We do not judge potential candidates on the basis of the school they attended (or didn’t) and therefore do not recommend any particular school(s). As much as we would like to keep on the forefront of universities offering animation and/or computer visualization programs, we do not know the details of all programs. We have listed schools that offer courses in animation but please know that this is simply a list. If your school is not on our list, this does not mean that you are unqualified to apply to Pixar.

We look at your work first, typically in the form of a videotaped reel. If the reel shows mastery or great potential in the area(s) of animation, lighting, modeling, or writing shaders, we then look at the resume to see your background and experience.

In choosing an animation related school, look for one that focuses on traditional skills, drawing, painting, sculpture, cinematography. Ask the school how they will help you build an effective portfolio of your work: not merely a collection of your assignments, but a well developed presentation of your unique point of view, and your technical skills. Also ask the school how well integrated their theatre and film departments are with their 2D and 3D art departments.

Learn enough about computer graphics to know how they work in general. Look for a school that has not substituted electronic arts for traditional (or vice versa). Ask them about how they balance the two. Avoid just learning packages of software. Today’s packages will be replaced several times during your school career, and many studios use proprietary software that you cannot learn in school anyway. Learn enough to know you can learn it, but concentrate on the more expressive traditional skills.

There is a wealth of information on the web regarding careers in these fields. Besides information on our web site (list of schools, current job opportunities) be sure to check the career and business information offered by Siggraph (www.siggraph.org). Animation Magazine (www.animationmagazine.net) and the Animation World Network (www.awn.com) are also good resources.

We offer Technical internships through-out the year. Non-technical internships are typically offered in the summer, depending on departmental needs. When internships are available, they will be posted on our web site.

You must be enrolled in a college or university to apply. We currently do not have opportunities for high school students. All of our internships are paid.

Anyone who shows eligibility to work in the U.S. can apply.

Due to production demands and the enormous amount of requests we receive, we cannot accommodate requests for informational interviews.

Pixar uses its own proprietary software called Marionette, built and maintained in-house. Be sure to research other commercially available animation software programs. Animation Magazine (www.animationmagazine.net) and the Animation World Network (www.awn.com) are good resources.

In general, at Pixar we look for broad artistic and technical skills, rather than ability to run one package or another. We concentrate on finding people with breadth, depth, communication skills and the ability to collaborate. If you have those attributes, we can teach you the tools.

Our voice casting is done through Disney.

Due to the enormous number of applications we receive, we do not have the resources to provide individual feedback.