NETWORKING IN ANIMATION
By Shannon Muir
See
the expanded version at Digital Media FX
***
Often getting
jobs in this business (or most types of business) hinges on who you know. So if you're just starting out looking for
writing or production jobs in animation, you probably want to know where you
can meet people when you don't have many professional credits, or perhaps none
at all.
Conventions are
a great resource. For example, I
attended the Gathering
of the Gargoyles 2001 in Los Angeles, and the offerings there were phenomenal. Over 50 guests from every aspect of the
industry attended. I'm not even
counting people like myself who appeared on the "From Fan to Pro"
panel; many of these guests have been in the industry for over a decade. From what I observed, they easily conversed
with anyone who approached them. Many
of these people talking to them had no other professional credits, they just
wanted to say 'hello.'
At one
particular panel, someone went so far as to say if he had two scripts in front
of him by new writers, one by someone he had never heard of, and one by someone
he'd met once at a convention, he would choose the one by the person he
knew. One brief meeting really could
make all the difference.
Another place that's
becoming a major Mecca for animation is Comic-Con
International: San Diego. From the name, it sounds like a comic convention -- and did
begin that way -- but now features SF and fantasy in all forms. The Animation Writers Caucus holds a yearly
panel and reception (which is usually open to any interested attendees; check
specifically if you go), and often the Con sponsors animation-themed
panels. I had the privilege of
moderating a panel on "Breaking and Entering: Animation Careers" in
2000.
These are just a
few examples. All kinds of
animation-related conventions (or even SF/fantasy ones with animation as a
subset) happen in almost any major city. Search out directories on the web for events happening in your area, or
by your area of interest. Also
directories about voice actor guest appearances will also lead you to many
convention listings, such as webcomics.com.
Also, if you're in an area where seminars are
offered, either at college campuses or through organizations like the Learning Annex, attend and take advantage! Not only the people leading the seminar may be good to know, no
telling what the background of your fellow students is. You may be surprised. I met some great people in my classes at UCLA Extension, some of which are now being taught online via sites such
as OnlineLearning.net. Many institutions now offer online instruction, so geography proves less
of a limitation, though ultimately you will probably need to move to the Los
Angeles area and meet the people in person that you first met online.
Don't assume
things like artists aren't worth knowing because you're a voice actor, or you
shouldn't bother with sound editors because you want to write. Learning about any aspect of animation can
strengthen you regardless of the path you choose. If you educate yourself about how the whole process works, you
can do better at what you want to focus on (my personal belief).
The most
important things to remember are not to badger people and work on building
genuine relationships with these individuals. If all you do is sucking up to people hoping for work, they will see
through you. Care about those you talk
to, see what you can learn from them. Who knows, some may even become friends versus just professional
acquaintances -- but it all begins with conscientious, courteous networking.
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WITHOUT EMAILING SHAN@DUELINGMODEMS.COM FOR PERMISSION. Thank you.
All content copyright 2001 - 2011 Shannon Muir. All rights reserved.