuring that our Escapees are capable of filling entry-level positions in industry in positions that are currently in demand, especially in growth areas of new tech and new software. 

Part of this is what we call "The Escape Method"; this has five main pillars: Intensive classroom teaching, online tutorials, constructive feedback, industry engagement, and group projects.

Escapee Paloma Zhu Animator at Framestore

Paloma Zhu

Congratulations to Escapee Paloma Zhu who is working as an animator at Framestore, one of the UK's leading animation and VFX houses. 

While at Escape Studios, Paloma Zhu studied the Art of Computer Animation, and directed two award-winning films: "Hotel Aloha" and "Kiwi's Dream" and worked as an animator and art director on a number others.  

Paloma also worked at Escape Studios as a Studio Assistant, and also recorded animation video tutorials to our Online Tutorial Channels.

Adikah Patterson MoGraph Designer at 5 by 5 Global

Adikah Patterson 

Many congratulations to Escapee Adikah Patterson who is working as a Motion Graphics Designer at Five by Five Global in London.  

Adikah Patterson studied the Art of Visual Effects at Escape Studios.  While at Escape Adikah worked on a number of film projects, including the award-winning short film "March of The Potguins", on which Adikah was the 3D VFX Lead. 

Five by Five Global is an advertising agency located in Oxford St in London's West End.  

Nickoel Izharudin Prod'n Co-Ordinator at ILP VFX

Nickoel Izharudin

Congratulations to Escapee Nickoel Izharudin who has joined Important Looking Pirates in London as a VFX Production Coordinator.

Nickoel took our integrated MArt in 3D Animation and, while at Escape Studios, produced a number of award-winning short films, such as Little Gestures, Hotel Aloha, Quarantine Chorus, and Malloe; all four shorts have won multiple awards in international film festivals.

Important Looking Pirates is a visual effects and digital animation studio, founded in Stockholm in 2007. Today it has offices in Sweden, Germany and the UK.

Marc Stevenson Head of Animation at Escape Studios

Marc Stevenson

Many congratulations to Escape Studios animation tutor Marc Stevenson, who has been appointed Head of Animation at Escape Studios.  

Marc teaches our Second Year Undergraduate Animation students the art of animal & creature animation (module AN5002) and also the Art of Character Animation (Module AN5001).  Marc also teaches our Third Year Animation Students this year as they start their Specialism Module CR6001 and also the combined Animation & VFX Project. 

 

Introducing "Mob Boss Barkino"

Introducing "Mob Boss Barkino", the story of "Barkino", a criminal pup mastermind who leads a mob syndicate.  Mob Boss Barkino was created by our third year graduating class of 3D animation students at Escape Studios.  The short film 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. 

Introducing "Back on Track"

 

Introducing "Back on Track", the story of a young artist who seeks inspiration for his work.  Back on Track was created by our third year graduating class of 3D animation students at Escape Studios.  The  short film was written, directed and produced by Tsz Yau “Moses” Ho.  The lead animator was Pablo Castilla, and the Art Director was Taylor Da Silva. Industry feedback was generously provided by Industrial Light & Magic.

Happy New Year - Here's To 2025

Happy 2024

Happy New Year to all our students and staff at Escape Studios, friends and Escapees.  2025 brings new opportunities as the animation and VFX industries continue to thrive, with new government-led incentives like the 39% tax credit.  

This year, top of our list of New Year's Resolutions, is to experiment with the new AI tools, such as ChatGPT, OpenAI and MidJourney.  AI is changing the face of the animation and vfx industries, offering fresh challenges - but also new opportunities.