Starting an animation studio

[Daniel_Camp]

Hello guys,

I am looking to start an animation studio with a friend of mine. Wanted to know what is the best way to go about it. We both have no training in animation though both of us write comics and have worked in the film industry. Any advice would be appreciated.

[madkap75]

Study animation history and learn as much as you can about the studios of the past, and how they rose and fell throughout the years. Analyze events like the Disney strike and the closing of Warner Brothers, why they happened, and how they worked their way out of it.

The more you know about the triumphs and pitfalls of the past, the easier it will be to avoid some needless disasters.

-Ken Priebe

[Ken Davis]

If you have no training or direct experience in animation, then I strongly reccomend getting some.
There are small things that can sack your efforts if you make the wrong judgement call, and there's jobs/tasks that you'll be called upon/expected to know and if you are not intimate with the whole production process then it'll affect your business.

I used to own a studio, for only a couple of years before I bailed out, and it was a complex endeavour.
I learned it wasn't my cup of tea and going back to being a contractor or employee of another shop served my needs better.

To be successful at it, you really need to know your stuff--if not you are in for some bumps.

--Ken

[altar]

please explain how you plan to start an animation studio if you have no experience in animation? And I suppose you're talking about a production studio, not a service studio.
Ok, you have a great idea for a series in writing, right? And your plan is to convince a tv exec with that idea, take his money and then hire the best animators to actually start preproduction, is that it? Well, I don't meana pee in your korn flakes guys but that's not how things happen in this business.
My advice: if you think you have a great idea for a series and that you really have what it takes to write a scenario, scripts and all, then try to pitch that idea to an animation producer. TV's will never get into business with guys who have no background whatsoever and only an idea on paper.
Hell, there are dozens of seasoned animators and service studios who can't get TVs to buy their projects even though they have great ideas, bibles, character sheets, pilots... You can't really start a production house like you start a pizza restaurant!
If you want to set up an animation production studio, you have to really understand the business of animation, plus preferably have a rolodex full of people in the tv industry whom you know and who are prepared to listen to you because you have some credit.
However, if you're talking about a Flash series, a machinema series or even puppet animation or something like that, then if the result is fun and the budget tiny, you may convince some cable channel. I mean, it's been done..
Aaah kids nowadays! :rolleyes:
Good luck anyway

[Daniel_Camp]

Thank you Ken and Madkap75 for the advice I have done that and I do plan to take some courses but I also plan a few things but thank you.

[Negative Sheep]

Man, Altar you really know how to dash people's hopes. So he should just not try, right? The truth is that alot of people who aren't "seasoned animators" have gotten the green light from the TV/Cable industry. In fact many of the most successful cartoons were created by people who did not have extensive backgrounds in the industry (Beavis & Butthead & South Park are great examples of this), which shows that it really comes down great ideas/concepts. Although there is a great deal of "Who you know" involved in this business (which might explain why there is so much garbage on TV) you can get noticed if your talent and ideas stand out above the rest. Go for it though, even if you start one just to have a studio to create/learn and not nessesarily make money right away.

[Ken Davis]

Advising caution in something like this is sensible.

There's been lot's of endeavours that kicked off with lots of hope and vigor, only to amount to piss and vinegar.
The scope of resonsibility that a studio owner has is not only to talent, but to suppliers, the landlord, banks, and even networks.
Not having experience in this field can mean the difference in success or failure, and at the least, it can be mean being around in 2-3 years or having some sly weasel abscond with the money.

It is, to be sure, not something to begin lightly, frivilously or without doing all the homework.

Like I said, I've done this before, my hat gets tipped to anyone who can pull it off successfully.

[Daniel_Camp]

Not to hurt anyone feelings but first there is a difference between helping and being rude. Alter was rude. First off I asked how to do a studio. No offence but I wanted to know just the basics before I go deeper.

Just to make things clear. I take classes before jumping into anything. Truth be told before I begin asking anything I do some research on what I want to do. Also what he said was rude. I do not know about anyone else but I am a 30 year old man that rns a publishing company. Even if I was 18 asking about this I would expect people to treat me with respect.

But Alter since you wanted to ask those things. I have people in the industry, I have actors of well known series and I think you need to start acting your age if you are older than me and if you are not then show some respect.

As for anyone else. Thank you. Ken thanks again. I understand I need training some but I plan to do it at the same time. I would like to know what you think of a CGI animation studio and would love to hear your opinion about it and what is the best way it could be set up.

