If you’re like me—an individual affected by COVID with newfound time to invest wisely, and you love storytelling—then you might have also signed up for the FREE and super informative virtual panels that different players in the animation industry have been hosting. Companies like Disney, DreamWorks (NBC Universal), and Nickelodeon have been helping thousands of individuals stay motivated by sharing animation industry tips.

Whether in the form of virtual panels by professionals, online classes, the opportunities are geared towards early career individuals, but are insightful for all—which is why I have tuned in for 10 panels (as of today) so far.

Thanks to RiseUpAnimation (focused on helping propel diversity and inclusion in the industry) and the DreamWorks Virtual Summer Speaker Series (geared towards recent graduates/students) I have the following to share with you!

Assorted Takeaways

A focus on animation – David Peng – Blue Sky Studios

What does an animation shot progression process look like?

• Get a shot assignment, you may get a layout with not much animation but more of a placeholder.
• Know the criteria for the shot.
• Research! For example, shooting video references to understand the body mechanics of your shot.
• 1st blocking: establish the footwork, then the camera work
  2nd blocking: maybe focused more on emotion (more blocking as needed)
• Splining
• Any last “shock-to-the-system” moments, when a Director may make a last minute note.
• Final Animation edits to your shot can include hair animation, details, cleaning up glitches.

DreamWorks: Life in Production Management

Ever wondered what the DreamWorks Production Staff Core Values are? Just remember, It’s Art!

• Innovation
• Technology
• Strategy
• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Teamwork

Tip: Get your foot in the door as an intern, but if you can’t, apply for a production assistant position to learn the ropes and gain experience.

DreamWorks – Recruiter Roundtable and Industry Tips

• Set up your LinkedIn! In my experience I have heard contacts that are more artistic mention that they don’t need  LinkedIn, well, maybe you do.
• For Storyboard artists: Make a portfolio with your best stuff. Make it clear, entertaining, and engaging.
• Make your website portfolio easy to scroll through.
• Software and languages to know: Python (for Technical Directors), Photoshop, Storyboard Pro
• A good entry level position across the board is starting as a production assistant, however many of the panelists started as interns.
• Cover letters are helpful depending on the position. If it’s a more technical position it may not be read.
• Resumes should reflect your key contributing factors in the positions held. Use clear formatting and avoid redundancy.
• Summarize your goal at the top of your resume in case your cover letter is not read.

Disney – A conversation with recruiters and Industry Tips

• A good entry level position (at least for many of the panelists) is that of a receptionist.
• If submitting a portfolio, make it easy to navigate, don’t forget the password, and use headers.
• It is common to apply multiple times, don’t get discouraged.
• Be your authentic self.

My closing thoughts:

There are so many approaches, answers, and ways to get where you want to be, but if you follow your passion and “do what you love to do whether or not you’re getting paid for it,” then you’re one step closer. While I focused on only a few of the panels (though I have a small journal filled with notes) I hope you learned at least one interesting animation industry tip. I know I did.