We asked Rob Simmons, Director of Finance and Business affairs at Atomic Cartoons to breakdown what is happening in the animation industry and this is what he had to say.
In the last couple of years some of the challenges facing our industry include the consolidation of our Canadian broadcast industry in the kids space, technology changes that have allowed digital streaming providers (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu) to create a significant presence and better tech tools to create eye popping animation. Other uncontrollable changes are economic, foreign exchange volatility, consolidation in broadcasting, and restructuring in local studio ownership.
In spite of the challenges in our industry we at Atomic do have reason to be optimistic about the future in BC:

• Animation has grown up along with the rest of the film and television industry. It’s significant, mature and important and recognized worldwide for its vibrancy.
• A thoughtful, stable and supportive set of public policy. Our governments have repeatedly seen the importance of nurturing the industry, and I see increasing signs that policy makers “get” our industry. There will be lots of opportunity to get engaged with government in the next couple of years; our job is to educate policy makers affecting our industry.
• Educational institutions with animation specific programs. In BC, we have both public and private institutions that have dedicated animation programs. While they have not kept up with recent demand, I do expect to see that change in the next year or two.

Tyler Hoolaeff not just Crew of the Month! Originally from Penticton BC, Tyler has been working in the Vancouver animation industry since 2003.  Tyler was one of the founding artists on Little Charmers and helped to create the production pipeline while also helping to  hire and train the more than 30 animators that worked on the show. 
What do you do at Atomic? I'm an Animation Supervisor

What Post-Secondary School did you go to? I first went to a community college in Kelowna because it was close to home. They were offering a 2D/3D program and I got a nice 2D education there. My first character animation job was at Bardel. After that I went to CDIS which is now the Art Institute. It turned out to be a great choice, a lot of my classmates are still some of my best friends and very successful in the industry.

Where are the other grads from your class working? Where aren't they working is the shorter list, I don't think any of them have worked for NASA.
Tips for Future Animators? #1 Hire me for it please :) #2 Clarify goals early:) #3 Initiate a team work relationship between client and studio.