International perspectives on animation in Higher Education

Abstract

Education of animation professionals is increasingly part of the mandate for university education due to digital media technology improvements and "edutainment" industry growth. The animation studio is intricately linked to film content production and online communications systems for advertising. This paper explores some aspects of the most successful methods for the education of postgraduate digital media producers, in particular for the study of animation and the fostering of creative innovation. It examines commonalities and differences between three institutions in Europe from an Australian perspective. A common institutional mission statement claim is the development of creative individuals who are able to augment a company‟s potential for innovation. Variables such as funding, enrolment, staffing, facilities, programs and pedagogy in relation to creativity are discussed in a rapidly changing international context using interviews with key personnel in France, UK and Germany.