what do i do about applying for jobs that are nowhere near my area. apparently, no studio's willing to help me to relocate to the area. so if i live in nowheres-ville, and get hired by a studio in new york, what's the next course of action? is it naive to expect help from the studio when relocating?
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http://ben-reynolds.com
Animation and Design
I'd say the short answer is it depends on the size of the studio and how bad they want you.
A small to mid-size studio may not be willing to make that kind of investment in anyone. Also the position available can determine that as well. A studio may be willing to relocate for a director position but maybe not an animator position.
Yup, you're pretty much going to have to move on your own dime. Most studios aren't going to cover your moving costs. I'm not even sure if the major studios are doing that. You can always ask. Worst thing they can say is no.
Aloha,
the Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
I HATE having to relocate.
The one time I've done that specifically for a job, the job blew up in my face.
Had a good friend and colleague take the same risk with the same bad outcome, but he moved from one coast to the opposite. He was stuck there for six months until he could raise $$ to get back--this AFTER the job shut down. They wouldn't do a thing to help him.
As a rule of my own, I WILL NOT relocate for a job now unless I know that the company has a reputation for being stable and the job is definitely going to happen. I have a family I want to be around and uprooting them is too much to ask of me.
Thing is, even jobs and clients with solid reps sometime cancel the thing on you anyways.
Its always a good idea to have a landing zone back at your point of origin--just in case. Even if its just a friend's couch to crash on for a couple of weeks once you get back--you need to have an escape plan ( what I call it)
If they really want me there, imo, they can pay to get me there. Otherwise, I'll gladly work long-distance for them and maintain my homestead where it presently is, and if they want a face-to-face they are usually no more than a greyhound bus-ride or plane trip away.
Thing is, if you are just starting out.....you go to them. If you've been around for a while, like I have, they can bring you to them.
"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)
Ken's right, and my experience is somewhat similar. Relocated for a job which went well for a while, then I couldn't wait to get out of there. Went back from whence I came, and now I work out of my house for clients in Vegas, North Carolina, L.A., etc. You gotta pay the dues (or be unbelievably phenomenal) first though...