Jobs in VFX in an Age of Turbulence

Finding work in an age of change

It is no secret that growth in the animation and visual effects industry has had a bumpy ride recently.

The reasons are many: over expansion during the streaming boom years, the fallout from Covid, writer’s strikes, actor’s strikes, the gradual decline of the theatrical movie business and – above all – the rise and rise of AI.

So, how do recent graduates find work in an industry which remains highly competitive and is also experiencing headwinds? The answer is – apply often, and apply widely.

Apply Widely

Jobs & Careers Playlist at YouTube

Our advice to graduates remains the same as ever – polish your demo reel (make sure it is of a professional standard) and then apply for as many jobs as you can find. Not just half a dozen of the top companies, but as many as you can stomach. Alongside the world-beating UK VFX companies like Framestore and DNEG are hundreds of small companies that are much less well known.

There are many small VFX companies in the UK – and this creates a huge opportunity for an animator with the patience to look beyond the famous names. And don’t be shy to apply more than once – success favours the persistent.

YouTube Jobs Playlist

How to Find the UK’s Animation Studios

If you’d rather listen than read, check out our Jobs & Careers Playlist at our YouTube Channel, where we discuss in detail what you need to do to break into the creative industries. We have videos on jobs, internships, demo reels, mentorship – also advice on what to ask a client, and how much to charge for a freelance job.

Jobs Resources at Escape Studios

We have many resources available at Escape Studios aimed at helping our students (both VFX and Animation) to develop their skills and find work in the animation industry.

To get started, see the blog posts below: