Concept Artist Enrico Buffa Joins Escape Studios

Enrico Buffa joins Escape

We're extending a warm welcome to Concept art Tutor Enrico Buffa, an experienced London-based visual development artist - who will be teaching our MA in Concept Art and Experience Design at Escape Studios.

Enrico has worked for many animation studios including DNEG, Blue Zoo, Boulder Media, and Studio Bozzetto in Milan.  Enrico's screen credits include Transformers, It's a Pony, and Superbook.  Enrico has also previously taught our evening class in concept art. 

We're delighted to welcome Enrico back to Escape Studios.

Undergraduate Open Day on Saturday 26 Sept 2026

Undergraduate Open Day on Saturday 26 September 2026 

Escape Studios is hosting a new Undergraduate Open Day on Saturday 26 September 2026 at 10.30am and 1.30pm. 

The event takes place at 6 Mitre Passage in our North Greenwich Campus and also online.  Escape Studios' Open Days are a chance to find out about our undergraduate degrees - join us and find out more about what we do and how we teach. 

Animator Giacomo Autili Joins Escape Studios

Giacomo Autili joins Escape Studios

We're extending a warm welcome to veteran animator and character designer Giacomo Autili who joins us in September to teach the 3rd year animation students at Escape Studios, studying the Art of 2D Computer Animation.  

Giacomo Autili joins us from Studio AKA where he has worked on hit series such as "Hey Dugee".

Giacomo is proficient in 2D animation software such as TV Paint and Toonboom Harmony, as well as Unity, Adobe Animate, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, InDesign and Illustrator.   Giacomo also has extensive experience working as a character designer.

Short Course & Post-Grad Open Evening 19 Aug 2026

Short Course & Post-Graduate Open Evening 19 Aug 2026 

Join us on Wednesday 19th August 2026 at 6pm both in-person and online (via Zoom) for our next Short Course and Post-Graduate Open Evening at Escape Studios, hosted both on campus and online at Zoom. 

The event offers prospective students a chance to find out what it's like to study with us.  Meet our tutors, find out about our courses, and have your questions answered. To see more events at Escape Studios, follow this link.

Escapee Rich Jeffery Directs "The Bluey Movie"

Escapee Rich Jeffery 
co-directs the new Bluey Movie

Many congratulations to Escapee Rich Jeffery who
is co-directing the upcoming Bluey Movie, a co-production between Disney and the BBC, currently in production in Queensland, Australia.

Rich Jeffery took our 12 week course in 3D animation, and has since gone on to forge a successful career as an animation director. 

Rich Jeffery has been directing The Australian animated TV series "Bluey" for several years.  Since then "Bluey" has become a global success story, one of the most popular shows on Netflix.

Rich said "it’s been an epic ride for last few years and I’m over the moon to be co-directing on my first feature film".

The Bluey Movie is due for release in movie theatres in August 2027.

Graduation Day Tuesday 3rd Nov 2026 at the O2

Graduation Day 3rd Nov 2026 at The Indigo at the O2

Save The Date! This year's Escape Studios Graduation Ceremony takes place on Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at The Indigo at the O2 in North Greenwich, a short walk from our campus at 6 Mitre Passage. 

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

Tsveti Kumanova Animator at Fire Without Smoke

Tsvetelina Kumanova Animator at Fire Without Smoke

Many congratulations to Escapee Tsvetelina Kumanova who has been promoted from Junior Animator to Animator at Fire Without Smoke, one of the UK's leading games companies. Tsvetelina Kumanova is currently specialising in real time animated  cutscenes using Maya and Unreal Engine. 

Alfie Williams Animation Tutor with Simply Learning

Alfie Williams joins Simply Learning Tuition

Many congratulations to Escapee Alfie Williams who has joined Simply Learning Tuition, teaching animation to children and young adults in London. 
Alfie is currently teaching animation, scripting, storyboarding, and the fundamentals of digital film-making.

