© MTV

Yvette Kaplan, Feature Director, MTV
Generally, I have been very impressed with the level of student work these days. Drawing skills are strong, and most present a solid portfolio with a good representation of figure drawing, animal studies, and individual design samples. Animation sample reels are quite technically proficient, due in part to the huge amount of computer focus and availability in schools. Students are well versed in the use of current softwares. The student films I have been seeing are unusually professional-looking. Technically, they appear as if ready to air on TV. Media-savvy and visually sophisticated students know how to achieve "the look."

However, and I am generalizing of course, the content and story, the animation itself and the timing, the reason for being of many of these films, does not always match the technical level of the presentation. Many times I find myself wishing that these young animators would simply show me a stack of drawings to flip through. A full color, full sound finished film with credits is not always necessary. Show me a well-animated pencil test. Show me some character designs and pose sheets, expression charts, personality stuff. Show me your enthusiasm and your obsession, your love of the process. Show me you know how to do a layout, complete with field guide. Show me a well thought-out storyboard so I can get a sense of your storytelling.

A point I can't help making, and I don't mean to sound discouraging, quite the contrary in fact, is that not everyone is a `filmmaker.' Not everyone is an idea person. We can't all be Mike Judge or Trey Parker or Matt Stone. Yet everyone wants to be. Everyone's pitching something. Even instructors are pushing their students to finish a film, seeming disappointed if a student wants to perfect his animation skills instead. Remember: no animated film or TV series has ever been completed without the dedication and skills of many talented people. The skilled background artist who understands perspective, the gifted animator who understands weight and timing, the organized, detail oriented layout artist, all are necessary parts of the whole. Animation is a team effort, and creativity a many faceted trait. You don't have to be a `star.' We only need one of those per show. What we do need are many patient artists ready and willing to listen and learn and work to make the product great.

My advice for breaking into the business - draw, draw, draw. You can focus on character or background, or both, but good draftsmanship and a good eye are invaluable skills. Understand the basics about animation. Learn how to do a layout. Learn about camera pans and fields. Learn how to read and prepare an exposure sheet. If you are on an interview, be considerate of your interviewers time constraints and edit your portfolio. Show your best work, not everything you've ever done. If you have obvious strength in one area over another, and if it happens to be the area you are most interested in, by all means make that clear by your portfolio choices. It'll help the interviewer see how you might enhance a certain department and a job offer just might follow.

What to expect? Well, if you get that job, I can tell you what will eternally endear you to me. Listen and learn. Follow instructions and ask questions. Then ask more questions. Be concerned with deadlines. Do what is asked, then go further. If the job you are hired to do is not the one closest to your heart, don't be impatient. Good work is rewarded. The animation industry today holds many opportunities. You are in the right place. Welcome, and the best of luck to you!