Calling all Bucks graduates - become a Jedi in Singapore

Lucasfilm are looking for Jedi masters to serve an apprenticeship in Singapore. Their "Jedi Masters Program" offers talented digital artists "the chance to learn from the masters in a variety of creative disciplines -- from visual effects on live-action films to animated feature films."

I worked myself in Singapore a few years back and can personally recommend it. The Singapore Government is highly motivated to bring in international talent, so acquiring a work visa is rarely a problem. And once you are there, you have the chance to explore South East Asia on your weekends, or just hang out at the Raffles Hotel in downtown Singapore and pretend you're Ernest Hemingway. Plus, it's nice and warm all year round and the local cuisine is seriously delicious.

Me and the gang at Sparky animation

I worked for Sparky Animation, a great little studio making animated TV series and hoping to break into feature films - which is where I came in. One of the most fun parts of the job was the challenge of working in an unfamiliar environment, in a small studio where you could pick up almost any task you liked - from character design to editing. If a job needed doing, you just got it done. Deadlines were tight and the evenings were long, but the work was fun and rewarding.

The feature film they were hoping to get off the ground never got made (most don't) but I had a blast working there. Working overseas helps you to realise that there are many ways of getting a job finished, and the way you are used to doing it at home is not always the best one.

Best of all, I even managed to slip away from the studio, hop on a ferry and get to the beach in Indonesia for the weekend.

Living The Good Life

So, back to the point of this post:

What are Lucasfilm looking for?

• A combination of Technical and Artistic-minded individuals (right brain + left brain) 
• Engineers with an interest in art
• Artists who are comfortable with technology 
• Proactive problem-solvers 
• Resourceful, with the ability to find answers without being given instructions
• Self-guided learners who are passionate about what they do 
• Great Communicators with Teamwork skills 
• Able to work well with others in a fast-paced production environment 
• Comfortable and confident presenting work, and giving and receiving feedback

How should you apply?

• Apply at jobs.lucasfilm.com 
• Submit a letter explaining your motivation for joining the Jedi Masters Program.
• Submit your resume (personal background, and academic and career histories) and indicate the track you would like to apply for.
• Submit your portfolio and/or demo reel (a selection of your best work), eg, a website link to your portfolio (preferred), a color copy of your artwork, or a DVD of your best computer graphics work. Do not send original materials; submitted materials will not be returned to applicants.
• Basic spoken and written English language skills are required.

Click HERE for more application tips.


How does the Selection Process work?

The Jedi Council (a panel of senior artists and instructors from Lucasfilm in the US and Singapore) will review every resume and portfolio received from candidates. Final candidates will be selected by Lucasfilm Singapore at its sole discretion.

Once accepted, you will be asked to sign an Apprentice Agreement as well as a Non-Disclosure form since you will be privy to confidential materials.

While actual padawans are asked to build their own lightsabers to complete their training, you will get the chance to work on actual projects. Your mentors will regularly evaluate your performance based on demonstrated talent, artistic skills, technical competence, teamwork, effective communication, and problem solving abilities, as well as passion. The first few months is a probationary period where the apprentices and mentors will evaluate whether this is the right match and if they should continue.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have a graduation ceremony and receive a certification. Hiring decisions for full-time positions in the studio will be based on the overall performance/skills of each Apprentice, as well as the number of open positions in the studio. Successful completion of the training does not guarantee a full-time position within the studio.

For More Information:

If you are interested to learn more,
Check out the Upcoming Tracks page
Take a look at the FAQ page
Register your profile at jobs.lucasfilm.com 

---Alex

Sabah Masood gets to grips with motion capture at Centroid

Vanya, Alex and Sabah

Bucks animation student Sabah Masood recently spent a week with Centroid, one of the UK's leading provider of motion capture services, getting to grips with the motion capture pipeline and learning the technical nuts and bolts of the process. We asked Sabah to tell us how it all went, and what we can learn from the professionals.

Shepperton Studios - home of Centroid

Bucks: You just completed an internship at Centroid – how did it go?

Sabah: My internship at Centroid was an excellent experience. Not only was I able to work on a live feature production, but I was treated as a trainee in learning the Cortex system. Cortex is the software used to process the motion capture data, which I will be able to continue to use and also to teach students how to use at Bucks New University.

Bucks: What do Centroid do exactly?

Sabah: Centroid provide a full range of motion capture services for the film, TV and Games industries, ranging from general action to full figged facial captures. They are located at Pinewood Studios - Shepperton.

