SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis


This exercise is intended to organise my personal qualities so that I can plan my career options more effectively.

Abilities

Strengths

Cinematography is something that I would say I am strong at that I have learnt over the past few years. I like to compose shots that tell clearly what's happening in a particular scene, and light it so that it produces an appropriate atmosphere. I would also say I am a very capable character animator, and feel that I am good at producing empathetic character performances.

Weaknesses

My technical abilities (in particular 3D software) are adequate, and I do a good job at thinking of ideas that are tailored to work with my technical limits. However, they are not to a standard where I could comfortably make any idea work if it required very technical proficiency. This may not be too much of an issue if I am to strive towards a directors role, but for a small company where many skills are needed, it might be an issue that I would find difficult.

Opportunities

There are various masters degrees that offer animation direction courses,and I have been keeping my eye on the National Film and Television School in particular for this very course. There may also be ways to get funding for making independent films, which would give a chance to direct a short film. There could also be opportunities for applying to film companies and getting first hand experience on a set, which would help me to learn the film process in a more hands on approach.

Threats

Money is an issue for applying for a masters, since so much money has already been spent on this undergraduate degree. However, funding could be available as well as bursaries and scholarships. Travelling could be an issue, but this all depends on where the work lies.



Skills

Strengths

I would say my strengths lie in film making, and in particular identifying a suitable tone, pace and vision to a story. Since I have been making a number of different films since I was young, I feel that I am strong at being able to adapt to different styles and recognise what is suitable for the story in question.

Weaknesses

I still think I have a lot to learn about developing stories, and developing it in a way that is as engaging as it can possibly be. However, since I feel confident about taking good stories and recognising interesting ways of envisioning those stories, as a director I don't feel too worried, since there are many directors who adapt stories or hire writers to handle the script.

Opportunities

Storyboarding may be the best way into proving a talent for directing, as it is a quick and easy way of getting a vision across. There may be jobs in this field with big companies, or there may be more freelance/independent work that  may be available. Character animation may also be a legitimate route into this field, as it emphasises performance and staging. There are many routes into this job, whether it be independent films or the many animation companies in the UK or abroad.

Threats

Needing to do extra education in order to break into the industry. Whilst I probably would be willing to do a Masters in order to further my knowledge (I know I need it), there may be the danger that a job in storyboarding is just too competitive in this current climate, and that a Masters may be needed to prove my worth.


Interests

Strengths

Directing is something that I would be keen in pursuing because of the artistic license that this role involves. Whilst I enjoy the many different processes that the animation pipeline involves I only do them in the satisfaction of having a finished film at the end of it. There was a period a year or two ago when I very much had it in my head that character animation was where I wanted to be when I was to break into the industry, but nowadays my view has changed somewhat. Now my view is that I was only wanting to be a character animator because that is as close to directing as anyone working in the pipeline will experience (as in the acting makes the story work). I think I always wanted to direct, and it really is where I want to be in ten years time.

Weaknesses

I don't like the idea of being tied down in one particular area if I do not approve of the creative vision. This may be classed as a weakness on my part, but I think that it may be a good thing in the long run. I think it is one of the reasons that I would never like to work in VFX, simply because there are a lot of films out there that are a VFX showcase instead of actually being a decent film. I can appreciate Transformers, for example, for it's amazing special effects, but as a story and piece of filmmaking, I feel that it is very much flawed. My frame of mind is that if I don't like the film, my work will have served for nothing.

Opportunities

I would quite happily take a job in an animation company to gain experience, but I think to really further my contacts and recognition, a masters degree in a well established institution may be the best bet. It may even be worth trying to get work on a film set as it seems like a more hands on approach to climbing the ladder experience wise.

Threats

Not being able to learn. I am still at a stage where I am trying to get to grips with filmmaking, and I feel it is important that I put myself in a position where I can get tonnes of advice and tips, the more the better.


Personal Qualities

Strengths

I am very passionate about my work. I can talk very enthusiastically about my ideas and I like to bounce off ideas, which I think is important. I tend to know what I want but I am generally not stubborn enough to disregard ideas if I think they are important to the story. Whilst this may seem like a very totalitarian way of approaching film making, I never try to discourage people to suggest ways of making things better, and I think my enthusiasm really helps at this stage.

Weaknesses

Sometimes I want things my way too much. I think when I am working with peers that are roughly the same level as me, I tend to feel at my most comfortable. If I know they can do their job well, I'll feel satisfied. It's when that balance is slightly skewed that I tend to be obsessive about the film I am making. However, I feel that it will be a very different story in the industry, as I imagine everyone will be perfectionists in their own particular field. I prefer setting down the rules, and then seeing what people make of those rules. I'm more than happy to change my view on things if it's from people who are there because it's where they dream of being.

Preferred Lifestyle

Strengths

It has to be said that, when left to my own devices, I'm capable of producing some of my best work. Ideally, however, I imagine myself getting most enjoyment out of working on live action film sets. I love the idea of working at different locations and the excitement of meeting different people. I also like the idea of travelling around a lot, and not stuck in a cramped office every day.

Weaknesses

Being stuck in the same day job for the rest of my life. Whilst I like the idea of working in a studio for a while (even if it's a few years), I also like the excitement of different places and meeting different people. I don't like idea of a cramped office working until morning. I wouldn't even mind hellish hours if it meant I get to move around on a film set and go from place to place.

Opportunities

Being a runner for a film company. I know that's how a lot of people start out in their career, and slowly work their way up. Even if it's for an animation company it would be worth it to get some hands on experience.

Threats

Not earning much to begin with. This may be an issue if the work is based in London and doesn't pay very much to begin with. Especially if it is a runner job. However, there may be opportunities for multiple jobs to pay for living expenses and travel.

about this blog

This blog is intended somewhat as a journal for my research and findings in the Studio Business And Practice module in my third year at Teesside University. It is a place where I will be establishing my strengths and deciding where I want to be beyond this degree. Hopefully over the months this blog will begin to grow in content and research that is beneficial to others seeking the same route.