How to Network Effectively in the Animation & VFX Industry
- Mayhem Production Management
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
How to Build Meaningful Connections in the Animation & VFX Industry
The animation and VFX industry moves fast. Studios ramp up quickly, teams are built on trust, and hiring often happens through word of mouth before a job even hits a website.
In fact, some roles are never publicly advertised - they’re filled through recommendations, referrals, and people who are already connected. So while skill is essential, your network can be just as important as your resume.
Here’s how to build meaningful connections - online, at events, and inside studios - that can lead to real career opportunities in animation and VFX.
Events: Where Hiring Managers and Future Teammates Hang Out
Industry events are filled with the people who make hiring decisions. Even casual conversations at panels or mixers can lead to opportunities down the line.
💡 Example: A junior who attended a Q&A with a studio producer and followed up on LinkedIn later was invited to apply for a short-term role. That job turned into a full-time position.
Tips to make the most of events:
Introduce yourself without pitching - ask questions about the person’s work
Stick around after talks, or attend social mixers and informal gatherings
Follow up with a kind, specific message (mention something you talked about)
Events worth checking out:
Online: Your LinkedIn Is Your Digital Business Card
You don’t need to be everywhere - just be intentional where you are. LinkedIn is still one of the most powerful tools for building connections in this space.
Studios often search for candidates directly on LinkedIn. Being active helps you get seen.
How to build your presence:
Share short posts about what you're learning or creating
Congratulate others on their work - genuine encouragement stands out
Comment meaningfully on posts by industry professionals
Follow studios and join industry groups
Follow Us on LinkedIn (we share job posting in the industry)
Inside Studios: Where Future Recommendations Start
Once you're inside a studio, whether as a freelancer, contractor, or intern, how you work with others matters just as much as the work itself.
Many future job offers come from people you've already worked with. Producers and leads often recommend people they trust when new projects spin up.
Make it count by:
Communicating clearly and being reliable
Offering help, even when it’s outside your immediate task
Showing curiosity and asking thoughtful questions
Keeping in touch with colleagues after the project wraps
Studios often rehire people they’ve worked with before—or reach out to trusted team members for referrals. That one connection could land you your next job.
Remember: Networking Isn’t About Selling - It’s About Connecting
Forget “networking” in the salesy sense. Think of it as building community.
The animation & VFX industries are filled with creative, collaborative people. If you show up with curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn, you’ll build relationships that not only enrich your career—but also help you grow as a person.
Want to start building your network while gaining industry-ready skills?
In our Mayhem Production Coordinator Course, students connect with working professionals from major studios and projects like Wicked, The Boys, Leo, The Jungle Book, A Boy Called Christmas, Apex Legends, Bad Guys 2 and so much more.
Through live Q&As, guest speaker sessions, and hands-on simulations, you’ll not only learn the ropes, you’ll build a network that supports your career long after the course ends.
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