Centroid Motion Capture Stage

Bucks: What did you learn?

Sabah: I learned many things - such as Cortex itself, and also how to overcome troubleshooting and other technical difficulties. I also learned how to deal with stunt actors, and how one should deal with the responsibility of being in charge of set design and maintenance.

Sound Stages at Shepperton

Bucks: What were the highs and lows?

Sabah: Every experience has its highs and lows - in my case the vast majority of the experience was hugely enjoyable; especially meeting the stunt actors and watching them perform. The greatest moment was watching the footage played back whilst the actors were being generated into a live 3D environment in Cortex. Being able to watch both scenes at once is a remarkable feeling. The only low point I would say was leaving the place.

Bucks students in motion capture gear

Bucks: What lessons did you learn about the MoCap system we have at Bucks and how to make the best of our equipment?

Sabah: I would suggest that the system at Bucks be fully set up permanently in a studio where it will not have to be set up and then taken down after every session. In a permanent environment, we could spend as much time as we need setting it up; once the setup is completely secure we can start to use it without wasting time (without any technical issues).

For more on motion capture at Bucks, see this recent post. You can also read about our students' visit to Centroid at Shepperton, see how motion capture first came to Bucks, and our visit to Centriod at Pinewood Studios in 2012.

Tosin Oluyadi reports on the value of internships

Free Spirited Thinkers at work

Tosin Oluyadi, one of our graduating animation students, recently completed an internship at FST, a creative advertising agency who describe themselves as "free spirited thinkers whose sole purpose is to build, nurture and add value to your brand". We asked Tosin to talk about what the experience was like, and what she learned along the way.


Bucks: Tell us about your internship with FST - what was it like and how did you find out about it?

Tosin: During the Easter break I was interning at an integrated creative advertising agency called FST. FST stands for "free spirited thinkers". I heard about FST through a friend of a friend while I was working on a photoshoot. I found out he was actually a former Bucks student. Not only that, he had studied on the Animation, Games and Interactive Media course, just like me. He had a look at my work and showed me some of the work he does for the agency - and he recommended that I contact FST about an internship.

I put together a portfolio and a graphical CV and got into contact with them a couple of months later about having me in for a day or a couple of weeks during the Easter break, and they were more than happy to have me. I came in for a day and was introduced to everyone by the creative director and worked on a graphic design brief with one of the designers, and they were happy to have me in again for another three weeks during the Easter break

The FST team. Tosin is in the middle of the group.

Bucks: What did you learn?

Tosin: I learned so much during my Internship with FST. I was interning as a creative and was involved in filming, editing and compositing for them. I also learned about the various roles within the agency. FST is split into two parts - creatives and suits. Creatives are responsible for producing a creative outcome to a client's brief and the suits are responsible for managing the money, dealing directly with clients and allocating briefs to the creatives as well as making sure everything meets the deadline.

Bucks: What were the highs and lows?

Tosin: Fortunately, for me there were many more highs than lows. Everyone was really friendly and supportive - something you may not always find in other agencies. But if i did have to list a couple of highs, it was the opportunity to broaden and refine my skills. I had to learn a lot very quickly as I was helping them work on live briefs for big companies such as Canon and Avis.

Another thing that was very unique to the agency was "Lunch and Learn" every wednesday - a special guest will come in during lunch time to share something about their business.

A low I believe was getting into the routine of waking up early. Being at uni you don't really have that discipline but at work you had to be in at 9 on the dot. You could not turn up whenever you wanted because time is money.

Bucks: What advice would you offer to other students at Bucks looking to do an internship?

Tosin: My advice to Bucks students looking for an internship is to be yourself, do what you love and take hold of every opportunity. In my case, one small conversation led to another and this led to an internship - and now to me working for FST on a freelance basis as an editor and motion graphics artist.

So in other words - NETWORKING WORKS! But you should always be sincere and have a genuine interest in people and what they do. Another thing that I would advise students is this: you only get what you prepare for. So ask questions, don't be afraid to ask for just a day in the company - you may create a good impression, and they might ask you back for more days. Work hard and do plenty of outside projects, it will help build up your portfolio!

(Editor's Note: You can see more of Tosin's excellent work on her graduation film project here. For  practical advice on careers in digital media, read about what our graduates had to say at the recent Graduate Panel. Check out this post on how to set up an small business. Also learn about your first client project, read out our post on Portfolio Careers, and read this piece on Survival as a Freelancer. Study the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to freelancers and taxes.  For more on careers in general, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Finally see our article on the jobs page at awn.com )

BBC Academy Career Shadowing Scheme: paid placements for visual effects artists

Calling all visual effects artists at Bucks: A new career shadowing scheme has been launched by the BBC Academy, offering paid placements in some of the UK's top visual effects houses, including Milk and Double Negative. Here is a chance to get real-life experience at a leading VFX house, and  get paid to do it as well.