"Scars" wins "Best Animated Short" in Kodaikanal

Scars" wins "Best Animated Short" in Kodaikanal

Many congratulations to the makers of "Scars", which has won "Best Animated Short" at the Kodaikanal Film Awards.  

Scars was a collaboration between our graduating class of students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation and Character Creation - working together across disciplines to create a group project.  

Scars was directed by Charlie O'Sullivan, edited by Sam Blackburn and produced by Alex Sparks. Theo Craig was the Editor and Art Director.  This is the film's second festival award. 

"Fashionably Late" Wins "Best VFX" at the EEFF

"Fashionably Late" wins "Best VFX" at EEFF

Congratulations to the makers of "Fashionably Late", the latest VFX short film from Escape Studios, which has won "Best VFX" at the Eastern European Film Festival.  

Fashionably Late tells the story of a competition runner who wakes up late - and finds herself in a world of trouble. 

Fashionably Late was produced by William Brooke, based on an original pitch by Daniela Al-Hilli.  Thomas Cunningham wrote the script.  The athlete was played by Ash Brittleton.  You can find "Fashionably Late" here at Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/1190139530. This is its first festival award. 

Marc Stevenson 3D Animation Programme Leader

Marc Stevenson 3D Animation Programme Leader

Many congratulations to Escape Studios animation tutor Marc Stevenson, who has been appointed 3D Animation Programme Leader at Escape Studios.  

Marc teaches our Third Year Animation Students this year as they start their Specialism Module CR6001 and the other Third Year animation modules. 

Marc Stevenson is a veteran animator with multiple credits on Hollywood VFX hits including Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, Fast & Furious 6, Avengers, Age of Ultron, Moon, and Victor Frankenstein. 

Introducing "Brodiaga" by Anastasia Gurova

Introducing "Brodiaga" by Anastasia Gurova.  "Brodiaga" is an original story created by storyboard artist and director Anastasia Gurova, a student on the MA in Storyboarding & Previsualisation at Escape Studios.  This storyboard animatic about Anastasia Gurova's childhood experiences growing up in rural Russia was created as part of a formal submission on the Master's Degree Course. 

Rebecca Perrone 2D Animation Programme Leader

Rebecca Perrone 2D Animation Programme Leader

We're delighted to congratulation veteran animator Rebecca Perrone who has been promoted to 2D Animation Programme Leader at Escape Studios.  

Rebecca Perrone is an experienced 2D animator who has been teaching our "Level Six" 2D animation students in their third and final year of undergraduate studies at Escape Studios.

From Sept 2026 Rebecca Perrone 

will teach our Second Year Animation Students the art of 2D Animation. 

Clearing Q&A with Prof Ian Palmer 13 Aug 2026

Questions about Clearing? Online Q&A 13 Aug

Got questions about Clearing? Join us for our online Q&A next Thursday 13 August and get advice on your next steps from Escape Studios’ Principal, Professor Ian Palmer.

🚀 Thursday 13th August

🚀 1:00 - 2:00 PM

🚀 Online (via Zoom)

https://www.escapestudios.ac.uk/clearing/?utm_source=esc&utm_medium=x&utm_campaign=clearing2026

What is Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is the system in the UK that helps students find and secure open university and college spots. You can use the Clearing process if you missed your exam grades, applied late after June 30, didn't get any offers, or changed your mind. 

"Shapla" Now On YouTube

The short 2D animation film "Shapla" has been extended and fully completed, and is now available to watch at YouTube.  "Shapla" was directed by Ruksar Rowza Aziz and produced by Charlie Seeviour.  Erica Sanches was the art director and Tom Price composed the original score. Kam Penderly was the Lead Compositor.  

Shapla tells the story of Priya, a young woman who attempts to bring back her partner, Shapla, with the use of her power over water. Set in Bangladesh, the film explores themes of sustainability and environmentalism.  Shapla has won many festival awards. 

New Books for the Comics Library

"Bone" by Jeff Smith for the Animation Library

We're getting ready for the launch of our new BA/MArt in Comics and Narrative Storytelling by acquiring new books for the comics section of our library at Escape Studios, including two copies of the "Bone" series of comics by Jeff Smith. 

