Fettle talks: Business
Fettle Official website
Talk 1 of 2
Fettle is a small but accomplished animation company founded and based in the Yorkshire dales. Recently, the Animation producer Kath Shackleton (Also affiliated with 'All animated' )came in to speak with us about the practical considerations of running a company and gave us some advice on how to alot time, money, and yourself.
As the producer, she is in charge of managing the company, the team from a practical standpoint, and also secures funding and balances the finances.
Her first piece of advice was to go out in the world and mingle, in order to put a voice and a face to your company or practice. Attend conferences and seminars, and have your ideas concisely organised in your mind so if the opportunity to Pitch strikes you can take it without tripping up over yourself too badly.
An online presence is very valuable but also very cheap in today's society, so make the most of the free platforms out there to host your work and promote your company at minimal cost.
Rejection is never easy, but it is a hard fact of life that if you're an aspiring artist or visionary, you are more likely to have your ideas dismissed than accepted a majority of the time. It's worth hardening yourself to it and moving on with your next possible source of funding or idea. To stay active is a better state to be in terms of procuring work, than wallowing in self pity after all.
Equally though, if you think your project is really worth the investment, be persistent and possibly even hard handed in your pursuit of support or funding. If one source is adamant about your rejection or inadequate in their offer, then move on to find a better offer. Don't undervalue yourself, ie: don't underestimate the cost of a project or the amount of money needed to live.
Lock off details in the storyboard stage. It will save you grief and money later. Keep last minute alterations to a minimum and ensure that your client is completely satisfied with your approach before asset production begins.
Keep on top of your books, and try to have a safety net for if there are technical failures or other such occurrences. If you have valuable equipment, insurance isn't just a good idea, it's a necessity.