What is on offer?
A number of work placements are up for grabs across the creative media, including broadcaster Discovery, indie Twofour and social media production company Telegraph Hill. It's all thanks to the new Career Shadowing Scheme which is currently offering paid two–week shadowing opportunities to TV freelancers.

Who is eligible?
The scheme, delivered by the BBC Academy in partnership with Creative Skillset and the Royal Television Society, is open to freelancers with over five years’ experience. The goal is to provide 30 applicants with an understanding of the skills and talent needed to work in a different area of television.

Which visual effects houses are involved?
Visual effects placements are available at visual effects companies Milk (Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Ice Age Giants) and Double Negative TV (The Vatican, By Any Means, and Death in Paradise).

Is it worth applying?
As always, we strongly recommend that our students, and especially graduates who have already accumulated some experience, apply for this. Even if you don't win, what you will learn simply from having gone through the process of applying will be invaluable. Every time you apply for a new position, you raise your game and get better at the process. Persistence pays off in the end.

You can see the full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/news/article/art20140519124219483

To apply for a paid placement, follow this link.

---Alex

INTERNSHIP: Animation and Character Art Internship, Disney Consumer Products – Summer, Fall

Job Posting Title	Animation and Character Art Internship, DCP – Summer, Fall
Job Description	The Walt Disney Company is a world-class entertainment and technological leader. Walt’s passion was to continuously envision new ways to move audiences around the world—a passion that remains our touchstone in an enterprise that stretches from theme parks, resorts and a cruise line to sports, news, movies and a variety of other businesses. Uniting each endeavor is a commitment to creating and delivering unforgettable experiences — and we’re constantly looking for new ways to enhance these exciting experiences. Bring your individual talents here and discover for yourself why a career with Disney is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home decor and books to interactive games, food and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art. The Disney Professional Internship program offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of Disney Consumer Products (DCP) in a seasonal, paid assignment with meaningful and productive projects that allow you to build your resume. You will be working full-time hours and provided with challenging projects, performance feedback, valuable networking opportunities, and many educational and social activities. The Intern will assist with special projects in our Central Creative department focusing on Character Art projects. This position will start in June and last through December 2014.
Responsibilities	- Development of Disney character illustrations for style guides and product development. - Development, approval and corrections of 3D products - Art style/new technique development to coordinate with trends in the market place - Contribute new product ideas and participate in brainstorming sessions. • Develop drawling and storytelling skills through weekly sketching classes • Other duties including administrative tasks as requested by the team
Basic Qualifications	• A portfolio showcasing ability in Character Art and concept sketching • Ability to maintain a positive attitude while being able to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment • Excellent skills in drawing, idea conception and painting • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees • Strong computer skills including proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and Illustrator, and working knowledge of Maya, Z-Brush • Candidate must be able to work independently and focus on projects as well as work well with other team members • Candidate must be highly motivated. Reliable and results oriented, willing to learn and take risks
Preferred Qualifications	• 1-2 years of work experience in a demanding, fast-paced environment • Previous art or creative Internship and / or Disney experience
Required Education	• Actively pursuing a Bachelor degree or recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year University (within the past 6 months)
Job Posting Industries	Products and Licensing
Additional Information	This positions is with Disney Consumer Prod, Inc Be sure to take time to explore all the exciting Disney Consumer Products lines of business at http://www.DCPCareers.com and read about the variety of people who have made DCP the success it is today.
Internship Program Type	Professional Internship
Primary Location-City	Glendale
Primary Location-State	CA
Primary Location-Country	US
Auto req ID	162121BR

Summer placements and graduate opportunities in the creative industries

Mediargh.com

Mediargh.com has published a list of Summer placements and graduate opportunities in the creative industries. You can find it here: http://www.mediargh.com/jobs. Not all of these opportunities will be of interest to animators, but the list is long and there are many and varied positions available in creative media.

Take a look and see if any of them seem worth applying for. As ever, the process of applying for a position is invaluable in itself - even if you don't get the job. One of the most important skills you will learn at university is how to find work, and how to present yourself to a potential employer in a way that makes you attractive and employable.


