Career Opportunities in computers with Disney

So You Wanna Be an Animator?

Every Disney animated film is produced primarily by hand. These motion pictures are the combined work of several hundred animators, painters, directors and other artistic and technical staff. Disney artists also use computers to assist in the production of animated features. This summary answers many of the most commonly asked questions about Disney's use of computer animation and computer graphics.

How can I become a computer animator?

Graphics and animation software has advanced to the point where little or no knowledge of programming is necessary. While some knowledge of the basic techniques and technology is useful, computer animators, like conventional animators, should emphasize the development of their fundamental artistic skills.

Artists in computer animation at Disney will be evaluated on the basis of their conventional drawing and animation skills by Disney's Artistic Review Board. For those seriously interested in pursuing animation as a career, Disney Studios Training Department can supply additional information on training and portfolio requirements.

What type of graphics hardware and software does Disney use?
Animation uses a combination of off the shelf hardware and software, as well as proprietary systems custom developed for the specific needs of film production. As a matter of policy, detailed information about the systems Disney uses are not available to the general public, and we do not recommend or endorse specific graphics products.
Will computer animators replace traditional animators?
No, but more conventional animators are learning to use computers. Each year graphics software and hardware gets better and easier to use. Still, while the computer handles some production tasks with exceptional speed and efficiency, some subtleties of hand drawn artwork are still difficult to achieve on the computer. Disney's strategy is to use a blend of conventional and computer techniques as appropriate to the style of the film and the preference of the artist and the director.
How does Disney use computers in its animated films?
Computers assist the animators and production staff throughout the film making process. In addition to project budgeting and scheduling, automated tracking systems are used to help manage the flow of more than 100,000 individual drawing, sketches and paintings used in the production of an animated film.

Walt Disney pictures has been using computer graphics systems since the early 1980's to support animation production. Far from replacing the conventional animator, the computer has become an important tool to assist in the layout of scenes. Computers are also well suited to assist with some of the repetitive tasks of nimation post production. They are routinely used to operate both electronic and optical camera systems. Computer systems may also support the actual painting of the images prior to photography on film.

Disney has long been a pioneer in new technology and the studio is currently spending millions of dollars advancing its applications of computer technology to film making. Over the last fifty years, Walt Disney Pictures has garnered a number of Academy Awards for technical excellence. Technology is an important part of the company's heritage and computer technology is an important part of its future. Disney artists and staff will continue to pursue breakthroughs in this area in the interest of making the highest quality films possible.

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