So I applied for the Disney Summer Internship program a few months back, and found out yesterday that I didn't get it, which is understandible, because I am a freshman with little animation experience, and they only accept 10 students. Since this is my life's dream, I am sooo re-applying next year, and I am wondering what I should be putting in my portfolio. This year, since I didn't have a reel of animation yet, I just had life drawings and a few cartoon sketches, but what is it that they are looking for that makes a portfolio really stand out?? Is it just amazing work? Advice?
Thanks,
Jenna
Thats too bad Jenna, but you have the right attitude. Just keep working at it and getting better and apply next year. What will get you in is raw talent. You're work doesn't have to be super slick and polished. If you have solid draftsmenship in your drawings and a good solid base of animation, they will see that. So your animation doesn't need to be all cleaned up. If it looks and moves well, that's all that really counts at this stage.
Unless you are going to be a character designer, I wouldn't put in too many cartoon drawings in your portfolio. Lots of good, solid life drawing. And only put in the very best of your work. It's better to have 5 pages of amazing drawings, than 5 amazing pages with 5 average pages.
On a side note, does AAU still have a traditional animation department or is it all CG animation now?
Aloha,
the Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
the Ape,
Thanks for the reply, that information helps a lot!
Yea, AAU doesn't really have a traditional animation department anymore. They still have some classes for 2D, but they're basically moving everything to 3D.....this is why I have to major in Storyboarding. I'm hoping they do bring it back though, or else I may have to transfer, or hope that storyboarding will get me where I need to go!
Thanks,
Jenna
I'm certain that with a studio as big as Disney that there'd be somewhere on their website a list of the things they require in a demo reel/portfolio. I know that Pixar had a rather specific one.
I can tell you this though, you have about 8 seconds to grab their attention so put your best work at the beginning/front. Also make sure you put your contact details on every page of your portfolio and at the beginning and end of your reel.