MA Storyboarding and Previsualisation

• Internet access
• Toon Boom Storyboard Pro (student licence provided)
• Panel Forge (student licence provided) 
• Desktop or laptop meeting the Autodesk requirements for Maya (https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Maya-2020.html)
• Drawing Screen or Wacom graphics tablet  
• 3-button mouse (or optionally a Wacom tablet or similar)
• Working computer microphone (and optionally a webcam)
• Note-taking materials
• Paper and pencils 

• Hands-on tuition. For the first 18 weeks of the course you’ll be working on high-spec hardware to master the skills and software needed to start your own project. We offer small class sizes so you’ll get plenty of 1-2-1 time with your tutor.
• Experienced tutors. You can’t teach what you don’t know, so that’s why we employ the best. All of our tutors have worked in the industry and you’ll have industry feedback sessions with professionals. 
• Studio project. You’ll then apply these skills to a group project - working like a studio to create incredible assets that can be used as part of your showreel.
• AfterCare to help you get hired. Our alumni AfterCare package will help you polish your showreel and find the right job - with access to showreel clinics and studio access for 12 months.
  
• You'll graduate with a globally recognised MA qualification from the University of Kent. Known as the UK’s European University, the University of Kent is ranked 23rd in The Guardian University Guide 2017.
  

We pride ourselves on our industry powered training, that's why all our Escape Studios Postgraduate degrees include industry feedback sessions with some of the world's leading studios and professionals.
Industry feedback sessions are a great opportunity for our students to receive industry standard critique form an expert in their field, this personalised feedback allows students to improve their work to guarantee it is studio ready.

Module 1 (unit 1-7) - Introduction to Storyboarding

• The foundations and theories of writing, creativity and storyboarding
• Different storyboarding techniques and their application 
• Cinematography, 3D layout and the use of cameras 
• Design and character in storyboarding
• The video production pipeline from concept to script to final output

Module 2 (unit 8-12) - Advanced Storyboarding

• Mime and pantomime
• Storyboards, storytelling
• Editing techniques
• Camera, continuity and cutting

Module 3 (unit 13-18) - Previsualisation

• Creating and animating basic 3D assets
• 3D cinematography
• Character and creature performance 
• Previsualisation editing techniques
• Sound design

Module 4 - Studio Project

For this module you will be required to work in a small team working on an industry brief or creating your own brief. This project will allow you to use the tools and techniques you’ve learnt but it will also prepare you for the real-world by working in teams.

Module 5 - Production Project

This is the major project where you will work independently and develop your own brief. You will refine and produce a substantial storyboard/previsualisation project that will showcase your in-depth critical awareness of the area and the highly developed practical skills to deliver a complex project on time.
 

Formative assessment

The majority of modules contain at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback. Formative assessments are developmental and any feedback you receive for them do not count towards your overall module mark

Summative assessment breakdown:
60% - Practical project
40% - Production logbook
10% - Individual presentation
 

Your overall workload will be divided between teaching sessions and independent learning.

During your course, you’ll be able to develop your knowledge and skills in a number of ways. Some of this will be closely directed/supervised by your tutors, at other times you’ll be free to organise your own study with guidance. All your scheduled study time, except for some information sessions and presentations, will be in groups of up to 12.

For many of your projects, you’ll be working in smaller teams, collaborating to meet a shared brief. This should give you ample opportunity to get the support and assistance that you need. The craft modules will usually have a higher contact time, as this is where you will be learning the knowledge and skills associated with your particular subject, directed and informed by your tutors’ expertise and experience. These will normally involve a large part of each day in the studio with your tutor and studio assistant, following demonstrations and working on set exercises to help you develop your craft.

The project modules will have a lower contact time, with your tutors taking on the roles of supervisors or studio leads. You’ll still meet with them regularly (usually every working day) to get feedback and help you stay on the right path, but these modules are much more about you managing the learning experience to meet your objectives. The majority of the projects will be team-based, and you’ll have the opportunity to take on different roles in a number of teams during your studies. Again, you’ll be expected to attend the course for a significant part of each day, and attendance will be recorded, but outside those times you’ll be free to organise your work as a team to best suit your project requirements.

Each module has its own area on the OLE where you will find all the information about the module and the resources that are provided to support your learning. Some of this information will be dedicated to the module, other elements may be shared across different modules and some may be external assets that can help with your further study. There may be links to videos, online journals and e-books, and you should take advantage of these to enhance your development and take it beyond the studio experience. Tutors may highlight some of these during their sessions, so make sure you listen out and follow up on their advice!
 

• PanelForge
• Storyboard Pro
• Maya
  
  

An undergraduate honours degree with a significant component in the field of animation or related discipline, or with a background in art or computer graphics.
We're also happy to consider applicants without a degree if you have significant industry experience in the field of animation, illustration, fine art or a related area.
We'll ask suitable applicants to submit a creative portfolio and attend an interview.

On completion of the course, you will graduate with a postgraduate qualification subject to validation by the University of Kent, the technical skills required by the industry and a portfolio full of your best work, meaning you’re ready to aim for a number of career opportunities.
Storyboard Artist or Previs Artist often start on junior roles but can rise to become mid-level and senior roles or can even go on to work as Animators and switch between the roles and some may even find themselves following the footsteps of their fellow Producers and Directors, further on down the line.