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International
Hi guys! I'm 24, have a bachelor degree in computer science but I have a dream to be an animator at US based animation studios like Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, etc. But, I'm not a US citizen. I'm a foreigner, living outside the US. Not even on the same America continent. I'm on Asia.
Is it possible? Is it achievable? I'm currently enrolling at AnimSchool to pursue this dream because I saw the review is quite positive, and also I need flexibility, eventho it's quite expensive in my country, but Thank God, my parents are really supportive so they're helping me on this.
Do the big studios like Disney really want to help you relocate to the US? Or they just want to look at applicants from US-Canada-South America and Europe only? I'm afraid they will reject me because of my location, even if my portfolios and reels are qualified for them.
Thank you so much!
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As someone who lives in the US and has done a ton of research on US Animation. I discovered that animation jobs are extremely competitive. A lot 2D animation jobs, if you are interested in that area, are commonly outsourced to other locations such as: UK, Canada, France, etc.
As for 3D animation, you do have a better chance, but unfortunately that position is always in demand by all skill levels and it may be outsourced as well. I know a lot of people will often say: "If you work really hard! You'll get there!" However, that's only a 1/3 of it. The rest truly seems to come down to networking and pure luck. Is it possible? Yes. If it achievable? Yes, but keep in mind that success varies from person to person.
In response to your next question about relocation. Some big companies do it, some do not. Disney offers relocation assistance but it depends on your skill, portfolio, and location. Animators who ended up applying will hopefully receive an answer, so it just depends.
My advice to you would be: do not apply to animation only, but rather to other departments that support animation. There are more jobs available for texture art, rigging, composition, environmental development, 3D modeling, and so on! If you can get into another department and work your way up. You'll definitely have a better chance at getting an animation job, rather than someone who went directly and solely for that position.
There are plenty of online resources cheaper than Animschool that can teach you, if you are lacking in those areas. Lynda, YouTube, Pluralsight are all great sites to learn on. Overall, I would recommend doing deeper research on animation in the US. There are aspects, both good and bad, about this career as with any other field, but it's up to you to stay proactive and explore all your options before your next decision. The more prepared you are, the better. I hope this was somewhat helpful to you. I wish you all the best. Good luck on your journey.
If the studio doesn't offer relocation, does it mean that animators should take care their relocation themselves, or the studio just simply not gonna hire them?
Yes. If an employer does not offer relocation assistance, it will up to the artist / animator to provide housing, relocation, and transportation for themselves. If you are unable to relocate, it will most likely reduce your chances of getting employed. Although, not everything is black and white. If an employer wholeheartedly loves your work and feels that you can bring extraordinary value to the project, then perharps the animator and employer can come to an negotiation, but that is pretty rare and also depends on luck yet again.
Oh and how about visa sponsorship? Do they always open for sponsorship?
Similar to relocation, it simply depends on the company and their policies & procedures. I'm not 100% sure regarding visa sponsorships. However, at least from what I gathered, most companies expect you to be ready & willing to work. I'm sure some will try to assist you, but you really won't know unless you ask them. However, I would advise you to look into the Animation Guild in California. I think they're the ones who can assist you, since most of these big animation studios fall into a union under that particular guild. I would link the website to you, but it's not coming up on my phone at the moment.
Thank you so much for all of the information!!!
Thank you so much for your insight! It is worth considering!
I'm looking at the same in the future as an animator with many more years of experience. Even with the years of experience I'm under no impression that I would be able to get into top studios with my current level of skill.
The reality of these Online Schools is, unless you already have some experience with 3d animation or you're a prodigy of sorts, your work isn't likely to reach the same level as those student reels they show off. The students features on those reels often already have professional experience from before attending those programs.
You'd likely have to set your sights lower, at least to start with. Start by working at smaller studios and get your experience in. Many productions require that you already have several years of production experience before they'll even consider your application. Hardly anyone graduates and goes straight to the big studios unless they've got their networking game down pat and happen to be extremely skilled on top of that.
As for a studio relocating you, you have to think along these lines: can you really offer something so much better than the native US animators they can hire that would make it worth it for them to justify the expense and paperwork to get you over?
If you can get yourself to the States first it will make it much easier to get your foot into the door. Maybe start looking at entering the Diversity Lottery as soon as possible provided you meet the requirements (do keep in mind that even if you win the lottery you still have to have enough finances to support yourself in order to actually qualify for a green card).
Thank you! Well, to be precise, those big studios are my big dream, and I know to reach that point, I need a small step, unless I have enough lucky potion. I always ready to work on smaller studios for the start. I just want to know that my big dream is achievable so I know there's a hope :)
I have the exact same situations as you, currently studying bachelors of creative media and I live in Australia. would really love to relocate to the US for work so hopefully you get some answers here!
Yes. Since they made movies for the world, they should be ready to hire talents globally. Me too, really want to relocate to the US for work. See you there!
Same, bud! I think that we must rely on our skill. If we have a great portfolio there's no reason to not hire us, no matter the location.
Hope so! But I heard that the company needs to pay relocation fee and h1b visa sponsorship for foreign candidate, hiring foreigner is more expensive than hiring local talent, or foreigner that already stay in the US. That's so irritating :(
I noticed one of these... :(
So here take this... :D
Hey!!!
I was outside of usa. Studied animation, and now work at a big studio. Its possible!!!! All you need is a good demo reel. Try to dedicate as many hours as possible to animation. Its all about practice. Anim school is pretty good!!
Hood luck!
Dm me if you have any questions
Ohhh wow Good for you! Congratulations! Thank you for your advice :D
If you want to work at DreamWorks or Pixar, your demo reel better be top notch.