Animation studio Blue Zoo has launched AnimDojo, a new online animation “gym” to train up potential animators to professional standards.

The UK animation industry has boomed in recent years leading to worries over skills shortages. Concerns that Brexit could put restrictions on foreign born animators taking up UK roles has further heightened that worry.

The programme will support artists with a basic understanding of Autodesk Maya to become industry-ready.

AnimDojo was created by Tom Box and Badar Badruddin, co-founder and animation director at London’s Blue Zoo. The programme includes regular mini-assignments, materials, peer review and the opportunity to have work critiqued by industry professionals. The courses have been designed to impart foundational animation understanding through vocational practice rather than curriculum.

“AnimDojo provides animators with a method to gain additional skills to those covered in traditional learning settings. Simply put, there’s a lot of work for animators out there, but not enough animators with the level of skill required to work at the speed and quality that the studios demand. We hope to change that with AnimDojo.” said Box.

AnimDojo participants will take part in animation challenges, work with character rigs and learn from interactive live sessions which are hosted on the AnimDojo site weekly. There will also be discussion forums where AnimDojo members can build up a professional network. 

Membership will priced at £15 per month with no minimum contract. Additional ‘bolt-ons’ can also be purchased, such as showreel feedback and accreditation.

Jon Creamer

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