The Industry

We had a visit from animator Stuart Messinger. he has worked on many famous films including Harry Potter, 10,000BC, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Valiant. He talked to us about his job role, and how he got into the animation industry. He also discussed the ways that most people get into the Animation Industry.
Personally, Stuart started in 2D (Pen and Paper). He told us that getting a job in the media industry is often down to chance- Who you know rather than what you know.

Job Roles in the Media Industry

Many of the people employed by the animation industry work freelance or are on short term contracts. The animation sector is responsible for providing around 4,700 jobs in the UK.

One of the main employers within the animation industry is draw/stop frame animation. It currently employs approximately 1,000 people, this is closely followed by producing and computer generated animation (910 and 900 respectively).

How do people generally get a job in the animation sector?

'39% of the animation industry’s workforce secured their first job through making direct contact with a company, and 28% through a friend or relative. These two entry routes are far more common than elsewhere in the audiovisual sector, though in keeping with the rest of the sector, once established it is more usual to secure employment by being called than by calling.' (http://publications.skillset.org/index.php?id=23&page=70)
One of the first jobs that people usually take up when they enter the media industry is Data Ops/Wrangling- this job is a massive responsibility , however it would often be the first step into the industry.
Another opportunity into the industry is as a runner.

Acceptable working practices in the Animation Industry

I gained the following information from the 'connexions' website and http://publications.skillset.org/index.php?id=23&page=71.

The conditions under which Animatiors are expected to work vary tremendously depending on the type of animation. For example hand drawn or 3GI animations may include office work which consists of sitting down for long periods of time working at a computer or on a drawing board. Whereas stop frame animations would involve studio work where it would be necessary to stand for long periods of time under hot studio lighting, where there is a constant need to adjust the models and surroundings.

It is important that animators build up a strong portfolio consisting of a range of animation techniques and skills. It is often this range and development that gains them their place on a production team, rather than just their qualifications. Having a breadth of experience, gained from working with experienced professionals or on-the-job, can make animators more versatile and adaptable. It is also important that Animatiors keep up-to-date with new technological advances in order to develop their skills or advance in their specialism. The media industry is very fast developing, with incresingly improving software and applications.

As an animatior it may become necessary to work long and unsocial hours, especially which approaching deadlines.

'More than 300 companies are involved in the animation industry in the UK. These include small production companies, larger studios, post-production facilities houses, computer games developers (increasingly the main recruiters) and interactive media companies. The main centres are London, Bristol, Manchester, Cardiff and Dundee. There are some permanent jobs, but many animators work on a freelance or contract basis.' (Connexions)