Film and animation are more closely linked today than ever before. It is important that candidates have a basic understanding of both. Today there is scarcely a film that doesn’t have some form of animation in it. Often the audience won’t even notice and this is where it works its magic. TV commercials are also increasingly using some form of animation for products, effects and environments.
We gathered some information to help you increase your chances of getting in by finding out about the range of jobs, qualifications and skills required in the business.
Getting a job in film or television can be tough, it is a business that relies heavily on who you know (or who knows you!) as well as what you know! Today though, there are many avenues for working in film and animation, not just on big budget feature films or TV shows, but across the wide landscape of online digital production. People are turning to film and animation for their websites. Some companies allocate large budgets to this form of promotion, through viral and social media marketing.
Which department do you want to work in?
Both industries divide themselves into four sectors:
1. Development: the writing, packaging and financing of ideas and scripts.
2. Production & Direction: the process actually filming or animating.
3. Editing & Post Production: where film footage or animation renders are assembled, treated and combined into a finished product.
4. Distribution: the process of selling / uploading this product to audiences, via distributors.
What will you need?
These days it helps to be technical and creative. Animation can involve scripting languages as well as increasingly relying on complex digital asset management to safeguard workflows. There are numerous programs out there now and you need to decide if you are going to be a generalist or specialist in one particular area. There is room in the market place for both! The same goes for films; stereoscopic cameras and complex post-production treatments, so being technically minded can be a great advantage. Pre-vis artists, compositors as well as full blown VFX artists are also in demand.
More general work-life skills are also expected, of which the key ones are:
- Teamwork
- An ability to take direction
- An ability to work quickly, to deadlines, while retaining a high standard
Interpersonal communication - especially with clients who may interface with even the most junior roles
- Management - of yourself, others, work, time and projects
How to gain experience?
Getting involved as a crew member on a short film is one good way of getting into the industry. If you know what department you are interested in then approach a senior crew member and ask if you can help assist them. A short film can be a good way to learn a lot in a short space of time, roles, terminology, tricks of the trade and most importantly contacts for the future. You can also start as a runner.
The same goes for work experience; I know a lot of people who got their first job this way. You can move between several companies over say 6 months or a year, sometimes getting paid and sometimes not. But crucially you will get a good understanding of the industry you intend to work in, the different roles and responsibilities and again most importantly you will build up a network of contacts. It is a small industry and people often move around between the bigger animation companies.
How to be noticed?
We work in a visual industry and people expect to see your work, not to read about it in a CV or cover letter. The best way of getting noticed is to have a cracking showreel of your best work. People still aren’t that interested in qualifications, it’s more about skills, a creative eye and being good to get on with. With a good reel and excellent interview skills you can pull this off.
Useful websites
There are lots places where you can get more information, contacts and advice, here’s a short list:
Training:
www.skillset.org
www.bectu.org.uk
Short Film:
www.shootingpeople.org
www.virginmediashorts.co.uk
Film Studio:
www.elstreestudios.co.uk
www.pinewoodgroup.com
Animation:
www.dneg.com
www.framestore.com
www.moving-picture.com
I hope my blog gave you some good insights as to how to get a job in the film and animation industry. I would welcome all your comments in the box below – whether you wish to add something to my blog or wish to obtain some more specific advice. I’m more than happy to help.