Bone is an American fantasy comic book series written and illustrated by cartoonist Jeff Smith, originally serialized in 55 issues released from 1991 to 2004.

Escapee Grace Reid Technical Artist at ILM

Escapee Grace Reid TA at ILM

Many congratulations to Escapee Grace Reid who has started work as a Technical Assistant (TA) at Industrial Light & Magic. 

Grace Reid first joined ILM's Jedi Academy as a VFX "Padawan".  Industrial Light & Magic's Jedi Academy is a six month paid internship.  ILM is arguably the world's leading VFX house, responsible for multiple hit movies and series.

Dozens of Escapees have joined ILM after graduating from Escape Studios. 

"Cursed Pages" wins "Best VFX" in Makizhmithran

"Cursed Pages" wins "Best VFX" in Makizhmithran

Congratulations to the makers of "Cursed Pages" which has won "Best VFX" at the Makizhmithran Film Awards. 

"Cursed Pages" is a short VFX film which was written, directed and produced by Laura Lambert.  Kaike Pela was the 3D lead, and Calum Johnstone was the 2D lead.  

You can watch Cursed Pages at Vimeo here.  

This is Cursed Pages' first festival award. 

Emily Shilling, Concept Art and ETC

Emily Shilling

At the University of Hertfordshire's annual Expo, UH graduate Emily Shilling gave a talk about her work as a concept artist at the Electric Theatre Collective (ETC), with some great advice for students on how to break into the industry - at a time of rapid technological change.

Clearing at Escape Studios - Apply Now

We're in "Clearing" at Escape Studios, meaning that there are still places available for students looking to study creative media, such as animation, games and visual effects.

To find out more about our courses, and perhaps place a last-minute application, follow this link. 

See you in September!

https://www.escapestudios.ac.uk/clearing/?utm_source=esc&utm_medium=x&utm_campaign=clearing2026

"Animation Featured" Launched by BFI and MAF

Animation Featured from BFI and MAF

Calling all Escape Studios students and Escapees looking to develop an idea for an animated feature film - the Manchester Animation Festival (the UK’s largest and only Academy Award and BAFTA‑qualifying animation festival) has just launched "Animation Featured". 

Animation Featured is a "high‑impact development accelerator designed to strengthen the UK’s feature animation pipeline and support the next generation of independent filmmakers".  The deadline to apply is Sunday 16 August 2026. 

Prof Practice Module PS6003 Starts Sept 2026

Prof Practice Module PS6003

Our Professional Practice Module (PS6003) forms part of the Third Year of Studies at Escape Studios and returns in September 2026 (for our 2026-27 Term Dates, follow this link). 

PS6003 aims to prepare our third year animation, games and VFX students for the workplace as they approach the end of their studies.  Professional Practice focuses on employability, so that students understand well before they graduate what it takes to succeed in the creative industries. 

Industry jobs remain competitive, and graduates must ensure they have the right skills to compete successfully. 

BA/MArt Concept Art Returns September 2026

BA/Mart in Concept Art and Experience Design

Our BA/Mart in Concept Art and Experience Design returns in September 2026. 

Concept artists help to shape major projects in the creative industries by developing the underlying artistic vision.

Concept Artists develop the visual ideas and themes that shape the look and feel of projects, working closely with directors and producers. 

Meet Your Tutors: Concept Artist Will Brosch

Concept Artist Will Brosch

This September we welcome back Environment Artist Will Brosch to teach Concept Art to our First Year Undergraduate Students at Escape Studios. 

Our BA/MArt in Concept Art and Experience Design focuses on digital design for industries such as games, animation and film, as well as experiential design for events, theme parks, installations and museums.

Will Brosch is an experienced Environment Artist, and Art Lead with a background in Freelance 2D Concept Art and Illustration. 

BLISS Wins Best Animation at Tekka Film Fest

Many congratulations to the makers of BLISS, the latest short film from our second year animation students at Escape Studios, which has won Best Animated Short Film at the Tekka Film Festival. 

