What Does an Animation Producer Do, Exactly?

What Does an Animation Producer Do, Exactly? In this 20 minute webinar, hosted at the Escape Studios YouTube Channel, veteran animation producer Bob Thompson explains what the role of an animation producer is, what they do, and how artists can best work with producers. Producing animation is a growing part of what we do at Escape Studios, with a number of recent Escapees going on to fill production roles at animation and games studios such as Sony Playstation and Framestore.

About Bob Thompson

Bob Thompson

Veteran animation producer Bob Thompson brings his experience of producing independent animated films such as the Bionicle series and Ultramarines, as well as commercials, post-production and VFX.

Bob Thompson has worked as a Producer for the BBC and as the Head of Film for LEGO. He has developed and produced four feature length animations and has also worked on 3D attractions, television shows, toys, games and theme park rides and more than 30 different media categories.  Bob is the founder of Good Story Productions who provide creative development, production, VFX and Post Production services & facilities for Film and other media.

"Jerich0" - Award Winner

Producing Animation
Producing animation is an increasingly important part of what we teach at Escape Studios, as our students collaborate on short film projects, entering festivals and winning awards.

Being a successful animator isn't just about being good at animation; you also need to understand how group projects work, and learn how to collaborate with other artists in a studio environment.

Carine Ong, Producer at Framestore

Thinking like a producer
Escape Studios teach our students to think not just in terms of finding work in the animation industry as employees, but also to succeed as freelancers.

Our business is largely project-driven, and it's important to understand how animation and vfx projects are financed, scheduled, and brought to a successful completion.  Knowing how to complete a freelance job successfully is an important life skill for any commercial artist.

It's also important to understand the business environment we operate it. Understanding why deadlines matter makes it much easier to work in a studio, alongside producers who have to get the job delivered on time and on budget.

Lydia Layton, prod'n co-ordinator

Escapees in Production Roles
Many Escapees have gone to production roles in recent months. These include:

• Maddison Gould, production assistant at Playstation 
• Katerina Zacharakis, production assistant at Playstation 
• Lydia Layton, Production Co-ordinator at Two Sides TV 
• Carine Ong, producer at Framestore
• Olivia Unwin, Production Assistant at Framestore

Producing and Freelancing
To see other posts about producing and freelancing, see the links below:

• Maya Indie License for Freelancers 
• Seven Rules to Start Your Own Animation Business
• 16 Rules of Animation Freelancing
• How to Invoice a Client
• Eight Rules to Survive as a Freelance Animator 
• Sole Trader -vs- Limited Company - which is best?  
• Questions for your Client on Your First Freelance Job 

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects. To apply for our BA/MArt in 3D Animation, follow this link.  To apply for our storyboarding evening class, visit this page here.  For the next 12 week animation course, click here.