Are you aged 18-22 and considering a career in animation?

Our BFI Film Academy Animation Training Course could be perfect for you!

Calling the Shots will be delivering a free, residential animation training course in Bristol in 2027, in partnership with the BFI and Oscar winning Aardman Animations – the studio behind films such as Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep and Early Man. 

You’ll get an introduction to the creative and technical processes involved in producing animated films before working together in teams to develop your own stop-motion films. 

You’ll explore every stage of the stop-motion animation process, from story development and model making through to animation production and post-production, learning directly from leading industry professionals from Aardman and beyond.

During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to find out more about careers in animation, meeting professionals at different stages of their working lives, from early career model makers, experienced animators to BAFTA-winning animation directors.

The course is open to young people aged 18–22 (and 22-25 year olds in receipt of an EHC Plan) from across the UK who are not currently in Higher Education with an interest in a career in animation. 

No previous experience is necessary, but you will be asked to submit a portfolio of work as part of your application. 

What will you get up to?

• Get an introduction to a range of stop-motion animation techniques.

• Learn from working professionals in story development, model making, animation techniques, post-production and exhibition and distribution.

• Work in teams to create your own short stop-motion film.

• Visit Aardman and working animation sets (subject to production schedules).

• Take part in vital sessions on sustainability and wellbeing in the creative industries.

• Receive career progression advice and an introduction to freelancing in the industry.

• Hear about follow on opportunities from BFI, CTS and Aardman

• Showcase your finished work at Aardman HQ.

Previous participants of our industry camps have gone on to gain work experience with internationally renowned production companies such as Warner Bros, Marvel, Netflix, Hanna Barbera and Aardman. Others have progressed to further study at Arts University Bournemouth, California Institute of the Arts and the Royal College of Art.

Who can apply?

To apply, you must:

• Be aged 18–22* on  the day the course begins. 

• Based in the UK.

• Not currently enrolled in Higher Education (University level).

• Have a genuine interest in animation and developing your creative skills.

        *or aged 23-25 and in receipt of an EHC Plan

You don’t need any previous professional experience to apply. We’re looking for enthusiastic, creative young people who want to learn new skills and explore opportunities in the animation industry.

How much does it cost?

The course is completely free to attend, including food and accommodation throughout the course. 

Further details about travel support will be announced when applications open.

How do I apply?

Applications for our 2027 Animation Training Course are now open.

Click the button below to fill out the JotForm application. 

You’ll be asked to share some information about your interests and creativity. We’d like to ask that you don’t use AI to complete your application form – we don’t mind spelling and grammar mistakes, we’re keen to get to know interests you, and the way you see the world.

We encourage you to attach a link to a portfolio of work – this doesn’t have to be an animated film, but we’d love to hear about what interests you and why you’d like to take part. 

For further information, or to request the application form in an alternative format, please email charlotte@callingtheshots.co.uk.

During the application window, we’ll be sharing application tips and news from our alumni over on Instagram – Follow @CTSdoSkills to stay in the loop.