Animator

An Animator creates the illusion of motion thru drawings and movement of images to convey a meaning or a story. The Animator heavily relies on his/her artistic ability, although there is a growing need to be familiar with technical computer packages (animation software). Animators work in 2D animations (such as cartoons), 3D model making animation, or computer generated animation.

Task

• Create storyboards that visualize the script and narrative;
• Build up detailed frame-by-frame visuals with accuracy, designs models from a wide range of materials from modeling clay, plaster, oil paints, water colors and to acrylic as background, sets, characters, objects in the animation environment;
• Develop the timing and pace of a character or object’s movements during the animatic and ensure they follow the soundtrack and audio requirements;

Basic Educational and Training Requirements

Even a high school graduate can be an Animator provided he/she has the artistic ability to sketch/draw and has good imagination. This is what they call the Entry-level Animator. However, to be a Key Animator, certain trainings on the following subject matters will be useful: graphic design/illustration, 2-D and 3-D design, art and design, spatial design, film and video, multimedia and computer aided design. Some of these trainings are offered by some animation companies to their entry level Animators.

Skills and Competencies

• Artistic ability to sketch/ draw;
• Good imagination;
• Knowledgeable in artistic design/illustration, 2D & 3D design art and design, spatial de sign, film and video, multimedia and computer aided design;
• Familiar in the use of technical software (Flash, 3D studio max, Maya, Light wave, Softimage and Cinema 4D).

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Imaginative and patient;
• Have an eye for details;
• Have excellent attitude (i.e. flexible, patient, conscientious, resourceful, team worker, organized and disciplined).

Salary/Compensation

Local

• P8,000-12,000 per month (entry level animator)
• P15,000-25,000 per month (key animator)

Overseas

• $58,030 per anum or $4,836 per month (entry level animator)
• $64,000 per anum or $5,333 per month (key animator)

Prospects for Career Advancement

An Animator with 2-3 years experience can qualify for the position of Key Animator after undergoing additional training in an advanced course. He/She must also possess supervisory, coaching and leadership skills.

Employment Opportunities

Some 20,960 new jobs will be made available for animators over the period 2007-2010, or an average of 5,240 job openings a year

Training Programs

Animation Training Programs are conducted by the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) in cooperation with TESDA and the Korea-Philippines I.T. Training Center in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Courses/Training Offered *

• Professional Assistant Animator Training
  Course Fee: P12,000
  Duration: 6 months
• Professional 3D Maya Animation Training
  Course Fee: P25,000
  Duration: 6 months
• Flash for Animation
  Training Fee: P9,900
  Duration: 6 days
• Compositing
  Training Fee: P7,100
  Duration: 5 days
• Digital Ink and Paint using USAnination
  Training Fee: P15,000
  Duration: 13 days
• Trainer�s Training for Assistant
  Animator
  Training Fee: P25,000
  Duration: 24 days

Animation Schools & Training Centers

• Ateneo de Naga University
  Naga City, Camarines Sur
• College of St. Benilde - Multimedia Arts Center
  2544 Taft Avenue, Manila
• Navel Academy of Digital Arts
  NAVEL Academy of Digital Arts Bldg., Alabang-Zapote Rd., Las Pi� City
• Mapua IT Center
  2nd Floor MITC Building
  333 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
• Mowelfund Film Institute
  Mowelfund Drive, 66 Rosario Drive cor. Ilang-Ilang St., Cubao, Quezon City
• Artfarm Digital Exchange Liberty Center, Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
• Phoenix One
  Lower G/F, Salustiana D. Ty Tower
  Paseo de Roxas St. cor. Perea St.
  Makati City;
  G/F Greenrich Mansion
  Pearl Drive cor. Lourdes St., Pasig City;
  2/F Do�arta Building
  Alabang-Zapote Rd., Muntinlupa City;
  3/F Seaman's Building
  Camino Vicinal Street
  Umapad, Mandaue City;
  3/F Reliance Building, Rizal Extension
  Davao City

* Based on 2007 rates

Source: Bureau of Local Employment, Manila, Philippines.