(Editor's Note: For more on finding work in the animation industry, see our post on finding your first job, and how to find your first internship. Also, see what studios look for in a great demo reel, hear what London's Blue Zoo has to say about finding work, and take a look at this video about demo reels by Sony Pictures Animation. You can also watch Alex's ten minute video on creating a great reel, and read this post on the perfect demo reel. Also, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Learn the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our post on starting your own animation business,  read our freelancer's survival guide, and see our guide to invoicing clients. For an insight into managing your taxes as a freelancer, see this post, and read our guide to putting together a great CV. Also see our rules for success when dealing with clients, and find out what goes into a portfolio career.)

Cinesite explains what they look for in a great student demo reel

One of the most common questions asked by our students at Bucks is: how do I get a job? The answer, of course, is to be really good at what you do, and have a great demo reel to showcase your talent. But what makes a great animation reel? After, all, different companies have different priorities, and everyone is looking for something a little bit different. Luckily, many companies, including Cinesite (which offers the excellent Inspire internship for budding visual effects artists) have posted a lot of information at their website about what, exactly, they look for in a graduate's demo reel.

Using previous Inspire internship winners' work as examples, Facility Production Manager Dan Pettipher gives advice about creating a successful reel.

You can see Dan's incredibly helpful advice here:  http://www.cinesite.com/podcasts/9.

---Alex

(Editor's Note: For more practical advice on careers, read what Blue Zoo has to say about demo reels. See also advice from Disney, Sony Pictures Animation, and watch our video on how to create a great demo reel. Read about what our graduates had to say at the recent Graduate Panel. Check out this post on how to set up an small business. Also learn about your first client project, read out our post on Portfolio Careers, and read this piece on Survival as a Freelancer. Study the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to freelancers and taxes.  For more on careers in general, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Finally see our article on the jobs page at awn.com )

How to blow a job interview in 9 easy steps

Interview, a short animated film by Mikkel Okholm and Mikkel Brons-Frandsen

By the time you get to being interviewed for a job, most animation and visual effects companies probably already want to hire you. Why? Because the thing that counts for most in getting hired is your demo reel. They are not hiring you for your good looks or charming conversation - they are hiring you for your skill and talent in digital media.

That said, interviews do matter. They are important mostly because this is the point at which many otherwise excellent candidates blow it, and throw a great opportunity away. How does this happen? Below are some of the most common reasons why candidates screw it up and fail to get hired. Read on and learn from other people's mistakes.


1. Turn up late

You'd be amazed how many people do this. Even at Bucks, we have candidates regularly scheduled for interview who don't turn up, or else turn up late. Why are people late? Often, they haven't figured out how long the journey might take. Or, they didn't leave enough time for getting lost. The problem is - first impressions count. I once turned up for a studio pitch in Los Angeles and my writing partner was 20 minutes late for the meeting on the studio lot, because he got lost on the way there. Needless to say, the studio executive did not buy our idea.

Rule 1 - turn up on time

Ah, the glamour

2. Show little or no interest in the job

A few years ago I was looking for animators at Cinesite for a talking dog movie - not the most glamorous of assignments, but decent bread-and-butter work, and a chance to get really, really good at animating lipsync. One of the animators we interviewed said yes, he wouldn't mind doing talking dogs for a while - as long as he could move on to more interesting work afterwards. Needless to say, we didn't hire him. Why would I hire someone who is doing me a favour by showing up?

Rule 2 - Only interview if you really want the job. Even if you don't, learn to fake it.

3. Fail to do any research about the company

I have interviewed candidates who appeared to know nothing, or next to nothing, about what the company actually did for a living, or what projects we had done. You can’t ask intelligent questions if you don't know in detail what the employer does. At the very least, you should check out the company's web site before the interview. And don’t ask questions that you should be able to answer with a quick Google search.

Years ago, when I applied to Blue Sky Studios for a job, I was just about to leave for the airport when I realised I had not watched their last film, Ice Age. Frantically, I speed-watched the film all the way through, just about got to the end, and ran for the airport. When I arrived at the interview in New York, I was interviewed by almost the entire animation department. Needless to say, they all wanted to know what I thought of their shots in Ice Age. What were my favourite bits? Did I like the film? I got the job.

Best of all, try to find out who might be interviewing you, and look up what they have done. A quick IMDB search will tell you who has worked on what. There is nothing like a bit of gentle flattery ("I really liked the work you did on Fast and The Furious 12") to make sure the meeting goes well. Everyone likes to be complemented on their work. And, knowing who your interviewer is shows that you have done your homework.

