The Connection Between Animation School and the Industry
By Joe Cooper
Animation School Review Columnist
The connection between animation school and the industry couldn’t be more direct: its instructors. Nearly every instructor you will encounter in animation school has real experience in the animation industry, and is prepared to impart it to students.
One of the best features of animation school is the relationship most schools maintain with industry professionals. You’ll benefit from the direct link through networking events, internships, and last but not least, your instructors. Animation school instructors typically hail from the same animation studios to which you’ll by applying upon graduation.
The Pros, at Work and at School
Here are some famous examples of industry pros turned animation school teachers:
- Leo Chu is the head of animation at the Spike and MTV Networks, and has also worked with Disney, the biggest animation studio out there, on production for films like Tarzan, Finding Nemo, and the new Meet the Robinsons. He and Eric Garcia (animator on the animated series “Afro Samurai”) are giving a free class at an animation school in Hawaii.
- Michael Oliva, a longtime industry veteran who has worked in the Philippines, Arizona, Wisconsin, California, Korea, and beyond, is teaching at an animation school on the west coast now. His credits include major animation studio productions like Mulan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Fern Gully, and more. Oh, and over 30 animated TV series.
- John Lasseter, new head of animation at Disney and Pixar veteran, has been known to give classes in the San Francisco Bay Area and southern California animation schools.
Clear Benefits
Going to animation school does not guarantee a job at one of these prestigious animation studios, but it does put you in contact with industry leaders. At the very least, you’ll learn about the industry from the very people who run it.
Sources
IMDB
Star Bulletin
The Impact Online
About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor’s in American Literature from UCLA.
Posted on April 27, 2007 at 4:48 PM
Previous: Flash Animation Design Career Outlook
Next: Animation: No Longer Just a Looney Toon
Back to Archives
Have an animation news item or link to suggest?