Professional Practise 3: Researching Studios

 Professional Practise 3
Researching Danish Studios

• As part of Professional Practise 3, I needed to create a plan for post-graduation. One of these routes consisted of exploring possibilities for working in Animation Studios in Denmark, or considering doing freelance work in Denmark, so that I could move and live with my long-term partner. In order to understand the opportunities better, I decided to research studios and positions based in Denmark.
• I, first, tried exploring the Animation Jobs spreadsheet, accessible here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1eR2oAXOuflr8CZeGoz3JTrsgNj3KuefbdXJOmNtjEVM/htmlview. Job listings are organised based upon the country of origin, so I specified positions only based in Denmark. 
• All of the roles at the moment seem to be based in Copenhagen and are only for 3D Artist jobs. 
• I, then, came across this website, https://onelightvfx.com/, which lists as many studios based in different countries. I could here locate Danish Animation Studios with much better ease and try to find some which could have potential positions.
• https://onelightvfx.com/studio-list/complete-list-of-2d-3d-animation-post-production-and-vfx-studios-in-denmark/

• Danish Animation Studios

• Kiloo
• https://www.kiloo.com/
• Online Games studio, with studios in the UK and in Aarhus, Mainland Denmark   
• Lani Pixels
• https://www.lanipixels.com/
• 3D Animation Studio
• SYBO Games
• Mobile games, based in Copenhagen.
• Have internships available, such as Concept Art intern.
• Illusion Media
• 3D VFX and 2D Graphic infomercials, based in Aarhus, Mainland Denmark
• EyeCandyFilm
• Animation, Live-Action and Mixed Media film for TV, feature films, shorts, teaching and computer games.
• Sun Creature Studio
• 2D Animation studio, based in Copenhagen. They additionally have a studio in France. Clients consist of Cartoon Network, Netflix and Riot Games. 
• Can apply any time to work, as they are consistently reviewing applications:
• https://suncreature.com/jobs/
• Wilfilm
• 3D Animation Studio, https://www.wilfilm.dk/

• Applying to work in Denmark
• The Danish immigration service website offers help on seeking employment and how to obtain a visa to work or study in Denmark. For a long time I was considering studying for a Masters in Denmark, whilst we were in the EU, however this is no long doable, as Denmark only offers free tuition to citizens of the EU. 
• Work Visa:
• https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply
• To apply for a Visa, you need to be offered salaried employment in Denmark
• Start-Up Denmark:
• https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Work/Start-up-Denmark
• Could be doable for self-employment, however it states that the schemes are for larger businesses, which would not apply to me.
• Overall, it feels incredibly difficult to apply for work in Denmark at the moment, with the current state of the pandemic and my current skills. It has been something which has worried me a lot, however putting in the time for this initial research has given me more insight on what I could do going forwards.

• Working in Denmark
• Once I am able to secure work in Denmark, I will need to apply for a Work Visa and apply for a banking account within 6 Months. In terms of driving in Denmark, I can exchange my UK License for a Danish one later, however I can apply for an EU License, once I have moved there.
• Work Visas usually last the duration of time you are contracted for work for, however usually end at 3 years. You must re-apply for a new visa, if you are still working within the country.