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.  

Job Interview - Do's and Don'ts 

Interview, by Mikkel Okholm and Mikkel Brons-Frandsen

Once the company likes your demo reel, they will invite you to interview. You will be asked:

1. Your experience
Be honest - and get as much as you can through internships, obviously paid if possible.

2. Whether you can work In-House or Remote 

Say that you are flexible if you can be.

3. Whether you can move town if necessary 

Say yes if you possibly can - and find a cheap room to rent.

4. You Will be Asked Your Strengths and Weaknesses 

Be honest about both - have your answers ready. in the case of the latter, tell them how you are aware of this and what steps you have taken to fix it.

5. What Paygrade You Should Expect

Research the going rate for a junior and make a reasonable request - and put in the caveat that you are flexible (within reason). If you go too low, alarm bells will ring in the recruiter saying if you under value yourself so much, that this is a red flag. If you go in asking for silly money when applying for your first job you will seem arrogant and this will raise alarm bells about hiring a possible prima donna who will come in and make a nuisance of himself.  

BECTU Rates

Note that the minimal BECTU rate is £125 per day. If you are offered any less than this it is likely the company you are applying for is of poor quality and you are being scammed. (I have been scammed many times in my career by jumping at opportunities with poor companies). 

For more on BECTU rates, look up the Animation & VFX FREELANCE RATECARD GUIDANCE For Film & TV 2022 - BECTU.

6. Should You Do an Animation Test?
You will be asked whether you will be willing to do an animation test. Say yes to this - it is normal part of the hiring process.

--- Kevin Richards

Careers Resources at Animation Apprentice
We have many resources available at Animation Apprentice aimed at helping our students find work in the animation industry. To get started, see the blog posts below:

• Jobs and Careers Playlist at YouTube
• Finding a Mentor in the Animation Industry
• How do graduates find work in the animation industry?
• Demo Reel Advice - at Skwigly
• Demo Reel Advice by Animal Logic
• Why Animators Need to be on LinkedIn
• Be the Rhino - remember that rejection is normal
• Six Rules to Create a Great CV
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Find an Animation Internship
• Blue Zoo Recruitment Tips
• Escape Studios' Free Industry Survival Guide
• Escape Studios Free Careers Guide
• Michael Morgan: "From the Classroom to the Studio"
• Why Animators Need their Own Blog or Website
• How to be a Freelance Animator
• 12 Rules to Find Work in the Animation Industry
• Pixar Advice for Graduates
• Why Animators Should apply for Jobs Twice

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our November 5th classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.