Information in english - Animation

Animation at Sörängens Folkhögskola is a 3-year basic education program with an emphasis on motion, artistic representation, and storytelling. During the program, participants get acquainted with the entire process of creating an animated film.

Sörängen's NEW Animation Education is aimed at those who want to learn animation from the basics. Starting from the craft-based conditions and principles of classic animation, the education further develops with a gradually increasing element of film and storytelling techniques. Participants are trained through various assignments on how a production is carried out. Practical exercises provide knowledge of the conditions and possibilities of animation, from idea to finished product.

During the education, a solid portfolio is built up that can be used for applications to further studies, work, or internships. Participants have access to their own workstation, equipped with relevant software for the production of animation. We also have studios for drawing, analog techniques, and experimental animation. Sörängen offers a creative and inspiring environment. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply.

How you apply

To apply, you must submit your application with grades, certificates, and work samples.

Read more here:

Instruction for application

Apply here:

Link to the application: Application form (only for internation students) (Extern länk)

Instructions for work samples can be found further down on this page under the tab "Instructions for Application". In the selection process, we primarily look at the work samples. Formally, it is required to have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for the Animation program.

If you have any questions regarding your application, you can email: sorangens.folkhogskola@rjl.se

Education Structure

Year 1

In the first year, basic courses in animation, design, and storytelling are offered. Participants get acquainted with various programs and techniques, providing an orientation in the different expressions available (within 2D animation).

Gradually, the focus shifts from the practical aspects of animation to more about the story and the visual whole. The entire class undertakes a film project during the second term (spring).

Year 2

In the second year, participants are given in-depth knowledge in animation, film design, and storytelling through longer course components. There is an opportunity for specialization based on interest. Participants are introduced to additional animation software. Projects are carried out where students in groups work for an external client.

Year 3

In the third year, participants have the opportunity to practically work within their area of specialty in group projects or individually. There are moments when the participant is expected to participate in various types of production.

The participant's interest more clearly guides the content during the third year, with opportunities for internships and exchanges. With the help of advisors, a portfolio is compiled that reflects the participant's strengths and focus.

 

The overall content of the course includes

Animation The anatomy of movement, 12 principles, and imbuing characters with life
Design Character design, background design, and overall visual composition
Storytelling Dramaturgy, structure, visual and film storytelling
Technology Software, combinations, and experimentation
Theory Animation history, film analysis, and the philosophical dimensions of the subject
Production The process from idea to finished film, group work, and assignments
Travel Festivals, studios, other schools, national and international
Practice Opportunities for hands-on practice

The education consists of lectures, seminars, group and individual exercises, supervision, elective advanced courses, study visits, and internships. Some parts are elective, offering the opportunity for individual specialization and the execution of projects.

Teachers

Pär Berg

Educated at Malmö University, holds a Bachelor's degree in Material and Virtual Design and from Konstfack, the Institution of Animation and Animated Film. Has many years of experience teaching animation.

Responsible for the Eksjö Animation Festival and the artistic leader of the Eksjö Animation Studio for several years. He is also engaged in animation issues at a national level, serving on the jury for the Guldbagge nominations, among other things.

Since 2012, he has been responsible for the animation education at Sörängens, where he is also deeply involved in the school's cultural work in the form of cultural lunches, concerts, etc.

 

Annika Giannini

Educated at Konstfack in Animation and Visual Pedagogy, the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, HDK in Gothenburg (comic art and picture book) and Art History at Umeå University.

Began animating as a graphic artist on TV, continued with commercial films, and her own short films. Worked as an animator for Pennfilm (Lilla Anna och långa farbrorn, Emil och Ida i Lönneberga), as a comic artist for Egmont and as a children's book author/artist for Opal Publishers.

Since 2012 she has been teaching animation at Sörängen.


Klara Svärd

Assistant Teacher 

 

When applying, please submit the following attachments:

  • Work samples, see instructions and description below
  • Contact information for 2 reference persons
  • Grades and other credentials

Instructions for submitting your work samples:

Work samples

To be completed as described.

