HOW TO GET AN ANIMATION INTERNSHIP AT A MAJOR STUDIO (Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, Bento Box & more!)

Non-Artist Jobs in Animation: Production & Post-Production - Part 1 (NEW VIDEO)
► bit.ly/NonArtistJobs
As a senior at UC Davis about ready to graduate, I decided to stay another year to pursue the entertainment industry and was lucky enough to land three studio internships. In my super senior year, I got to intern at Warner Bros. Records in the International Marketing department, Nickelodeon Animation Studios in the Vault department, and Dreamworks Animation Studios on the movie, Penguins of Madagascar. I seized the opportunity at Nickelodeon and went from being an intern to a creator and writer of my very own cartoon short, The Outsiders. I also had the opportunity to interview with other amazing companies, such as Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Live Nation. I'm going to be talking about How to Get an Animation Internship At A Major Studio. I’ll be covering topics such as, what to put on your cover letter, how to get experience to put on your resume, and interview etiquette.
Check out the written version of this video by clicking below:
How I Got A Job at Nickelodeon And What It's Like Working Here (Detailed Blog Article)
► bit.ly/HowIGotAJobAtNickelodeon
-
0:00 Introduction
0:58 The Start Of My Internship Journey
2:03 Cover Letter Tips
2:39 Join A Club Or An Organization
3:40 Expand Your Reach
4:41 Be Open To Relocate
5:28 Ways To Keep Your Cost Low
6:47 On-Site Interview
8:21 Outro
-
MY BOOK - "How to Get an Animation Internship"
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AUDIOBOOK:
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MY NICKELODEON CARTOON “THE OUTSIDERS”:
🍿 KZbin: bit.ly/TheOutsidersOnNick
🎬 Facebook: bit.ly/TheOutsidersonFB
ANIMATION BOOKS TO CONSIDER:
How To Write for Animation by Jeffery Scott
📝 amzn.to/361zrnb
Your Career In Animation by David B. Levy
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The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
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PODCAST:
The Storyboard Room: Your Guide Into the Animation Industry
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🎙Spotify - bit.ly/SBRPodcastSpotify
I host a podcast where we discuss the business of the animation industry and how to get in. You can find it by searching “The Storyboard Room” on any podcast app (eg: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc).
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WHO AM I:
I'm Eric, a PA working at Nickelodeon Animation on the Rugrats Reboot. I make videos about the animation industry, artist lifestyle, music, and productivity. I also make music under the stage name RAVO (www.ravomusic.com), and I wrote a book "How to Get an Animation Internship" which has helped students land internships at major animation studios.
🌍 My website / blog - www.eric-bravo.com
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Music
Joyous Fridays 2 by Anders Nilsson
Sophisticated Gentlemen 2 by Magnus Ringblom
#AnimationInternships #AnimationCareers #InternshipPositions

[@tjtjmich16p]

Another great thing you could do is make a short fill, Or a short music video that's animated. And having it on your portfolio or application.

[@dandansoysauce8762]

This is such a great and informative video! Do you have more in-depth advice regarding making your CV and resumes suitable for each application? I was told by my professors to apply to a minimum of 20 internships each season and I found myself so overwhelmed and exhausted from typing up the cover letters and resumes that I felt that I didn't change my resume or cover letters much for each application and only tweaked a few things while keeping most of the information the same. I feel like I'm doing it wrong since I know resumes and cover letters are not "one size fits all"

[@spearzum9256]

My dream is to make entertainment in the form of cartoons so I am really thankful that you as someone who works within this explains some things. Thank you, you have removed some of my anxiety. Though I wanna know, do you think that having adhd or being from another country would affect my chance of getting into this bussnies? I ask since I'm from Sweden.

[@Doc_Animator_N]

Wow! I didn’t know that I needed to do most of these. I haven’t thought of expanding my reaches, be open to relocate, or needing to join a club or an organization. That and I would have to rent a lease for a nearby apartment, close to the studio I’m interning for? And I guess I should consider applying for the Spring or Fall Semesters, which I understand, the summer times are the most competitive. I made a mistake not seeking for an internship program during my undergraduate years, because I put education first. But now that I’m returning for my Master’s (maybe Ph.D), here’s hoping.

[@thatgamergirl6549]

This video was really helpful and informative, thank you!! :) also what a coincidence, I’m going to UC Davis haha

[@EricBravo]

Glad it was helpful! Go Aggies!

[@bimbitashaikh8331]

If I want to get in as a storyboard or character design artist then what type of requirements should I have as a college student?? Also I’m from South Asia , how do I effectively apply for any studio as a student who would be equivalent to a high school 3rd year in American education system? Could you please help me know these things? And also the video was really nice and educative thank you!

[@imbella1656]

Hey Eric! First of all, thank you so much of your advices!! I'm a brazilian animation student, currently graduating at Faculdade Melies, and i'm extremely into try some internships, but I have some apprehention of never be selected just because I'm a international student. Do you think major studios accept international student? And do you think your book can help international student just like helps US students?

