Following Mayhem's recent VFX & Animation Production Careers: Recruiter Insights event, we're excited to share some valuable insights and resources to support your journey in the VFX & animation industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your career, these tips can help you gain the experience and connections needed to succeed.
Panelists:
Ben Owen, Studio Manager at The Yard VFX
Kirsty Parkin, Founder and Director of Supaglu
Samantha Dy, Lead Recruiter at Rising Sun Pictures
Lindsay Cowie, Recruitment Manager at Framestore
What are the entry-level roles & How to get them?
The pathway into production management varies significantly by region, studio size, and type of project. Common entry-level roles include production assistants and runners, with some studios valuing transferable skills from various backgrounds, including customer service. These roles offer opportunities to gain access to different departments within studios, providing valuable exposure and networking opportunities. Some studios may have informal pathways for entry-level roles, often relying on personal connections and word-of-mouth rather than formal job postings.
Building professional connections and networking are emphasized as vital steps for aspiring coordinators and assistants. This can involve researching companies, reaching out to recruitment teams, and maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence. Networking can often lead to unexpected chances. Participants are encouraged to engage in networking events or industry meetups, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. Stay connected and engage with studios of interest by following them on LinkedIn. Set alerts to stay updated on studios, groups, events, and job opportunities.
If you’re new to the field, consider volunteering at festivals and conferences to show your interest in entertainment (doesn't have to be just VFX or animation!). Participating in student projects in a production role can also provide practical experience that will enhance your resume.
Common Entry-Level Roles
Production Assistants (PAs)
A Production Assistant supports the production team by coordinating meetings, managing materials, updating calendars, and ensuring clear communication. They take notes during studio meetings, assist with onboarding new hires, and help production coordinators with daily tasks to keep projects running smoothly.
Entry points: Opportunities in various departments.
Runners
Runners play a vital role in the production process by handling general support tasks, which include delivering materials and assisting with set-up and breakdown. To succeed in this position, individuals should possess skills such as adaptability, reliability, and strong communication. Additionally, working as a runner serves as an excellent stepping stone, providing valuable exposure to studio operations and networking opportunities within the industry.
It's highlighted that while a job may be labeled "junior," it might still demand relevant skills. A junior role is not an entry-level position. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don't meet all the listed qualifications but to acknowledge where they might fall short.
How to Stand Out - Practical Tips for Job Seekers
Simplify Your Application: Recruiters often have limited time to review applications, so candidates are advised to keep their resumes concise and focused. Utilizing online resources for resume-building can help applicants present their qualifications effectively.
Tailor Your Application: Tailoring your application to reflect the specific job requirements is crucial. Additionally, a cover letter can distinguish candidates; it should express personal interest, relevant experiences, and align with the studio's values. This can help bridge the gap when a candidate lacks direct industry experience.
Your Resume: Your resume should reflect the skills and experiences that match the job description. Avoid generic resumes; instead, adapt them based on the requirements outlined in job postings.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Assess your skills against job requirements, highlighting transferable skills such as organization, communication, project management, and teamwork abilities to stand out as a candidate, especially if you’re transitioning from a different field. Highlighting relevant experiences, even outside the industry, can be beneficial. Many studios value transferable skills from various backgrounds, including customer service.
Attention to Detail: Proofreading applications is vital. Errors can detract from the impression you make, especially in roles where attention to detail is crucial. Consider your application as the first demonstration of your attention to detail and professionalism.
Follow-Up Strategy: Persistence in job applications is crucial. Following up on applications can significantly impact a candidate's visibility among a sea of applicants. Demonstrating initiative through direct communication can set candidates apart. A candidate who follows up with a phone call can stand out, as demonstrated by a successful example from the speaker's experience.
Timing and Reapplication: It's reiterated that unsuccessful applications aren't a reflection of a candidate's worth but often a matter of timing. Candidates are encouraged to reapply after a few months if they don't succeed initially.
Sponsorship and Visas: Securing sponsorship for entry-level roles can be challenging. Make sure to check government websites for available visa options that can support your career goals.
Key skills studios look for
Aspiring production managers should showcase organizational skills, project management experiences, and any relevant tools or software they’re proficient in. Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude are highly valued by recruiters. These traits often outweigh specific production experience, as they are essential for team collaboration.
Different studios have unique cultures and qualities they value. Midsize studios might prioritize different traits than larger or smaller studios. It's essential to showcase your personality in your application to demonstrate how you'd fit into the studio environment.
 Gain the production skills needed to be job-ready! Mayhem Production Management offers industry-relevant production manager training, equipping you with practical skills in industry standard tools like Flow Production Tracking and spreadsheets. You will be prepared for studio roles, such as VFX and animation production coordinator and assistant positions. |
Job Hunting - Where to find a job
Key resources for job hunting include studio websites and LinkedIn. Following studios on LinkedIn can keep you informed about new opportunities.
Career Pathways - Where can you end up?
There are exciting growth opportunities within the VFX and animation industry, from entry-level positions to advanced roles like producer. Explore some of the various roles beyond the entry level positions.
Mid-Level Roles - Examples
Production Coordinators: A Production Coordinator ensures projects run smoothly by managing the team’s daily tasks and workflow under the guidance of the production manager (or equivalent). They communicate project updates between departments, track and report progress, manage schedules, organize meetings and review sessions, and take notes to relay feedback to artists. Their strong communication and organizational skills are essential for keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
Assistant Producers: Supporting producers and managing specific projects is key in this role. It offers a chance to develop leadership skills and project management experience, paving the way for future growth.
Advanced Roles- Examples
Producers: Producers oversee entire projects, manage budgets, and make critical decisions. Success in this role requires leadership, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills, typically gained through experience in assistant roles.
Line Producers: Focused on managing budgets and schedules, line producers ensure that projects meet financial goals. This role demands financial acumen and strong organizational skills.
Executive Producers: These high-level professionals make critical decisions, secure funding, and oversee project execution. They need solid business acumen and extensive industry knowledge.
Industry Events
AWN Events Listing: Recommended by one the panelists.
Siggraph: An annual conference held in the US and Canada, offering various volunteer opportunities, especially for students.
Siggraph Asia: While volunteer registrations for 2024 are closed, be sure to check back in the new year for 2025 opportunities.
Spark Vancouver: A platform for networking and learning within the animation and visual effects community.
ACCESS: VFX: A global, industry-led non-profit organization that comprises over 70 leading studios, industry bodies, and educational institutions in the visual effects and animation sectors. They focus on promoting inclusion, diversity, and opportunities through four key pillars: inspiration, education, mentoring, and recruitment.
Animation Festivals: Excellent opportunities to volunteer or submit films, providing exposure and networking possibilities.
The Rookies: While primarily focused on artists, this platform offers valuable insights into the pipeline for those just starting in the VFX and animation industry.
Australian Events
Australian Animation Network: Events held in Melbourne and Sydney to connect professionals in the field.
Masters of Motion: A series of events in Melbourne and Sydney that highlight industry trends and opportunities.
Digital Labourers Federation: Based in Sydney, this non-union-affiliated group requires you to state your interest in joining their mailing list, which provides job and event listings.
Melbourne International Film Festival: A premier event showcasing local and international films, offering networking opportunities.
Sydney Film Festival: Another key event for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect and engage with the community.
Gain the production skills needed to be job-ready!
Mayhem Production Management offers industry-relevant production manager training, equipping you with practical skills in industry standard tools like Flow Production Tracking and spreadsheets. You will be prepared for studio roles, such as VFX and animation production coordinator and assistant positions.
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