Rule 3. Do your research

4. Talk about yourself at great length

As with dating, so it is with job interviews. No-one wants to hear someone bore on about themselves and their achievements. Listen carefully, speak when spoken to, and don't ramble. Interviews are not the place for lengthy anecdotes, however amusing.

Rule 4 - don't be a bore


5. Be rude. 

Recently I interviewed a candidate at Bucks who kept me waiting at the reception desk for almost ten minutes while she finished her very important phone call. Needless to say, she did not get offered a place on our course. Why would I want to spend three years teaching someone who is so carelessly and obviously rude?

Rule 5 - Manners makyth man


6.  Criticise your current (or past) employer.

Badmouthing your boss is a common and disastrous interview offense. Employers know that if you publicly criticise your current employer, you are hardly likely to be discreet about your next position. Even if you really hate where you work, or used to work, try to find something positive about the experience. After all, you must have learned something useful, however unpleasant the job.

Rule 6 - don't air your dirty laundry in public


7. Claim credit for things you didn’t do.

Never ever put work you did not do yourself on your demo reel. If you worked on a joint project, only show the shots that you did yourself. If you shared a shot with others, explain what you did (and did not do) in detail. Don't ever pass off someone else's work as your own. Our industry is a small one - you will get found out.

Rule 7 - Be honest about your work


8. Ask how much you will get paid.

An interview is rarely the place to talk about money, and you should never raise it yourself. Money is the next stage, once the company has decided they like you, and will typically be handled by someone in Human Resources. You may, however, get asked by your employer at your interview how much you were paid in your last job. Remember that you don't have to answer this question if you don't want to (especially if you weren't paid much). You can always be vague or evasive. Say "oh, the market rate", or ""I don't remember exactly - I'll have to check and get back to you".

Rule 8 - don't raise the subject of money at your interview

Dream on

9. Tell your future employer your dream is to direct Hollywood movies

We all have dreams, but an interview for a roto tracking position or a running job is not the place to air them in detail. Entry level jobs involve menial drudgery, making tea and doing repetitive tasks. If you tell your future employer you want to be Steven Spielberg, they will think you are an unrealistic dreamer. Much better by far to tell them your dream is to be a well-rounded visual effects artist. This is a practical goal that they can actually help you achieve.

When I taught at CalArts back in the late 1990s, one of my most talented students blew a great opportunity at Warner Bros by doing exactly this at an interview for an entry-level position, saying he really, really wanted to direct. The producer who interviewed him was simply annoyed - everyone in Hollywood wants to direct. The job was a production internship - doing the boring stuff that no-one else wanted to do. Needless to say, my student did not get the job.

Rule 9 - Be modest.


This isn't an exhaustive list, of course. There are as many ways to mess up an interview as there are stars in the sky. But these are some of the most common errors. Learn from the mistakes of others and don't repeat them.

----Alex

(Editor's Note: For more practical advice on careers, read about what our graduates had to say at the recent Graduate Panel. Check out this post on how to set up an small business. Also learn about your first client project, read out our post on Portfolio Careers, and read this piece on Survival as a Freelancer. Study the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to freelancers and taxes.  For more on careers in general, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Finally see our article on the jobs page at awn.com )

Summer internships at Framestore - time to polish your demo reel....

Framestore is looking for talented and creative undergraduate students to join their 2014 summer intern scheme. According to Framestore, "the Internship will give the successful applicants a unique opportunity to become important members of the creative team and gain valuable experience working for one of the largest and most respected special effects and computer animation studios in Europe".

Framestore say that they are looking for "individuals who share their passion for high-end visual effects and can demonstrate a genuine commitment to their chosen career path".


Summer internships are being offered in the following areas of visual effects work:

- 3D – Animation, Modelling, Technical Direction, Rigging, Texture/Digital Matte Painting, Art Department, Tracking

- 2D – Roto-scoping, Compositing

- Production

Who can apply?
If you are entering the final year of your degree then you will have the opportunity to join the internship scheme.

What kind of work will interns do?
Interns "will be exposed to a wide range of work and will be given a real-life view of what a career with Framestore would be like. Your learning will be through a combination of hands-on experience, scheduled presentations and informal get-togethers. You will have the opportunity to learn first-hand what a career in post-production would be like."

What kind of work did interns do last year?
In 2013, Framestore interns had the opportunity to work on many projects, including Jupiter Ascending, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Robocop as well as many other shows.