[Ken Davis]

To be candid, I don't see anything Alter said as being rude.
I see it as being honest and blunt.

How sensible your idea is in reality will depend upon the business plan.
In this case a "few" pages document will not suffice, it'd be more like several dozen...or even a 100 page business plan. A 1000 page plan might even be the most sensible. At least.

I'm dead serious.

A CGI studio is going to require high-end equipment to get anything off the ground. True that a lot of it can be found in regular PC's and software, but for industry compatible set-ups, it'll take bucks.
That's a given.
I'd guess probably around $250K-$500K in gear at the outset. That's mean coin.

To my mind, a publishing venture is not a adequate prep for animation studio.
I just cannot see the comparisons between the two, and I've tried both.
The technical demands are far different and the education in the latter can take years.
I'd at least make a dedicated study in film first--all aspects of it, from editing to set design. Yes, even if you intend to do virtual material.

The real challenge is how to manage the work--that is to know how its being done right. If your start-up costs are limited, that all falls on your shoulders.
You going to focus on character animation, or effects?
Know what an exposure sheet is? Understand how to synchronize dialogue to lip movement ( lip synch)? Do you animate it in the box, or do you use motion capture? Those kinds of things ( and muuuuuccccccchhhh more)are important to know and understand--especially if you have new (inexperienced) talent working on the venture with you.
You can blow hundreds of thousands of dollars stumbling over the answers to these questions( on the job)--and they may not be covered in schooling.

I'm not trying to dissuade you........and I'm not trying to encourage you either.
You can make the choice to move forward on your own. I do think that giving you the favour of expressing "realism" is more valuable than "pats on the back" and "good luck".

--Ken

[Wade K]

Now I will offer my advice...

I have just put my studio "on ice". My friend and I had the same hopes as you do now, Dan. We have a combined experience of over 35 years in the business, him as a producer, me as a director. We had dreams of opening a studio, and producing QUALITY animation, in retrospect to the poor quality dribble that is produced in mass by most studios nowadays. We had contracts in the works (negotiation). It all seemed like it was going to work.

HOWEVER... An animation studio is a long-term investment. You cannot expect to open your doors, and clients will start coming and spending their money in your establishment, like a corner store, for example. Contracts take months, if not YEARS to lock down. A great deal of money is needed to finance an animated project, and clients do not come across that kind of dough overnight. After close to one year of negotiations and living with no income, and our down-payments being chewed up by the cost of living, we decided to throw in the towel and find jobs working for "the man" again.

I too do not want to dash your hopes. I would love to see you do it, but unless you are independantly wealthy, it is a pretty tough thing to do. Even with all of our experience, we were unable to make it work, and for you guys with none, I suspect it will be even harder. While I commend you on taking a couple classes, etc., to learn a bit more about animation, experience is KEY in the eyes of prospective clients. They want to know what projects you have directed/produced in the past, and will want to see your company demo (which I know you have not got). If you are going to do this, if I could suggets one thing, hire some really experienced people in the key positions (producers/directors/sales), so that you can use their experience as your selling point.

At any rate... I just wanted to further justify why others in this thread have been a tad blunt with you in their responses. They are just not beating around the bush, and I admire that, as that is how I too deal with people... It is EXTREMELY tough to make something like this work, and they are trying to help you out, and inform you of that before you invest a lot of time and effort and MONEY (you will need to invest a LOT) to try to make this happen. I would hate to see someone else try this, unaware of the set-backs, and have it blow up in their faces as it did in our faces. We thought we were aware, but I am afraid we were not, my friend.

Cheers, and good luck in whatever you decide.

[horsebacksalad]

Not to sound like a jackass, but what is this huge up-front investment you all keep talking about (outside of time and effort)? I don't believe it has to cost that much.

-s

[dobermunk]

While it is very possible to launch pitch material-type aniamtions and design work with little overhead, the structures involved will hardly fit into a production pipeline that candeal with the requirements of large teams working together on one project under a deadline. And thats what any half-way intelligent investor will (as an absolute minimum) require as a basis of establishing trust in your ability to produce.
Without a data administration structures and pipelines for communicatin (dailies, sign-offs, etc.) rendering and compositing etc. you will not be able to produce. A server capable of this, and the workstations, and rent - not to mention the talents involved in administring it all - is a sizable chunk.

