Study in Scotland

[moidphotos]

Hi there

I'd strongly recommend you throw in some Art (unless Graphic Communication teaches life drawing /perspective/composition and colour theory for example). I don't know how much your qualifications will be worth regarding UCAS points - are these courses the equivalents of GCSEs or A-Levels? but you'll need quite high scores to get into a decent animation course. You'll also need a good portfolio of art, both traditional and digital.

Getting hired by Pixar/Dreamworks is extremely unlikely without many years of industry experience first. Also you'll need a degree to get past US immigration (and quite possibly they'll want more than a degree). Have a look at companies in the UK who make work that impresses you and aim for them first, work for them for a few years and build up the skills and experience and then apply for the US.

If you want to know what skills Pixar look for, their jobs page will tell you.

http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/jobs/index.html

If you look at what an animator requires:

- Degree or certificate in classical animation, film, or related field, or equivalent production animation experience
- Must have a DVD demo reel that demonstrates application of the principles of animation to tell a story with meaning through movement
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Must be open to direction and able to embrace change
- Proven storytelling skills
- Ability to use acting skills, which bring characters to life, as well as clearly communicate simple ideas with which an audience can empathize
- Strong understanding of traditional animation principles
- An art background, which shows a thorough, understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form
- Computer animation experience preferred but not required

you can see that acting classes would help a lot, as would an art background. Each position would require different skills and it's unlikely that you will know where your strongest talents yet lie, and you will probably only work that out after a couple of years of degree education. Pixar do have an internship scheme (you'll find it on the above link) but it is extremely popular so you have to be amazing to stand out enough to get chosen.

I do not wish to destroy your dreams in anyway at all, dreams are important because they give you ambition. If you really want this go for it, but perhaps have a more realistic backup plan as well.

Good luck

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