M.A. in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX

Program Overview

The Master's Degree in Professional Production Management for Animation, VFX, and Video Games equips students with the skills to lead production in these industries. The program focuses on production management and supervision, covering project analysis, budgeting, scheduling, and industry-standard software. Graduates are prepared for careers as Production Managers, Supervisors, Coordinators, Assistants, and Executive Producers at top studios.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master's Degree in Professional Production Management for Animation, VFX, and Video Games responds to the need for professionals capable of leading the production of films, animated series, and video games. The program aims to equip students with the skills for any production position, from Production Assistant to Production Manager. The focus is on production management and supervision, with an emphasis on the executive aspects of these roles. By the program's end, students will have the ability to analyze projects, propose appropriate budgets, and develop schedules that ensure timely compliance. They will also gain expertise in managing production using industry-standard software and effectively communicating with co-producers at collaborating studios.

Outline:

Course 1

FUNDAMENTALS

• Introduction
• Artistic and technical fundamentals of animation
• Fundamentals of video game design
• Artistic and Technical Fundamentals of VFX: The Creative Process
• Structure of the creative process
• Creative Thinking
• Project Analysis and Development
• Nature and definition of an animation project
• Nature and definition of a VFX project
• Nature and definition of a video game
• Project development and feasibility analysis
• Planning and strategic tools in Animation
• Project Organization
• Animation Pipeline
• VFX Pipeline
• Video Game Pipeline
• Production Planning and Control
• Tools and strategic planning in Animation and Video Games
• Project development and feasibility analysis
• Methodology and tools for production control in Animation and Videogames (agile methodologies)
• Reporting and cost control
• Outsourcing control
• Monitoring, analysis, and learning
• Budgets
• Creation and budget control in video games and VFX projects
• Elaboration and budget control in animation projects
• Methodology and tools for production control

EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION

• Financing
• Financing and operation of an animation and VFX project
• Financing and operation of a video game
• Legal
• Intellectual Property
• Main contracts (distribution, co-production, publishing, etc...)
• Management Skills
• Presentation of projects
• Creative team management
• Leadership and motivation

Teaching:

The program is taught by industry professionals with experience on prestigious projects. The faculty provides their production knowledge with patience, love, and passion. The program is designed to be multifaceted, covering animation, video games, and VFX, which provides great practice for professional entry into the labor market.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to contribute to first-class productions and are working at top studios such as Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore, and Giant Animation. The program's career opportunities include:

• Production Manager
• Production Supervisor
• Production Coordinator
• Production Assistant
• Executive Producer