[@EricBravo]

I'm glad you find it helpful! Yes, major animation studios like DreamWorks Animation, do accept international students for internships. A good way to find out is to go to the studio's FAQ section and they'll say if they accept international students. My book is geared towards students within the US, however, the advice and tips about crafting your resume and cover letter and how to prepare for interviews are helpful for any student trying to secure an internship. Let me know if you have any questions! I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

[@cuppatrash]

hello !! I was wondering if there are any art programs I should get used to as a high school student? I want to get into storyboarding or character design for the animation industry but I lack experience and money to afford nice tablets and a clip studio paint/toon boom subscription. Does that matter at all, will I be learning these programs in animation in college ? Or does pen and paper suffice?

[@EricBravo]

Hey Cuppa! KZbin has some videos teaching you how to storyboard/design characters. I think as a high school student, just becoming familiar with the process would be extremely helpful and pen and paper totally suffice!

[@britneyshropshire7984]

Do you know the acceptance rate for foreigners at internships like these? Will they consider you even if you live overseas? I’m from The Netherlands and I would love to do an internship in the states at one of the big companies. I’m also wondering what kind of level of animation they are expecting , do you still have the portfolio you used to apply ? Thanks for the video , it was very informative and clear 🙏🏻

[@vaneater]

Right now there is an application on LinkedIn for Disney Internship. The application states: Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor student / intern visas at this time. This is just for a Summer Disney intern, hopefully other studios have different eligibilities Hope this helps!

[@britneyshropshire7984]

@@vaneater luckily I have a dual citizenship so it’s a bit easier for me , I already have visum . I saw the internship on linked in , and it’s not the kind of field I was going for. Still waiting for the visual development team to open up a fall internship

[@britneyshropshire7984]

@@vaneater thanks for the tips!

[@matchamochi781]

Depends on whether it’s remote

[@harry486]

yup Americans don't realise how lucky they are to have all these big studios IN their own country.... and then I watch videos "Boohoo I had to uproot my whole life and move from Wyoming to LA to work at Dreamworks...'

[@DarkPrincessOfLight]

Can you please make a video about studio interviews! :]

[@EricBravo]

Sure thing! I’ll get that video to you this month!

[@emilymcpherson2194]

Broooo I need that video abt how to become a background actor

[@EricBravo]

Should be coming out soon! Be on the lookout for it

[@pauline3211]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, do you think it’s possible for a foreign art student with an ok English to get an internship at one of those studios ?

[@EricBravo]

Hey Pauline! I do think it’s possible as long as you meet the internship requirements of having proper work authorization for the US. Also, its important to have a strong resume and cover letter and if you get an interview, it does depend on how well you do in it. I hope this helps! Good luck!

[@jojosteve3365]

can i show you my animations to get some feedback on them?

[@PurplesinnerW]

I am all the way back in Guatemala. But I will try this. I am getting my bachelor's degree at 3d animation this September. :'v I dream of an internship

[@EricBravo]

Definitely try it out! I know DreamWorks is current accepting intern applications and they accept international students as well. I wish you the best of luck!

[@PurplesinnerW]

@@EricBravo QuQ 💖 Bro, you are the light in this darkness. My university was a scam and now I am trying to get myself together. You are the only channel that gives some good advice. Thank you so much

[@unisangalaxystudio]

Is there a way to land a job for cartoon network if you only have a associates degree but wasn't sure if it's better if I can get a mentorship to get a better idea, don't get me wrong I already do animation on KZbin and volunteer for work for free or $20. I not sure if going back to college since most of the universities have only 2 classes but most classes are not in my field or off my major. I even sell my soul to work at adult swim

[@lassiehernandez2547]

I cant if i dont have university studies?😢 I dont have money for that, i learn from courses of Internet. But im good and i do good courses with Aaron Blaise, NMA, and i read the classic animation books.

[@koolaidlover2382]

Hi, I’m a junior in high school and am looking forward to going to UCD. May I ask what major you took at UC Davis? Was it Cinema and Digital Media?

[@EricBravo]

My major at UCD was actually Managerial Economics (essentially a business degree). I found that your major doesn’t really matter for internships because studios understand that you are exploring your options. However, if you aren’t in a film related major, you still have to show them that you’re still interested in film or animation by joining a club or organization related to the arts. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions. I’d be happy to help answer them.

[@koolaidlover2382]

@@EricBravo thank you so much! This helps me a lot because I’m still trying to explore my options as well. I still don’t know if I want to get a film or animation degree because they both sound like fun. But it’s great to know that they’ll accept anyone who has the love and passion for whatever role they’ll plan on taking in the entertainment industry.

[@EricBravo]

Anytime! I know it can be scary when choosing your major esp when college is a time to explore your options. If cinema is your passion, you’ll find ways to stay active with it without you even really realizing it. Also, take your first year as a time to try things that you’ve always been interested. I didn’t get my first internship until I was a super senior (I stayed in college an extra year). So it’s great that you’re thinking about this now. Best of luck!

