Aardman Academy Launches New Scriptwriting Professional Course for Animators
Aardman Academy has announced the launch of a new professional training programme aimed at writers, directors, and animators looking to strengthen their storytelling skills for animation. Titled Scriptwriting Professional, the five-week studio-based intensive will run from 2 March to 2 April 2026 at Aardman’s headquarters in Bristol, UK, offering participants the opportunity to learn scriptwriting inside the home of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Robin Robin.
The course is led by Daniel Ojari and Sam Morrison, the acclaimed writing duo behind Robin Robin and Alan the Infinite. Designed for emerging creatives, the programme mirrors real studio practice through lectures, screenings, writing labs, and structured script meetings, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and practical application.
According to Mark Hewis, Head of Aardman Academy, animation writing sits at the intersection of performance and visual storytelling rather than traditional description. He notes that the course is designed to help participants “find words that let animators bring it to life,” reflecting the collaborative and playful approach Aardman is known for.
A Studio-Centred Learning Experience
Classes are intentionally kept small to ensure meaningful feedback and close collaboration between tutors and peers. The course runs full-time at the Aardman Academy, with optional hybrid attendance available for midweek script-meeting sessions. Each participant will also receive a Final Draft licence, giving them access to industry-standard screenwriting software throughout the programme.
Week-by-Week Structure
The curriculum unfolds across five structured weeks:
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Week 1 – Foundations of Scriptwriting
Visual storytelling, silent-scene writing, and peer feedback -
Week 2 – Structure & Rhythm
Short-film structure, dialogue rhythm, and treatment development -
Week 3 – Character & Dialogue
Character building for animation, dialogue workshops, and first-draft development -
Week 4 – Revisions & Industry Insights
Adapting scripts for audience, resilience in rewriting, and final-draft polish -
Week 5 – Showcase & Graduation
Rehearsals, actor briefings, and a live read-through in the Aardman Cinema
About Aardman Academy
Aardman Academy provides professional-level training rooted in the studio’s own production processes and creative culture. Its programmes are designed to create accessible pathways into animation careers, combining expert tuition with a collaborative, studio-led learning model that reflects how animation is made in practice rather than theory alone.
Applications for Scriptwriting Professional are now open. Further information is available by contacting academy@aardman.com.