[horsebacksalad]

"it is very possible to launch pitch material-type aniamtions and design work with little overhead"

Exactly. That's been my experience. If investors like your pitch, they will then provide the money to produce. Therefore, I'm not sure I would discourage a prospective animation shop from getting started based on initial financial investment.

I'm not trying to argue, I'm just giving another perspective.

-s

[RRRivero]

:D I think I read somewhere that all the great voyages start with one step. I'm 35 years old and in your same situation. I'm also starting a studio of sorts with a few more problems than you, considering that we do not have private enterprise over here. I thought it best to write here rather than start another thread.
I agree that it's not cheap, but I thought that the matter of the high budget had been settled after South Park. Experience is good, but there have been quite a few good things that would never have been done if those responsible had known what they were getting into. Of course, there is a risk involved, but that is the risk to be taken by anyone going independent.
Of course, the problems we'll encounter are going to be different, for me, hiring the best animators in the country is easy, it is what to do with the finished product that has me worried. By the way, can anyone suggest anything? I'm starting with 1-minute shorts, with plans to do a feature-length.
The things we do for our television have been in NTSC format but, is that a good standard for the rest of the world? :confused:
Actually, Daniel, I couldn't see where you are from, and that can make a great difference. Here we're used to see the impossible happen.
Good Luck, or break a leg, or whatever :)

[Wade K]

Horseback,

The initial investment in question is to cover the time it takes in order to get contracts. Unless you are independantly wealthy, and do not need a steady income, nor do the other people who you get into your business, it will cost you a lot. Especially if you want to produce.

Don't get me wrong... It is a nice dream... Do your films the way you want (short shorts), and HOPE to sell them. However, there is not a very big market out there for 1 minute films, or two minute films, or 5 minute films, etc. You really need to put things in operspective. Who is going to animate the films? Certainly, you cannot do all teh work yourself, so you will need to bring others in, and I will almost guarantee that tehy will not want to work for free.

You may put ads on the AWN's job site looking for unpaid workers, and that is your perogative, but that is the best way to get yourself a bad reputation quickly. I am not saying that this IS what youa re going to do, but if it is a thought, I suggest you do not go that route.

It all comes down to this... Writers, Actors, Designers, Storyboard Artsits, Animators, Inbetweeners, Clean-up Artists, Ink and Paint staff, Editors, Sound Engineers, and Musicians are not cheap.

If you somehow find a way to do it ethically, then all the best to you! I hope you can make it! I always like to see people make it. I just want you to be aware that it is not very easy to do successfully. It takes a great deal of patience, and great deal of money, and a great deal of industry contacts (very strong, TRUSTING relationships) in order to make something like this work. It is just not pleasant when you think you have it all figured out, and then are hit with a giant wake-up call. 13 years in the industry for me, and 20 years for my partner did not prepare us for the shock we had in trying to open our place.

Cheers

[Freeon]

Is this something that is taught in a school? Sorry if I sound naive. I'm trying to learn about animation. Are there schools that teach you how to open your own studio or is it something that you learn on your own?

[Ken Davis]

Is this something that is taught in a school? Sorry if I sound naive. I'm trying to learn about animation. Are there schools that teach you how to open your own studio or is it something that you learn on your own?

I know of no schools that specifically teach this subject.
Starting a studio is like starting any other business, you still need to follow the same game plan to get off the ground.
--Ken

[Freeon]

Hey, thanks for responding. I guess this is what I don't quite understand. Why does a school that offers a degree in animation not offer business training?

Some friends are studying business management in college and they're being trained in how to handle business situations. Why don't animation schools do the same thing? It doesn't make sense to me that you just go to school for a few years and get deep in debt just to learn how to draw and use software and hope to get a job? Maybe make a film or put together a demo reel or portfolio. It seems like the logical thing would be to have some training in business as part of the program.

Would it be better to get an education in business and maybe minor in animation, or go to an animation school after a couple years of studying business?

[Wade K]

The main reason that animation schools do not offer any business training is simple. Animators, for the most part, are artists. They do not ever want to be bothered with business. They want to be left alone with a pencil or a mouse, and left to be creative. There are very few of us who have any tidbit of interest in the business side of things.

Not only that, but 3 years of college is already intense enough in animation, as there is a great deal to learn in a very short time. Add business management classes to that as well, and it would be a huge mess.

If you want to be in animation but in the business side of things, there are other ways to do it, the best probably being to study both. Get a degree (or diploma) in animation first, get some work experience, and go to school for business. Many of us in the business side of it have learned through years of experience how the business side works, and we still don't have it all figured out.

