Future Animation of Mass Communication Students

The animation industry consists of a workforce that stretches across many of the sectors in the creative media industries. You will find animated content on television, in feature films, commercials, websites and computer or video games.

Animation is a relatively small sector that is growing in success and popularity. More flexible scheduling by broadcasters has increased opportunities for animators and the internet provides another platform for short and experimental work.

There are a wide range of freelance, some contract, and some more permanent jobs in animation. These can be found at small production companies, larger studios, computer generated post production facility houses and at computer games developers or interactive media designers. These are some of the careers related to Animation: Broadcast, DesignGame Design, CD-ROM Design, Web Design, Simulations, CD-ROMs, Film Effects, Characters & Props, Television Effects, Characters & Props.

Animation is extremely costly to make. Labor-intensive and time-consuming, it can take up to two years to produce just 30 minutes of animation. This has placed a heavy emphasis on good project management and good teamwork; the skills shortages in this sector reflect the need for people who can adapt to busy production schedules.

But balanced against this is the popularity of animation and the fact that it can easily be translated into other languages, for worldwide sales. Budgets for animated features may be in excess of $60 million, but the sale of products, such as books and toys, plus the potential for high box office returns, can usually more than compensate for the initial investment.

The UK has an excellent reputation for creativity and technology, but high production costs mean that less than 5% of the animation currently seen on our TV screens originated here. But unlike some other sectors in the creative media industries, animation has a number of distinct and highly successful centers of excellence outside London; including Bristol, Manchester and Dundee.

Most of the money spent on animation is associated with the advertising industry and competition for commissions is fierce.

Other products include: feature films, children’s programmes, games, music promos, titles and idents, CD-Roms (for educational purposes), adult comedy and drama