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

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

Apr 16, 2025

From the Creator of ‘Oggy & the Cockroaches’: A Premier Animation Masterclass for Aspiring Creatives 14:27:25

Recently, the School of Communication 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.  

BUV Pioneers Cutting-edge Technology To Enhance Digital Learning ExperiencesRead more
BUV students create games at lightning speed within only 48 hours
BUV Daily

Jun 25, 2025

BUV students create games at lightning speed within only 48 hours

Game projects developed by students from the Computer Games Developing & Programming and Games Art programmes during the annual Game Jam and Games Nexus events have drawn significant attention for their impressive quality, exceeding expectations.  Remarkable projects from a race against time  Game Jam was celebrated with seven student teams take on the challenge of […]

British University Vietnam fosters teaching quality through digital platform Knowledge Hub
BUV Daily

Jun 23, 2025

British University Vietnam fosters teaching quality through digital platform Knowledge Hub

In response to the demand for innovation in higher education during the digital transformation era, British University Vietnam has developed “Knowledge Hub” – an internal platform that supports faculty in enhancing their expertise, innovating teaching methods, and promoting a lifelong learning spirit within the academic community.  Teaching Quality and Faculty Competence Go Hand in Hand  In […]

BUV Pioneers Cutting-edge Technology To Enhance Digital Learning Experiences
BUV Daily

Jun 20, 2025

BUV Pioneers Cutting-edge Technology To Enhance Digital Learning Experiences

Anticipating the rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data, BUV pioneers the integration of advanced technologies into its teaching, delivering a comprehensive and practical learning experience across all disciplines.  Revolutionising computer science education with Codio  BUV is the first university in Vietnam and the only institution in the region to implement Codio, setting […]

BUV MBA Students Dive Into Real-World Sustainable Business Practices
BUV Daily

Jun 20, 2025

BUV MBA Students Dive Into Real-World Sustainable Business Practices

What does it take to lead in a sustainable business? For BUV MBA students, the answer lies beyond textbooks but in real experiences, real challenges, and real solutions.  In today’s fast-changing world, business leadership is no longer just about spreadsheets and short-term profits. It’s about resilience, responsibility, and readiness for what’s next. That’s why experiential […]

BUV and Manchester Metropolitan University Advance Sustainability through International Mobility Programmes
BUV Daily

Jun 19, 2025

BUV and Manchester Metropolitan University Advance Sustainability through International Mobility Programmes

With sustainability at the heart of both institutions, the recent visit of students from Manchester Metropolitan University to Vietnam further reinforced BUV’s dedication to advancing global mobility and sustainable development.  As part of the Culture Immersion Programme of BUV designed to foster academic exchange and cross-cultural dialogue, BUV welcomed the first cohort of 20 students […]

BUV Students’ Multiverse Dance Lights Up The Universe Showcase
BUV Daily

Jun 19, 2025

BUV Students’ Multiverse Dance Lights Up The Universe Showcase

After months of dedicated practice, student dance groups at BUV successfully delivered an explosive night of art and choreography, vividly recreating a journey to explore the universe through the creative perspective of the younger generation.  BUV students “gave their all” with vibrant performances at The Universe Showcase  This summer, the stage at British University Vietnam […]

Using AI to Predict Hospital Stays: BUV Lecturer’s Research Could Help Patients Recover Sooner and Ease Pressure on Hospitals
BUV Daily

Jun 19, 2025

Using AI to Predict Hospital Stays: BUV Lecturer’s Research Could Help Patients Recover Sooner and Ease Pressure on Hospitals

Dr. Dang Quang Vinh from the School of Computing & Innovative Technologies, together with his colleagues, have recently developed an AI-powered model that accurately predicts the length of hospital stay for patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity. Their research paper “Predictive Modeling Of Length Of Stay in General Surgery Patients Using Artificial Intelligence”, was […]

Recap BUV Scholarship 2025: Highlights from the Journey of Empowering the Next Generation of Lionhearts
BUV Daily

Jun 16, 2025

Recap BUV Scholarship 2025: Highlights from the Journey of Empowering the Next Generation of Lionhearts

The resounding success of the BUV Scholarship Fund 2025 once again affirms BUV’s mission to nurture and develop a talented and resilient young generation in Vietnam. Building on the achievements of previous scholarship seasons, the BUV Scholarship Fund 2025 continues its mission of identifying and supporting young talents – representatives of a generation with the […]

Notification Regarding COVID-19 at British University Vietnam (BUV)
BUV Daily

Jun 05, 2025

Notification Regarding COVID-19 at British University Vietnam (BUV)

In view of the recent notice issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the COVID-19 situation in the region, we would like to kindly remind all staff and students to remain vigilant and adhere to the current public health guidance to help protect both yourselves and the wider community.  Your cooperation with these recommendations below […]

11 School Transfers, 10 House Moves: Student Secures Full Scholarship
BUV Daily

May 19, 2025

11 School Transfers, 10 House Moves: Student Secures Full Scholarship

Despite parents’ divorce, mother’s cancer, having to move house 10 times and change schools 11 times during 12 years of schooling, Phan Tuan Minh still earned a full-ride university scholarship.  This September, Phan Tuan Minh will enroll in the Software Engineering Programme at the  School of Computing & Innovative Technologies of British University Vietnam (BUV).   He […]

DMCA.com Protection Status