Aaron Holly

Had a series of DVD's from Farenheit digital presented by this chap, he seriously knows his stuff. The character he rigged for the tutorials was a caveman type character and provides loads of solutions for rigging and skinning. It was this series which first introduced me to the ribbon spine setup, which he uses in all sorts of creative ways to control deformation not only in the spine, but in the arms and legs.

The dvd's have also gone along way to demystifying the whole process and clarifies how the whole system works.

Animation Jobs

Animation Articles

AnimationArena

Very useful website, this article offers advice on breaking into the world of 3d animating, although i suspect its become a little dated when they suggest presenting your work on betamax rather than vhs. There was me thinking dvd was the way forward?

Skillset

Useful web resource that has a relevant page of articles regarding the animation industry. Loads of information and relevant links to go on. I have spent a lot of time reading through this resource and will continue in the future. See article "Jobs in 3d Computer animation" for a comprehensive list of job titles and roles. Really useful to have the correct vernacular when finding information.

Career Coach: Foolproof Your Career

Link to article by Pamela Kleibrink Thompson. She writes a lot of advice regarding recruitment and career tips.

Useful Links

FatCat

Directory of British Film and Television Production and Post Production. Quite a handy list that will springboard further enquiry. Useful information regarding each company such as Phone numbers and relevant email addresses.

GamesIndustry

Recruitment agency that specialises in the Games industry. Appears this site caters for vacancies around the world should feet begin to itch.



Highend Careers

"Find Hundreds of the Best Jobs" - Offshoot of Highend 3d, advertises jobs regarding 3d, Game, VFX, Film. You can also upload your own profile so poential employers can view your work. I have done a search to see whats about in term of rigging and i has confirmed my suspicions of availability up North. 



Animation Mentor

Animation Mentor is an online animation school who have been sending me their free monthly newsletter that features loads of up to date information regarding the industry. There's also a lot of useful links and free resources, as well as introducing you to new talent.
Dave Warren

Link to Dave's Blog address - both he and and I are looking inthe same area of work so would be foolish to overlook the opportunity to collaborate.  

agcas

Mammoth resource, only apage in length but put together with loads of useful links of information regarding job advertising, news and sources of vacancies. UK based so exremely relevant!



Tech Artists

Online community designed to update and sharpen the skills of technical artists and animators.

Visual Effects Society 

Looking though their website it becomesapparent this is where the big boys in Visual effects hang out. To become an active member you have to be in the VFX trade for 5 years minimum and provide evidence of your portfolio. Membership offers loads of fringe benefits such as cheap insurance, screenings, discounts, free dvd's, seminars, publications, educational seminars. One for the future - a must if your intending to secure a place with the VFX elite, not to mntion the possible networking opportunities.

The House of Curves 

London based VFX/ animation studio company, established by Andrew Daffy (originally of Framestore) and Matt Estella. As well as providing VFX, animations and pre-vis wor for film, they are committed to providing educational seminars to colleges and universities and write articles for 3d based magazines. This link directs to a really handy 'advice for students' pdf which featured in September 2008 Imagine Magazine. Well worth a look.





Animators Guild

I was directed to this site via a monthly newsletter sent out by Animation Mentor. TAG stands for The Animation Guild and proclaims responsibility for negotiating fair pay, health care etc for animators (They are a US organisation). This link to their blog is a useful resource, as it gives up to date industry information from across the pond, but also has plethora of useful links down the right to investigate.


Animation World Network

One of the links I found from the above blog address, this is a huge resource. They publish a regular Animation and separate VFX magazine (to which I have subscribed to both). There's also blogs, jobs and an events calender. Definitely worth checking on a regular basis.