From the Creator of ‘Oggy & the Cockroaches’: A Premier Animation Masterclass for Aspiring Creatives

Recently, the School of Communications and Creative Industries (SOCCI) at British University Vietnam (BUV) has hosted an animation masterclass featuring Mr. Sidi Benlarbi – Studio Director at Armada TMT, a branch of the award-winning French studio Xilam Animation Group. 

Uncovering the Potential of the Global Animation Industry 

To help students keep pace with animation industry developments and connect with practising professionals, SOCCI has twice invited Mr. Sidi Benlarbi, Studio Director at Armada TMT, to lead specialised training sessions. Xilam Animation is one of the world’s top animation production companies, known for acclaimed titles such as Zig & Sharko, Oggy & the Cockroaches, and I Lost My Body. 

In recent years, the animation industry has witnessed impressive growth, not only in technological advancement but also on the global market scale. According to Precedence Research, the global animation market was valued at USD 436.24 billion in 2024, expected to reach USD 462.32 billion in 2025, and is projected to soar to approximately USD 895.71 billion by 2034. 

Vietnam’s animation sector is also on the rise, attracting both local and international production studios. It’s an exciting shift that not only boosts the creative industry but also gives young talent real chances to turn their passion into a career. 

First-hand Insights into International Production Processes 

During the masterclass, Mr. Benlarbi highlighted two fundamental roles within the animation pipeline: Layout Artist and the Animator. The Layout Artist interprets the storyboard into a scene, defines the perspective, the camera, and the character placement. They set the stage for the Animator to perform. Meanwhile, the Animator serves as the actors behind the scenes, bringing characters to life through expression, movement, and timing. 

Mr. Benlarbi also emphasised the importance of pre-production, from idea development, scripting, and storyboarding to character and background design. Thorough preparation at this stage significantly streamlines the production process and helps reduce risk and inefficiencies later on. 

“Animation is more than just art, it’s storytelling, innovation, and endless creativity, and the industry is waiting for passionate new voices like yours to bring stories to life,” Mr. Benlarbi shared. 

Dr. Paul D.J. Moody – Head of School of Communication and Creative Industries, said: “Our second collaboration with the excellent Xilam Animation is part of BUV’s increased engagement with industry professionals to prepare our students for industry through masterclasses and internship opportunities. As an experienced filmmaker I am familiar with animation techniques, but Mr. Sidi’s excellent teaching revealed new processes and techniques and generated questions and positive feedback from students. BUV is committed to develop animation at BUV, as part of an expanding educational portfolio that includes Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Film and Media Production and Professional Communication (Business Design & Strategy).  

Addressing questions about the rise of generative AI in the creative sector, Mr. Benlarbi added that while AI may push platforms to demand higher quality content, it cannot replace human creativity and emotional depth. 

Mr. Benlarbi sharing about the comprehensive animation production process  

Expanding Global Career Opportunities 

Mr. Benlarbi also introduced internship opportunities at Xilam Studio in Ho Chi Minh City, where BUV students can work closely with experienced animators in a fast-paced, international environment. “We’re always happy to be in Vietnam and to continue this collaboration. There’s a lot of talent here, and we’ve already welcomed interns from BUV, some of whom are now working full-time with us. We believe there’s strong potential in deepening the partnership between studios like Xilam and universities like BUV, especially in training programs, internships, and supporting students at the start of their careers,” said Mr. Benlarbi.  

In addition to learning technical skills, students gain cross-cultural industry insights, including comparisons between Western and Asian animation markets and tips for adapting to different production styles. The internship programme is open to both Vietnamese and international students, with past participants from France, Thailand, Vietnam, and so on.  

All SOCCI programmes at BUV are strongly connected to creative industries, offering quality internships and access to international learning experiences. With 100% international qualified faculty and modern facilities including professional film studios, sound design suites, and industry-standard equipment, BUV students are fully equipped to build strong creative portfolios and pursue global careers with a recognised British University degree. 

Applications are now open for three BA Honours degree programmes: Film & Media Production (Directing, Cinematography, Sound Design, Editing, VFX); Professional Communication (Business, Design & Strategy) and Contemporary Creative Practice (Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, & Photography).  

“Here at BUV’s SOCCI we make these educational experiences happen to provide students with direct engagement with industry professionals, access to meaningful internships and opportunities to study abroad. We are committed to increasing student opportunities to secure summer internships, while equipping them with both specialist and transferable skills. This ensures our graduates are well prepared to adapt, excel, and build rewarding careers in the sustainable and dynamic entertainment and media sectors.” said Dr. Paul D.J. Moody.