BA (Hons) Animation and Screenwriting

Program Overview

This program provides a holistic understanding of the entire filmmaking process, from the initial concept and script development to the visual realization through animation. It emphasizes a hands-on, project-based approach, encouraging students to develop their creative voices and technical proficiency in both writing compelling narratives and bringing them to life through animation techniques. The curriculum fosters a collaborative environment where students learn to appreciate the crucial interplay between story and visual execution.

Curriculum: The curriculum integrates core modules that explore the fundamental principles and practices of both animation and screenwriting. In screenwriting, students delve into narrative structure, character development, dialogue writing, genre conventions, and script formatting for various screen formats, including short films, feature films, and television. They learn to craft compelling stories, develop nuanced characters, and understand the demands of the screen industry. The animation component introduces students to diverse animation techniques, including 2D and 3D animation, stop motion, visual development, and storyboarding. They gain practical skills in industry-standard software and learn how to translate written narratives into engaging visual sequences. The program uniquely emphasizes the synergy between these two disciplines, exploring how strong screenwriting forms the foundation for compelling animation and how animation can enhance and elevate storytelling on screen.

Research Focus: The Institute of Arts and Humanities at the University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment that supports the BA (Hons) Animation and Screenwriting program. While specific research projects directly related to this combined degree are not detailed in the provided information, the Institute generally encourages practice-led research and critical engagement with contemporary developments in both screenwriting and animation studies. Students are encouraged to explore the theoretical underpinnings of narrative, visual communication, and the impact of moving images on audiences. This research focus aims to cultivate critical thinking and innovation in their creative practice, enabling them to approach storytelling and animation with a deeper understanding of their respective fields.

Industry Engagement: A key element of the BA (Hons) Animation and Screenwriting program is its strong emphasis on preparing students for the professional world. The course incorporates practical projects, often mirroring industry workflows, providing students with valuable experience in both writing and animating for the screen. The University of Worcester maintains connections with film and television production companies, animation studios, and screenwriting professionals, facilitating guest lectures, workshops, and potential networking opportunities. This industry engagement ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry practices and provides students with insights into the professional landscape they will be entering.

Global Perspective: The University of Worcester's diverse student body contributes to a rich and global learning environment within the Animation and Screenwriting program. While specific international collaborations within this combined degree are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, the university's commitment to inclusivity ensures that students are exposed to a variety of cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions from around the world. This diverse environment fosters cross-cultural understanding and prepares graduates to engage with a globalized media industry, broadening their creative horizons and potential for international collaborations in filmmaking and animation.