This month I attended The Manchester Animation Festival which was a whirlwind of fun and it opened more doors for new opportunities. As an aspiring Digital 3D Artist eager to break into the industry, I saw it as an invaluable chance to network and build connections with more industry professionals.
The festival showcased a diverse range of animated works from around the globe such as short films by students to cinema released features. I immersed myself in screenings and talks, attending a showing of Dreamwork's newest movie "The Wild Robot" as well as a talk led by the renowned voice actor, Writer and Director Chris Sanders, writer and director of "The Wild Robot". The presentation gave us a 'behind the scenes' look into how the film was created and the ideas behind the characters and story. I found his talk incredibly inspiring as it helped me absorb the latest Animation trends and techniques even though my primary focus was on networking. It was also my highlight of the festival.
Any moment or opportunity I had I used to mingle with animators, producers, and recruiters, as well as any friendly face I came across who was free for a chat. I had prepared an elevator pitch about my skills, aspirations, and how I was actively seeking a placement or any work opportunity within the Animation industry, so I actively sought out conversations. I received business cards and connected on social media, following up with promising leads after the festival.
One person in particular, also the main connection I made that day was Tom Parkin, an Artist who previously worked for TT Games (A gaming studio in Knutsford renowned for its popular Lego games). Upon receiving his contact details, I seized the opportunity to ask him about placements, work opportunities and jobs with TT Games, share my portfolio, and express my passion for the Lego and gaming field over social media. This not only provided valuable insights but also opened doors to potential job opportunities with TT Games.
By the end of the festival, I had expanded my network, but I left Manchester feeling a bit upset and disheartened as I felt I hadn't been successful in finding the right contacts who may have been hiring for roles that were suited around my skill set. The Manchester Animation Festival did however prove to be an invaluable event for building connections with all types of Animation industry professionals, and propelling my Animation journey forward.