BLISS is a satire on modern digital consumerism; it was directed by Cedeal Al-Mawery and produced by Vansh Bhathela.  Axel Camacho was the writer and art director. 

This is the film's first festival award. 

"Project Umbrae" Wins "Best Trailer" Award

Many congratulations to the makers of "Project Umbrae", which has won "Best Trailer" at the Tamizhagam International Film Festival.

Project Umbrae was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Video Games and the Art of Computer Animation.  

Project Umbrae is a first person psychological horror experience inspired by PT Visage and the Resident Evil series of games.  Alexis ventures into the basement of the remote house owned by her Aunt - with fateful consequences. 

You can find the Project Umbrae trailer at Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1190412394. 

You can find Project Umbrae at The Rookies here. 

https://www.therookies.co/entries/46742. This is its first festival award.

The Art of Caricature at The Cartoon Museum

Does My head Look Big in This? - The Art of Caricature is now on at the Cartoon Museum in London's Fitzrovia.  Come along and enjoy an exhibition of the best caricatures going back over three centuries. 

The Cartoon Museum is at 63 Wells St in London's Fitzrovia, and is dedicated to cartoons, and the history of cartooning.  The permanent exhibition was curated by The Guardian's Steve Bell.

Political Cartooning is arguably the only art form invented in Britain; The UK was the first country to end censorship in the 18th Century, giving rise to political satire - and a free press.

The Cartoon Museum celebrates cartoons, comics and caricatures, and is the only museum of its kind in the UK.

Introducing "Sweet & Salty"

Introducing "Sweet & Salty", the latest short film created by our second year animation students.  "Sweet & Salty" tells the story of two rival restaurants in a busy town. The film was directed by Oleksandra Zakorodon and produced by Sarina Musab.  You can find "Sweet & Salty" here at The Rookies

Steve Sole Teaches Concept Art September 2026

Steven Sole

This September we welcome back film-maker, designer & visual development artist Steven Sole to teach Concept Art to our 2nd year undergraduate students at Escape Studios. 

Steven Sole joins us from Framestore and also from Tiger Aspect Productions, where he was Art Director on the hit TV series Mr Bean.  

Our BA/MArt in Concept Art and Experience Design focuses on digital design for industries such as games, animation and film, as well as experiential design for branded events, theme parks, interiors and museums.  

Introducing "Pretty in Pink"

Introducing "Pretty in Pink", the latest animated short film created by our second year 2d animation students at Escape Studios, working together as a team. "Pretty in Pink" was directed and produced by Eric Dulieu. 

Cartoon Museum "Young Comics Maestro" Award

The Alison Brown Young Comics Maestro Award 2026 Competition is now open - London's Cartoon Museum is looking for the next big comic artist.  

If you're under 18, send in your very best comic strip (three pages max) to enter the competition and get your work in front of judges from The Beano, The Phoenix, and (of course) The Cartoon Museum.   The deadline for entries is Sunday 23 August 2026.

"Symphony" Wins "Best Animation" in Tamizhagam

Symphony of The Morning Rush wins Best Animation

Congratulations to the makers of "Symphony of The Morning Rush", the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of animation students, which has won Best Animation at the Tamizhagam Film Festival. 

Symphony of The Morning Rush was written, edited and directed by Eva Gifford, and produced by Michael Koden.  Emily Davidson was the art director, and Amelie Pignon was the animation director.  The original score was composed by Alexander Lidster. 

Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026

We're hosting a new Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026 at Noon to 1.30pm UK time, taught by short course and MA animation tutor Lee Caller.

Animation Taster  Sessions are a great chance to learn about character and creature animation, and find out how we teach at Escape Studios. 

This Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026  offers an introduction to the art of 3D Animation, exploring what it’s like to work as a professional animator. 

You will learn how to use Autodesk Maya and get a hands-on introduction to 3D Animation techniques. No prior knowledge of Maya - or any software - is required.   

