Research
Mashed
There were 5 studios I researched that I could see myself realistically working for after third year in the first year. Mashed, Golden Wolf, The Line, Seed Animation, Moth Collective.
Mashed is an animation YouTube channel (made in 2005) supported by channel 4) that’s has content over parodies of video games and cartoons known for their creative comedy and premises in their parodies; animated primarily in 2D. Their target audience is mainly teenagers and above. I’m Mainly researching them because I have worked with them before in my last project in second year where we did a parody skit with my class of the animated series called Rick and Morty. I animated two shots for this piece over their voices in 2D. One of the main animators from the channel was once a student in my university Ravensbourne called Liam McKeown. I received great feedback from Liam and Tom Jenkins (producer of Mashed) on my shots for the animation and I believe if I were to pursue my animation carrier with them It would be a good start. Plus, my interests for content is cartoons and video games so this studio is a great choice for me.
Golden Wolf
The next company is Golden Wolf; located in both London and New York. Founded in 2013 this animation studio is best known for their wide range of animation from 2D to 3D/CGI to VFX; they have it all. I’m researching this studio because I believe they animated adidas advert for their new boost shoe. I currently work with adidas and my small plan was to pitch my work to their creative team, and they’re interested they could recommend me to Golden Wolf who did work for them in the past. The main reason I’m looking into Golden Wolf is primarily the content they produce for opening titles, adverts/commercials and music videos. Their target audience is a mix and can range from kids to adults depending on their clients and the work they produce. They are open to freelancers and internships and are always looking for people with animation skills and talents. This will be one of the big studios that I would like to work in and will be on my watch after third year.
The Line Animation
The Line Animation founded in 2013 known for intense and creative 2D animation and outstanding character animation. Known for animated trailers/series, music videos and narrative shorts and adverts/commercials. All primarily in 2D animation for the characters while some backgrounds are done in 3D. I’m researching this studio mainly because they’re doing exactly what I want to do as an animator; to express character animation in many different ways through 2D. I recently found out they were the ones who animated the music video trailer for the game (I Play) League of Legends called True Damage – Giants. Their target audience also varies from project to project, but I’d say it’s from teens to adults. They’re internships are closed for this year but hopefully next year it’ll open back up. They don’t currently offer work experience, but they are always actively looking for good freelancer animators. This is another big studio that I could see myself working for, but it will be a challenge.
Seed Animation Studio
Seed Animation Studio is known for their distinctive character design and playful elements through 3D and 2D animation. I researched this studio because they give a whole lot of opportunities towards their projects as they have more than just animators on their side. They also have roles for directors, filmmakers, script writers, illustrators, designers and photographers. These roles are all specially used for their animations from 2D to photo realistic 3D/CGI animation. What they have for me is 2D animation explored in many different mediums and styles. I’m intrigued to discover what I can offer to the table with my style of animation. They actively take in CV and Show Reels for potential client work. Their audience is also dependable on the project but its clear it can be watched from young teens and upwards. They produce animations mainly for broadcaster, agencies charities and brands. I can see myself working on one of their bright exciting projects in the future!
Moth Studio
The last studio I investigated was Moth Studio. Founded in 2015 these guys have a knack for pumping out amazing narrative shorts. My favourite short from them that I’ll always remember and recommend watching is The last job on Earth. From its environment to aesthetics to character design; this short shows everything I love about animation in general. The best part was how impactful the message was at the end explaining how 50% of jobs could be taken by machines in the next 30 years; the whole animation was built to show how that would feel in a playful inventive way. That animation alone is why I’m researching this studio at all and after that I was able capture just how amazing this studio is through story telling. They’re currently taking in pitch ideas, but their internship is currently closed by may appear again some time next year. They’re also scouting for good freelancers as well. They animations for commercials, commissions and personal work and I can definitely see myself working for them especially in their creative narrative shorts.
Non Entertainment Animation Studios
Kurzgesagt
Next on my research is find studios that are not entertainment based. The first studio that came to mind was the studio called Kurzgesagt(founded 2013). Kurzgesagt has a YouTube channel that has over 10 million subscribers and it’s a channel all about education about the world around us from space to the very insides of our bodies. The reason why I’m researching them is because they really have a distinct style in animation that is very simple and easy to understand. I can see myself animating for them because their animations are well illustrated aesthetically, and illustration is one of feats too I believe I could work behind the scenes for their animatics/storyboards.
Adidas
The next on the list is Adidas (Founded 1924). Now that I work with Adidas for sales, I have a better opportunity to contact their creative team in animation. I was able to meet one of the higher ups of the adidas team called Andy and I showed him some of my animations/Illustrations and asked if I could join their creative team. He said they’re open to take my pitch/showreel which I’m currently working on so that opportunity is open and on hold for now. Their acts differently when it comes to animation team. They pitch their ideas and hand them over to professional animation studios. Where I come in for this is the animatic/storyboards for the pitch to their client. Adidas is known for their brand/clothing and you can’t go a day without seeing their logo or their 3 stripes. They’re very supportive of content creators, games and sports. Most of their animations are for branding/adverts/commercials. Golden Wolf has animated for them in the past so if my connections to adidas grows, I could have a pass with golden wolf in the future.
Bupa
The last non entertainment based studio I could find was Bupa (founded 1947). A British international healthcare insurance company. Known for their simplistic animations through their adverts; they get their message out there quickly and efficiently for those who need their services. Animation studios such as The Like Minded has done animation work with them in the past demonstrating heart valve replacement. I can see myself animating simple stuff like with simplistic characters showing events of healthcare.
Freuds Communications
Another place I looked into was Freuds. Since I had work experience with them years back; I thought their services would befit my animation skills. Freuds is a communication service that creates services such as brands, campaigns, adverts and other services requested by a client. They have specific teams for different services. When I was working there I was apart of the Creative team. The different groups in this team have different talents related to creativity and I was there to observe and learn all that. I even illustrated logo test for them. I got to see how they do meetings and pitches and all come together to create one big idea. I can see myself working for them again but not for graphic design and illustration but for animation.
