Dear Billy,
Thanks for your website, it’s very useful for keeping track of what’s going down in the UK’s media careers world. This question might seem odd but I was wondering if you knew much about the Pokémon brand and whether they hire in the UK? Specifically, I wondered if they had a media division of any sort. It’s a pipedream of mine to be employed by the Pokémon brand, although I figure the chances are ridiculously slim. Any thoughts?
– Tristan, Oldham (Media Production Student)
Answer:
Thanks for your question, Tristan. I’m very glad to answer it as I’m actually a massive Pokémon fan myself and have been since the original games launched in the UK in 1999. I still play Pokémon to this day. My favourite Pokémon is Gyarados, and my favourite game in the series is FireRed/LeafGreen, just in case anyone was curious…
Anyway, I monitor over 1,000 recruitment websites by using a giant, self-built, auto-updating database that helps me to keep track of who’s hiring throughout the UK. It sounds pretty elaborate, and it is (it’s nearly as elaborate as the Pokédex). As it happens, I’ve been following the Pokémon Company’s UK recruitment website for two years now – since February 2012 – so here are some observations I have made during that time:
Firstly, yes, the Pokémon Company (a Nintendo-affiliated company who deal with all Pokémon marketing and licensing around the world) do recruit for UK-based media positions, but these vacancies crop up very, very rarely. In fact, they have only posted two media-based job ads between the time period of February 2012 and February 2014.
In July 2012, the Pokémon Company were recruiting for a Media Production Associate in London. Here is the job description for that role:
If you are a focused, bright, self-motivated, creative problem-solver, joining The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) is a great opportunity to work with a solid brand in an innovative environment. By joining TPCi, you will become part of a diverse team of talented, enthusiastic people who enjoy the benefits of working for the fastest-growing global organization in the kids’ entertainment industry. Our people set us apart from many organizations. And thus, WE VALUE OUR PEOPLE. If you think the same way and this sounds like the environment in which you thrive, join The Pokémon Company International! Be part of the winning team and lead the way to a exciting, engaging future for both yourself and our worldwide audience of players and collectors.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This role will involve working with the Manager, Media Production in coordinating media assets and delivery across multiple countries, interfacing with TV production partners and broadcasters, coordination of delivery schedules and acting as media point person between US and UK offices. Will receive and deliver assets for both internal and external communications and coordinate the communication process. Facilitate improved communications between US and UK offices and media partners. Will be responsible for assisting the Media Production Manager in working with other media-based project management/coordination work based on business needs.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate internal approval and/or development of all localized assets each region, including scripts, voice talent, art assets, music, etc., by working with dubbing studios, internal brand team, and others.
- Ensure asset receipt and delivery for animation production assets, coordinating with SDI Media and production contacts and broadcasters across Europe and Latin America.
- Coordinate production and delivery schedules across multiple territories; ensure all parties follow set schedules.
- Prepare, update, and disseminate reference documents, including music cue sheets, international broadcast schedules, glossaries and other databases.
- Maintain quality control over all localized assets delivered to the broadcasters, including confirmation that localized assets meet internal approval, abide by broadcast standards for each region, and conform to individual delivery specs for each region.
- Partner with the Media Producer to optimize and simplify process as they are developed with a focus on continual improvement.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Fluency in multiple European languages is a plus.
- Knowledge of potential localization issues and cross cultural awareness.
- Time management skills and ability to organize work effectively.
- Ability to handle a variety of assignments, balance priorities and meet deadliness is essential.
- Ability to work both independently and work as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Must be able to travel domestic and internationally.
- Operate at a level to do what it takes to get the job done.
Nearly one year later, in May 2013, the Pokémon Company sent out an ad looking for a London-based PR Manager. Here is the job description for that role:
Reporting to the Marketing Director the successful candidate will be responsible for all PR activities to ensure Europe-wide media coverage of the Pokémon videogames titles.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Handling all videogame PR activity – helping to manage a network of pan-Europe based agencies to drive coverage of Pokémon video game titles (both core and spin-off titles)
- Develop pan-European Video Game PR and media outreach strategy
- Development of briefing documents for external agencies
- Writing and translation coordination of press materials as required; creation, control and dissemination of visual art assets; development of story angles and creation of content that will resonate with the target media
- Developing reports for internal communication: internal sign-off of plans and reporting of results
- Coordinate with internal and external partners/stakeholders
- Acting as a brand manager;
- Develop in-depth knowledge of all Pokémon game titles and be conversant in their key selling points
- Working closely with Marketing Director and other members of TPCi marketing team on formulating and execution of Europe-wide PR plans and other non-Video Game Pokémon brand initiatives
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- A passion for video gaming; able to provide insight and experience from previous game launches
- Impeccable written and oral English communication skill with a keen eye for detail – ability to draft communications which concisely convey core messages
- 5+ years of experience in PR and brand management from the videogames industry. The ideal candidate will have worked both in an agency environment and in an in-house role
- A great communicator, coordinator, organiser and presenter who can effectively and efficiently run projects and engage with people
- Extensive experience with dealing with PR agencies and journalists
- A passionate brand ambassador who knows how to develop a story and get the media across all channels to cover it
- Experience in strategic messaging and positioning. You must be able to effectively construct a compelling message or story that resonates with the target media
- Fully conversant in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
EDUCATION:
- University Graduate degree (minimum 2.1 (or equivalent) or higher)
- Marketing/PR qualifications desirable
- European Foreign language skills a huge plus
Typical media stuff aside, it seems that Pokémon’s London HQ mainly deals in text translation and localisation. We have to remember that Pokémon, while a global brand, unquestionably has its roots set down in Japan. For this reason, they always seem to be hiring translators in the UK, and nothing much else. Even when hiring for media roles, they state in the job descriptions that foreign language skills are a big plus, so that’s something worth noting.
I did a little digging, and here is the full list of job roles currently occupied at the Pokémon Company’s London HQ:
• Marketing Director
• PR Manager
• Media Account Manager
• Media Production Manager
• European Marketing Manager
• European PR & Events Associate
• Marketing Associate
• Operation Associate
• Japanese/English into Italian Translator
• Spanish Editor
• French Editor
• Localisation Senior Manager
• Localisation Associate
• Localization Technical Specialist
• Localisation Director
• Localisation Producer
• Localisation Editor
• Localisation Specialist
The London HQ seems to have a core staff of around 30.
The other English-speaking Pokémon Company HQ is located in Seattle in the United States. They have a far more diverse range of media-based job roles there, including Graphic Designer, Online Content Producer, Video Editor, Social Media Community Manager and so on.
I guess if your dream job is to work with Pokémon then it is somewhat possible, but you’re probably going to need to learn a second or third language (and I imagine Japanese should be one of these languages), and you should probably be open to the idea of relocating.
I am unaware whether the Pokémon Company ever take people on for work experience placements. They have certainly never advertised any internships or placement schemes here in the UK.
You can rest assured that any UK-based media career opportunities that become available at the Pokémon Company will be advertised on Mediargh’s jobs board. I can’t promise or predict when said opportunities might arise.
Finally, you can keep track of the Pokémon Company’s own recruitment website via the below URL, but you should note that their vacancies page can go unchanged for many months at a time:
http://sj.tbe.taleo.net/CH18/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=POKEMON&cws=1