Banner images courtesy of Blue Zoo

Blue Zoo Pop-Up Virtual Animation Studio

Applications are now closed for the online Blue Zoo Pop-Up Virtual Animation Studio. Thank you to everyone who applied, you will hear shortly if your application has been successful.

Successful applicants will learn and refine their skills in a bespoke virtual animation studio environment using Blender, developed by Tom Box, Founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, in partnership with NextGen Skills Academy and supported by industry tutors and masterclasses.

This intense free industry-backed online bootcamp learning experince, funded by Ufi VocTech Trust, teaches asset-centric workflow management as found in creative studios, uses the functionality of advanced professional tools, and empowers learners with the confidence to hit the ground running in a professional studio.

Blender Logo
All bootcamp participants will be using Blender, a free and open source 3D creation suite.
The final piece created in the first Blue Zoo Virtual Animation Studio Bootcamp. You can read more about the whole process here:
Close up image of work in progress animation on a computer screenWhite male animator working at a desk in a creative studio

Train to work in a virtual studio

  • Learners will be set briefs which closely replicate real industry commissions, for example ‘Create a 20 second animated commercial for…’
  • Learners will work remotely in teams with specific individual roles to deliver on the brief, working in bite-size tasks that have tutorials and best practise tips built in
  • All learners will use Blender, a free-to-use powerful 3D animation creation suite
  • All learners will be supported by a Production Coordinator, Technical Adviser (Blender) and Employment Coach
  • Master new skills with industry led masterclasses focusing on technical and professional skills
  • All project assets and workflow management is hosted on the SkillsXchange platform. This bespoke platform uses the functionality and emulates the look and layout of advanced professional tools, enabling users to quickly master versions of these tools in one portal
  • Learners receive industry feedback and guidance at every stage of the bootcamp, including support with employment advice and practise interviews with studios
Black male animator drawing at a desk in a creative studio

Applications are now closed

The programme is open to anyone who:

  • Is over the age of 18 at the start of the programme (1st November 2021)
  • Is resident in the United Kingdom
  • Has a portfolio of work to show, this must be submitted as part of the application process
  • Can demonstrate experience in creating 3D animated assets or sequences, either through formal training (such as an Animation Degree or other qualification) or self-taught to a proficient level
  • Can evidence ability to use Blender through their portfolio submission
  • Does not currently have any paid experience of working in a professional animation studio. If you have undertaken some work experience or an internship you are still eligible to apply
  • Can commit to the full-time hours of the bootcamp for 4 weeks from Monday 1st November to Friday 26th November. It is expected that participants will learn for 7 hours each day from Monday to Friday, and will be available between the core hours of 11am and 4pm on these days with the other hours to be worked to suit you.