Horizon Scanning

Ultimately, I want to be able to make my own films and hobnob in those independent circles. I also want to go to a studio to get experience, work with people I admire and contribute towards character driven storytelling. Ultimately, all my work should focus on character and storytelling, and I'll strive to work ethically and not promote mindless consumerism.

Studios-wise, I've been looking into and applying for roles at Blue Zoo, Rumpus, The Line and AKA, some of which currently have internships going and some of which do not. I'm also checking out Sixteen South in Belfast, Blinkink, Passion Pictures and Lupus Animation to see where they list jobs. I also think it's worth me starting by checking out smaller studios such as Bearded Fellows and stuff around Manchester, as it would allow me to live (semi) affordably and continue to develop my own practice. I could be grounded and live with my girlfriend, at least while we begin to build ourselves as professionals. In a studio, I hope to learn how to direct and manage budgets and pipelines. I'll also build lasting professional relationships. This is why I'm dead set on continuing to volunteer, putting myself as much in with creative people as possible. I'll apply for stuff that isn't just in animation, as well. This includes roles in live action production and TV. I'll do running stuff. It all culminates in me positioning myself as a storyteller.

I have to continue my own practice. This would involve carving out some time each week to write and direct my own films on a really teeny tiny budget. Facebook groups are a good place to find other budding filmmakers for collaboration. I won't rely on waiting for funding to pursue this, but I must keep it as part of my schedule otherwise I risk falling into a routine without my own films and forgetting the reason I chose animation in the first place. I won't move back in with my fam, as dear as they are to me, because I think I will learn a lot from struggling to keep myself afloat in my own place.

Were I to do a masters, I would apply to Gobelins or La Cambre in Brussels. I wouldn't embark on this for a few years, though, as I want a greater taste of the world to inform my practice.