When does it start?
The 2014 intern scheme will run from 7th July 2014 till 29th August 2014

Is it a paid position?
Yes

When should you apply?
Now. You must apply online by Sunday 4th May.
https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH10/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=FRAMESTORE&cws=39&rid=418

----Alex

(Editor's Note: For our guide to finding your first job in the animation industry, click on this link. For our guide to finding internships, read this post. For more on what studios look for in a great demo reel, try this link, hear what London's Blue Zoo has to say about finding work, and take a look at this video by Sony Pictures Animation. You can also watch Alex's ten minute video on creating a great reel, and read this post on the perfect demo reel. Also, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Learn the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to putting together a great CV.)

Getting your first job in the Animation industry - 12 rules for success

How animation graduates find work in the animation industry? There is no simple answer to this question. 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 we think are vital for success.

Rule No 1 - Get really good at what you do
Your first and most important task is to get really good at what you do. This is an obvious rule, but  the industry is competitive, and you need to be very, very good. At university, the pace of life can move slowly. But your life as an employee or a freelancer is a world of perpetual deadlines – any of which you will miss at your peril. You have to be on top of your craft, and be better than the rest. It takes a while to get really good, so you must use your time at uni to study hard and practice. Make your work entertaining and fun to watch.

Your demo reel is your shopfront - make it enticing

Rule No 2 - Have a great demo reel
Students worry a lot about grades, but the most important thing that any student will have on graduation is not their class of degree, but their demo reel. A graduate’s demo reel is their shop front, their display of talent. Nowadays it will be online at a website or blog. A great demo reel brings in work.

The number one rule of demo reels? – it should be completely free of mistakes. Most studios get piles of unsolicited demo reels. The good news is - they will probably look at your reel. The bad news is - they will probably look at your reel for ten seconds or less. So you have, in effect, ten seconds to impress. If there are any errors in your work, they will notice, and they will assume one of two things: either you saw the mistake, but could not fix it, or, worse, you didn’t see the mistake. Either way, you’re in the bin. Remember - no mistakes.


Rule No 3 - make your work easy to find.
Got yourself a blog or website? If not, why not? These days, employers won't wait for you to send them a reel - they want to click on your work. So make sure your demo reel and artwork is hosted online at your blog or website. If you don't have one, do it now. 

free websites!

A blog is quick, easy and free to start. You can also build your own website at wix.com, which might take a little longer to create. Which one you choose doesn't really matter, as long as it looks crisp and clean and is a good shopfront for your talent. For more on how to put together a free website or blog, see this post.

Quick, easy and free - a great way to showcase your talent

Rule No 4 - polish your CV or resume
The next thing you need is an up-to-date, short, and easily readable CV (or resume in the USA). For more on how to put together a great CV, read this post.

Insert your name here.

Rule No 5 - do your research - find out who is hiring
There are literally hundreds of animation, games and visual effects companies in the UK alone, and hundreds more around Europe. As a citizen of the UK, you have a right to work anywhere in the EU. Remember that most media companies speak English - wherever they are located. Make a list of companies, or - better yet - create a spreadsheet, so you track where you have applied and when. Try to find out who is looking for talent. Keep an eye on job forums, industry news websites, Facebook pages. There is always a company somewhere looking to hire fresh talent.

To start looking, check out this Games Development map. This map shows the locations of Games studios all over the world. Click on the red dots to find 'em. The same goes for the CG Studios Map. As above, this map shows the location of CG studios all over the world.

Rule No 6 - sign up for job alerts.
One method is to sign up with the jobs page at awn - The Animation World Network. I have personally found work through this site - my job on Robots at Blue sky Studios came from awn.com


Rule No 7 - Start applying for jobs
Now it's time to start applying. You will need to draft a good cover letter to send to each company you are applying for. Draft a standard letter, save it, and then start adapting it. Each letter must be tailored to suit the company you are applying for so that it doesn't read like a form letter.

What are your skills, and how are they relevant to the position you are applying for? Employers like to see that applicants have done their homework and can explain why they are interested in a career with their company. Be enthusiastic, and show that you know what that company does for a living.



 
Rule No 8 - Consider working as a runner or intern
Finding internships is easier than finding a job, but they are still competitive. And yet, in an increasingly tough world for graduates trying to break into the creative industries, it can be an important step on the ladder to a successful career.

Runners - first learn to make great coffee

A successful internship brings experience, contacts, and direct understanding of what is needed to get a job with an animation company. Equally, working as a runner can be a great way in to a company. You may end up making a lot of coffee and tea, but if you get taken on - it will have been well worth it.