 

File format and size

All work samples must be submitted digitally.

We would like you to compile all work samples in a single PDF. Use the attached template in Google Presentation. Add as many new pages/“slides” to the template as you need. When you open the template, you need to save it to your own Google account first, before editing. You may also download it as a powerpoint if you prefer to use Powerpoint. 

You can also create your own template in Indesign. It is important in this case to number and name each work sample.

Then export the template with your assembled work samples as a PDF file that must not exceed 40 MB.

 

Name your PDF as:

Your name+worksamples2024

 

If you have problems creating a PDF, please contact:

Carl Öberg, carl.oberg@rjl.se

Link to the application: Application form (only for internation students) (Extern länk) (Extern länk)

Description of WORK SAMPLES for Animation 2024

 

Work sample 1.

A Storyboard/a picture story on the theme "Attack is the best form of defense".

Tell a story, or a part of a story with pictures, without using text.

Use a maximum of 20 image frames. Any medium.

Work sample 2.

Sketches from a live model (at least 5).

Draw from the subject in front of you, not from a screen or photo. The subject does not have to be a nude model.

You can draw a friend reading a book or someone you see at a café or in a waiting room.

Draw in full or half figure and use pencil or other traditional medium, not digital.

Work sample 3.

Your favorite (at least 1).

Depict something that means a lot to you. It can be an object, person, animal, or other.

Use traditional medium, draw or paint with the subject in front of you, not digitally.

Work sample 4.

Character drawing from the imagination A.

Create a character/creature and draw it in at least 4 different poses that describe movement.

Use pencil or other traditional medium, not digital.

Work sample 5.

Character drawing from the imagination B.

Create 2 characters/creatures that interact (at least 2 examples).

Use pencil or other traditional medium, not digital.

Work sample 6.

Optional images (5-10).

Submit images you are satisfied with. If you submit fan art or copies of other people's work, please indicate your reference. 

The work samples may be made in different techniques, and digital works are welcome.

Work sample 7.

Optional: If you have animation or film clips you want to show, upload them on YouTube or similar and attach a link.

Work sample 8.

A personal letter should be included with your application. Write a maximum a A4 page. Where you tell about yourself and why you are applying for the Animation programme.

 

How will you know if you are accepted?

Approximately two weeks after reviewing your work samples, you will be notified if you are called for an interview.

 

INTERVIEW:

We will select about 25 people for an interview. The interviews will take place on site or digitally. Dates will be announced later.

 

NOTIFICATION:

Notification of acceptance will be sent via email during the first half of June.

A selection of guest teachers in animation:

Mads Peter Brandstrup Jensen - Drawing, Croquis
Bill Kinder - Editing, Storyboarding
Heta Jäälinoja - Animation, Storytelling
Lotta Geffenblad - Character Design, Cut-Out
Lasse Persson - Storyboard, Animation, Directing
Michael Ekblad - Analog Effects, Animation
Peter Larsson - Experimental Animation
Anders Waltz - After Effects, Motion Graphics
Conor McMullin - Storyboard
Mats Kempe - Dramaturgy
Klas Dykhoff - Sound Editing
Emil Snabb - Sound and Composition

Our facilities are open 24 hours a day for our participants

  • Individual classroom with personal workstation
  • Trickboard for direct animation and cut-out
  • Sound studio
  • Drawing room for croquis
  • Project room and gallery
  • Gymnasium, gym, sauna
  • Own animation-related library
  • Film collection and several screening rooms

Each participant has their own workstation during the study period

  • Apple computer with Cintiq touch screen
  • Light table for animation on paper
  • Height-adjustable table with shelves, drawers and office chair
  • Easy access to linetest station
  • Course literature: Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams

A selection of the software used in animation:

  • TVPaint
  • Storyboard Pro
  • Adobe Creative Cloud, all programs
  • Dragonframe stop motion
  • Logic Pro
  • Toki linetest
  • Google drive for storage and sharing