Inside NFTS’s New Animation for Film and Games MA with Course Leader Alan Lewis

The National Film and Television School has expanded its games and animation provision with the launch of its  Animation for Film and Games MA, a one-year, practice-focused course designed to equip the next generation of animators with the creative and technical skills needed across film, games and immersive storytelling. With the first students set to begin their training at the end of January 2026, we spoke to course leader Alan Lewis about what makes the NFTS’ latest offering so distinctive, who it’s aimed at, and how it prepares students for thriving careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

Q: Alan, firstly, welcome to the NFTS! What makes this new MA in Animation for Film and Games stand out from other animation programmes in the UK and internationally, and how does it prepare students for today’s creative industries?

What truly sets this MA apart is the focus on both established and cutting-edge animation pipelines. We place a strong emphasis on motion capture and real-time animation tools, which are transforming how content is created for film and games. The course is grounded in traditional animation workflows but also critically examines how to effectively integrate emerging AI and generative tools into today's production pipelines. This approach ensures graduates aren't just prepared for the industry as it is now, but are equipped to adapt and lead as it continues to evolve.

Q: The course aims to develop a new generation of ‘Creative Technologists’. What does that skillset look like, and how does it prepare graduates for long-term careers in a rapidly evolving industry?

While ‘Creative Technologist’ might sound like an unusual term in the context of animation, it's actually a helpful term for anyone in the creative industries because it highlights the need for both creative and technical versatility. It also implies that a career starting in animation or gaming can easily expand across multiple sectors from live events and sports, to medicine, tourism, or heritage, for example, which are fantastic options to explore. Animation is everywhere, and an adaptable mindset will future-proof careers by focusing on creative problem-solving over specific tools which evolve over time. 

Q: What real-world industry connections, facilities and opportunities will students gain access to during their year at NFTS, and how will this support career development post-graduation?

The School is an international creative hub. NFTS heads of department and industry tutors represent an extraordinary pool of talent for students to draw upon throughout their studies. We actively encourage experimentation and collaboration, as this is a cornerstone of the creative industries, and students will benefit from opportunities to work with their peers across complementary disciplines such as gaming, visual effects and sound design, for example.

Q: What advice would you give to prospective applicants who are considering applying but might be unsure if this is the right next step for their creative career?

My advice to anyone considering a career in animation is to ask themselves a simple question: do you want to be the director or the performer? If someone wants to write and direct their own animated films, shaping the story, style, and overall vision, then there are lots of wonderful courses geared towards that outcome, including the NFTS’s very own and hugely successful Directing Animation MFA. If however, someone is more interested in performance in bringing an animated character to life through movement, emotion and timing, then this course will support them in becoming a confident and effective character animator. 

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Places are still available for this exciting new course! 

Want to learn more before applying? Join us for our online Open Day on Friday 9th January at 1pm to meet course leader Alan Lewis and discover what makes this Animation for Film and Games MA unique: nfts.co.uk/event/animation-film-and-games-ma-online-open-day