Earlier on this month, Christina spent out an email giving us some emails of alumni who would be willing to answer any questions we might have. I sent an email out to Kat Miles, an animator who works as a production coordinator. Here are the results.
Kat Miles – Production Coordinator – Katmiles27@gmail.com
What is your current role in the industry?
I’m currently a production coordinator at Moonbug Entertainment
How long have you been doing it?
I’ve been in this job for about two years. I got the job after doing freelance storyboard work for Moonbug. Off the back of that I applied for the internship, and they offered me a job in production.
What are the most valued skills, in your opinion, as part of this role?
This job has a loooot of admin involved, as I work with a lot of different animation studios and clients, so I think being able to multi task and keep on top of things! It helps to be familiar with the animation process and pipelines, but I’m sure that you have that already, so don’t worry about that 🙂
What is a piece of advice that someone looking to begin in your current role could benefit from?
Honestly, I think being personable and enthusiastic really helps. Where I work, there’s a lot of amazing applicants, but the people brought in are the ones who HR and team leaders think will fit in well. Be as friendly and open as you can! Also, learn about different softwares – Unreal seems to be the big one everyone’s talking about at the moment. A basic idea of different engine’s pros and cons is helpful.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about your role?
I like that in my team specifically I get to work on loads of different shows, as opposed to one, which is quite rare in the industry. My least favourite thing, is that because I work with people all around the world, you might have to be on a late evening call because it’s the only time someone in the USA can make. You just have to be flexible about that but it’s a huge pain!
Is your role freelance or studio based? What is the benefit of this?
I’m on a weird contract… I’m technically a freelancer but in office every day. If you get a job in a studio, the advantage is relative job security, a pension, and benefits. If you’re a freelancer, you have more opportunity available to you and can up those rates. I’m currently still waiting on head count at Moonbug – it’s one of their company flaws if I’m honest with you!
Some general advice that I wish I’d know in your position!
First off, I REALLY recommend you know your way around After Effects. If you’re struggling for a job as an animator, you’re much more likely to get a foot in the door with editing skills. Secondly, don’t give up! It can be pretty crushing when you start to apply for jobs. I’d say I got at least 200 rejections before I got a toe in the door at Moonbug. It doesn’t matter if you have a job you don’t love at first to pay the bills. I was teaching for almost 2 years after graduating, and applying for other roles and expanding my portfolio during that time. Just keep going if a job doesn’t come up straight away! Keep meeting people… go to events, speak to people in the industry; I got my gig storyboarding for Moonbug because I met an editor who worked there, and promised I’d buy him a pint if he’d look over my portfolio and pass it on if he thought it was good enough. This industry seems to be a pretty social one, so get out there and meet people!
It was super helpful to get some advice from someone in the industry who is working a job that I’m interested in.