Cheers

[skinnylizard]

Hiyall. im in the process of setting up a studio right now. i am not an animator myself but more of a marketing person and a creative visualizer. I run a media firm which does web design+print + digital media.Of late we have made a decision to move away from what i presently do and set up a studio

We are HQ'ed in Bombay, India where the animation market is booming (however there is very little or no original content coming. most work is finishing or 3rd party outsourcing).

We are planning on making a chidlrens series which will be collectively 60 mins long (we are licensing the content or readapting existing stuff). Along with this we will work on creating characters and related pilots and pitches for further series in the course of the next 12 months.

One of the animators im tying up with is bringing an existing client.

I know a lot of people here say that its not practical or difficult to set up a studio which it is. But has anyone explored the direct distribution market? i.e. make a series or make content and distribute it directly to buyers and stores?

Budget-
we are looking to set up a team of 5 and funding stands at $50k so far. without any post production costs.

would love to hear peoples thoughts on this since obviously we have some serious talent and experience here.

[bird16]

Hi Daniel Camp, I think the advice given by the previous posts should be considered well. They are experienced in the industry. Why can't you start out with actually creating a short, using it in your portfolio and then pitching bigger pieces? If you're producing comics, than you have the formal tools necessary for composing on a 2-d space and if you're working in film, you must have some technical skills to construct a film. You have the power. I graduated in film and paintingn and feel that animation is the ideal mix of these disciplines, but I am working in service industries just to see my project to fruition. (and I walked 50 miles, with no shoes-just kidding, something my parents always said). The point, I feel, is learn all you can, experiement, then blow 'em away with what you can do! ;) Bird

[horsebacksalad]

Wade and others,
I hear what you are saying and I believe the caution is wise. However, I'm a strong believer in general scrappiness and resourcefulness. I still think that if you concentrate your efforts on some nice, high-concept shorts (maybe music videos) pitch bibles and genuinly well-done promotional pieces, you can lay the initial foundation with limited time and resources. My studio did it while working part-time (I at one point was working in a bike shop, teaching college post-production and working for my guys at least 40 hours a week). Exhausting and painful, yes!

I agree wholeheartedly that jumping straight into animated features isn't likely. On the other hand, pick up some broad skills in design, multimedia and post production, and you've got a vehicle with which to make the money and to buy the equipment you need to focus your efforts towards your goal; cartoons.

It's taken my company exactly 3 years, but we're now producing broadcast cartoons for others and are always pitching our own stuff. I actually think this is the way to do it, to really get your chops as a studio before you get thrown in on your own stuff.

Great discussion!

-steven

PS: I would never post on AWN for free animators!

[Freeon]

The main reason that animation schools do not offer any business training is simple. Animators, for the most part, are artists. They do not ever want to be bothered with business. They want to be left alone with a pencil or a mouse, and left to be creative. There are very few of us who have any tidbit of interest in the business side of things.

Not only that, but 3 years of college is already intense enough in animation, as there is a great deal to learn in a very short time. Add business management classes to that as well, and it would be a huge mess.

If you want to be in animation but in the business side of things, there are other ways to do it, the best probably being to study both. Get a degree (or diploma) in animation first, get some work experience, and go to school for business. Many of us in the business side of it have learned through years of experience how the business side works, and we still don't have it all figured out.

Cheers


Thanks for the advice. I'm going to think about it. I may go to business school first or take some business classes while I'm studying animation. The more I research, the more I think that this may be the best thing for me. Thanks again.

[Talyesyn Rama]

I strongly believe art schools of all kinds should definitely include entropreneurial business training. Schools that do not are failing in their duty to their students.

Daniel, and RRRivero, how's your processes going regarding starting up a studio? If you have a dream, GO FOR IT, you owe it to your self. Keep going and going and going, and you'll eventually create what you dream of.

Daniel, get a copy of FlashMX and go visit the character animation forum at www.were-here.com (http://www.were-here.com) . You'll find lots of help there also.

[Quasimotor]

Dan:

I agree with the general trend of this thread. When I was young (back before it was a cliche to say so) I said I wanted to "direct movies." Over 20 years I learned that such a statement - and it's similar to yours - is the beginning of a long, perhaps life-long, process. Skill, hard work, luck and most importantly sacrifice (like sacrificing your relation to your kids, your wife - if you have them - or sacrifice getting them if you don't).

