Hungarian Art and Film Schools: Mastering Animation from Scratch

The Eszterházy Károly Catholic University offers two study programmes. The bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the Media and Design Institute (MDI) offers a specialisation in Animation Design with a strong emphasis on visual design, graphic design, typography, motion design, and animation design. The Institute of Film Art’s bachelor’s program, Film Culture and Media Studies, focuses on directing and scriptwriting. Many students choose to produce their own diploma films – which are often featured in abroad festivals and animation shows.

The Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) has been offering animation courses since 1980 and it has become the most prestigious animation school in Hungary. After a competitive admission process seeking storytelling and drawing talents, students are exposed to as many techniques as possible and experience various animation roles. For MOME, the development of a national and international professional network is crucial – supported by the Film Knowledge Centre, producing diploma films and managing extensive application activities, as well as organizing its own festival and nominating students to festivals abroad.

The Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) is a private institution offering numerous opportunities for future visual artists. With Áron Gauder (Four Souls of Coyote) and László Csáki (Pelikan Blue) as members of the teaching staff, their programme offers specializations in creative and 3D animation. Students develop their diploma films in teams, with the initiator taking on the role of director and assembling a creative team – experiencing the benefits and challenges of collaboration and the adaptation of an artistic concept.

The National Film Institute’s Training Directorate supports the professional development of animation professionals in various careers. A call for proposals maps out areas of shortage, in collaboration with producers, whereas in the animation field, the Directorate has previously supported training for CGI specialists and storyboard artists. The Fast Forward Programme (FFP) hosts industry professionals to discuss with students the opportunities and challenges of animation, learning the essential art of pitching. The annual FFP Film Camp brings together animation enthusiasts aged 18–35 to collaborate on creative projects.