Mainframe Studios FAQ

Pros

Work-Life Balance, Good team, respected environment

Cons

Nothing Major, No health insurance added

Pros

The culture is great compared to a lot of other studios where you feel like just a number on a spreadsheet here you actually feel like a person

Cons

The benefits program offered is probably the worst of any studio I've worked at.

Advice to Management

Benefits could be improved to be more competitive with the other studios in town.

Pros

Great work life balance Opportunities for everyone Great people Everyone very helpful and they really value the artists

Cons

Probably the most lackluster health plan and overall benefits from all the Vancouver animation studios

Pros

-Great company culture: beer Fridays, pancake breakfasts, bake sales, summer party, Christmas party, just to name some events that happen year round. -Great place for junior artists to start their career, mentorship program available through the FPA position. -One of the best pipelines in the industry with a strong technical team creating tools other studios can only dream of. -Good work location, plenty of cafes around the neighborhood, dessert places and restaurants. Clinic and pharmacy on the ground floor in the same building. Less than a 10 min walk away from West 4th. -Gated underground parking available -Good internal facilities, free coffee, vending machines, two kitchens, good washrooms, small gym on the ground floor. -Good benefits. -Never had overtime in years (although animators and lighters could see OT)

Cons

-Low pay may be the biggest reason people come and go. -Short contract at times, depending on department. The animation and lighting department seem to have the highest turnaround but in recent years it's gotten better. -Some projects may seem boring. -Commuting in by the 99 bus is no fun. -No overtime pay - you only get a $20 dinner as compensation. -In recent years there have been little communication between corporate and the artists, whereas 3 years ago every few months we would get an update in the form of a town hall meeting on the studio situation and what to expect in the coming months in terms of projects.

Advice to Management

Get more interesting projects, maybe expand into the teenage and young adults demographic. Also pay intermediate and lead/senior artists like how other, similar studios around town pay them.

Pros

Great people, great opportunities and very fulfilling job overall.

Cons

Not many, perhaps some communications issues here and there.

Advice to Management

Keep doing what you're doing.