Bristol: A City for Animators

If animation is your passion, there’s no better place to sharpen your skills and launch your career than Bristol. This creative city has earned its spot as the UK’s hub for animation, with world-class studios and a busy community of animators, artists, and storytellers ready to welcome you.

From globally famous names to a network of smaller studios, Bristol is a city full of opportunities. Whether you’re dreaming of creating heartwarming characters, eye-catching visuals, or boundary-pushing animations, this city has everything you need to turn your ambitions into reality.

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Bristol’s Animation Legacy

It’s impossible to talk about Bristol’s animation scene without starting with Aardman Animations, one of the world’s most iconic animation studios. Founded in 1972, Aardman has been at the forefront of stop-motion animation for decades, with classics like Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run. These productions haven’t just won Oscars, they’ve inspired generations of animators and solidified Bristol’s reputation as a global centre for creativity.

Aardman’s presence in the city has done more than create beloved characters. It’s attracted talent from all over the world, helped shape the local creative community, and sparked the growth of an animation industry that goes far beyond one studio.

Bristol’s Studios

Bristol’s animation scene is as diverse as it is dynamic, with studios of all sizes producing everything from children’s television and video games to advertising campaigns and indie films. Here are just a few key players shaping the city’s industry:

• A Productions: Specialising in high-quality children’s programming like JoJo and Gran Gran, Love Monster and Bea’s Block, A Productions is a full-service studio that creates shows that celebrate authentic storytelling.

• Sun & Moon Studios: Known for both 2D and 3D animation, their work spans TV, games, and branding with a cutting-edge flair. In 2018 they were commissioned by BBC Studios to help re-imagine The Macra Terror, a missing four-episode serial of Doctor Who from 1967 starring Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor.

• Rumpus Animation: Famous for bold, quirky 2D animations, this studio brings unique character-driven stories to life for broadcasters and agencies.

• Studio Giggle: A specialist in blending live-action, motion graphics, and animation for corporate and creative projects.

• Wonky Films: With a focus on heartwarming storytelling and charming characters, Wonky crafts animations that entertain and educate for clients such as the BBC, Amnesty International, Channel 4, and the British Council.

Each studio contributes its own unique touch to Bristol’s animation scene, creating countless opportunities to explore different styles, techniques, and career paths.

Bristol’s Opportunities

What makes Bristol truly special for students and early-career animators is its welcoming, collaborative industry. Local studios are eager to mentor fresh talent, and opportunities to connect with professionals are everywhere, from internships and workshops to festivals and networking events.

For instance, A Productions is celebrated as one of the best places to work in UK television, offering an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity from all its employees. And with animation festivals and screenings happening regularly, there’s no shortage of platforms for showcasing your work and meeting industry leaders.

Bristol’s City Life

Bristol isn’t just a great place to work, it’s an amazing and inspiring place to live. The city’s vibrant arts scene, iconic street art, and laid-back vibe make it a paradise for creatives. Whether you’re wandering through the colourful murals of Stokes Croft, catching a sunset by the Harbourside, or enjoying a live gig, Bristol’s energy will fuel your imagination.

Bristol’s charm lies in its perfect mix of vibrant energy and creative freedom, all wrapped up in a city that’s easy to navigate and welcoming to everyone.

Bristol’s Future

As animation evolves, Bristol is leading the charge. Studios here embrace cutting-edge technologies like VR, 3D modelling, and interactive storytelling while continuing to honour traditional techniques. This forward-thinking culture ensures that Bristol remains at the forefront of the industry.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to grow your career, Bristol offers unmatched opportunities to learn, collaborate, and innovate alongside some of the best in the business.

For animators, Bristol isn’t just a city, it’s a community. It’s a place where creativity thrives, opportunities abound, and life feels inspiring every day. If you’re ready to turn your passion for animation into a lifelong career, Bristol is ready to welcome you with open arms.

Explore our BA (Hons) Animation degree course!