Along the way, like dieting, the little successes add up to some degree of satisfaction which, oddly, is the greatest distraction from your goal. Satisfaction along the way to your goal will be your biggest obstacle.

So now, satisfied to death, I sat down and wrote a book for guys like you. If you don't want to buy it - you can read some of it free on amazon or my website, www.spectra-nyc.com. It was written for people just starting out with the idea of building a studio business and it gives you real practical information, like choosing the right software, like making sales calls to potential clients, etc. etc.

The book is called, "Digital Animation Bible - Producing Professional Animation with 3ds max, Lightwave and Maya." The title, pushed on me by McGraw-Hill, is a bit misleading. I would have made the subtitle, "Getting Started in a Studio Career with 3ds max, etc."

Give it a try and feel free to contact me here or by direct email if you have any questions.

[bird16]

Sooo, now...explain again, why I was barred from using a pic of my boyfriend's crank as jack for MY AVATAR?

[Quasimotor]

"Sooo, now...explain again, why I was barred from using a pic of my boyfriend's crank as jack for MY AVATAR?"

Does your Avatar need a jack? I'm sure if your boyfriend's crank were as discreetly covered as my mechanic's mamaries, the webmaster would have no problems, Bird. Unless, of course, he's from Missouri. BTW the mamaries are not actually jacking up the Escalade - her lips are.

Now let's get back to topic and not leave poor Dave out there in the cold.

[bird16]

Quasimotor, It's called s-a-t-i-r-e... And the postee is Daniel and I think he may have left the thread a wee bit ago. Ever hear of something called scopephilia, maybe I could tell it was her lips holding up the car if she had a 'face'. Mechanic? Well, than you've insulted her by depicting her as the 'jack' . :p Bird ...oh, and ahhh, WELCOME!

[nrm]

Hello guys,

I am looking to start an animation studio with a friend of mine. Wanted to know what is the best way to go about it. We both have no training in animation though both of us write comics and have worked in the film industry. Any advice would be appreciated.

You can start the business with a team of experts who need to be your core strength as suggested by Wade K.

Marketing edge either with your own contacts or through the experienced team that you may hire alone can make the difference.

A finance plan prepared with the marketing forcast is essential.

The project is really a complex one but rewarding also if approched in a planned manner.

The guys who are creative are having a flair for freedom. You need to form a team that is free and confirming to the business sense in each and every one of the seconds you spent.

N.K.Muthu

[Quasimotor]

Hey gang,

It's been a little while since I visited here. I wanted to see if my post was any help and from the hits on this site and my book website,

http://www.spectra-nyc.co

I see there was some interest. However, I have a few apologies (one serious and one satirical - yes, bird16, I have a sense of humor) (however, I'll let you all decide which apology is humorous and which serious)

First, I told you all that the above website had excerpts from my book, "Digital Animation Bible: Creating Professional Animation with 3ds Max, Lightwave, and Maya." In fact, the site does NOT have excerpts. It was SUPPOSED to have, but, s**t, I never got around to it. So my apologies. I DID however, post extensive excerpts from my first book, "Desktop Video Studio Bible : Producing Video, DVD, and Websites for Profit," which has significant information for setting up and organizing both the technology and business aspects (more important than tech) for ANY kind of studio, so if you are a tightwad (I am - I save the shampoos from the hotels I visit and mix them in one big bottle at home - THAT's a tightwad!).

So the first apology is sort of a half apology (you can read excerpts about setting up a studio, but not an ANIMATION studio per se) and like the Jews say, if you apologize do three things: 1. Apologize sincerely, 2., Acknowledge the loss of those you wronged and 3. Do the right thing and fix it so you never do the same thing again. So today, I am going to send some excerpts form the animation book to my webmaster and have him get those up on the site for all of you.

The second apology is for my avatar. This avatar was originall installed as my identity on Ferrarichat.com (a popular site for Ferrari restorers, of which I am one - hey, the animation business is good). You are welcome to visit and have fun there too. Hey, you never know.

Anyway, I got a lot of positive response from around the world on this avatar, but I didn't realize that it was all from men (since the Ferrari site has few women). I didn't realize that at AWN, this avatar might offend some of the women. Even though some of the best car mechanics and restorers I know are women (and if you think that's a BS line, at least believe I WISH there were all women - it would certainly make getting my car fixed more fun), this avatar might be perceived as being, what's the word for it? Sexist? Yeah, that's the ticket. Sexist.