"Unknown" Wins "Best Anim" at Cinematic Film Fest

Congratulations to Escape Studios' animation student Alessia Gori whose short film "Unknown" has won the award for "Best Animation" at the Cinematic European Film Festival. 

Alessia Gori is studying for her master's degree in the Art of 3D Animation at Escape Studios.  

This is Alessia Gori's first film, and her second festival award. 

"Protose" Wins "Best VFX" at Athens Film Festival

Congratulations to the makers of "Protose" which has won "Best VFX" at the Athens Art Film Festival. 

"Protose" tells the story of a meatless steak invention that goes horribly wrong. 

"Protose" was created by our graduating class of students at Escape Studios. 

It was produced and directed by Yusuf Uddin.  Adam Armstrong stars as the chef.  This is the film's second festival award. 

Escape Studios Visits King Bee Animation

King Bee Animation and Martyn Niman

Escape Studios visited King Bee Animation this week, for a one day animation workshop introducing students to the art and craft of animation.

King Bee is located in the historic Elstree Studios in North London, notable for being the location of the original 1977 Star Wars movie.   

Introducing BLISS

Introducing BLISS, the latest short film from our second year animation students at Escape Studios, working together on a group project. BLISS is a satire on modern digital consumerism, and was directed by Cedeal Al-Mawery and produced by Vansh Bhathela.  Axel Camacho was the writer and art director. 

Learn Blender with Escape Animator Thomas Potter

Create Low Poly Characters in Blender with Thomas Potter

Many congratulations to Escape Studios' animation student Thomas Potter whose Blender Modeling Channel now has over 30,000 subscribers at YouTube. 

Thomas Potter has created his own YouTube channel which teaches students how to model low poly 3d characters step by step.  All of Thomas's Blender content is completely free. 

"KattiBao" Wins "Best Super Short" in Florence

KattiBao - An Embrace wins "Best Super Short in Florence

Congratulations to the makers of "KattiBao - An Embrace" which has won "Best Super Short" at the Florence Film Awards.  

KattiBao was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation, and Character Creation.  KattiBao was written, directed and produced by Grace Lam.  Arin Awojobi was the Art Director, and Mia Cliff was the cinematographer. This is its first festival award. 

How Much Do Animators Earn?

How much do animators earn? This 2025 salary guide from the Animation & VFX Union BECTU gives a good picture of the current market rates in the UK.

Salary transparency is something our industry doesn't always do well, so rates cards like this are very useful, especially for junior artists negotiating a salary for a new role, trying to get a realistic idea of what they can expect to earn. 

Note that much depends where you live in the UK. The difference in the cost of living between London/the South East and the rest of the UK is significant.  If you're further away from London, your expenses are usually lower, but salaries also tend to be lower. 

So whether these are good rates really depends a lot on your location.  In addition rates are, of course, lower for junior roles, for folks looking to break into the industry for the first time. 

Escapees Akash Modi, Grace Reid, Allie Maraqan & Matt O'Reilly Join ILM's Jedi Academy

Akash Modi, Grace Reid, Matt O'Reilly & Allie Maraqan

Many congratulations to Escapees Akash Modi, Grace Reid, Matt O'Reilly and Allie Maraqan who are all joining ILM's Jedi Academy as VFX "Padawans". 

Industrial Light & Magic's Jedi Academy is a six month paid internship at ILM, arguably the world's leading VFX house, responsible for multiple hit movies and series. 

Escape Students Visit Blinkink Animation Studio

Escape Studios visits Blinkink - July 2026

Escape Studios thanks animation studio Blinkink for their kind hospitality in welcoming our students for a Studio Tour of their their North London premises.

Blinkink is one of the UK's leading animation houses, responsible for multiple hit films and TV series, and winners of many awards - including an Oscar nomination.  

Animator's Survival Kit in The Animation Library

The Animator's Survival Kit 

We have recently added more copies of Animator's Survival Kit - our most popular book on animation - to the Animation & VFX Library on the 11th Floor at 6 Mitre Passage.

The Animator's Survival Kit is the standard textbook for animators and the most comprehensive book available for learning animation.  

