Animation Summer Internships: Launching Your Career in the World of Animated Storytelling

Animation summer internships offer invaluable opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and launch their careers in the animation industry. These programs provide a unique glimpse into the world of animation studios, allowing interns to work alongside experienced artists and storytellers, learn the intricacies of the production pipeline, and contribute to real projects. This article explores various animation summer internship programs, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and requirements.

DreamWorks: A Deep Dive into TV and Feature Animation

DreamWorks offers a comprehensive internship program designed to immerse students and recent graduates in the world of TV and feature animation. Interns have the chance to work alongside artists and storytellers, gaining practical experience in the 2D & CG pipeline and getting a feel for the creative environment.

Program Structure and Opportunities

DreamWorks internships are offered annually, three times a year in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. These internships are paid, 10 weeks long, and may be offered remotely, on-site, or on a hybrid basis, depending on the department. The program is open to students and recent graduates, with recent graduates eligible to apply within six months of graduation.

Due to the program's popularity and the high volume of applications, DreamWorks emphasizes the importance of applying early to allow ample time for review and matching candidates with the right teams. Interns gain exposure to studio leaders and have the opportunity to participate in artistic and bonding events.

The Animator Apprentice Program

For aspiring animators with less than two years of work experience in the animation industry, DreamWorks offers the Animator Apprentice Program. This 12-week intensive training program within Feature Animation provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and a comprehensive curriculum taught by industry and studio professionals.

Read also: Beginner's Guide to Animation

Apprentices are mentored by the Resident Program Lead and individually assigned mentors. They work through assignments focused on building animation skills and preparing them for the Cycles Animation Team. Successful completion of the program can lead to opportunities to move into cycles animation and, ultimately, become Assistant Animators.

LAUNCH Fellowship Program

DreamWorks is dedicated to fostering inclusion within the animation industry. The LAUNCH Fellowship Program offers students the opportunity to engage with the studio virtually, without the need for relocation. LAUNCH Fellows build a professional network, attend workshops, and receive mentorship from DreamWorks professionals. The program is open to students and recent graduates from various backgrounds.

DreamWorks Immersion Day

DreamWorks hosts an annual event called Immersion Day, which embodies their commitment to nurturing inclusivity in animation. This event aims to empower students from communities across Los Angeles by providing a behind-the-scenes look at how feature films and TV shows are made. Participants have the opportunity to meet talented artists and network with creative executives.

Summer Speaker Series

Founded in 2020, the Summer Speaker Series is an annual, week-long virtual event that reaches students and professionals across the globe. The series features a variety of topics and provides an inside look into the studio and the creative minds behind DreamWorks' television shows and feature films.

Intern Testimonials

Many former DreamWorks interns have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the program's impact on their careers. One former intern said, "Interning at DreamWorks was an integral part of building a future for myself not only at the studio, but as a creative and a person." Another intern praised the supportive environment that encouraged growth and exploration of interests.

Some interns were tasked with hands-on responsibilities that made them feel like integral parts of the team, facilitating a smooth transition into full-time positions. One former intern shared, "Through my internship I was tasked with various hands-on responsibilities that luckily already made me feel like I was an integral part of the team. I think getting to take on those responsibilities as an intern made the transition into becoming a full-time Production Assistant smooth."

Another intern, who transitioned from a 10-year career in banking to animation, described their internship as being "absolutely on cloud nine!" They added, "After many, many years I was finally working in the industry that I had wanted to be in since I was young."

A trainee who worked on "Abominable" praised the invaluable feedback received from their art director and mentor, as well as the helpful learning resources provided through virtual workshops and lectures. Another trainee emphasized the importance of the program in refining their skills in a live production environment, stating, "The Trainee Program allowed me to refine my work and the skills I already cultivated in a live production environment."

An intern who had cherished DreamWorks since childhood shared their favorite moment: painting murals for Franklin Elementary School. They also noted how the program prepared them production-wise and led to a job as a Vis Dev Artist for "Gabby's Dollhouse."

Program Details

The Internship Program is 10 weeks long and offered three times a year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Trainee Program is offered once a year for 12 weeks, with a possible extension based on performance and business needs. DreamWorks' studio is located in Glendale, California, and programs are offered on a hybrid basis, as specified in the job description. All early career programs are paid at a competitive hourly rate.

