King Bee, Martyn Niman and Animation Internships

Martyn Niman of King Bee Animation

Last week we spoke to King Bee Animation Founder Martyn Niman  about jobs and careers in the animation industry. 

Martyn Niman has been running King Bee Animation at Elstree Studios in North London for well over a decade, and has offered many internships and jobs to Animation Apprentice graduates over the years. What was Martyn's advice to students looking to break into the industry? "Be on Linkedin, have a great portfolio, and have your own unique voice and passion".

Martyn Niman and King Bee

King Bee Animation is located in Elstree Studios 

Martyn Niman founded King Bee in 2003, doing "commercials, and toy animations". The studio "had 2D beginnings", but now "does more 3D work". King Bee works "both on the service side, and the IP side" of the business. 

King Bee does explainer videos, educational videos, and are also "developing films", and their "own unique characters and brands", which is "the holy grail of the business". Lately there has been "a lot of change in the industry", but King Bee continues to change and develop. 

The business is "very project based", but King Bee has "many projects ongoing". 

Graduate Portfolios and Showreels

Be on Instagram Wix or Artstation

What does Martyn Niman look for in an animator's portfolio? Martyn explained he looks for a "T Shaped Portfolio". That is, a diverse portfolio, someone who "understands the business", but who can also show a "deep interest" in their field".  

Every artist should have "their own unique voice and passion". Graduates should be "easy to find", and be online, on "Instagram, Wix or Artstation". In terms of finding work, the "showreel is key". Make sure you have "a portfolio and a reel".  

Always "show your best work, and show a range of work".  Martyn also recommends having "a single PDF of your work" to send to potential clients. 

Linkedin

Be on Linkedin

Animators should "be on Linkedin".  They can find Martyn at Linkedin, or email him.  Anyone interested in doing an internship should "send a message at Linkedin, including a link to their portfolio, and a CV". Also "a brief bio" is helpful. Then, if Martyn likes your reel, this would be followed by "a Zoom call" interview. 

Pitching

Children's Media Conference 16-17 March 2027

For students looking to pitch new shows and ideas, Martyn recommended attending events like The Children's Media Conference which takes place in London on 16-17 March 2027.  Animators should also attend Annecy Film Festival in June 2027. 

Internships

King Bee has offered many internships to Escapees and Escape Studios students over the years. These internships are sometimes remote, sometimes in house (depending on space). Students should aim to "provide their own software", as King Bee "cannot always provide licenses". 

Animation Apprentice Graduates at King Bee Animation

Many Animation Apprentice graduates have started their animation careers at King Bee, including Angelo Garrizone, Anna Laura Zielinska, Emma Thorpe, and Peter Nicholson. 

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.