Creative Animation Atelier III: Summer School

Course Aims

• Respond to a real-world subject through a conceptual and visually original proposal for an animated documentary film.
• Develop research and response methods suitable for production, integrating animation with other audiovisual strategies such as drawing, live action, and sound recording.
• Develop an animated movement language that is coherent with the project proposal and visually innovative.
• Expand and deepen knowledge of animated documentary practices using multiple techniques.
• Strengthen collaborative group dynamics and teamwork skills.

Course Content

The course challenges students to rapidly conceptualize and produce short animated documentaries using mixed techniques while working collaboratively in small groups.

The production process includes:

• External presentations addressing cultural, political, social, and economic issues
• Research and group pitching of ideas
• Storyboard and animatic development
• Documentary production

Students have three weeks to produce a short animated documentary. After attending guest presentations introducing potential subjects, groups select a topic and develop a conceptual, visual, and audio approach during the first week. The remaining two weeks are dedicated to production.

The course emphasizes rapid decision-making, creative problem-solving, and collaborative workflows while encouraging experimentation with hybrid animation techniques.

Evaluation

Working in groups of three, students produce a short animated documentary of approximately three minutes within a three-week production period. Projects are developed under supervision during class sessions.

The final films are evaluated through a public presentation, during which students receive feedback on their work.