Read also: Your Guide to Animation Colleges

Application Tips for DreamWorks

DreamWorks emphasizes the importance of a strong resume, highlighting work experience, community involvement, and student leadership experience. For internships involving writing and communication skills, a cover letter is essential. An ideal visual development portfolio should showcase a strong design foundation, while a story portfolio should include storyboard samples with sketches, character poses, and facial expressions.

Pixar: Immersive Internships and Residencies

Pixar offers internships and residency programs that provide emerging talent with the opportunity to dive into the world of animation from a unique perspective. These programs are designed to deepen skills and provide insight into Pixar's filmmaking process.

Internship Opportunities

Pixar offers a range of immersive internship opportunities, including technology internships and backstage internships. During the 12-week paid experience, interns collaborate with art and technology teams, complete hands-on projects, and attend special studio events. Technology interns participate in projects based on a team’s focus area. Those in backstage internships engage with dynamic operations teams such as Public Relations, Marketing, and Archives.

Residency Programs

Residency programs at Pixar are deeply immersive, lasting up to one year. Residents collaborate directly with Pixar employees on studio projects as an integral part of the team. They also have access to Pixar’s vibrant community, including screenings, lectures, social events, and wellness initiatives.

The Pixar Experience

Working at Pixar provides access to a wide range of company events, initiatives, and amenities designed to facilitate learning and growth, both personally and professionally.

Alumni Perspective

One former Pixar Undergraduate Program intern shared, "Over a decade ago my summer as a Pixar Undergraduate Program intern opened my eyes to the inspiring work happening in the space between technology and art."

LAIKA: A Different Path in Animation

LAIKA values bravery, innovation, community, and storytelling, shaping both its films and studio culture. The studio encourages individuals to share their stories and explore current job openings.

Employee Benefits at LAIKA

LAIKA offers comprehensive employee benefits, including:

Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Inclusive medical, dental, and vision insurance, with options for 100% employer-paid premiums, plus additional programs for cancer, diabetes management, and family-forming/fertility.
Financial Wellness: A competitive 401(k) plan with an immediately vested company match (50% on the first 6% of contributions). Employer-paid access to legal and financial planning experts and assisted tax filing.
On-Site Services: Primary and mental health care, labs, nutrition counseling, yoga, massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, gym, and a fully subsidized coffee shop.
Career Development: An educational and career development program that invests in the continued professional growth of employees. Udemy Business memberships and regular on-site and virtual learning opportunities.
Community: Regular events foster connection, team building, and community in inclusive social settings.

Sony Pictures Imageworks: Building Artistic and Technical Skills

Sony Pictures Imageworks' internship program is designed for recent graduates from recognized programs who are striving to achieve their artistic goals. The program emphasizes learning and taking advantage of the fully engaged feature production facility.

Program Overview

The summer program provides an opportunity to work with fellow interns while being mentored by seasoned Imageworks artists. Interns work with others to build their artistic and/or technical skills. The first few weeks of the internship involve the same training as a newly hired artist. Interns then proceed to work through pre-arranged exercises in their areas of interest.

The Imageworks Experience

Interns can participate in company-wide free screenings, lectures and workshops, ongoing artist development classes, and enjoy the studio's amenities.

Application Requirements

Applicants should include a resume that is a single page and includes relevant experience and education.

Important Considerations

Interns requiring a visa and/or work permit to work in Canada are responsible for obtaining them at their own expense. The anticipated base salary for the position is $17.40/hour. Sony Pictures Imageworks (Vancouver) is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer.

Portfolio Guidelines

An ideal visual development portfolio will showcase a strong design foundation of perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory. You can include personal projects, academic projects, or professional projects in your portfolio. An ideal story portfolio will contain strong storyboard samples (the samples can be personal projects, academic projects, or professional projects). Include your story thought process through: sketches, character poses, facial expressions, designs, etc.

General Advice for Aspiring Animation Interns

Securing an animation summer internship requires careful preparation and a strong portfolio. Here are some general tips to increase your chances of success:

Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best work, highlighting your skills in areas such as character design, animation, storyboarding, and visual development.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each specific internship, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
Network: Attend industry events, connect with professionals on social media, and reach out to alumni of the programs you're interested in.
Apply Early: Many animation studios have rolling deadlines, so it's best to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of being considered.
Be Prepared for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.
Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrate your passion for animation and your eagerness to learn from experienced professionals.

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