Fifteen Minute Rule at Bucks New Uni

What is the The Fifteen Minute Rule? It's something I encountered for the first time while working at Sony Pictures Animation, on Open Season. It's a simple rule, and a good way to keep production moving ahead.

The rule is this: if you get stuck on a problem, spend 15 minutes trying to figure out the solution. Google it, Read The Manual, check out online forums - whatever works.

But, if you still can't figure it out after 15 minutes, ask for help. Someone next to you might be able to solve the problem quickly and simply, and you don't want to spend a lot of time trying to fix a problem that has already been solved.

Ask for help when you need it

Don't be shy to ask for help
Sometimes our students can be shy to ask for help. It happens at studios as well - you start off working as a junior artist and you may well feel to shy to ask for assistance if you get into technical trouble. You may hesitate to be constantly bothering your colleagues, and you don't want to bother them yet again. But, production has to keep moving, and you have to get our shots done.

The 15 minute rule helps a lot, because that way you will have had a good go at solving the problem yourself before you ask assistance.  15 minutes is a good length of time to try to solve a problem; if you still can't figure out, you probably do need help.

Who should you ask?
Mostly, when you are working at a studio, your first port of call is the veteran at the desk next to you. Or, maybe even another newbie who perhaps has better tech skills. You're all in the same boat so you can always ask another animator to help out.

Feedback at BNU

Take 15 minutes to solve the problem

There are many ways to get help on your work at Bucks New University. You can ask your tutor, post a query at one of the Fb Classrooms, or ask the student sitting next to you. The important thing is not sit and stew for hours without finding a solution. 

Online MA Feedback
If you're taking our online MA in 3D Animation, you can use the FB Classroom to get your questions anwered, or email me directly.  For more on how to get feedback and help online at Bucks, follow this link.

For more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days,  take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.