Welll, my aologies to all for any offense my avatar caused. I will soon replace it, but don't hold your breath (not pun intended regarding the nature of the avatar's lungs), because I'm loaded with work and already burdened with getting those excerpts onto www.spectra-nyc.com.

And now a final word. In a day or so I will be signing contract for my third book, this one specifically on getting a business started using Softimage XSI, which I have discovered is really the bomb.

Come e-visit me, write me (george@avekta.com), or go buy a Ferrari and get out of here - I love ya all.

Quaz

[bird16]

Hey Quasimotor,

Don't edit yourself because of my opinion. And I hate to break this to you, but Women LIKE looking at other (beautiful)women, we DON'T LIKE seeing them turned into OBJECTS(which is what you did).

Regarding your avatar, I was simply asking for equal time, my friend.

And, ah...WELCOME BACK!

Bird

[dobermunk]

Quasimotor,
half-sceptical, half-interested - what's the angle on software-based how-to-business books?

You say "specifically on getting a business started using Softimage XSI" (and yes, its a great software package) which strikes me as being odd. I mean, I rejoice that after a decade of software loyalism, the industry is maturing into a software-is-toolset mentality.
Wouldn't it be more on the mark to make a single business how-to and an overview of which software fits which shot requirements best? (Of course, this would have to be up-dated every month.) Or how to approach the pipeline-issues at all? Team-building based on software knowledge and project specifics?

David

[Nim_rod007]

Guys,

I am keen on starting a studio as well. Is there a resource out there for industry data? The bank is asking me to write a "Business Plan". I have no idea how to go about it. :o

Jerry

[J.Mahon]

Anything is possibe if you want it bad enough.

History is littered with ordinary men who did extraordinary things only because they followed their dreams.

Walt Disney is one such man. He was an okay cartoonist. That is not what made him successful. It was his belief in his dreams. He was persistant and his belief was infectous. He believed in his own dreams so much, that it made others around him believe in his dreams too.

If you want your studio bad enough, don't give up. Walt didn't have any experience either. :D

[michaelshangcn]

Hello guys,

I am looking to start an animation studio with a friend of mine. Wanted to know what is the best way to go about it. We both have no training in animation though both of us write comics and have worked in the film industry. Any advice would be appreciated.

We are one animation service company, and we want to expand our company better and bigger, so we way collaborate together something like joint venture company? Is this an interesting idea to you?
We could talk about that: amazinganimation@163.net I am Michael

[BlackConvoy]

After reading all these posts I'm actually kinda scared now and thinking that maybe I should just put my dreams on the shelf and become a network engineer or something. I don't have any experience with animation but I am willing to put in the work that needs to be done in order to get to where I want to be. I know that building a reputation and having capitol takes time and I am hearing a lot of pros and cons but it sounds like the cons out weigh the pros. But this is something I really want to do so what should I do?

[Wade K]

WHere are you from, Michael? I assume you are not from North America... I am curious because my company was being built around a joint venture type idea, but unfortunately our partner studios dropped out for financial reasons...

Cheers

[michaelshangcn]

WHere are you from, Michael? I assume you are not from North America... I am curious because my company was being built around a joint venture type idea, but unfortunately our partner studios dropped out for financial reasons...

Cheers
I am Michael from China, and I have a studio providing animation service.

[anileapen06]

The best way to get attention to your capability is to finance projects small ones ofcourse
and release them for free on the net for others to watch.Heck at least it will prove your
quality while working with a non permanent team and you can avoid the hefty costs of
affording a team on a 1 year or more employment basis.The popularity of the movie
can be used to convince financiers.
Start small easier to bail out guys.
Then successive breaks to keep u going on.

[w00fie]

I've been doing some free internet work.
Mainly cos I can't afford a fancy office or proper marketing. Plus there's no work here in n.ireland.
(I'm probably wasting my time) but we all need a hobby.

I read somewhere that helping a director/crews that are also starting out and unemployed can help. It's probably lies though.

my work: (.wmv 3.5mb)
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nathan.mateer2/miniminvid.wmv

I also write&produce music:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nathan.mateer2/new_page.htm

[skinnylizard]

you can get enough work on the strenght of your demo reel if you are good even if there isnt work to be had locally. but there are limits.

[yesthisismymusic]

I know the author of this post might not come back but here r some of my thoughts:

Should you start an animation studio, should you start your own biz? How many people out there have failed? the answer is tons of them. I would say 90% plus.
So it's understandable and expectable to getting negative responses for such question like the one we have rite here.

