Since producing my teams film for LIAF – Cave, I have become more and more interested in working as a producer or in production after graduation.
I enjoyed the aspect of organising and planning that went into our project and helping to divide the work based on what people’s skills were. Since then I have been able to meet some people who work in production for the animation industry and it seems like a role I could really fit into. I am not sure if my animation skills are strong enough to get a job in the industry as a junior animator and I am still lacking in many aspects. Even though I really enjoy background work and concept art, there is an over saturation in the market of people who want these roles. So thinking logically, working in production may be the best way to get into the industry, as many people who I have spoken to at events have said there is a demand for junior level people in production for animation.
From my research I have found that producers have overall responsibility for an animation production. They manage the director and all the other departments to ensure a project’s delivered on time, within budget and to the best creative brief. Producers also have a deep understanding of animation and its creative possibilities. They allow the animators the freedom to experiment, at the same time as keeping the production on schedule.
Along with producers, I’m also interested in production coordinators roles. They work closely under production managers and producers. They ensure that other departments meet deadlines by overseeing departmental schedules and reporting issues to the line producer or the producer.
Most likely, my first job in the industry will be as a runner. They are the most junior members of the department and do any number of administrative jobs. Their role varies depending on the size of the company they’re working for.
Runners’ responsibilities might include:
- Taking notes in production meetings and distributing reports to the appropriate people
- Organising and logging incoming and outgoing materials
- Maintaining databases and spreadsheets for tracking work progress and workflows
- Dealing with script preparation and printing for voice recording sessions
- Doing general office jobs like answering the phone, filing paperwork and entering data
- Booking travel and accommodation
I feel better about my next steps having done some research on roles and industry.