Mrs Rachel Mills

• Qualifications:PGCE (PCET) UWE, BA Hons Visual Communication, Glasgow School of Art
• Position:senior lecturer in animation.
• Department:ACE - Film and Journalism
• Telephone:+4411732 81451
• Email:Rachel3.Mills@uwe.ac.uk

About me

Rachel, a seasoned producer of animation, has over 15 years of experience in the field. Her expertise spans projects tailored for diverse audiences, including children's and adult TV, web series, and e-learning content. She has freelanced for renowned studios like Aardman and catered to commercial clients throughout the southwest region.

In 2019, Rachel founded Buttercup Learning, a content development studio focused on engaging children and families in eco/natural world e-learning and conservation efforts. Her studio has successfully delivered environmental animated projects, serving as live briefs for animation students. Recognized for her innovative work, Rachel secured a coveted spot on the pre-incubation scheme with Natwest Back Her Business program, supported by SETsquared Bristol, and received mentorship until November 2020.

Currently, Rachel is pioneering a UK-first non-fiction augmented reality children's book/phonics scheme. Collaborating with UWE alumni from various creative industries, scientists, and early years advisors, she aims to revolutionize learning experiences. Her groundbreaking work in augmented reality has garnered acclaim from industry and business luminaries such as Theo Paphitis, the Creative Industries Council, Green Tech Southwest, Startups magazine, and Techround. Buttercup was also honoured as one of the Top 50 Impact emerging companies in the UK by Hyer.

Rachel's journey in animation began at the Glasgow School of Art, where she pursued a BA Hons Visual Communication degree from 1994-1998, specializing in Illustration and Animation. Her current research interests lie in virtual reality/augmented reality and mixed reality storytelling, rapid prototyping, and the development of technologies for moving images.

Since joining UWE in 2006, Rachel has spearheaded numerous live briefs with studios and clients, ensuring students gain invaluable real-world animation production experience. Her collaborations have included working with prominent entities such as the BBC, regional studios, national charities, and university partnerships.

Formerly serving as the BA Animation programme leader at UWE Bristol for over 5 years, Rachel currently holds a part-time Senior Lecturer position, teaching across both BA and MA Animation programs. Previously, she also held the role of Associate Head of Department at UWE, overseeing a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, Fashion, and Interior Design. Rachel thrives on collaborating with diverse teams internally and externally at UWE, having initially joined as a short course instructor teaching Flash Animation before transitioning to an academic role within the animation team.

Area of expertise

Adobe animate animation and animated series production management

Publications

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