I Started an Animation Studio...

-- Sir Wade's Links --

-- Software --

Chapters:
0:00 - The 3 Things I Wanted
1:47 - Hiring / Building a Team
3:30 - Planning + Project Management
5:51 - What I've Been Doing
7:50 - Things I Learned
10:13 - Finishing the Project
11:30 - Advice for Starting / Joining a Studio
12:35 - What's Next for Me

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#animationstudio #animationjobs #independentanimation

Music Sync ID:
MB01QLQV4VTGEOP

[SirWade]

The music video I made isn't out yet, but made sure you're subbed so you don't miss the breakdown / debrief of how it was created! Also, any other questions you have after hearing the story? :)

[davidoaken]

Any team of a significant size NEEDS a manager and every company, reagardless of size, needs an accountant (They can both be the same person). They dont have to be full time in these rolls but in my experiance companies where there is a "free for all" style of managment, fail. You have to have someone at the top saying "you do this" "you do this" you do this" otherwise everything turns into a bee-line of progress. Sounds to me like enthusiasm got a bit ahead of you in this project, not a critisim, it happens to everyone.

[thefynn]

I think showing where you failed is good! More people should do this. We all fail and the internet tends to look like everyone is allways happy and succesfull. That waht most people show but Failing means learning (or failing from learning from your failures) and learning from others mistakes is helpful.

[RockyRakoon]

In my country they say that failure is the mother of success! If you fail it means you will learn and grow from the experience. We've all made mistakes but they only give us more chance to do better. I am exhausted managing a freelance animation team and it will only get exhausting once I've done figuring things out. Good luck to everyone who is building a work team out there!

[BonusPokus]

It seems like most of these problems stem from a lack of leadership. It may sound harsh, but when you hire people, you have to be the boss. When you say that your project got delayed because everyone had a different vision, it sounds like your team didn't know that they were hired to develop your vision. The reality about small studios and short budgets is that resources have to be managed and optimized properly, and most of the time that means that there is little space for creative freedom throughout the project. People are hired to perform a task, they aren't hired to bring their own vision to life, and this can be seen even in large productions that are now flopping because people are carrying too much of their personal baggage into the project. Take Peter Jackson as an example, when he planned the LOTR movies, he talked to his team and they all agreed that they will leave their personal baggage outside of the movies and that they would focus on representing well the things that were important for Tolkien. This could have been such an easy point to address with your team from the beginning and everyone would have been focused on finishing the task at hand. Of course, you should actively listen to your team, but also learn when to just say "no". It isn't about getting it perfect, it is about getting it done.

[oversalt]

We are slowly building a specialist animation studio, definitely great advice.

One key thing I've learned the hard way is not to take on a project that you aren't or won't be passionate about. Its really hard to turn down big projects, but when you know it's not quite right for you and your team, taking it on anyway will make you wish you didn't.

I guess the difference is we're starting really small, probably too small but it's my dream and I want to build it properly.

Good luck on your next adventure, failure and learning from it is a huge part of the journey.

[seekertosecrets]

5:51 So no lead or director.

Last summer, I was part of an adult video game summer camp. The goal was to experience the process of what it takes to make a video game and make a presentation of it. I was officially assigned as the sole animator of the group. After the first meetup, I also became the producer of the group. I almost became the conductor making the music since one member had a family emergency. I wore multiple hats trying to keep things together, but as time went on, some of the members became a little less active. However, we were able to come up with a concept of a game.

Looking back at it now, I wish there was more involvement on making the end result better. On my end, my only regret was not improving my skills prior and it showed. The team might come back at a later date and make something better out of it, but not until I improve my animation skills. It just feels too stiff and slow.

[Nnoy]

Yep, managing people is a very different thing. Like one can be a good chef, but managing a buffet is a very different thing. I have a cousin, very good cook, lots of experience in various restaurants, who started his own restaurant and discovered how different it is managing the entire thing.

[takahashierik]

Thanks for sharing this. It's easy to say "if you don't like working in the industry, just go indie!" But few people understand how difficult that can be

[HacintoTV]

We are starting an animation studio just at this time with a group of friends... this video is really very useful and comes at a very good time, everything you say is to consider it seriously, thanks for sharing your experience!

[BrianKouhi]

Thanks for sharing this one Sir Wade, It's great to look back on past failures and learn from them. That's the only way to grow.

[warrenmuzak]

Taking on projects that you're not passionate about is something I believe everyone does at least once. There are many I have done (and still do) because mouths need to be fed and bills to pay. I feel its a skill to learn how to prepare your mindset when working on those jobs. Sometimes those "soul sucking" jobs lead to something truly amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience. Very important stuff here.

[computron]

"It's really time consuming and extremely expensive" - I wish more people thought about this when calling every new animated film a "cash grab". Starting any business is tough, but starting an animation studio with the goal of paying people fairly, creating good work, and reaching profitability is EXTREMELY tough. Applaud you for trying.

[sonicartist]

First, I’m insanely grateful for this.

Second, I feel this reflects my current experience of leading a game team… almost down to a “T”.

Looks like I’ll be watching this video a few more times this week.😅
Thank you so much, it’s not easy to talk about failing. But in doing so, it helps refine the knowledge of what we should and should not do to find success.

[CryptTheNecromancer]

damn, I really wish I could've heard about this studio. I would've LOVED the opportunity to work with you! It's unfortunate that the studio went under, but I think you know to take it as a learning experience. All in all, such experiences will have led you to be a better leader overall. If there's ever another opportunity for you to try again, I have no doubts that you'll be better than before

[adamkovarik]

Talking about your failed project is very hard but it is such a good practice. This is setting a good example of realizing why and where stuff fails. I'm sure it's just a small hiccup on your animation journey. Great video, keep it up!

[brandonberrycg]

Shoot, I didn't know we had an animation expo in Utah. I need to get out more. Props to you for making the plunge into starting a studio Sir Wade. It might have went under but it seemed like you learned immensely from it. I'm glad you are still out there for all of us animation folks, looking forward to seeing more!

[boyeffendy]

Relate so much. For those looking to start your own studio should watch this video first! Some of us just better join an established team than starting your own and you need a solid WHY and HOW to start it

[MilitaryTVgirl]

You are actually wise beyond your years. A person who can see project issues/mistakes and talk about them during a debrief (military term) will certainly be more successful every time you go back up and fly your plane, so to speak. Even people who are not interested in animation would find your videos (do's and don'ts, project debriefs) incredibly informative, and be able to apply them to their own personal projects. You have a gift, for sure. I spent a LOT of money taking classes from Joe Murray (Rocko's Modern Life and Camp Lazlo). Though he is great with details of crafting animation scripts, etc., there was no "big picture" of how all of this works. I've only seen two of your videos. I'm really impressed with your "big picture" understanding of how everything works and the way you inform viewers about different topics. You really do have something special! Good on ya!

[mosamaster]

😅 I am stuck with my first ever Comic series and only finished 1 chapter out of 10 chapters in last two and a half years. 😅 you guys on the other hand did a substantial job in this time period. Take your own time and produce something that has value in your life ❤