Rule No 9 - Get ready for interview
Company recruiters want to know that you are enthusiastic and motivated for the industry and the job role you are applying for.  You must research the company, and find out what your likely job will be.
Recruiters often ask questions like: "What do you think this job involves?" or "what do you expect an average day to be like?".

They may also ask what your career goals are. This is a good opportunity to explain your career ambitions, but don't be too ambitious. Everyone wants to direct Hollywood movies and win Oscars, but the reality of most careers will likely be rather different. Being aware of what a realistic career in the visual effects industry looks like will win you the respect of the person interviewing you. Saying you want to be Stephen Spielberg will not. 


Rule No 10 - Work your connections
Personal connections count. If you know people who work in the creative industries, ask them about internships. There is no shame in this - many of the jobs you get in industry will be thanks to the sort of loose connections that make up what we call networking. Employers want to be comfortable with the person they are hiring, and if someone within the company can vouch for the applicant, then so much the better.

Make a list of people you know in the business and see if they can help you out. Lots of ex-students might well be willing to help out a Bucks undergraduate - if you ask nicely. Sending down the ladder to help give an opportunity to a newbie isn't as rare as you might think.

Keep your eyes and ears open

Rule No 11 - Keep your ears open!
Finally, keep in touch with your fellow graduates! Your graduating class is a little community of talent, you can keep each other informed about who is hiring and who needs bodies in a hurry.

Media companies tend to practice crisis-management, which is to say that when they need people, they tend to need them right away. So keep you ear to the ground, polish your online portfolio, and be ready to move quickly.

Be the rhino

Rule No 12 - Don't give up
Develop rhinoceros hide. Expect rejection.  Keep at it and you will be rewarded.

(Editor's Note: For more on what studios look for in a great demo reel, try this link, and read our guide to student demo reels. Hear what London's Blue Zoo has to say about finding work, and take a look at this video on portfolios by Sony Pictures Animation. You can also watch Alex's ten minute video on creating a great reel, and read this post on the perfect demo reel. Also, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Learn the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to putting together a great CV. Also download the free Escape Studios guide to careers in VFX.)

Bucks graduate Jaffar Ali lands paid internship with Vizrt

One of our recent animation alumni, Jaffar Ali, has just been selected for a paid internship at one of our newest industry partners, Vizrt.  Vizrt is a large broadcast company who manufacture virtual reality solutions for broadcasters, both nationally and internationally (they have 40 or so offices around the globe). Their newsroom virtual reality work fills our screens every night: ITV News, BBC, Sky, CNN,  and Sky Sports. We asked Jaffar to talk about his new internship and how he landed the position.


Bucks: Congratulations on your paid internship with Vizrt - Tell us about it!

Jaffar:  I am really excited to be starting my internship with Vizrt. They are an ingenious company that create real - time graphics for television broadcasting. Their main Office is in Norway, but I shall be working in their UK offices in Ealing Studios, Ealing, London.

Architectural visualisation by Jaffar Ali

Bucks: How did you make it happen?

Jaffar:  I received an email from Dave Creighton about a paid apprentice opportunity at Vizrt. At that time I was not aware of them and what they did. But after some research into the company, I saw this as being an interesting and creative field to go into.

Dave Creighton by Monika Dzikowicz

My details were sent to Maja, the operations manager at Vizrt. I was given a task to complete prior to the interview, and if successful I would be called for an interview. I was lucky enough to attend the interview and also to be a successful candidate.  

Hitman guns by Jaffar Ali

Bucks: What sort of project will you be working on?

Jaffar: Vizrt have a variety of products which they provide to their clients, such as the BBC, SkyNews and Al-Jazeera. Some of them are used to create augmented reality virtual studios, sports analysis, weather, maps and also general animated graphics.

My role as an apprentice would be to learn and be able to use the products. Also, I will be assisting the system specialist with onsite installations of their systems. During my first week at Vizrt, I will be on a 5 day course learning Viz Artist. This is the software used to create all graphics and models. However, external softwares such as; 3DS Max and Maya can be used to create models and then be exported into the Viz Artist.

Beach House Interior - some of Jaffar's work at Bucks

Bucks: How did Bucks prepare you for the role?

Jaffar: The Animation, Games & Interactive Media course at Bucks taught me a range of creative skills.  Personally, I feel that focusing on doing mainly modeling projects at Bucks has helped me because I will be able to create the 3D models and scenes which can be used for virtual studios and 3D assets at Vizrt.


Bucks: What advice would you give to a student at Bucks to make the most of the course?

