Post 1 of 14

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To Chris:

Hi, I don't know if you remember, but I am the person who sent you the email at work...

first, my apologies, as I did not realize that it would be an inconvenience...

second, now that you are at home , I wanted to present a question (or 2 or 3 or 4)

I had emailed HR at pixar about internships etc., but only got an automated response...so I wanted to re-post the email so you can see it and maybe let me know who I can contact for the right information..

email starts here:

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Hi,

I know it's too late for this summer, but as far as future years go, I was wondering what is available in the area of internships involved in 3d graphics. I went through the website, but I wanted to read more details. Specifically, what year students you accept (sophomore?..junior?), and what areas you have internships in. I have slight experience in Maya from a class on school, but I must have gone through tens to over hundred tutorials just because of interest so I have a solid familiarity with the software, even if not the greatest skills...

I don't know if this is the right place to be emailing, but if not, could you let me know where I could go?

What I am really looking for is an opportunity to see if I have what it takes, and If I would enjoy that kind of career, designing and animating 3d productions.

Any information would be appreciated...

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email ends

Post 2 of 14 responding to post 1

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Sorry bud, I dont think doing anything but in depth research and practice (not just tutorials) is gonna get your foot into pixar's door. The people getting in there are the ones who "already know they got what it takes". And experience in the software isn't going to get you anywhere either. Consider this analogy....would you let someone perform open heart surgery on you because he knew how to cut things with a scalpel. However, if you already have a solid base of knowledge in the necessary fields (i.e. unix, programming, shaders, production, photography, acting, scripts (and not just MEL),etc.) then i'm sure you'll do fine. If you havent...I learned right from the start that no one was going to return my calls and emails until I created something that gave them a REAL reason to want to contact me. Remember, they are a business...businesses are there to make money...hence, you must be more profitable then what they are willing to pay you (assuming that you want to work at Pixar in hopes of landing a job there). So not to be rude (but honest), they contact people when that person is "worth" contacting.

P.S. I don't work for Pixar, and you certainly dont have to heed my advice. I'm just trying to give you a heads up.

Post 3 of 14 responding to post 2

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well, I assume the people you speak of had to learn sometime didn't they?....I'm just about 19..am I too late?..

Post 4 of 14 responding to post 3

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To late you are not GrassHopper... But to begin ones journey you must start from the beginning and not the end....

Chris Rock

Maya Host

Post 5 of 14 responding to post 4

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I appreciate that, makes me feel like I have a chance, but your response was slightly "vague"..if you know what I mean.

Any suggestions?...

(the reasonb i had two posts was just because i had the wrong email adress in the first :) )

Post 6 of 14 responding to post 4

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I appreciate that, makes me feel like I have a chance, but your response was slightly "vague"..if you know what I mean.

Any suggestions?...

Post 7 of 14 responding to post 6

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Work as hard as you can, but expect to have to climb the 3d world ladder. You will probably have to work at less glamourous places first as many of have had to do, to build character, skill and a reputation. Just my 2 cents ;)

Chris Rock

Maya Host

Post 8 of 14 responding to post 7

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I wouldn't mind that, but before I can even consider that, I assume I'd have to build skills first. From what I hear it is difficult to get into the undustry without skills of your own.

Post 9 of 14 responding to post 8

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Well you need to have built yourself a demo reel of your talent. You need to build your skills to get to the point of being able to make a demo reel for yourself that shows of your best abilities. This means spending time in the lab or at home which ever is realistic for you, honing your skill until you feel confident enough in your skill set that you can provide a company with your skill for a wage. I know this sounds kinda vague and a bit generalized, but this is the plain simple truth, people won't pay to teach you, you need to come to the table with your skill set already honed. Universities sometimes have intern programs with various houses, but even then you have to be enrolled within a specific set of classes to qualify, and part of this qualification process is your skill set obtained within this class. Hope this helps some.

Chris Rock

Maya Host

Post 10 of 14 responding to post 9

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In December of 2002 I will have received my BS degree in computer science. I have been drawing ever since I could pick up a pencil. My imagination is extraordinary. I have over 100 cartoon characters drawn by hand, and have several computer generated characters. I am asking for a chance with your company from ground level. To be with the collective minds that make things happen. I am looking for experience, a place to call home "even if it takes starting off emptying trash cans". I haven't had much workforce experience in the animation industry, but am self taught in many programs. I am hoping you have a place for me. Thank you, sincerely Jason Banks. My resume has been attached below...

