I work for a large studio in the UK. This is my first job since leaving university. My contract is ending at the end of October, and I know that they have no more work on, so it looks like I’ll need to move on.

My problem however, is approaching studios, as I’ve never done this before. I can’t put my showreel online because of the material on contains material that hasn’t been released yet (It’s watermarked and I have permission from my producer).

My plan is essentially ‘cold-approaching’ studios – I have no idea if they have vacancies or not.

Can anyone give me advice as to what to write in an e-mail to potential employers? I need to say something along the lines of:

“I’m an animator at ____ and my contracts up from <date> and seeking employment. I can’t send you my showreel, but I can bring it with me if you want to give me an interview….”

Help.