[@koolaidlover2382]

@@EricBravo thank you so much! Also, do you think it matters whether I go to a film school or not? This question pops up a lot and I was just wondering because my mom really wants me to go to college, but at the same time I want to go to a film school to get more hands on experience because I feel that’s the best way I can learn in the field I wish to take place in. What option do you think would be best for me? Or does it not matter where I go, as long as I’m making good work?

[@EricBravo]

@@koolaidlover2382 ​Personally, I don't think it matters, however, I didn't know how to get into the animation industry until my last year in college. If I had known earlier that animation was going to be my career, I would have definitely pursued a film degree to learn and better understand the craft. At the same time, I am happy that I got to experience other fields and in a weird way, I'm able to bring new perspectives and ideas. Go with your gut. No matter what you choose, you'll find your way in.

[@papito8078]

What classes do I need to take

[@michaellozano9515]

What if I wanted my stories to be mature for well mature audience what Animation studio will be suited for me

[@naomi0brooks]

What do I do if my school doesn't do summer classes? I'm already on senior year starting next week

[@EricBravo]

Great question! Try to apply during the summer (you never know) but what I ended up doing when I didn’t hear anything from the summer programs I applied to is I applied to a fall program and got it. I then push my graduation back and took the fall quarter off

[@PrincetoonsYT]

one thing is also mandatory, you need to know how to use Too Boom Harmony

[@EricBravo]

Definitely good to know if you want to Storyboard!

[@KirbyKirbz]

Hey Eric. Thank you for all your insight and advice, I definitely appreciate it. Question: are you on any social media? (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.?)

[@EricBravo]

Happy to hear that! Yes, you can find me on IG @ericmbravo, Twitter @ericbravo and FB @Eric Bravo.

[@ScoobyCool9000]

Is it okay to do the internships after college? Or do I have to do it while I’m still in college?

[@EricBravo]

It’s better to do it during college so you can intern at multiple studios. This will help build your experience and network from various studios. But after college is great too so you can have more time to focus and commit to it! Just know some programs only allow you to be an intern after 6 months - 1 year from your graduation

[@memejr1998]

How do I pitch my animated series's To Nickelodeon? Do I have to Email them? Or what do I do?

[@EricBravo]

The best approach would be to network with the development department. They will be the ones who you will pitch too. Try to build a relationship via LinkedIn by searching for development assistants or coordinators and try to ask them questions about the pitching process and any advice they can provide. Once you have a relationship and a solid pitch bible, you can reach out to your contact to see if they can set you up with a pitch meeting. Alternatively, you can get a pitch meeting with an agent (I have a video explaining how to get one) or by working at the studio. By working there, it’s so much easier to network and pitch your ideas, no matter your position at the company.

[@alicealves8072]

Applications for VisDev Trainee are currently open in major studios. Whats the level they are looking for? I don’t know if I have enough stuff or if what I have is Disney Level Work

[@alicealves8072]

I wish I could see a Trainee Portfolio :(

[@EricBravo]

I think it depends who happens to look at your application/work and what they are looking for. Are they looking for more of a beginner or someone who has more experience? This might not be the clear answer you were looking for, but I think you should just apply and provide your best work. It also might help to reach out to previous VisDev Trainees on LinkedIn and ask for their advice for getting into the program.

[@EricBravo]

DreamWorks is offering a Virtual Portfolio review at CTN on Nov15-18th. This might be something to consider. Submission open on Oct 8th on their website. It’s open to everyone!

[@lokiroki8]

Im...a 36 yr old adult. I got my degree like 13 yrs ago. School clubs arent an option. What can i do as an bill paying independent adult with little experience. Unfortunately, i missed out on my time internships during my school time

[@EricBravo]

Currently, studios have been more open to what counts as a student. One new way is you can take a course online and can apply to internships and they'll consider you as a student.

[@extraspicy7191]

Is it possible to get an internship in any animation studios while still in Highschool?

[@EricBravo]

Great question! Currently, you have to be in college to get an internship at a major animation studio. I’d recommend connecting with a few people on LinkedIn who work at a studio you like and ask if there’s any volunteering you can do. This will show you’re interested, taking action and will help build your network at an early stage.

[@madison8605]

Do you have to go to college for this or

[@EricBravo]

For an internship, yes you have to be attending college.

[@afrinaut3094]

What if your to old, & not a student? 😅😢

[@rox7319]

Hey. Do I need to be a college student or graduate to apply and gain an animation internship?

[@EricBravo]

Hey Cameron! For animation internships, you have to be a student to be considered or have graduated within 6 months - 1 year depending on the studio. But since most internships are paid now, I believe you can take a course (depending on the school where you take it) and apply to be an intern. Hope this helps! Best of luck!

[@lianchang7038]

@@EricBravo Does my degree in college have to be related to art?

[@EricBravo]

@@lianchang7038 No not at all! My degree in college was actually in business