Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/150396
Double Negative tries to avoid turning over staff after a big project, including the recent Angels & Demons, and is able to roll many over on new projects. ©2009 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. a co-developer or other studio that specializes in that type of work. Examples of this might be a cinematic for a game or modeling for characters. "For efficiency purposes," he says, "it makes sense to hire someone who may have a specialty in that field to do the work." Otherwise, they may end up hiring and training personnel for a one-off. The Big Picture In short, times are a bit tough for job seekers. Says Scanlon, "As far as hiring goes, studios are being more particular. They're looking for the exact fit." They know they have a lot of choices, he notes, and are unlikely to go for anything other than "that slam-dunk home run." Candidates hoping to be the home run of choice would do well to hone their skills, keep their social networking sites up to date (see "Linked In or Left Out," pg. 20)— and exercise patience. As the economy has its ups and downs, so goes the CG industry. Says Sony's Day, "We ebb and flow just like the rest of the country." Jennifer Austin is a freelance writer with years of experience in the computer and CG industries. She is based in northern New England. Recruiters: Inside or Outside? Most studios Computer Graphics World/Post contacted for this article say they use inside recruiting exclusively. "I have been here for three years and have never used an agency on the artist side," says Hannah Acock, recruitment manager for Double Negative, adding that because the studio receives approximately 50 applications a day, there doesn't seem to be a need to do so. Yet the independent recruiters also interviewed here seem to be making a living, so someone must be using them. Rarely, seems to be the answer from at least some of the other studios interviewed. Says Cindy Nicola, vice 22 president of Global Talent Acquisition for Electronic Arts, "We have a very strong internal talent acquisition team and prefer to source talent directly. We partner with external recruiters on an as-needed basis, but in North America, that is less than one percent of the time." Chris Scanlon, account manager for the independent agency Digital Artist Management, says, "I think our clients are probably looking to us more for premium talent." His company is also called upon to help staff new divisions and start-ups, he says, especially when there is an urgent need for a large number of new faces with the right capabilities. –Jennifer Austin