Jaffar: Keep working hard at trying to achieve the best outcomes in your projects. This can be done by looking closely at what is happening in the industries you wish to get into and trying to achieve the same results.


(Editor's Note: For more impressive work done by our students and recent graduates here at Bucks, check out Ben Gray's Moonbeam, and the architectural visualisations of Sabah Masood. Also take a look at the work of Andy Thomas here, see our latest commercial project for Rocketseed, our short film done for a global aid agency, and take a look at the excellent work of designer Monika Dzikowicz, architectural visualisation specialist Krsytof Michalski, Alex Whitfield and the 3D artwork of Mike Swan.)

How do you find an animation internship?

Cinesite is one of many Soho VFX houses which offer internships

Finding internships is not easy. And yet, in an increasingly competitive world for graduates trying to break into the creative industries, it is an important step on the ladder to a successful career. A successful internship brings experience, contacts, and direct understanding of what is needed to get a job with an animation company. So how do you go about finding an internship?

Be the Rhino

The answer, of course, is hard work and commitment. Expect to send a lot of letters and emails, and expect a lot of rejection. You need rhinoceros hide in this business. So, forget about internships coming to you - it's time to roll up your sleeves and get down to work.

Always a good place to start

1. Google it
Try Googling "Animation internshipship" and see what comes up. Make a list of of all the companies that offer internships, and what their requirements are. Search out the companies you would like to work for, and see if they have an internship program. What do they want from you? Most likely they will want to see a demo reel, a CV, and samples of your work. So, your first job is going to be making lists, and figuring out where to apply. Your second job will be to start polishing your demo reel.


2. Polish your demo reel
Lots of students just like you want to get internships. Companies tend to get lots of offers, and they can afford to be picky. So, you need to put your best foot forward. Polish your demo reel and make sure your work stands out from the crowd.

Remember that the secret of a great demo reel is - no mistakes. For our complete guide to making a great demo reel, read this post. Also, check out this post on what the Disney studio looks for in a great reel, and see what Sony Pictures has to say on the same subject.

Time to start blogging

3. Get your work online
Got yourself a blog or website? If not, why not? These days, employers won't wait for you to send them a reel - they want to click on your work. So make sure your demo reel and artwork is hosted online at your blog or website. If you don't have one, do it now. 

free websites!

A blog is quick, easy and free to start. You can also build your own website at wix.com, which might take a little longer to create. Which one you choose doesn't really matter, as long as it looks crisp and clean and is a good shopfront for your talent. For more on how to put together a free website or blog, see this post.


4. Polish your CV
The next thing you need is an up-to-date, short, and easily readable CV. For more on how to put together a great CV, read this post.

Insert your name here.

5. Start sending letters
Now it's time to start applying. You will need to draft a good cover letter to send to each company you are applying for. Draft a standard letter, save it, and then start adapting it. Each letter must be tailored to suit the company you are applying for, so it doesn't read like a form letter.

What are your skills, and how are they relevant to the position you are applying for? Employers like to see that applicants have done their homework and can explain why they are interested in a career with their company. Be enthusiastic, and show that you know what that company does for a living.


6. Get ready for interview
Company recruiters want to know that you are enthusiastic and motivated for the industry and the job role you are applying for.  You must research the company, and find out what your likely job will be.
Recruiters often ask questions like: "What do you think this job involves?" or "what do you expect an average day to be like?".

They may also ask what your career goals are. This is a good opportunity to explain your career ambitions, but don't be too ambitious. Everyone wants to direct Hollywood movies and win Oscars, but the reality of most careers will likely be rather different. Being aware of what a realistic career in the visual effects industry looks like will win you the respect of the person interviewing you. Saying you want to be Stephen Spielberg will not.


7. Exploit your connections
Personal connections count. If you know people who work in the creative industries, ask them about internships. There is no shame in this - many of the jobs you get in industry will be thanks to the sort of loose connections that make up what we call networking. Employers want to be comfortable with the person they are hiring, and if someone within the company can vouch for the applicant, then so much the better.

Also, make a list of graduates from Bucks and see if they can help you out. Lots of ex-students might well be willing to help out a Bucks undergraduate - if you ask nicely. Sending down the ladder to help give an opportunity to a newbie isn't as rare as you might think.


8. Finally, don't give up
Be the rhino. Expect rejection.  Keep at it and you will be rewarded.

----Alex


(Editor's note: For more information on finding work and working as a freelancer, read out our post on Portfolio Careers.  Also, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Learn the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients.)