Rigging Asylum: Potential Employers

Framestore

Leading VFX and animation company based in London but also have offices in New York. Anybody prospectively looking for a career in VFX and animation should give Framestore a look. They offer summer internships to students, a fantastic opportunity to build on industry experience and ann to the CV.

They Claim to be the biggest VFX company this side of the pond, clearly working for a company like this would provide excellent development opportunities.

Framestore Showreel

I don't think this is their definitive showreel, but demonstrates a subtle use of the technology and software - it has a really natural organic feel to it despite being realised on a computer, and illustrates the importance of concept and idea, rather that spectacle.

The Mill

World renowned, oscar winning, multinational (branches in New York and LA). They provide entry level opportunities for runners, so could be a potential foot in the back door. They provide a range of services from CG, which I am focussing on, to film, digital to film - compositing, TV and Film. With such a huge ranging portfolio, they would be ideal for development.

Showreel

Breakdown of a commercial produced by the Mill, advertising apples. Shows their innovative workflow, ticks all the boxes for me.

Smoke and Mirrors

Visual effects and postproduction company, work in advertising, film and music industries. They have offices in London, New York and shanghai, fantastic reputation and have won many awards and commendations.

The House of Curves

As previously mentioned, House of Curves was setup by Andrew Daffy, who started out in Framestore. They also are keen on developing up and coming talent by using students on a free lance basis for character modeling as well as holding seminars around the countries universities. They obviously know a lot about the industry and are keen to share this wealth of knowledge with those who are interested.
Hot Animations

Manchester based animation company. Produced childrens animations such as Pingu, Bob the Builder, Brambly Hedge, Rubbadubbers. Seem to do a lot of stopframe animation but also use CG to produce 3d white card or full maquettes and visuals.

Cosgrove Hall Animations

Dangermouse, Count Dukula, Wind in the Willows, the BFG, Postman Pat - these are all household names and cartoons I enjoyed as I was growing up. All these titles are associated with more traditional methods of animation, but their website indicates they have moved into 3d.

VTR North

Mezzo Films

Leeds based production company, would be very convenient in terms of travel.
Provide 2d and 3d visual effects and animation.

Games Companies

Although my main aim is to forge a career in TV and Film I have also been looking at possibilities within the games industry - They need TD's too and could provide a vital foot in the door.

The companies I have listed below are in and around the Leeds area.

Rockstar Leeds

Leeds based games company responsible for some of the Grand Theft Auto titles. Currently recruiting for 2D/3D artists, with some MEL and C++ programming skills. Require some industry experience - might be worth a call in, see if they need anyone to make their tea?

Giant Robot

Leeds based media company, they work with advertising agencies and creative companies. Have produced campaignes in the past for GHD Spa, Gallowgate, Cognitive Media and Atkins Global. Their websites under construction, but have taken advantage of their feature which informs you via email once its back up and running.

Stargate Studios

US based production company.

Revolution

York based gaming company - nice and local. Done a lot of the Broken Sword series and won a few Baftas along the way.

Tuna Tech

Sheffield based "thinking mans" game company. Love their logo! Just won a contract with CH4 to produce their new project "Cover Girl" - an educational strategy game that explores the world of magazine and photo manipulation.

Team 17