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All the courses offered by Burnley College Game Art and Design are part of the Unreal Academic Partner Program, which recognises our provision of experienced staff. This programme also acknowledges our commitment to delivering an excellent learner experience, preparing students for their future careers in the games industry. Through this programme, learners gain access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, as well as industry-standard training and support, helping them develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in a competitive job market.
Gary Noden
The Graphter's Podcast
Gary is a Senior Creative, the CTO of Open Door Studio and the Co-host of the Graphters' Podcast. In the past 30 plus years he began working in the games industry then shifted over to Broadcast in the North West, working in post-production for shows such as CBBC’s Strange Hill High, Muddle Earth and Young Dracula, Disney’s Evermoor Chronicles and then acted as Pipeline Manager for Milshake’s Pip Ahoy at Cosgrove Hall Fitzpatrick.
Since 2015, Gary has created motion graphics and VFX on various corporate projects, documentaries and dramas, such as Doctor Who, The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Disney, and Curiosity Stream’s Speed which he is currently doing to this day. TO say he loves his job would be an understatement.
More recently, he has created a podcast about the Games, Animation and VFX Industries and Education and with his co-host John Stopforth and they are currently creating a Work Experience Project that will bring real-life working projects to FE students for a true experience of working in the VFX, Games and Animation.
Further Education is becoming the cornerstone with regards to Digital Arts, especially Games Design, Visual Effects and 3D Creation. However, not all courses are the same, some of them are weighted more towards 3D, others more towards programming and so on. It is always a pleasure to see a balanced organised course.
So when Renzo Palmisano asked me to check over the Games and Animation course for the Key Stage 5 I was, firstly, honoured and, secondly, very happy with what I saw.
To see a course this well structured, with everything in the correct order was a joy to read. As a professional it is important to understand the work pipeline; this delicate process that takes an idea along its journey to becoming a completed project. The course was almost perfect in that respect, allowing for the theory to arrive before the practice, each lesson in the plan designed to drop into place like the linear jigsaw that we use every day. I did recommend one minor change for the purposes of accuracy, but it was only a small one in the grand scheme of things, and this truly is a grand scheme.
Burnley should be proud of this course as it provides a sensible and complete course that if followed properly will provide a solid grounding for a career in either the games or the animation industry.
This was great feedback, that allowed us to sequence the units better as It's more end of project.
Phil Foxton
Fox Chicken Grain
With over three decades of experience in IT roles, Phil is a seasoned professional who has excelled as a team lead, manager, and operational head. A significant portion of their career, spanning fifteen years, has been dedicated to leadership roles, where they have prioritized driving growth while preserving a cohesive team culture.
Phil’s diverse career has taken them through various industries, encompassing both commercial and government projects. Notably, they have spent the past two years deeply engaged in the dynamic world of video games, with a strong desire to continue their journey in this thrilling field.
Bringing a wealth of knowledge, they possess a strong understanding of finance, budgeting, and forecasting, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive operational success. Throughout their career, they have adeptly managed relationships with customers and suppliers, demonstrating their ability to navigate even the most challenging situations, always striving to maintain positive and productive partnerships.
Phil is unafraid to roll up their sleeves and actively participate in tasks when required, balancing this hands-on approach with the wisdom to step back when necessary, allowing others to make progress in the task at hand. Their leadership style is marked by a proven ability not only to hire top talent but, more importantly, to retain the right staff, ensuring the successful execution of projects.
Known for their exceptional track record in honesty and openness, they have skillfully navigated difficult conversations with individuals at all levels of the organisation, fostering a transparent and trusting work environment.
In addition to their professional accomplishments, Phil has taken on the role of mentoring a startup studio and three individual game developers. Their commitment to mentorship reflects their dedication to supporting the growth and development of emerging talent in the gaming industry.
Furthermore, they have led Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) projects, underscoring their deep commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. Additionally, they are a certified mental health first aider, demonstrating their dedication to the well-being of team members they lead and mentor.
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This was great feedback, as it allowed as to streamline the course as well as giving more to specific skills which has raised the quality of work.
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