We now have over a dozen copies of the Animator's Survival Kit (with more on the way) in the 11th Floor Animation & VFX Library at 6 Mitre Passage.  The ASK can also be bought as an eBook download for the iPad.  

"Scars" Wins Best Animation at London Movie Awards

"Scars" wins "Best Animated Short" in London

Many congratulations to the makers of "Scars", which has won "Best Animated Short" at the London Movie Awards.  

The film was a collaboration between our graduating class of students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation and Character Creation - working together across disciplines to create a group project.  

Scars was directed by Charlie O'Sullivan, edited by Sam Blackburn and produced by Alex Sparks. Theo Craig was the Editor and Art Director.  This is the film's first festival award. 

Animation Taster Tuesday 21 July 2026 at Noon

Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026 

We're hosting a new Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026 at Noon to 1.30pm UK time, taught by short course and MA animation tutor Lee Caller.

Animation Taster  Sessions are a great chance to learn about character and creature animation, and find out how we teach at Escape Studios. 

"Protose" Wins "Best VFX" at Makizhmithran Awards

"Protose" wins "Best VFX" at Makizhmithran Film Fest

Congratulations to the makers of "Protose", one of the latest VFX shorts from our graduating class of students at Escape Studios, which has won "Best VFX" at the Makizhmithran Film Festival. 

"Protose" tells the story of a meatless steak invention that goes horribly wrong. 

"Protose" was produced and directed by Yusuf Uddin.  Adam Armstrong stars as the chef. This is the film's first festival award. 

Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15 July 2026

Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15th July 2026

Escape Studios is hosting a new Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15th July 2026. 

The event takes place from 1:30pm to 4:30pm both in person at our North Greenwich Campus and also online.  Escape Studios' Open Days are a chance to find out about our undergraduate degrees - join us and find out more about what we do and how we teach. 

Concept Art Taster wih Mirco Pinna 14 July 2026

Concept Art Taster with Tutor Mirco Pinna 14 July

Join us on Tuesday 14th July at 12pm UK time for a free "Concept Art Taster" with Escape Studios Concept Art tutor Mirco Pinna. 

Our live online taster offers an insight into what we teach on our postgraduate and short courses at Escape Studios. Join us on 14 July to find out more. 

Tokyo Study Week for Escape Animation Students

Digital Hollywood University September 7-11 2026

Escape Studios is delighted to announce our first "Tokyo Study Week" for our animation students - an opportunity to study for five days at Digital Hollywood University in Tokyo.  

The Tokyo Study Week will run from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026 and is a chance to learn Japanese animation techniques, with a focus on the unique Japanese visual styles of anime and manga.  Classes will take place every morning, with afternoons left free for students to explore Tokyo and potentially visit animation sites such as the Studio Ghibli Museum and Studio Ghibli Park.  

Introducing "Anarchy"

"Anarchy"

Introducing "Anarchy", the trailer for a combat video game created by our graduating class of Escape Studios' students, studying The Art of Video Games.  

"Anarchy" is inspired by the style of early 2000s video games. 

James McGinty was the Lead Game Designer  and Yousif Abdullah was the Art Director and Animation Lead. 

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship: Deadline 4 July

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award 

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award is now open.  Applications for upcoming Directors, Story Artists and Librettists can be made here at the official CTN site. The deadline to apply is 4 July 2026. 

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award honours the legacy of Roger Allers, "an acclaimed filmmaker whose work has shaped generations through the power of stage, screen, and storytelling". 

Roger is best known for directing the global blockbuster film The Lion King (1994) and earning a Tony Award nomination for adapting it into the highest grossing Broadway musical of all time.  

Escape Studios at Annecy Animation Festival 2026

Escapees at Annecy 2026 

A group of intrepid Escapees and current students, as well as some of our some of our recent graduates, travelled to the 2026 Annecy Animation Festival last week.

Braving the heatwave, they spent a week at the world's leading animation event, going to screenings, attending events and talks, and making contacts in the global animation industry.