Jason A. Banks

P.O. Box 20507

Long Beach, California 90802-9998

(323) 791-8934 Contact

evvolution7@yahoo.com

______________________________________________________________________________

CAREER OBJECTIVES

An enthusiastic professional seeking a growth opportunity position in which I can use my skills and experience in Computer Technology, Public Speaking, Customer Service, Leadership, and Sales.

EDUCATION

May, 2001 Associate of Arts degree in Computer Science. Graduated with honors.

Candidate for Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science.

2000 Medical Terminology

2001 Access training, including table design, queries and quick reports.

SKILLS Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and graphic applications, including

Power Point, Adobe Photo Shop 6.0, Go Live, Dimensions 3.0, Page Maker, Illustrator,

After F/X, Flash 4, and Dreamweaver 3. Experience with MS-Dos, Q-Basic, C/C++,

Linux/Unix, and Windows NT/98/2000/ME operating systems. Experience with Lotus

Notes. Additional skills include, trouble shooting hardware and software

applications, public speaking, bookkeeping, and customer relations, including

multi-line telephones, typing 40 wpm, and PBX phone systems.

WORK EXPERIENCE

July 99 - present UnitedHealthCare, Long Beach, California

Information Systems Department/Desktop Support

Disk Maintenance, Backup, and Recovery Operating System and Software Maintenance Network File Systems and Yellow Pages Maintenance Personal Computer Networking and Integration Engineer software tools for development, maintenance, and analysis of phone-call tracking, grievance and appeal tracking, and Medical Doctor requests databases. Supervise personnel in the performance of routine computer system maintenance tasks. Train employees in the operations of the computer system software.

January 99 - July 99 Health Source Medical Group, Los Angeles

Eligibility Coordinator

Responsible for verification of member eligibility, data entry, telephonic customer service, management of health plan information and general office duties.

April 94 - January 99 Edison Brothers,

Store Manager

Responsible for coordination and oversight daily operations of a retail outlet, including the creation of merchandising displays, customer relations, shipping and receiving, marketing, inventory and loss prevention. Accountable for recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, staff supervision and motivation, resulting in achievement of number one store in sales for the Edison Brothers Shoe Store chain.

June 97 -July 98 C.I.A. (Movie Prop Building)

Prop Master's Apprentice

Participated in the creation of visual effects for live motion pictures. Duties consisted of sales, visual effects, and movie imaging.

REFERENCES Available on request.

Post 11 of 14 responding to post 8

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It's pretty much true...an entry level job in animation is (from what i've seen) not a person with no prior experience. Entry level typically consists of (someone please correct me if im wrong) 1. students graduated/graduating from college in animation, 2. people switching occupations from a semi-related field (like CAD), 3. (this is the one you need) and people that taught themselves.

Now this all seems to be pretty heavily debated, many say that going to school will make you less creative...however, more well rounded. But the crucial factor is that with out the creativity, the whole occupation will assume your bunk.

If its something you wanna do, go do it. Most people (that i've encountered) are into the 3d genre are gung-ho workaholics that almost enjoy battling little obstacles in a morbid kind of way. If the shoe is fit for you, you WILL be where you want to be...if not, you'll simply get filtered out (or burned out). Anyway, I hope this made some sense. Good luck!

Post 12 of 14 responding to post 11

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I am a college student that is interested in a intership with Pixar. On my own personal time I enjoy creating graphical animation using Photoshop, livemotion, etc. If there are any available internships please email me.

Thank You,

Jose Mendez

Post 13 of 14 responding to post 11

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I agree with your assesment, as I fit into mold #3, totally self taught, with a burning drive and a don't take no for answer attitude. That is how I have gotten where I am today, and I am by no means done ;)

Chris Rock

Maya Host

Post 14 of 14 responding to post 13

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Dear sir,

I am an animation student currently studying in Malaysia right now and I am interested to do my internship in PIXAR. I just need to enquire on the procedures of the internship, how to apply and what are PIXAR's requirement for me. Thank you very much for your generous time.

Your sincerely,

LIM EU GENE

( Student majoring in Film & Animation )

MALAYSIA.