Animators - Embed Your Demo Reel at Linkedin

Animation recruiters "live at Linkedin" 

A strong demo reel is essential for launching an animation career — but it only works if people see it. Too many graduates upload their reel to YouTube or Vimeo and stop there. 

One of the smartest places to share your reel is LinkedIn.  It’s quick, it’s professional, and it’s where animation recruiters are already looking. Your reel is your most important asset. Don’t hide it. Put it where the industry can find you easily.

Do You Need a BA to Apply for an MA?

One question we often get asked here at Animation Apprentice is this: "Do I need a BA in order to apply for your MA in animation?". The answer is... "maybe".  Ideally, candidates for our Online MA in 3D Animation, delivered in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University, will already have a BA in an arts-related subject.  However, those without a BA can still go through what is called the APEL process - APEL stands for "Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning". APEL is the formal recognition of prior learning by UK universities, and is the means by which students who do not have an undergraduate degree can gain entry onto a masters' level course, such as our master's programme in 3D Animation.

How to Get Hired - with Kevin Richards

Kevin Richards teaching a class

One of my former students, Kevin Richards, is tcurrently working as a Lead Animator on the new Aardman Animation TV Series "Pop Paper City", produced by LoveLove Films. 

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

In the guest blog below, Kevin explains how our students can maximise their chances of getting hired in the animation industry. 

Benn Garnish Product Manager at fTrack

Many congratulations to Animation Apprentice graduate Benn Garnish who is working as Integrations Product Manager at fTrack.

Benn's remit at fTrack is creative direction and strategy, currently leveraging the technology of Virtual Reality to treat mental health conditions. 

Benn leads a team of developers and digital artists, with successful releases in the NHS, Hong Kong and the United States.

Benn's career shows how many animators are now moving into areas of medical animation, VR and AR, literally helping to save lives. 

Pixar Advice for Graduates

Check out this excellent just-released video from Pixar on tips for animation graduates, offering some great advice on how to break into the industry. Among the most interesting comments from Pixar employees: "I applied....three times; friends and family told me to give up, saying, 'they're just not that into you'." (she made it in the end).  Another one says "Every time you get rejected...is an opportunity for you to improve yourself". And also "the learning didn't stop in college, there are still opportunities to improve yourself".  Great advice from some great talent. To see why animation graduates need to be the rhino, read this blog post.

AniMates: Thurs 13th June in Tunbridge Wells

Animation Apprentice graduate and Motion Graphics expert Neil Whitman is organising a meet up of animation folks in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

The idea is to get animation professionals (and aspiring animators) together to associate, talk shop, and help each other out.

Celebrating Our New MA Graduates

Alexi Balian, Charlie Falconi, Tim Millson, Neil Whitman, Stephen Young. 

Today was Graduation Day at Bucks New University and our new MAs in Animation made a little piece of animation history.

Our first graduating cohort aren't the first animation MAs in the world, but they are the first to get their MA purely online.

And, despite living in far-flung parts of the world, many came to Bucks for the graduation ceremony, for the chance to wear a robe and a silly hat and - at last! - meet up in person for the first time.

Our First Online MA Animation Graduates! Yay!

Graduation Day at Buckinghamshire New University

Our very first online MA students will be graduating in September.  Graduation Day at Buckinghamshire New University (our degree-awarding partner) takes place in early September, and we are especially proud to welcome our new MAs in Animation.

Of course, the event is something of a formality - no-one actually has to turn up, but we hope that many students will come and celebrate their achievement - graduating as Masters of Arts on the world's first online MA in Animation. There might even be a celebratory lunch!

And, in a small way, everyone there will be making a little piece of animation history.

Marc Godfrey Animator at Blue Zoo

Blue Zoo animation

Marc Godfrey is a talented animator who was one of the first students to sign up for the course at Animation Apprentice.

He is also one of the most dedicated, and we are proud that his dedication and commitment to the craft of animation has been recognised by the industry in the form of a job Blue Zoo, now the UK's largest independent TV animation studio.

Blue Zoo Are Hiring Junior Animators!

Blue Zoo Animation

Calling all Animation Apprentice Graduates! London's leading TV animation house Blue Zoo are hiring fresh talent. Getting that first job is always tough, and it's relatively unusual for studios to be looking actively for juniors. So, time to polish that demo reel, make sure your best work is online and free of mistakes, update your CV, and send it all in with a nice covering letter.

How Do Graduates Find Work in the Animation Industry?

How do animation graduates find work in the animation industry? At Animation Apprentice we get asked this question a great deal. There is no simple or straightforward answer.

Jobs in the entertainment industry have always been highly competitive, and the supply of trained graduates competing for the best entry-level positions has never been greater.

 Official jobs postings, word of mouth, rumours in the pub, personal contacts, even cold-calling - all of these can be effective ways to find work in the business. Below are the twelve key rules that we think are vital for success.