(この投稿は弊社デジタル映像部への求人に英語圏からエントリーされる皆様向けに、よくあるご質問をまとめたものです。)
With growing awareness of our work, we've seen an increase in job applications and inquiries from outside Japan. We've also received more entries in English and other languages. To help guide these applicants, we've put together this entry with key information for working in the ufotable Digital Department.
We hope this information answers many of your common questions.
About the Studio
Our head office is in Tokyo. We have about 200+ staff members, many of whom are young. Although we also have a studio in Tokushima, our Digital Department is exclusively based in Tokyo.
About Our Sections
In addition to video production, we have multiple in-house businesses, including cafes and dining establishments, as well as merchandise creation. We even operate our own cinema.
The Digital Department Team
The Digital Department currently has around 30 members. Most are generalists, but some roles, like animators, will spend most of the year focused on their specific task. The rest of the time is spent on compositing, and in reality, people often move between two or three positions (please check our special recruitment site for details). However, almost everyone participates in compositing. We provide lectures, so we believe that software skills can be learned on the job. What's truly essential is knowledge of cinema, a passion for our work, and a good sense of visual aesthetics and art.
Regular Employees
All of our staff openings are for "正社員" This can be translated to "Full-time Employee" in English. We encourage you to research this term on your own.
Demoreels
We place great importance on demoreels that showcase your personal expression. Please submit a video that promotes your work in a digital file format. YouTube and Vimeo links are acceptable. We may consider applications invalid and not respond if you submit a URL from LinkedIn or other social media.
FAQs
Q: Can I apply from outside Japan?
Yes, you can. However, if you are hired, you will need to commute to the office. We believe that direct, in-person communication improves both the speed and quality of our work.
Q: Is remote work possible?
No, it is not. We believe that the deep communication and speed required for production can only happen in the physical studio environment. We appreciate your understanding.
Q: Is Japanese language proficiency required?
Yes, it is. All business communication is conducted in Japanese. While we don't have a specific language-level requirement, candidates with the average proficiency of an N2 level may find it challenging. An N1 level is generally fine.
To give you an idea, our Digital Department works like a group of generalists blending together like a liquid. In video production, it's impossible to avoid abstract feedback. We understand that the language barrier is a challenge, and we're willing to work with you to overcome it.
Q: Is the selection process available in English?
The entire application and selection process is conducted in Japanese. Please note that you are not allowed to use translation tools during interview.
The following questions may touch on topics beyond our studio. Please consider these as general advice and do your own research.
Q: What is the path for someone overseas to work in the anime industry?
For large-scale projects, some productions may have the budget to commission work overseas. However, as mentioned before, Japanese language skills are a significant advantage. Even without them, advances in technology might allow you to overcome the language barrier if you can master the tools. That said, the required language skills differ between modeling and compositing. A 2D animator, for instance, might be able to communicate using specific patterns, which can lower the language barrier.
If you want to be deeply involved in a project, it's best to join a Japanese studio. This advice mainly applies to those who are only looking to be hired for specific, component-based work.
Q: What about mid-career hires, training, and retirement age?
We are always open to mid-career applications. We do have training programs, but please remember they are supplementary. The ultimate outcome of your career here depends on your own talent. As for the retirement age, we are unable to provide information at this time.
Q: What does the role of Editing/Direction entail?
This role, often referred to as "PV and Teaser Direction," requires a lot of creativity to convey a project's message within a limited amount of time. The same footage can be used in countless ways, and there's a wide range of audio options. Your job is to combine these elements to deliver a specific message to the audience. We primarily use DaVinci Resolve for this work. It's a bonus if you can design and composite your own on-screen text and graphics.
Q: What are the most important skills you look for in a 3D animator?
A strong sense of visual aesthetics, the ability to create and direct battles that are tied to the story, a fundamental understanding of movement, and respect for our work and its fans.
Q: Some interns become full-time employees. What qualities do you look for, and what experiences should an intern gain?
We look for whether we want to work with you on our team. It's difficult to put this into words because the answer is so closely tied to the specific skills we are looking for.
That's why when we're asked this question, our response is, "Don't worry about it, just show us the work and videos you want to create."
The following questions are from a past Q&A session. They are common but difficult to answer.
Q: I am a student, and I would like to learn more about the workflow in a professional animation studio, specifically how roles are divided among the team and how teamwork is managed to ensure smooth collaboration.
The roles within our team heavily depend on an individual's skills. This means our workflow isn't fixed; it constantly changes based on the talent we have. It can even shift from project to project or from shot to shot.
Based on our research, the highly flexible workflow of our Digital Department is unique. If you're looking for an average industry workflow, we may not be able to help you. In that case, we recommend you consult existing media.
We (primarily the directors) want to make the most of each staff member's core talents. It's the job of our team leaders to pave the way and keep the "engines" running smoothly. We strive to create an environment where talented artists can pour all of their energy into their work.
Regarding how we manage teamwork for smooth collaboration, the answer remains the same: our workflow is like water, constantly changing shape. This is why communication is so crucial. If you can talk with us and share our vision, we want you to run with your ideas on your own. Our directors will be committed to your work, ensuring that your approach is the right one.