Research-Based Animation II: Development

Course Aims

• The second semester is dedicated to advancing projects and research through experimentation based on the foundations established in the previous semester.
• Students continue developing scripts, storyboards, and concept art while exploring innovative approaches that expand animation into new forms of visual storytelling.
• Students engage in discussions on topics related to animation, film, and other art forms.
• Students gain deeper understanding of the process of preparing a master’s thesis.
• Students learn to present and develop thesis plans through reading, analysis, and discussion.
• Students learn to respond constructively to feedback and to critically read and analyse academic texts related to animation.

Course Content

Throughout this course, students approach animation production with a research-oriented mindset, expanding their understanding of animation as both an artistic and investigative practice.

The course encourages the development of methodological, analytical, creative, and problem-solving approaches to students’ own ideas and artistic work. Students outline a theoretical framework supported by relevant literature in preparation for their MA thesis.

While theoretical grounding is developed, the primary focus remains on creation in context. Students are encouraged to adopt an experimental approach to their thesis concepts, testing ideas through practice and iterative exploration.

By the end of the semester, students test their concepts and prepare the thesis film dossier that will guide production during the third semester.

Evaluation

Deliverables

Proof of concept materials demonstrating the feasibility and development of the thesis project:

• Animation tests
• Production pipeline
• Workload planning
• Pitch deck