MY STUDENT TRAINEESHIP IN UTRECHT: Ana Dajović

Ana Dajović
University of Arts in Belgrade, Faculty of Dramatic Arts

Erasmus+ Mobility for Traineeship at:

Capybara Animation Studio, Utrecht

Through the Erasmus+ Mobility for a Traineeship, I had the opportunity to spend almost three months in an animation studio in the Netherlands.

I have always loved animation, ever since I was a child and during my studies of Film and TV Production on Faculty of Dramatic Arts, I didn’t have a chance to learn about producing animation. That is an art form not developed enough in Serbia and the Balkans, and I wanted to look for an opportunity to learn about it, work on a project and also have a life experience abroad.

That is how I decided to apply for this program, and I am so thrilled I did. I chose the Netherlands because I have never been, wanted to for a long time and because I knew their lifestyle was different then ours. Through research on the internet, I gathered a list of animation studios and the studio that ended up inviting me was Capybara Animation Studio from Utrecht. This studio had a core team of professionals in the field who have been working on animated 3D projects for many years. As a studio they had two short projects and a feature movie that I ended up attending the premiere of. I was to work on their second feature film – “Miss Moxy”.

This project is a coproduction between Belgium and the Netherlands, so I also had the opportunity to be in contact with the Belgium studio as well as Capybara and compare their work and roles on the film. I learned about production of animation on a film, worked closely with around 15 animators and learned many new skills. This movie and its progress were tracked by a software called “ftrack” which was completely new to me and which will definitely be useful to me in my future career.

Moreover, the experience of working in this studio was the most rewarding because of the people I met and connections I made. The work environment was amazing and relationships between people were so nurturing and understanding. I was welcomed and supported instantly, and we really made a wonderful connection.

On the other hand, Utrecht and the Netherlands have also left me amazed and speechless. It’s a beautiful, peaceful country with great people who are always prepared to offer a kind word. The experience of living abroad and on my own has been so enriching and fulfilling and has given me a great sense of independence and left me feeling very proud of myself.

Furthermore, practicing the language and travelling all over the country and even Belgium has also been very rewarding and beautiful.

Being on your own means that there will be a need to meet new people and make connections which can also get you out of your comfort zone. It can be intimidating but it’s always worth it in the end. I have made great connections in the studio but also with my roommates and I also participated in an Erasmus Student Network event which I wholeheartedly recommend.

The Erasmus+ Mobility programs are a great way to learn, study, travel, have fun but also grow so much as a person and have your views and mind open up to so many possibilities!