The animation industry has developed into a global industry, and animation and animated films attract audiences from different cultural backgrounds. Behind every fascinating scene, there is a team composed of professionals. With the industrial background of the annual output value of domestic animation exceeding 200 billion yuan, animation students are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. By analysing the recruitment information of animation film and television companies such as Chasing Light Animation, Colourful Strip House, Xuanji Technology, and other head enterprises, we study the real demand for talents in these companies.

Animators are responsible for drawing the key frames in each scene. These frames are the blueprints for the rest of the animation. A deep understanding of anatomy, perspective, and acting is essential. Key animators need to have at least three years of employment experience and very solid art skills and expertise. They usually work closely with the director to capture the desired feel of the scene.

Intermediate frame animators are also required and are responsible for adding intermediate frames between key frames to create smooth movement. This role is usually the entry point into the industry. While it may seem repetitive, it requires a deep understanding of timing and spacing. Precision and consistency are key, especially in anime where styling and pacing are critical.

Storyboard artists lay the groundwork for visual narratives. They translate the script into visual sequences, determining camera angles, shot composition, aprevalence of and pacing. This role requires creativity, a sense of cinema, and the ability to convey mood and action through sketches. Whether it’s film or anime, storyboarding is the roadmap for all departments.

The hiring requirements for all of these positions above feature employees who need to be proficient in traditional software, such as TVPaint/Retas/Animate, or be able to use software such as CSP/AE. And have the ability to fix hand-drawn animation. Due to the recent years’ 3D animation, most animation film and television companies are in urgent need of a professional motion capture division and 3D animators. The 3D animation position requires mastery of Maya/Blender full process, familiarity with UE5 real-time rendering technology is preferred. In this regard, I do not have, perhaps I should also master some knowledge of 3D animation to broaden my employment prospects