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

Our students will be fully capable of producing a film, animation series or a video game

Proyecto de Pilar Hernández, alumna de U-tad

Become one of the most demanded professionals with the highest employability in the sector.

Description

The Master’s Degree in Animation Production, Visual Effects, and Video Games was created to meet the need for professionals capable of leading the production of both animated films or series and video games.

For this reason, we have designed this master’s program to equip our students to successfully perform any role in a production department, from Production Assistant to Production Manager.

The master’s program focuses on production management and control, without neglecting the executive aspect. Upon completing the program, you will be able to analyse a project, create a budget aligned with its nature, and develop a timeline that ensures timely and accurate completion of the established plan. You will learn to manage the production process using the most used software in the industry, as well as report and manage co-production relationships with other collaborating studios.

Get ready to lead high-level productions!

Location: U-tad campus
Hours: Thursday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CET
ECTS: 60
Language: Spanish
Modality: On campus
Affiliated Center to: Camilo José Cela University

Career opportunities

Throughout the Master’s program, you will acquire the skills to break down the necessary elements for producing a project from the script, such as the number of characters, locations, effects, and shots, as well as how to manage, negotiate, and follow up with clients and involved suppliers, using the latest technologies and digital media. You will be able to pursue roles such as:

Production Manager
Production Supervisor
Production Coordinator
Production Assistant
Executive Producer
Project Manager

Where Our Students Work

Graduates of this master’s program are prepared to tackle high-level productions and are working at companies such as Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore, Tequila, Ubi Soft, Splash Damage, and other international companies.

Partner companies

Study plan

Course 1

COURSE NAME

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

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

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 videogames 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

MASTER’S THESIS

Faculty

Julián Larrauri Escudero

Master's Director / Professor
Producer at Arcadia

Laura López García de Blas

Animation and VFX Production teacher
Department Production Manager at Weta Digital

Students' projects and awards

Real projects

Upon completion, you will be qualified to work at the leading studios in the market across various areas of the industry: animation, VFX, and video games. You will have worked on real projects with active professionals in the sector.

Awards for Talents

Projects developed by our students throughout their studies have won the most prestigious industry awards in different areas. Discover them.

Students' feedback

For the last 6 years, I've been running Tiny Cosmonauts, my own transmedia educational content creation studio for children. There are many things that I know now, having pursued the Master’s in Production at U-tad, that I would never have discovered on my own. My master's degree experience has been totally eye-opening. The teaching staff is first-class and has worked on prestigious projects. They share their production knowledge with patience, love and passion. The Master's program is wonderfully designed. One of its best facets is its multifaceted nature, covering all three branches (animation, video games and VFX). It’s great practice for a professional entry to the labor market.

Chema JuarezOnline student. Mexico

In 2014, I founded TrendPicStudio, where I leveraged my work as a designer and 3D artist with art direction and advertising projects production. It is a privilege to be able to have the first-hand experience of working with top industry professionals, not only because of the amount of contacts and friends I’ve made, but because, throughout the master’s program, they provide all the knowledge and tools necessary for efficient production management, not only in the world of animation and video games but with other projects as well, such as real image and VFX. We’ve learned to master the creative processes, pipeline, planning and task tracking with the latest software, leadership and team management skills, efficient time management, script breakdowns and much more to be able to budget and move forward with any project. Today, we are working alongside many global studios, and we have done a 360º in the daily management of our project production.

Tania PalmaOnline student. Mexico

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you study in the M.A. in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX?

You will learn to lead the production of projects in animation, video games, and VFX, from script breakdown to final delivery. You’ll be trained in planning, budgeting, team and resource management, scheduling, and co-production processes, using the latest industry software and methodologies. By the end of the program, you’ll be fully prepared to take on production responsibilities in real-world work environments.

What career opportunities does this program offer, and where do graduates work?

You will be prepared to take on key roles in national and international studios and production companies as a Production Manager, Production Coordinator, Line Producer, Executive Producer, or Project Manager. Our graduates work at companies such as Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, Ubisoft, Illusorium Studios, Framestore, El Ranchito, and Electronic Arts, among others.

Who is the M.A. in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX for?

This master’s program is designed for graduates in fields such as Fine Arts, Audiovisual Communication, Design, Animation, Advertising, or Public Relations, as well as for individuals from other disciplines who wish to specialize in production within the audiovisual industry. If you don’t have a specific background in the field, you can still be admitted after completing preparatory courses designed to provide the necessary foundational knowledge.

How much time does it take to study the MS in Graphic Computing, Virtual Reality and Simulation?

The master’s program lasts one academic year (12 months) and consists of 60 ECTS credits. Classes are held from Thursday to Saturday, with evening and morning sessions: Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Fridays from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM CET.

What is the program's methodology?

The program combines applied theory with intensive hands-on practice through real projects. You’ll learn by working on case studies and studio-like simulations, using industry-standard tools under the guidance of active professionals. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the production cycle and develop the strategic, technical, and management skills needed to lead any audiovisual project.

What kind of projects do students develop?

You will take part in real animation, video game, and visual effects projects from the perspective of the production department. This includes planning, budgeting, resource management, and task tracking, working in collaboration with students from other disciplines to simulate the professional environment of a studio.

Can I study the master’s program and work at the same time?

Yes. The master’s program is designed to be compatible with professional work. It is delivered in person and scheduled on weekends, allowing you to balance it with other professional commitments.