But what make the 10% out of 100% successful? That's a million dollar question. There r self made millionaires out there selling their words for an answer. And the secret is often found in you.

Realize who you are? what type of person you r? r u playing for security, lifestyle? or r un in it for passion? etc. Personally, I beleive if u want something so badly, you probably get it in the end.
back to the point. The guy is trying to ask how to start, so I assume that he wants it badly enough to willingly give up his lifestyle etc for a couple of yrs. There r people like that out there too, they r in the game for the challenge. If it's easy then easy is all you'll get.
1. catch small fishes to feed you while waiting for the big fish.
2. ask directly for helps from people who previously invloved in the biz. some of them r here, in stead of listening to "it's not easy". well we all know it's not easy, have the gut to come and ask directly for such questions like, how, why, what, when, where etc, try to come up with specific/intelligent questions.
3. after getting feedbacks ( valuable one) sit down and evaluate them. give yourself some time, carefully write down what you've learned. there r always expected things and unexpected things happen. Have plans ready to back you up.
4. pick partners, learn about them as much as you can. trying to learn about yourself also. what type of person you r, he/she is. what work is best for them. if u know how to cook doesnt mean you should start a restaurant. Do your team have what it take to be successful? why n why not? I should recommend you to go out there and hunt for high IQ guys, if you beleive u have what it take, the smart guys/girls wont mind to work for free at first. Try to honestly and sincerely asking them for help.
5. Getting everything together, you, your team, works, biz plan, vision. NOw come back and reevaluate what you have and what you dont have.
Now asking yourself questions like: does your biz have a head, 2 hands, 2 legs, 1 body etc? Does it have a heart? you may end up building something that have 3 heads and no leg to run. or you make have everything, looklike a healthy decent human but it doesnt have a heart (passion).

I believe if u can do all that, it's possible but not easy. You can do anything and sky is the only limit. You rock this world and mark your name. That's the life I want myself to have and that's the direction I'm going.
I realize one thing, I never regret trying but not trying. And trying to stay away from negative people. Used their experience wisely but stay focus on what u r trying to achieve. once you tell yourself you want it so bad, everything will bend to assist you to get things your way. there r unexpected people who will come and lend you a hand everytime you need one.
good luck for those out there who dream and plz remember dream is just a dream. somewhere, some how you have to start!

[ashisante]

After reading all these posts I'm actually kinda scared now and thinking that maybe I should just put my dreams on the shelf and become a network engineer or something. I don't have any experience with animation but I am willing to put in the work that needs to be done in order to get to where I want to be. I know that building a reputation and having capitol takes time and I am hearing a lot of pros and cons but it sounds like the cons out weigh the pros. But this is something I really want to do so what should I do?

Hi BlackConvoy,
Well i think you are very much confused about animation.But its a very fast growing business next to software.aND IT HAS VERY LESS RISK FACTORS as compared to previous years,cause previous years were the evolution periods of animation and now its at astage where it can only run, no stoping or no falling.Just to plan it in right way.It has money and fame at same time.And once the characters are made n famous it become imortal ,like the characters of micky,donald,pluto,bugs bunny its.

So if you are still thinking for entering into it you can always contact me on justmail1973@yahoo.com.i am from india and the advantage in animation is to do outsourse and for it india is a best place.and one can start a animation studio in almost one fifth of the price of american or european standards.And its easy to invest in animation and software industry in india cause the govt has some very attractive policy where there is tax benifits and other facilities which makes india a suitable place.

Regards,
Ash

[Ken Davis]

Hi BlackConvoy,
Well i think you are very much confused about animation.But its a very fast growing business next to software.aND IT HAS VERY LESS RISK FACTORS as compared to previous years,cause previous years were the evolution periods of animation and now its at astage where it can only run, no stoping or no falling.Just to plan it in right way.It has money and fame at same time.And once the characters are made n famous it become imortal ,like the characters of micky,donald,pluto,bugs bunny its.

So if you are still thinking for entering into it you can always contact me on justmail1973@yahoo.com.i am from india and the advantage in animation is to do outsourse and for it india is a best place.and one can start a animation studio in almost one fifth of the price of american or european standards.And its easy to invest in animation and software industry in india cause the govt has some very attractive policy where there is tax benifits and other facilities which makes india a suitable place.

Regards,
Ash

Are you on drugs? Or do you really believe this pie-in-the-sky BS just so you can sell service shops in India? Get your head out your ass pal.

