Great news for animators based in the UK and Europe – Industrial Light and Magic, the visual effects division of Star Wars producer Lucasfilm, is coming to Soho. According to the Hollywood Reporter, it will hire 200 staff to work on Lucasfilm products and also other films produced in the UK. Star Wars: Episode VII will start shooting at Pinewood Studios in May at Pinewood studios.
This is great news for animators in our neighbourhood. One of the best places to find a job is at a facility which is just opening up. Why? Because they will need to fill positions at every level, from experienced staff to entry-level posts. 200 staff is a lot of people to hire in one go. We recommend that all our animators currently studying with Animation Apprentice, and our recent graduates, polish their reel and send it in.
Every time you apply for a job you get better at applying, even if you don't get the position, and the experience you gain from applying is all part of the journey to your first visual effects job. ILM will be looking for character and creature animators, so make sure you put your best foot forward by making sure that your reel looks as awesome as possible. And remember that the golden rule of an animation reel is – no mistakes.
—Alex