Alliance Française de Dhaka is excited to announce a workshop on ANIMATION SHORT FILM DEVELOPMENT for all animation enthusiasts eager to use their skills in making their own films. This workshop will explore the essential principles of developing a project, empowering participants to produce their film independently or with a professional producer.
This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to the development phase of animated short film production—an essential but often overlooked stage. Many emerging filmmakers struggle with issues such as creative direction, funding, and professional support due to a lack of focus on this critical phase.
After the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience in research, writing, and design, explored from both the director’s and the producer’s perspective. This dual approach equips participants with the creative tools and strategic insight needed to successfully shape their ideas and prepare for production or pitching.
Whether you’re aiming to create an artistic short film, a pilot for a feature-length project, a series prototype, a music video, or a portfolio piece for higher education—this workshop provides the foundation to move forward with clarity and confidence.
CLASS DETAILS
| Program Offered | FEES | Class Size | Age Limit | Schedule | Total class/hours | Class location |
| Animation Short Film Development | 10,000 BDT | 20 | 15+ | June 17–August 21; Tuesdays and Thursdays; 5–8 pm | 20 Classes/ 60 hours | 26, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi Branch, Alliance Française de Dhaka |
.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
| Address | Office hours | Mobile | Phone | ||
| 26, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi Branch, Alliance Française de Dhaka | Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm; (Closed on Saturday and Sunday) | +880 1678086441; +880 1678086442 | 096 3866 2266 | [email protected] | |
WORKSHOP CO-ORDINATOR: SARA HOSSAIN
Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sara Hossain is an emerging writer-director known for looking at real events through the lens of Bengali folklore and the sensibilities of magical realism. With a strong academic foundation in drawing and painting, she emphasizes honest expression in her creative work while embracing evolving techniques to bring her stories to life.
.
After completing her first short film, Song of Whales, she is developing a feature film, Song of Jhinuk, which gained national and international attention by winning the West Meets East Screenplay Lab in January 2023.
.
In September 2023, she was selected as a representative of the animation film industry in Bangladesh by the Embassy of France in Bangladesh and Alliance Française de Dhaka and was honored by presenting both of her films to the Honorable President of France during a cultural meetup held as part of his visit to Bangladesh. Later, in May-June 2024, she had the privilege to visit France to conduct market research on co-production and animation education to explore possibilities for co-producing animation films between France and Bangladesh. The Alliance Française de Dhaka arranged the one-month trip, with funding from METIS|French Development Agency and the ICT ministry of Bangladesh.
.
CONTACT: [email protected]
.
Curriculum Breakdown
This workshop focuses solely on the development phase of an animation project—the critical foundation upon which the creative and production process is built. Participants will explore development through three core tasks: Research, Designing, and Writing, analyzed from two key industry perspectives: the Author (creative originator) and the Producer (strategic enabler). This dual approach equips aspiring filmmakers with the tools to articulate their creative vision while aligning with professional industry standards.
| Module | Author’s Perspective | Class/Hours | Producer’s Perspective | Class/Hours | |
| 1 | Introduction | Analyzing roles, responsibilities, and tools of an Author | 1 class/3 hrs | Analyzing roles, responsibilities, and tools of a Producer | 1 class/3 hrs |
| 2 | Research | Finding voice through subject, concept/theme, and graphic style research | 2 classes/6 hrs | Analyzing where the project fits in reality; audience and market fit | 2 classes/3 hrs |
| 3 | Designing | Concept art, graphic design, cinematic language, and storyboard | 6 classes/12 hours | Funding, network building, resource planning, and distribution | 4 classes/12 hours |
| 4 | Writing | Screenplay development for animation | 2 classes/6 hrs | Writing project proposals and pitching documents | 2 classes/6 hrs |
.
Learning Objectives
| 1 | Understand the Structure and Purpose of the Development Phase | a) Differentiate between internal (creative, philosophical) and external (economic, cultural) values in project development. |
| 2 | Conduct Targeted Research from Authorial and Market Perspectives | a) Identify and articulate personal creative voice through research into subject, concept, visual style, and animation genre.
b) Analyze the project’s context and audience, aligning the author’s voice with market trends and opportunities. |
| 3 | Develop and Communicate a Visual Concept | a) Create concept artwork, graphic designs, cinematic visuals, and storyboards that effectively convey narrative and tone.
b) Apply cinematic language appropriate for animated storytelling. |
| 4 | Write for Animation Effectively | a) Draft screenplays suitable for short animated films.
b) Create written documentation for project presentation and communication. |
| 5 | Collaborate Across Creative and Strategic Roles | a) Explore funding avenues, networking strategies, resource planning, and distribution frameworks from a producer’s perspective.
b) Prepare to build partnerships and navigate professional production environments. |
.