Monday, 2 December 2024

Why Animators Need to Apply Widely

Landing that first job in the animation industry isn't easy.  But what many graduates forget is just how many opportunities are out there. 

Alongside the world-beating UK animation companies like Aardman Animation, Blue Zoo, Framestore and DNEG are hundreds of small companies that are much less well known. 

There are almost 500 animation companies in the UK with at least one employee (ie not just a one-man-band) and this creates a huge opportunity for an animator with the patience to look beyond the famous names.
500 UK Animation Companies
There are around 2,500 animation studios in the UK, of which a little under 500 have employees - making them worth targeting for an entry-level job.  But how to find them?  

One great resource is Animation UK's Studios Directory, which you can find here.  Click on the link and you can start making lists of UK Animation Studios - and then start applying. 

Don't Overlook The Minnows
Animation UK's Studios Directory
Bear in mind that smaller studios will receive far fewer applications than the big famous ones, and hence are much easier to break into.  Also consider that smaller studios won't run formal internship programmes, but they might just make one up for you if you ask nicely and have a good demo reel.  

Animation UK Studio Directory
Animation UK's Studios Directory allows you to search by region and discipline. You can find studios close to home - and far away.  Don't forget to include Ireland in your search: UK passport holders have the right to work in Ireland. 

UK Animation - Global Number 2
The USA has around 6,000 animation studios, of which around 1,100 have employees (ie not just a sole freelancer working alone) - making it by far the biggest internationally.  But the number two spot is taken by the United Kingdom, with over 2,500 studios, of which around 465 have employees.  We punch way above our weight in the global animation market, with many jobs and opportunities for this growing industry. 

UK Animation is thriving
UK Tax Credits
One reason is Government support. Today animation in the UK continues to thrive, supported by a generous tax credit that offers almost 40% of the production budget.  To see more about how the UK tax credits work, read this blog post

Jobs 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:

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






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