Animation is entertainment, probably one of the most fickle commodities going, meaning it AUTOMATICALLY and PERENNIALLY carries risk. Because of the vagarities of the product, a studio could see more or less work depending on the services they offer. If a trend changes, a studio could be left out in the cold because what it offers is no longer in demand.

Look at the precedents, pal........look at the the famous Hollywood model/miniature fx shops. Of course, there practically ARE NONE. Once upon a time, movies all over needed/demanded all kinds of miniatures, and a sizable cottage industry sprang up. Last quite a few years, and many major studios had in-house units. When the CGI tide came in, a LOT of those fx shops closed doors.
Animation is in the same paradigm, the same circumstances. There's NOTHING stable or constant about the animation business, and there never has been throughout its history. Don't spout lies just to line your pockets buddy, either lay it on the level or don't say anything at all.

[Wade K]

Ken, this is the mentality of the Indian animation community all across the country. Animation is seen simply as a cash-cow (not the holy kind) in that country, and everyone and anyone with any money behind them thinks they can open a studio and make it work. I see them popping up all over the place... Opened by marble salesmen and engineers (everyone in India is in one of the two professions). What I just don't understand is how they manage to stay open... There is just not enough work to support even half of them. There are a few major players who do in fact get work from large reputable studios in North America and Europe, but I just don't know how the little gusy are doing it.

Anyways... There will be a new cash-cow soon, and all the bandwagon jumpers will go to that industry and things will slow down considerably in India. Especially since more and more work is being kept on this side of the pond through the use of other affordable means of producing, such as Flash and other digital 2D software.

Cheers

[skinnylizard]

Ken, this is the mentality of the Indian animation community all across the country. Animation is seen simply as a cash-cow (not the holy kind) in that country, and everyone and anyone with any money behind them thinks they can open a studio and make it work. I see them popping up all over the place... Opened by marble salesmen and engineers (everyone in India is in one of the two professions). What I just don't understand is how they manage to stay open... There is just not enough work to support even half of them. There are a few major players who do in fact get work from large reputable studios in North America and Europe, but I just don't know how the little gusy are doing it.

Anyways... There will be a new cash-cow soon, and all the bandwagon jumpers will go to that industry and things will slow down considerably in India. Especially since more and more work is being kept on this side of the pond through the use of other affordable means of producing, such as Flash and other digital 2D software.

Cheers


well its easy. they are chop shops. they dont pay for software, facilities are basic and there is no long term employee welfare plan or ownership.

this is why they open up and shut down. fact i know of like 4 studios doing feature films on similar subjects...

so its not just chop shop mercenaries, but a total lack of bloody imagination

[Phreak]

Two things:

1. First thing, This is my first post outside of Daily Sketch! Hahahaha!

2. Second thing, it really sucks when it sinks in that, like you guys say, there's people who se the industry as an oppertunity to get rich quick with low risk. a cash cow effect as was mentioned, but rather, I picture it as locusts 'take the best it has to offer and move on to the next big thing'.

It bloody heartbreaking really as I put my heart into the work I do, and I'll give my left goony to do it for a living, instead of sitting here evening after evening doing doodles for myself, and sketches/illustrations for my buddies. And these 'oppertunities' from India is killing the possible market for guys like me. I'm not from a 'big' country like US/Canada/Japan/UK where there's budgets for Animation/Illustration, so my best be would be to gain exposure over the net and hopefully an oppertunity will come my way. But I don't ever want to be associate with slave-like-labour and -investments- crap! So you guys over in the 'big' countries! Don't pocket 'everyone else' together! (I'm not saying you do though!) I do it for the love of it, and if something comes from my passion, itwill be a bonus, I don't care about 'making it' in an industry. Well yes I do, but that's not what drives me. What drives me is showing people what I've got :) Besides I believe what yesthisismymusic
said. If you want it badly enough, and work hard enough, you'll achieve it!

Ok so I'm blabbering about two point. Bottom line is, I appreciate your opinion about the market being exploited, and share your concern. And I think there's no quick-anything anymore. Work hard, work for someone as the your-own-studio is doomed. Work for someone implies work-for-someone-WITH-CONTACTS whos got a foot in the ....pie, or a finger in the indusry! LOL!

Cheers guys! Enjoying the debate so far.

[skinnylizard]

If you want it badly enough, and work hard enough, you'll achieve it!



absof*****loutely but that requires you to go about the business in a prudent manner.