Where Are The UK Animation Studios?

Animation UK's Studio Directory

There are around 2,500 animation studios in the UK, of which a little under 500 have employees - making them worth targeting for an entry-level job.  But how to find them?  

One great resource is Animation UK's Studios Directory, which you can find here.  Click on the link and you can start making lists of UK Animation Studios - and then start applying. 

Don't Overlook The Minnows

Animation UK's Studios Directory

Bear in mind that smaller studios will receive far fewer applications than the big famous ones, and hence are much easier to break into. Also consider that smaller studios won't run formal internship programmes, but they might just make one up for you if you ask nicely and have a good demo reel.

Animation UK Studio Directory
Animation UK's Studios Directory allows you to search by region and discipline. You can find studios close to home - and further away. Don't forget that UK Passport holders have the right to work in Ireland as well as the UK. 

Wikipedia List of Studios
You can also search Wikipedia for a list of studios. Start here to begin your search:

• Wikipedia List of UK Animation Studios
• Wikipedia List of Irish Animation Studios

Film London List of Studios

Film London list of animation and vfx houses 

Another great resource is Film London's list of animation and vfx houses here.

Escape Studios' Studio Resources

We also have our own in-house lists of hiring studios, focusing as always on where our students have recently been successful finding work. Ask us for details.  

Toonboom Harmony Studios

Ask us for a list of Harmony Studios

We also have a list of UK and Ireland Studios that use Toonboom Harmony, for our 2D Animation Students.  Email us for details. 

UK Animation - Global Number 2
The USA has around 6,000 animation studios, of which around 1,100 have employees (ie not just a sole freelancer working alone) - making it by far the biggest internationally.  But the number two spot is taken by the United Kingdom, with over 2,500 studios, of which around 465 have employees.  

We punch way above our weight in the global animation market, with many jobs and opportunities for this growing industry.  

UK Animation is thriving

UK Tax Credits

One reason is Government support. Today animation in the UK continues to thrive, supported by a generous tax credit that offers almost 40% of the production budget.  To see more about how the UK tax credits work, read this blog post. 

Jobs Resources at Animation Apprentice

We have many resources available at Animation Apprentice aimed at helping our students find work in the animation industry. To get started, see the blog posts below:

• How do Graduates Find Work in the Animation Industry?
• Demo Reel Advice - at Skwigly
• Demo Reel Advice by Animal Logic
• Why Animators Need to be on LinkedIn
• Be the Rhino - remember that rejection is normal
• Six Rules to Create a Great CV
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Find an Animation Internship
• Blue Zoo Recruitment Tips
• Escape Studios' Free Industry Survival Guide
• Escape Studios Free Careers Guide
• Michael Morgan: "From the Classroom to the Studio"
• Why Animators Need their Own Blog or Website
• How to be a Freelance Animator
• 12 Rules to Find Work in the Animation Industry
• Pixar Advice for Graduates
• Why Animators Should Apply For Jobs Twice
• Job Interview Strategy with Kevin Richards
• Why Animators Should Attend "Bring Your Own Animation"

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our next classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.