The following is just my opinion, and should be taken as such. These things are taken from past experience in the New York area and from talking to fellow 3D artists. I hope this helps...

Pay rates:
To start - $200 - $300 a day should be the least amount for a first job. That would also include a weekend day rate. Most places do not pay a higher weekend rate or overtime. Take this into consideration before accepting a pay rate. Also shorter jobs, say 2 weeks or less, tend to pay higher because you will probably be working longer hours. As you get more experience, expect to be paid $500 - 700 a day. These rates are from my personal experience, and should not be looked at as a standard, just a guide. If you are trying to find your first job, consider taking less money if it means experience. But most importantly, don't be taken advantage of! It happens all the time.

Holds:
First off, they are very confusing. A hold is given out when you are currently employed or are scheduled to work and a studio wishes to hire you for the same time period. They will also ask to do this if they have a job scheduled, but it's not confirmed yet. If you are on hold and another company calls for a hold, thats a second hold, and make sure you tell this company that you have a previous hold. You should call the company that has you on hold, and verify that they still need you. This way if the first job does not pan out, you can go to the company that just contacted you. This happensa lot, so try to keep everyone aware of the situation. Most importantly, don't screw any potential studios with a hold. They have long memories. A friend of mine and fellow animator, Kyle Mohr, Blue Sky Studios, posted this topic on his blog Kyle Mohr Blog check it out for more detailed info!

Contracts:
Most studios in New York do not give contracts, especially on small jobs. Verbal agreements pretty much do it. Having said that, a lot of times commercial jobs do not last as long as sometimes scheduled. A producer may ask you, or tell you, that the job is ending early and your services are no longer needed. This happens. If you were scheduled for another day or two, take it in stride and say thanks. If it was for another week or two, talk to the producer and try and work out something. Most of the times, they will be cooperative and you will find a middle ground. They have bills to pay just like you and they understand.

Stress: Now this is Stress!

Like any other job, character animation has it's stressful moments. Deadlines, computer crashes, crazy co-workers. Try and walk away from the computer and just unwind. Playing a video game or reading a book for 15 miutes will do wonders for your state of mind and your animation process!

Interviews:
Not all interviews are done in person. Most NY job interviews are conducted on the phone. DON'T CHEW GUM while talking to a potential employer. The last thing I want to hear is chomping and slurping. Homer Simpson is funny to watch, but I wouldn't want to work with him. yummmm donuts :)

Reputation:
Last but not least, reputation. This should probably be first. Your reputation is everything. Since we are all starting out, it is important to be prompt, courteous and efficient. This may sound very boring, but these are the keys to success. Almost everyone is a great person when dealing with them in an internet type of enviroment. But when you work with someone, you will find out very quickly that even some of the best animators are not suited for this industry. Its all about being good, fast and friendly. If you can do that, you will go far. If you insist that the director doesn't know what he is talking about, and you know better, find another job now. Don't fall in love with your shots. Those are the ones that get cut! Do not moan and whine when the process is not going your way. We all go thru it and it sucks, plan and simple. These are the times to go play a video game or read a book.

Being a good animator and a great co-worker will get you more work than if your a great animator, but no one wants to work with you. Every animator knows of every other animator in New York, and we all talk about each other, good and bad. Most times, potential employers will not even look at your demo reel. If an employee says your a good person and a good animator, thats enough for them. But be careful about recommending someone you haven't worked with. Make sure the producer is aware that you never worked with this person, but you know their work, and how good it is.

Thats all for now. More to come soon!

Chris