Person adjusting an iPad while filming a stop motion scene

Learning

DCA Young Filmmakers: Stop Motion Animation Week

Aged 15–18 and interested in storytelling? Apply to join our exciting, free animation programme!

We're looking for teens aged 15 to 18 with an interest in storytelling, filmmaking and animation.

Join us for this exciting week-long programme to learn handmade, stop motion animation skills with filmmakers D fie foe and our in-house animation expert, Andrew Low. There's no previous experience required, we're just looking for people with enthusiasm and the ability to commit to the five day programme.

The programme is free to attend and we will provide all the kit required, plus refreshments and healthy snacks – all you need to bring is yourself and your lunch.

Published

Fri 3 Jul

Written By

DCA Learning

Person doing stop motion animation with an iPad

The programme

Our DCA Young Filmmakers programme will take place at DCA over five days in August. Applicants should be aged 15-18 years and be able to commute to DCA for the full programme. Funding is available to support travel outwith Dundee - more details below.

Dates: Mon 10 – Fri 14 August 2026

Times: 10:00 - 16:30

Location: DCA

Info: Free for successful applicants. Refreshments and snacks provided but please bring lunch.

Person looking at IPad pointed towards a stop motion animation set

What you'll do

During the week you will:

Watch a selection of animated shorts and learn about how these films were made.
Focus on storytelling and explore the range of skills required to make a short, handmade animated film.
Work on pre-production to develop a story, including creating a storyboard, making sets and preparing props.
Shoot a sequence, including using equipment and lighting.
Explore elements of post-production, including editing and sound/foley work.
There will also be a film careers talk as part of the programme.

Person looking through a tiny viewfinder

What you’ll learn

Through the programme, you'll gain:

Skills in handmade, stop motion animation plus some wider knowledge about filmmaking
Practical skills related to the screen industry: organisation and planning, production design, filming, editing, lighting and sound.
Collaborative working skills: teamwork, empathy, communication and collective decision making.

Support available

We have funding to support specific travel needs if you are coming from outside Dundee city – see the application form for details.

Table covered in animation props with Director chair in the background

How to apply

Apply online

Complete and submit our online application form: tinyurl.com/DCAYoungFilmmakers

Apply by email

Download the application form below and return your completed form by email to learning@dca.org.uk

For section 3, answers can be submitted via the form or by submitting an audio or video file. Please try to keep these files to under five minutes (applications will not be disqualified if you have to go over five minutes) and submit them via email to learning@dca.org.uk