Computer Animation Arts

I've been in contact with Phil Miller, Managing Director at DreamingFish Productions in Woking, and he has let me know about some exciting work experience opportunities at the company.  Because they are quite a small team, they can only take one person at a time, but last year they hosted 13 students over the year for a week each, so it's worth anyone that is interested, applying!  Here's what Phil says -  We’re quite a small team so we only take 1 student at a time. We usually take students for week long placements and do these at any time, usually excluding summer/easter holiday times as staff can be a little thin on the ground at these times.  We took 13 students last year and we ask each one to come with a project in mind that they want to undertake while they are with us. I feel it is important that they are not just observing us but also undertaking their own work with our support. It also means that they have something to take awa...

Over the next day or so, I will be bringing you some exciting work experience opportunities, so keep your eyes peeled!  In the meantime, be thinking about making sure your blogs are up-to-date and professional looking, and likewise any other platforms you share your work on.  Remember, first impressions count! 

The Careers & Employability SPECTRA programme is a series of events including talks and workshops, designed to help you progress in your career. Are you considering being self-employed or freelancing? This workshop will take you through the pros, cons and things you need to know before you get started. An Introduction to Freelancing Wednesday 6th February 14.00 - 15.30, Lecture Theatre 1 All students welcome! 

Now that your dissertations are all done and dusted, I just thought I would re-post this exciting work experience opportunity... I know it seems a long way off, but before you know it, it'll be May, all your hard work will be handed in, and you'll be out there in the real world... I'm very excited to announce that I have managed to secure a week's work experience for one student, starting from the  20th May, with Bloc Digital, who are based in Derby.  Read all about them  HERE ! If you feel you might like to be considered for this position (or have any questions), please leave a comment below and I will be in touch!  If you have already expressed your interest, you don't need to do so again :) 

I know it seems a long way off, but before you know it, it'll be May, all your hard work will be handed in, and you'll be out there in the real world... I'm very excited to announce that I have managed to secure a week's work experience for one student, starting from the 20th May, with Bloc Digital, who are based in Derby.  Read all about them HERE  ! If you feel you might like to be considered for this position (or have any questions), please leave a comment below and I will be in touch! 

'Your brain hates you.  Your body hurts. The ideas aren't coming. No one ever seems to pay you.  And here comes another panic attack. You're having a creative breakdown. You are also not alone.' Come along to Lecture Theatre 1 on Wednesday 5th December at 14:30 and meet Imogen Dall, a freelance writer working in film, advertising and games who is passionate about the issue of mental health in the creative industries.  Imogen is the creator of Creative Breakdown Insurance: How to survive your worst days of creative freelancing. Imogen will be giving an inspiring talk followed by a Q&A and networking. Light refreshments provided.

Do you have less than 12 months experience in film or TV? Then you’re eligible for UKScreenSkills Trainee Finder placement scheme, which matches new talent with paid work placements on film or high-end TV sets. The acclaimed ScreenSkills Trainee Finder programme, which places trainees on feature films, high-end television and children’s TV, is now recruiting for 2019. The closing date for applications is 7 December . The programme, which has forged a strong reputation for delivering new recruits from a wide range of backgrounds to the industry, is increasing the numbers accepted on to the programme for 2019 to meet demand. For full details, see  HERE

Today in the foyer...12 - 2pm Part of the Careers & Employability SPECTRA programme; in the Foyer. A chance to meet the Careers & Employability Adviser and get some individual advice and tips to help you succeed in getting work placements, internships or jobs.

Acacia is based in the Innovation Centre, Chatham, and has the following to offer - An opportunity has become available for a Digital Marketing Assistant internship with immediate start on a flexible basis. 'Acacia is an award-winning Kent-based brand design studio. We are one bubbling pot full of branding, strategic, creative and technological expertise. We have over 20 years of brand design expertise working with brands such as Deloitte, Mercedes-Benz, and Sony in France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. We have over 20 years of brand design expertise working with brands such as Deloitte, Mercedes-Benz, and Sony in France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.' About the role Social media marketing: developing a distinct online presence by attracting high numbers of internet followers through social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+  Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)  Digital communication, web design and email marketing  Content resear...

I've heard from Pete, and he is going to be able to make it, but will be here a bit early, at around 4.30! Leave a comment below if this will be a problem for you...

Pete Wallace may have to cancel the meeting this afternoon at short notice due to a personal issue, so please watch this space - I'll try and let you know as soon as possible if he can't make it!

Any other 2nd or 3rd years wanting to undertake work experience with Pete Wallace of Butch Auntie, please can you express your interest in the comments below! Pete will be visiting UCA on Friday 11th May at 5pm, to have a chat with interested students. You can see some of Butch Auntie's past projects  HERE

New proposed date for a meeting with Pete from Butch Auntie Friday 11th May 5pm As before - please leave a comment below!

Pete Wallace would like to come and meet those of you that have expressed an interest in undertaking your work placement with Butch Auntie; he is proposing a visit to UCA on -   Thursday 17th May 5pm Please could you leave a comment below to let me know that you are able to attend - thank you!   EDIT! - Paris has pointed out that it is Aladdin that day! So, watch this space for a new date and time!!

As we are coming to the end of the academic year, some of you will soon be heading off to undertake some interesting and exciting work placements.   As a way of gauging who is undertaking work experience and where, I would be grateful if you could drop me a quick line on jhagan.s1@uca.ac.uk and let me know any or all of the following -  1. Placements that you have applied for and are awaiting reply 2. Placements that you have been offered and turned down 3. Placements that you have been offered and are taking up If you have a placement, but don't want to let me know where, that is fine too...just say 'work placement from 4nd June to 22nd June' or similar.  THANK YOU, AND GOOD LUCK!! 

Part 2 of this article considers how small studios can be more innovative, more fun to work for, and how they can enable adventure. Part 2 - How small studios can be your BIG break  The author of this article, Rusty Gray, has also produced a useful PDF listing small studios around the world... the link is towards the end of the article.  If you sign up to his newsletter, you will also get the link to 'The Animation Software and Resource Guide'.

From Skwigly, the Online Animation Magazine; an interesting article on why sometimes it pays to think small. Part 1 -  How small studios can be your BIG break   This article looks at -  The wishful assumptions we make about our ‘dream’ studio That there are other opportunities you may not have considered How small studios foster mentorship and growth How small studios can provide better shots to work on Coming soon - Part 2 !