How to make an animated short film: Ventura, the short film and TFG made by 4 UDIT students

27 March 2025
5 minutos
Blog

Can you imagine creating your own animated short film and having it become your letter of introduction to the sector and the main festivals in the animation industry? Discover Ventura: the career of a lifetime, the animated short film developed by four students from UDIT's Bachelor's Degree in Animation.

What is the story of Ventura?

A group of four friends are preparing to compete in the most important race in their city, La Carrera Quincenal de Prosperidad. A medieval-futuristic city, inhabited by humans, elves and anthropomorphic animals is the setting for Ventura where Nee, the main character, and her friends prepare to make history by building a ship and competing in the most demanding race in the city of Prosperidad.

A story of friendship, work and dreams that exemplifies the passage from adolescence to young adulthood, bringing with it an implicit duel with the known past and the uncertain future.

This short film has been awarded in Webseries & Film Festival as Best animation 2024 and in the national festival of Monfragüe en Corto 2024 with the third prize, as well as nominated in the Valencia Indie Film Festival 2025 (VALÈIFF) and KidFestival 2025.

Concept art of two of the characters made by the team of Fuel Up!

Examples of 3D layout and modelling done by the members of Fuel Up!

Meeting the creators: 4 students of the Animation Degree at UDIT

Juan Andrés Cermeño, Celia Marqués and Urtzi Errasti, members of the production company Fuel Up, are behind Ventura, their final project and entry project into the animation industry.

Inspired by indie short films published in Gobelins or CalArts' where 2D and 3D are intermingled, this project represents the culmination of four years of training in UDIT's Bachelor's Degree in Animation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gad4rCINwUA

UDIT's Bachelor's Degree in Animation: we are your place

With an up-to-date curriculum and project-based training, in UDIT's Bachelor of Animation you will acquire a mastery of digital tools, 2D and 3D Animation and disciplines such as cut-out, motion capture, concept art and production, post-production and VFX.

In the Bachelor's Degree in Animation, you will learn from internationally renowned professionals who combine teaching with their work in leading companies in the sector.

On the Design and Creative Industries Campus you will be able to develop your talent in animation and live unique experiences in creative events, competitions and international contests.

Our learning by doing methodology will help you build your portfolio and you will come into contact with the industry and the professionals that make it up through internships in top studios and companies. UDIT has more than 2,400 agreements with companies.

Our classrooms have trained personalities such as Raúl García, animator at Warner Bros in projects such as "Phineas and Ferb, Candance against the universe" or Diego Porral, animation supervisor for a Netflix project and whose work "A day in the park" was nominated in 2018 for best animated short film at the Goya Awards, among others.

request information about the Degree

Showreel and portfolio: your cover letter in the Animation Industry

The world of Animation and Design is a very competitive world where it is necessary to stand out from other professionals. The showreel is an indispensable tool for any creative looking to break into the industry.

For professionals working with audiovisual projects, the showreel is one of the tools they use to showcase their best work, skills and talent in a visual and impactful way.

👉 Do you want toknow what your showreel should include or which mistakes you should avoid? 👈

So if you want to start working in the Animation industry, here are 5 reasons why you should make your showreel:

Showcase your unique style and skills: every professional has their own style, so your audiovisual portfolio will reflect your personality and personal stamp.
Stand out from the competition: it is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from the rest of the professionals.
Reflect your professional evolution: depending on the projects you include in this portfolio you will be able to show the progress of your skills.
Facilitate decision-making in selection processes: a showreel allows a clear, concise and attractive way to show what you are capable of.
Versatile tool: it will not only be useful to look for work in animation studios or agencies, but also to attract clients if you decide to work as a freelancer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q12Im4AMipM

Discover some of the best projects made by the final year students of the Bachelor's Degree in Animation.

Want to experience animation during the summer: Anima Camp?

For two weeks, from 30 June to 11 July, you can delve into the fantastic and magical world of 2D animation and discover if Animation is your vocation. You will learn the artistic and technological basics of animation with university professors with experience in the industry.