Aron Evans
Describe your job?
I run Cardiff's Dinamo Company with Owen Stickler, in Cardiff Bay and also help animate at times. My principal job is instigating and helping produce work for the studio - mostly animation series and interstitials.
What type of films/ programmes do you work on?
We're animating the third of 'CNEX' (S4/C satirical series) with Caernarfon animation company Griffilms, and we've been working on compositing effects for the 'Con Passionate' drama series on S4C. We've also done titles for the Urdd Eisteddfod programmes for the channel, and we'll soon be starting animation work again on the the live-action drama series 'O Na Y Morgans' (Oh No The Morgans). We're also making a pre-schools international series called 'Happy Valley'.
What are the hours?
9.30am-6pm in the office, but I often work during the evenings at home.
How did you get into the industry?
The Chapter Arts Centre Video Workshop in Cardiff came to make a pop video at my school, Glantaf High, Cardiff, and I became involved. The video was shown on TV and then a fellow pupil, Owen Stickler (we'd been friends at primary school), and I made a short animation film Killing Time. We later worked for Cardiff animation company Cinetig before setting up Dinamo.
What kind of qualifications do you need?
I'd say you need a HND and degree in animation these days. People should also develop their life-drawing skills.
What advice would you give to those starting out?
Get a good portfolio of work and develop your own website. If you do a showreel, make it short and wind up with different shots using different techniques. Make sure your sound is up to standard - so many showreels have poor sound.
How do you find out about available work?
Networking deals and contacts are often made in the pub, not just through formal interviews. People should learn to relax when meeting contacts and not be too hesitant.
