A Course in Production Lesson Two: The Pros of Working in the Animation Industry
The Animation Industry in Vancouver is....
1. Very social and fun, room for all sorts of folks!
We are making cartoons, after all. I’ve seen a lot of groups that went through school (for animation) together remain friends years after the fact.
Another thing is that since we often end up doing OT together, you get to know your teammates very quickly just by virtue of spending so much time with them (in what is usually close quarters). It makes for fast bonding, and since it’s such small industry, you often end up crossing paths with folks who you’ve worked with before at other studios!
2. Getting more diverse
The diversity I see in animation is just as strong if not stronger than when I was in non-profit and university. It’s also getting better every year. A lot of studios have initiatives for LGBTQ2S folks and supporting more women in leadership roles.
3. Meet and work with people all over the world!
There are a few big hubs around the world for animation production, and Vancouver is arguably one of the very biggest and best hubs. This means you have people from all over the world coming here to work, it is very exciting.
4. Well-known projects
If you like glamour and reputation and you’re in Animation and VFX, you have a shot at working on very well-known projects like Game of Thrones, Rick and Morty, or Marvel movies. This can be very satisfying since people actually recognize what you’re working on.
5. Growing quickly and offers a lot of growth
I’ve only been in this industry for six and a half years, and even in that time it has changed SO much; the industry has exploded in growth.
With the industry growing so quickly, we need more people to rise up and fill leadership roles, as well as to learn and the many new techniques in CG production that are coming out every few months. Basically, we just need help!
Animation is also pretty flexible for horizontal movements— I’ve seen animators become designers, production coordinators become compositors, modellers become Producers, etc.
6. Offers roles for both creative and technical people
I don’t consider myself very creative OR technical, and yet I’ve still had a very robust and fulfilling career in animation. You might not realize it at first, but it absolutely takes all types to get a show out the door.
7. Working with a lot of very talented, passionate people
In production, you’re working with artists, so you can bet that they’re a very passionate bunch.
Also, moving from show to show, studio to studio, you end up working on all sorts of different projects, and therefore have more or less attachment to a really cool project or episode you’re working on.
8. Youthful! There are a lot of very young people in this industry
The animation industry is pretty multi-generational, which is great because we all bring our experiences and perspectives to the table. It is not a stodgy atmosphere where you have to get tenure or make partner to have your voice heard, people at all levels of experience are valued in Animation.
9. High energy, lots on the go at all times
Though it can be stressful in Production, I can say that I’m never bored. It usually takes just over a year to get a series out the door (depending on the amount of episodes), and six-to-eight months for a straight to DVD movie. Some features can be turned over in just over a year as well these days. With this pace, you can bet there is always lots going on!
10. A supportive learning environment
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: animation takes care of their own.
I’ve heard from my supervisors and artists that the vast majority of what they learn is on the job, not in school. Therefore, it is especially incumbent upon studios to provide a safe and supportive learning environment—it’s in our best interest to really invest in and mentor our teams, because our artists can’t walk out the door or come in the door for that matter having learned these skills just anywhere.
Lesson Two Resources
- Vancouver Animation Network Facebook group
- Women in Animation Vancouver Facebook group
- Spark CG Society
- Grace Club YVR
- How I personally learned about white privilege
- What does systemic racism in Vancouver look like? I offer a quick example and discussion here.
A Course in Production is a series of blog posts and videos intended for those who are either in or want to learn more about the role of Production teams in the 3D animation industry. You can learn more about the course here.
