Guest Lecturer: David Bramhall, Vicky Rowley (Sony Evolution Studios)

Today's talk was conducted by two members from two different areas of Evolution Studios; David Bramhall (Experienced Q&A now Designer) and Vicky Rowley (Human Resources). David has worked in the industry for a while and has been lucky enough to experience working for two very recognised games companies (Travellers Tales and Sony Evolution Studios) and has worked on a range of titles such as WRC and Lego Indiana Jones II.

Currently working on Motorstorm's third installment "Apocalypse", he has been in the industry 5 years so his advice would be useful; as well as him also being a University of Bolton graduate. He followed up with how various department are split up into sub-departments such as there being more than one type of designer.

My Targeted Career Path in Departments

Q&A Testing > Jnr Designer > Snr Designer > Design Lead > Producer

Develoment Cycle for a "AAA Title"

High Level Concept > Prototype > Pre-Production > Production > 

>Alpha Phase > Beta Phase > Gold Master > Shelf

They both also enforced Nicholas Rathbone's warning about using agencies as a path into the industry and stated the same reason why to be cautious. Applying direct seems to be the best way in which to get hired. David mentioning that friends already at a company increases employment chances; he himself got one of his jobs the same way. Some bullet points on HOW to prepare for an interview ranging from before and during:

• Always remember to RELAX
• Eye contact and a smile is always a bonus
• Expect competency or situation questions so....
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK be prepared to answer and ASK questions
• Display enthusiasm, show them your passion
• Sell your best qualities
• ............Be yourself.

To wrap up Vicky mentioned the benefits of joining a major company like sony. Positives such as: Pension, Health/Income/Life Insurance, Discount, Complimentary Gifts from the company and stock are all offered to employees.

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