During this session Rick talked about the "realities" of being freelance (sole trader) in the animation/film industry and provided some sound professional advice. Rick drew on his own experiences and exploring both the "ups and downs" He has experienced over the years and continue to ply his creative trade. As well as the business practicalities Rick’s session also intended to provide attendees with good creative development methods and industry production practice advice.

One attendee commented:

'Its pretty inspiring just being in the presence of someone who's worked on TV I loved as a child"

Canadian Rick Villeneuve has been in the animation industry for over two decades and has developed, designed and animated on a great variety of productions for television and film. His feature film work includes “Heavy Metal”, “Ferngully, The Last Rainforest”, “The Miracle Maker”, The Princess and the Goblin”, “Otherworld”, “Toto Sapore” and “The Secret Realm”. His television work includes the “Father Christmas” special, “Beatrix Potter” series, “Old Testament Stories”, “Animated Tales of the World”, "Super Ted" and numerous titles, promos and commercials.

Rick has also illustrated the children’s book “The Fairy Cow” published in Tokyo, Japan in 2006. Rick currently provides training at various institutions in the UK and continues to beaver away in the animation industry.

Within the session Rick covered his 'Ten tips' for being freelance in the animation industry covering the following areas:

1. P.A.Y.E or Freelance? Advantages and disadvantages

2. Selling Yourself- How to market yourself and network

3. Studio systems- How to get in, structure...

4.Getting a foot in the door to the industry

5. Be adaptable or specialist?

6. Varying applications for your animation skills

7.Always have a fall back plan

8. Word of Mouth- looking for networking opportunities and building up links with other skilled professionals

9. Never Stop Learning

10. Passion- Pace yourself, book holidays...

Copyright Rick Villeneuve 2009