A few weeks ago, Disney Animation Studios spread a little Disney magic in LMC. But if you couldn't attend in person, don't worry, we saved a little bit of the magic to share with you all.
The morning started with a stellar panel comprised of
- John Thornton, senior academic professional and director of film and media production, Ivan Allen College.
- Jay Bolter, professor and director of computational media, Ivan Allen College.
- Brian Magerko, professor and director of graduate studies in digital media, Ivan Allen College.
- Maribeth Coleman, Regents' Researcher and director of research, IPaT.
along with Nicole Dial, Talent Development & Recruitment at Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Erika Becerra, Recruitment and Outreach at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The panelists discussed the trajectory of animation and technology developments concerning storytelling and connecting with people. They also talked about the role of augmented reality as well as artificial intelligence and they enhance the creativity of young technical directors and animators.
Now you're probably most interested in what this event means for you specifically as an aspiring animator or someone interested in the world of visual storytelling. Dial and Becerra gave a ton of resources for applicants seeking to work at Disney or to strengthen their general skills too.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
There was a lot of discussion on technical skill-heavy jobs, but opportunities exist for people interested in the cultural or even legal side of this field as well. From Imagineering new theme parks to studying the history of Disney at the Animation Research Library there truly is a corner for every student to shine. Explore Disney’s teams to see where you can join the crew!
If you’re not into animation, but Disney is still the dream, follow Disney Careers to stay up to date on the jobs available too.
PORTFOLIO
Many audience members also asked questions about what makes a strong portfolio here’s the TL;DR:
- Pick only the best pieces that demonstrate your skills and abilities
- If you want to include a research paper, only add this to your portfolio if it is a website. (This format allows you to have a specific section or page for supplementary material).
- Make sure all links work and are professional! Becerra heavily emphasized recruiters check all links on a resume or portfolio, so keep things looking tight!
- If you are aiming to work in animation specifically, boost your proficiency in Blender and polish your coding skills.
- Rise Up Animation is dedicated to boosting people of color in their animation careers and offers free portfolio review sessions.
EVENTS
- SIGGRAPH
- SIGGRAPH is like the Coachella for the digital graphics community, showcasing the latest in 3D animations and visual effects. It’s a vibrant, imaginative playground for tech enthusiasts and usually takes place around July or August annually.
- DISGGRAPH
- Disney’s internal version of SIGGRAPH!
If you’ve always been a Disney dreamer, keep the creativity alive! Take it from Nicole Dial, Talent Development and Recruitment Manager who talks about what her journey was like working for Disney Animation Studios.
Unveiling the Magic Behind Disney Animation: A Chat with Nicole Dial
Disney Animation Studios -- the name itself evokes cherished memories of enchanting tales and heartwarming moments from our childhood. But what goes on behind the scenes? We sat down with Disney Animation Studios’ very own, Nicole Dial, Talent Development & Recruitment Manager at Walt Disney Animation Studios uncover some insights and advice for college students looking to embark on their own magical journeys.
Journey to Disney Animation Studios
Let's start at the beginning. What was Dial’s journey to Disney Animation Studios like? She traces her path back to a high school teacher who saw potential and recruited her for the speech and debate club. This early experience, combined with six years of hospitality work in college, laid the foundation for a career driven by teamwork and communication. Dial began her media journey while still an undergraduate, working in corporate video production at Florida State University. It’s a testament to the importance of those initial steps in shaping a creative career.
Top Tips for College Students
For college students eager to break into the animation world, Dial emphasizes the power of research. Different industries have varied job titles and required skills, so doing your homework is essential. Beyond that, tapping into your college's community, exploring the alumni network, and reading alumni newsletters can open doors you never knew existed. It's all about building social capital (and a great way to do that is by joining us at LMC events on campus)!
The Field of Animation
Animation, Dial reveals, is boundless in its creativity. But what might surprise people is the number of individuals involved. Dial describes how many people assume she is an animator whenever she says she works at Disney Animation Studios. The field comprises a wide array of roles, each crucial in its own way. From character designers to sound engineers, the world of animation is a multifaceted gem.
Creating Sparks of Joy
Disney is synonymous with joy. One of Dial’s most memorable scenes that demonstrates this comes from the movie “Encanto”. There’s a sweet scene with Mirabel and Antonio hiding under the bed in the nursery. In it, Mirabel gestures to the gift she has lovingly prepared for her little brother by pointing to it with her lips subtly. It was a tiny gesture that Dial reflects upon as familiar to many in Latinx/Hispanic families. She describes how this small facial expression gave her so much joy when she first saw it during the crew screening because that moment felt so relatable yet universal.
Jobs in Animation
The animation studio isn't just about animators. Communication, film, computer science, and business students can find their place in areas like crew management, legal, marketing, and even recruiting. With a global company like Disney, the possibilities are endless.
The Future of Animation
So, what does the future hold for animation? According to our Disney expert, innovative tech is the future! As technology continues to advance, we still seek out great stories and shared experiences. For college students looking to break boundaries, the secret is in taking the first step, creating with like-minded peers, and networking among classmates.
From the intricacies of animation to the path that brought them to Disney, Nicole Dial shares insights, surprises, and invaluable advice for those dreaming of making their mark in the magical world of animation. Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dialnicole/