Stepping Into ReelFx

Until this past week, I had never set foot in any kind of animation studio. On Wednesday, September 13th, I had the incredible opportunity of touring the ReelFx studio and talking to Dave Vallone, a Supervising Animator. I learned so much about the animation industry and the process of making full movies and short films. I never realized that smaller studios, such as ReelFx, partner with larger studios, such as Marvel or Disney, to complete commercial work and assist with smaller tasks, including rigging models.

A definite theme I was reminded of over the week was that I must stay organized with all my work and appointments. I have never interacted with professionals independently before, so I had to be communicative and direct in order take advantage of the opportunities I arranged. I contacted my AP Economics teacher four days in advance to ask permission to miss her class on Friday for another interview, and she told me I could if I completed specific work, which I did and turned in early.

I have completed three interviews so far (two in-person and one over the phone), so I only have two more to go until I can begin considering a mentor! In the upcoming week, I will conduct these two interviews, I will organize my website more, and I will work on finalizing my résumé. ISM has already proven to be a significant amount of work, but I am proud and excited to be taking on the challenge and growing as a person!