Learn animation techniques, including stop motion, 2D, CGI and pixilation, with award-winning animators, in this free NFTS course.

50,430 enrolled on this course

Animation: a variety of characters created through stop motion, 2D, CGI and pixilation
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Whether you’re a budding animator or a fan of animation who wants to understand more about what happens behind-the-scenes, this free online course from the internationally acclaimed National Film and Television School (NFTS) will have something for you.

Over four weeks, our team of award-winning animators will take you through their approach to telling stories and demystify their own animation technique.

Each week, our contributors will use examples from their own work, as well as the animated films that have influenced and inspired them, to enable you to explore different forms of animation:

1 - Stop motion or stop frame animation.

2 - 2D or cel animation.

3 - Big-scale animation in the real world.

4 - CGI or 3D computer animation.

The NFTS has teamed up with Creative Skillset to offer this course. Explore Animation features a number of award-winning short films made by recent graduates of the NFTS, and opportunities for you to try out small-scale animation techniques.

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

This course doesn’t require any existing, specialist animation skills or equipment.

There will be opportunities to try out animation techniques using everyday tools and free applications, if you want to enhance your learning experience.

Who will you learn with?

I'm the Director of the National Film and Television School. I wrote and developed the the Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen course.

I am a film education specialist, freelance filmmaker and a tutor on the NFTS & BFI's 'Explore Filmmaking' and 'Explore Animation' courses.

Who developed the course?

National Film and Television School

The National Film and Television School is one of the best and most respected film, television and new media schools in the world.

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Creative Skillset logo

Learning on FutureLearn

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  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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