Animators Learn Freelance Survival Skills

A GROUP of Animators and Camera Operators, recently made redundant from Chorlton-based Cosgrove Hall, have been given a helping hand to find new work by Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film, radio, digital and games industries in the Northwest.

Following the huge success of a similar support session for Hot Animation redundancies earlier this year, Cosgrove Hall called on Vision and Media for guidance for its seven departing staff, after announcing the redundancies from its famous studio.

Vision and Media decided to offer all the staff who had been made redundant fully-funded, bespoke training in skills that will prove vital to their careers in the future, including working with tax and finance, how to set up their own companies, and where to source new animation opportunities, as well as a 70% bursary available for further training in their field.

“All the training we deliver is aimed at providing people with skills that keep them up to date with industry needs,” explains Lynn Kelly, Training Manager for Vision and Media.

“Freelancing is increasingly becoming the way forward for employment in a lot of creative sectors, including animation, and I’m delighted that this talented group have been given a headstart in how to adapt to that.”

Janet Graves led the workshop, at the BBC in Manchester. An experienced Media Development Professional for Vision and Media, Janet is also a self-employed TV and radio producer, as well as a freelance career mentor and trainer.

Jonathan Ford, a chartered accountant with a special interest in media and freelance tax issues, also shared his expertise in the financial aspects of becoming a freelancer.

On the back of this workshop, a number of the animators are taking advantage of the 70% training bursary through the Media Freelance Fund, and brushing up on their technical skills to make sure they remain ahead of the pack, taking intense courses in 3D modeling and animation, using 3ds Max software.