Find Your Passion in 2009

A Message from
Bobby Beck

Dear Readers,

Like you, we’ve been hearing the scary news about the economic downturn and how it’s impacting financial markets and companies across the globe.

Some of you have asked us how this is affecting the animation industry and wondered whether there will be any jobs available in the future. While not everything is recession proof and we can’t predict the future, we want to let you know that we are optimistic about the animation industry. What is life without films, games and television? For many of us, these are the staples of our daily existence!

That said, we wanted to inform you about some facts to keep your 2009 outlook promising:

BIG RELEASES: There are more than 25 games and movies scheduled to be released in 2009 and 39 in 2010 from U.S.-based companies alone. This does not include television or advertising.

WE NEED ENTERTAINMENT: Did you know that the movie industry has historically been recession-proof because even during bad times people need entertainment? They still date, spend time with family and friends, and movies at an average price of $7 per ticket are an outstanding entertainment value. After the stock market crash of 1929, attendance levels at movies grew by 58%.

APPLICATIONS PLEASE: Employers are still hiring! Certain industries not only survive, but thrive in hard times according to the article “Is Your Job Recession Proof?” on Careerbuilder.com. In fact, 32% of those surveyed plan to continue adding staff.

BOX OFFICE BOOM: According to John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners in America, the numbers don’t lie. “In the past four decades there have been seven recession years in this country, and the box office has climbed strongly in five of those years,” he said in a recent interview. The strongest of those years was the most recent, in 2001, when U.S. box office receipts rose by $650 million. (Source: The Times, October 16, How Will the Recession Affect Film?)

GAMES GOING STRONG: Al Lieberman, professor of media and technology at NYU Stern, said although luxuries are often the first to go during tough economic times, the video gaming industry continues to do well.“There have been many recessions before and there are certain things, certain elements and sections, sectors of the economy that survive straight through and electronic games is one of those," said Lieberman.

PLAYING FOR FUN: Dan Ackerman of CNET.COM said people are turning to video games for
light enjoyment relief, like they turned to movies during the Great Depression. "They say that video games are essentially a recession-proof product, kind of like movies were during the Great Depression where people still wanted to be entertained," Ackerman was quoted in Reuters.

ANIMATORS IN DEMAND: Animation is still going strong as our career services department still receives requests from studios all around the world seeking well educated, talented character animators.

There is plenty of bad news about certain industries, but I feel optimistic about the future of animation. During this time, we may experience some cuts in our lives -- spending, travel or loss of a job. Despite all this, we should never lose our GUSTO for life. Something you think is a setback may be a new adventure with amazing opportunities. Now is a great time to go back to school to learn something you love. Whether it’s animation, music, or carpentry, find your passion in life while the rest of the economy gets back on track.

Best wishes for a happy 2009!
Bobby Beck

CEO and Cofounder of AnimationMentor.com