Why Animators Should Cast their Net Wide

Landing your first job in the animation industry isn't easy. But what many graduates forget is just how many opportunities are out there - if you cast your net wide enough. 

Alongside world-beating animation companies like Aardman Animation, Blue Zoo, Framestore and DNEG are hundreds of small companies that are much less well known - almost 500 in the UK alone. 

There are just under 500 animation companies in the UK with at least one employee (ie not just a sole practitioner) and this creates a huge opportunity for an animator with the patience to look beyond the famous names.

500 UK Animation Companies

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?  

Animation UK Studio Directory

One great resource for recent graduates 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. 

Small Studios Matter Too

Animation UK's Studios Directory

Small studios are less well known - and receive far fewer applications than the big famous ones. This means they can be much easier to break into.  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 far away.  

Don't Forget Irish Studios 

Don't forget to include animation studios in Ireland in your search: UK passport holders have the right to work in Ireland as well as the UK.

UK Studios at Wikipedia
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.

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 Escape Studios

We have many resources available at Escape Studios aimed at helping our students find work in the animation industry. 

To get started, see the blog posts below:

• Where are the UK Animation Studios?
• Which Country Has The Most Animation Studios?
• How to Find an Internship in Animation
• Finding Work in Animation in 2024
• How Do Graduates Find Work in the Animation Industry?
• 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 a Demo Reel
• How to be a Freelance Animator
• 12 Rules to Find Work in the Animation Industry
• 8 Steps to Find an Animation Internship
• The Number One Reason that Graduates Don't Get Hired
• Why Animators Should Enter the 11 Second Club Competition

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects. To apply for one of our courses, follow this link.