Kevin Richards Explains the Role of Animation Recruiters - and How to Make Use of Them

Kevin Richards is one of my former animation students, who is today working as a Lead Animator at the new Aardman Animation TV Series "Pop Paper City", produced by LoveLoveFilms.

As a production lead, Kevin reviews animation reels and makes hiring decisions on new talent.

In the guest blog below, Kevin explains the role of recruiters in the animation industry, and how our graduates at Animation Apprentice can get the best out of them.  Who are Animation Recruiters - and what do they do?

Winter Class Starts on 7 November 2022

"Artifact" by Kristis Bandzevicius

Our November classroom is now taking applications, and the new Winter class begins on Monday 7th November 2022.

It's not too late to book a place; all you need to do to get started is head over to our main site and fill in a brief form.

If you want to learn 3D animation to a professional level - your journey starts here.

"Mouse: Impossible" Wins "Best Super Short" at FOFA

Congratulations to Animation Apprentice student Robin Herrmann whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won "Best Super Short Film" at the Future of Film Awards.

Mouse: Impossible is a short animated film created by Animation Apprentice student Robin Herrman.  "Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at our degree-awarding partner, Buckinghamshire New University. 

This is the latest of many awards for "Mouse: Impossible".

Should Graduates Work as Runners?

Running - is it just about making coffee?

Should animation, games and VFX graduates work as runners? Working as a runner is a standard entry-level position in our industry, but is it really necessary?  And should our students and graduates do it - or perhaps hold out for a more creative entry-level role?

Here at Animation Apprentice we support our students who take running positions.  Running isn't glamorous, but it can - and often does - lead to better things.  

Hang in there, put up with a bit of drudgery, and it can pay big dividends. 

Aid Film "Best Micro Short" at Golden Eagle Festival

"Best Micro Short" at Golden Eagle Indie Film Fest

Congratulations to the makers of the short film "What is Wrong With The Global Development Organisation?" which has won "Best Micro Short" film at the Golden Eagle Indie Film Festival.

Directed by Monika Dzikowicz, the two minute micro-documentary tells the story of an aid organisation which has lost sight of its founding principles.  It was made under the aegis of Nano Films, our film co-operative. 

Animation Interview Strategy with Kevin Richards

Kevin Richards mentoring a student

One of my former students, Kevin Richards, is currently working as a Lead Animator at the new Aardman Animation TV Series "Pop Paper City".  

As a production lead, Kevin spends a good deal of time interviewing junior animators and making hiring decisions.

In the guest blog below, Kevin offers his tips on how to succeed at a job interview - the second stage in the process of getting hired.  If the company likes your demo reel, they will invite you to interview - below is Kevin's advice on how to get it right.  

Joining Instructions for MA in 3D Animation

Joining Instructions September 2022

It will soon be time for our new animation students starting with us at our degree-awarding partner Buckinghamshire New University to get started on their animation journey.  

Below are some Joining Instructions for students starting with us on the Online MA in 3D Animation.

"Mouse Impossible" Wins "Best Super Short"

Congratulations to Animation Apprentice student Robin Herrmann whose short film "Mouse: Impossible" has won "Best Super Short Film" at the London Movie Awards.

Mouse: Impossible is a short animated film created by Animation Apprentice student Robin Herrman.  "Mouse: Impossible" was written, produced and directed by Robin, currently studying for his MA in 3D Animation at our degree-awarding partner, Buckinghamshire New University.  This is the third award for "Mouse: Impossible".

Crafting a Killer Demo Reel - with Kevin Richards

Kevin Richards Teaching

Kevin Richards is one of my former animation students, currently working as a Lead Animator at the new Aardman Animation TV Series "Pop Paper City".  As a production lead, Kevin spends a good deal of time reviewing animation reels and making hiring decisions on new talent.  

In this guest blog below, Kevin offers his tips on how to put together a great demo reel that will ensure you land that crucial first job in the animation industry.