After completing his Game Animation BA(Hons) at Falmouth University, Brendon Chadwick landed an internship at Rare, the studio behind titles such as Sea of Thieves and 007 Goldeneye. His journey provides a clear, actionable roadmap for anyone aiming to break into the competitive world of game animation.
Brendon’s First Days at Rare: From Terrified to Thrived
Stepping into one of the UK’s most respected game studios can feel intimidating. Brendon described the first week as “terrifying” – a natural response when the stakes are high and the environment is steeped in history. However, the supportive culture at Rare turned that initial fear into an encouraging learning opportunity. He notes that a welcoming team culture is just as important as technical ability when starting out.
Actionable Insight
- Seek studios that value mentorship and foster a collaborative environment.
- Be ready to ask questions—clarity accelerates your integration.
- Observe how senior artists communicate; adapt quickly to studio pipelines.
Apply now for the Game Animation BA(Hons) and build a portfolio that showcases your passion and skill.
Curriculum Matters: Learning to Learn at Falmouth
Brendon credits Falmouth’s focus on learning methodology rather than rote instruction as the key to his readiness. The degree emphasizes continuous skill development, encouraging students to practice beyond the classroom and refine their craft independently. This approach is essential for a fast‑moving field where software updates and industry standards evolve rapidly.
Actionable Insight
- Use Falmouth’s portfolio development module as a checklist—your portfolio should tell a compelling story.
- Experiment with new tools or techniques outside of required coursework.
- Seek feedback from peers across disciplines—cross‑functional insight often spotlights hidden strengths.
Mastering the Animation Pipeline and Tools
Brendon’s experience shows that mastering the fundamentals—rigging, deformation, keyframing, and secondary motion—remains critical. At Rare, he applied these skills while also learning specific studio tools such as Autodesk Maya, Arnold, and MotionBuilder. The transition was smoother because Falmouth’s curriculum mimicked an industry‑style pipeline, with studio‑style collaborative teams and end‑to‑end production.
Actionable Insight
- Build a versatile skill set; aim to be proficient in at least two major animation suites.
- Create demo reels that display diverse animation types—character, environmental, UI, and special effects.
- Document your workflow; it demonstrates professionalism and can be used as a portfolio asset.
Portfolio Development: From School Project to Studio Submission
Brendon highlights the “portfolio development module” as pivotal. While the module provided structure, its real value lay in teaching how to curate a narrative and convey technical proficiency to hiring managers. His Final Major Project blended character animation with accessible storytelling, setting him apart when Rare reviewed his application.
Actionable Insight
- Include an accessibility component—show how animations can be perceived by a broad audience.
- Show progress: include raw animation, final output, and a brief technical note detailing challenges faced.
- Keep the reel concise; 2–3 minutes is the industry standard for entry‑level candidates.
Networking and Industry Partnerships From Campus to Studio
Beyond coursework, Falmouth’s strong relationships with industry partners play an essential role. Brendon mentions mentors such as lecturer Richard Milligan and senior technician Matt Irwin, who guided him through real‑world technology. These connections help students understand what studios expect and allow for practical demonstrations of skills.
Actionable Insight
- Attend university‑organized industry days and workshops.
- Request informational interviews with alumni working at studios.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects to simulate a studio environment.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Technical Animators
Brendon’s story points to several universal lessons:
- Be prepared to learn. A technical role demands continuous skill refinement.
- Build a diverse portfolio. Show proficiency across rigging, animation, and storytelling.
- Leverage campus resources. Mentors, industry contacts, and pipeline simulations are invaluable.
- Embrace multidisciplinary teamwork. Collaboration reduces pitfalls before they arise.
- Communicate clearly. Technical documentation and concise storytelling are as vital as the animation itself.
These principles are not only applicable to game animation but to any technical creative field. By internalizing them early, students position themselves as competitive candidates for studios worldwide.
Ready to Apply?
Falmouth’s Game Animation BA(Hons) offers a career‑ready experience with industry-standard labs and a robust support network.
Submit your application today and start building the skills that studios like Rare are looking for.
Continue Learning and Growing
Even after finishing a degree, the learning journey continues. Regularly update your portfolio, stay current with new tools, and seek feedback from peers and professionals.
Interested in expanding your knowledge? Explore Falmouth’s short courses in animation and game development to deepen your expertise.
Connect with the Community
Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or reach out to the admissions team for personalized guidance. Your journey into a game studio starts with a single step—take it now.
