aefreemart

A collegue of mine, Bill Fischer, sent out a memo with some tips from his New York City visit to some big studios, including Psyops, Brand New School and Animation Collective. Just thought I’d share them, paraphrasing and adding my own comments…

• A DVD reel is critical for animators. Bill says to also be prepared to create a VHS. I’m not sure if VHS is that important anymore, however, it can’t hurt.
• Reel length: 2-3 minutes. In my opinion, I’d rather see 1.5 minutes of hot animation and graphics than 3 minutes that is repetitive and weak content. Quality outweighs quanity any day.
• keep it fresh. If it’s obviously more than 2 or 3 years old, you might consider not including it.
• Studios prefer to pre-screen applicants by looking at online portfolios. Your website should be easy to navigate. They’re there to see your video reel, not your experimental navigation. Don’t hinder a possible employer from seeing your work!
• For 3D character work, include some of your sketches, storyboards, and other important details on the process.
• Showing work completed with a group shows that you can work with a team.
• If you have the ability to do more than one specialization, show it off. Character design, animation, storyboards, titles, etc. Show a variety on your reel.
• Make sure the work is indeed your work! Yes, it should go without saying, but I have seen work on a reel that I knew was done by someone else. This is a surefire way not to get hired and to get yourself into some trouble or blacklisted in a city.

Got any tips of your own? Please comment below.