Drew Collins
Lecturer, Animation BA(Hons)
Drew Collins brings a powerhouse of experience to the classroom—combining award-winning industry credentials with a deep passion for teaching. With an impressive career spanning visual effects, feature animation, and advertising, He’s been part of award-winning teams that have earned the industry’s top accolades - Oscars, BAFTAs, VES and AACTA Awards.
As an Artist and Supervisor at DNEG, Drew contributed to major blockbusters including Inception, Fast & Furious, John Carter, 2012, Green Zone and Total Recall. He later served as Global Learning & Development Manager at Animal Logic and Netflix, where he helped train industry talent on animated hits like The LEGO Batman Movie, LEGO Movie 2, DC League of Super-Pets, Leo, and the Peter Rabbit films.
Drew is a passionate educator with teaching experience in public and private Universities, both in the UK and Canada. He’s delivered masterclasses across North America, Australia, and Asia, and regularly presented at international festivals. He’s also contributed to the creation of numerous SIGGRAPH conference presentations and served as a senior judge for The Rookies, the globally recognized awards program for emerging creative talent.
Beyond teaching, Drew has advised some of the world’s top film and animation schools on curriculum design/improvements - bridging the gap between education and industry. His insider knowledge of recruitment and hiring practices helps students understand exactly what studios are looking for.
What truly sets Drew apart, though, is his dedication to students. He’s committed to helping the next generation reach the highest industry standards—sharing insider knowledge on how hiring managers think, what studios really want, and how to get noticed in a competitive field. All while keeping things hands-on, high-energy, and (most importantly) fun.
If you’re looking to learn from someone who’s worked at the highest levels of the industry and loves helping students reach their full potential, Drew Collins is the kind of mentor who can launch your creative career.
External Links
Qualifications
Qualifications
| Year | Qualification | Awarding body |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Degree, Distinction in Computer Animation and Visual Effects | Teesside University | |
| First Class Honours Degree in Digital Character Animation | Teesside University |
Teaching
Areas of teaching
- 3D Animation
- 3D Design
- Cinematography
- Storytelling
- Employability (Film)
- Character/creature and assets
- Lighting and rendering
- Look development
