Pixar Internship | Animation & Film Industry Openings

Getting experience in animation is kind of like getting your first big break in a movie. For students who are into drawing, design, storytelling, or animation tech, the chance to apply for a Pixar internship and work inside a real studio feels like a dream come true. And not just any studio, the ones that actually make the characters, worlds, and stories you’ve grown up watching. Internships in this field aren’t just about polishing resumes. They’re about learning how studios work from the inside out, meeting pros who’ve done it all, and testing your own skills in real situations.

That’s why the internship program at Pixar gets so much attention. Every year, tons of students hope to land a spot and work with the minds behind some of the most loved animated films ever made. It’s not just the name. It’s the chance to be a part of their creative space, even if it’s just for a few months. From artists to coders to storytellers, Pixar gives interns a front-row seat to how movies actually come to life. It’s competitive, no doubt, but for anyone who’s passionate about this industry, it’s totally worth going for.

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Pixar Internship | Apply Today for Current Opportunities

What Is Pixar and Why Students Love It?

Before it made movies, Pixar started as part of a tech group from Lucasfilm. Yeah, it was more about computers and software before it became the animation giant we all know. It grew into its own thing in the late 80s and early ’90s and eventually dropped Toy Story, which was the first full-length computer-animated film ever. Since then, it’s been hit after hit, from Ratatouille and Finding Nemo to more recent ones like Coco, Soul, and Turning Red. What makes Pixar stand out isn’t just the visuals. It’s how much heart they put into each story.

Students are constantly searching online for things like Pixar internship reddit advice or comparing it to a DreamWorks internship just to get a sense of how intense or exciting the experience might be. That’s because Pixar combines two worlds that always go together, like deep emotional storytelling and the latest tech. Whether you’re into drawing characters, writing scripts, building software, or researching how light bounces off fur, Pixar has space for it all. That balance between creativity and technology is exactly why students from art schools, engineering programs, and film departments are all aiming for a shot there.

Summer Internships

The Pixar summer internship is designed to give students a real experience inside an animation studio. Interns are assigned to actual departments and projects that matter. They’re not just watching from the sidelines or grabbing coffee. Depending on the track, you could be working on scene animation, helping with storyboarding, supporting technical direction, or even testing out internal tools. Throughout the summer, Pixar also runs sessions where you can hear from senior team members, ask questions, and get mentored by people who’ve been building these films for years.

What’s cool is that Pixar brings in students from different majors and skill sets. Whether you’re studying animation, computer science, illustration, film, or even marketing, there are roles across multiple departments. Internships usually run for about 12 weeks during the summer. Some people wonder does Pixar have other seasonal internships. Right now, summer is the biggest one. So if you’re looking to apply, the real question is when Pixar internships open, and the answer is usually a few months before the spring semester ends. That’s when they start reviewing portfolios, reels, and applications for the upcoming summer program.

Top Internships

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to internships at Pixar. Whether you’re someone who loves designing characters, writing code, managing creative chaos, or telling emotional stories through sketches, there’s a track that fits. Students usually come in from different majors and backgrounds, but once they land a spot, they’re matched to specific departments that need fresh minds and passionate energy. The cool part is that you don’t have to be an expert. Just be someone who’s curious, coachable, and ready to learn a lot in a short time. Below are the main internship tracks available at Pixar, each with its own focus, expectations, and creative rhythm.

Animation Internship

The Pixar animation internship is probably the one everyone dreams about. If you’ve ever spent hours bringing a character to life frame by frame, this is the program for you. Interns in this role work directly with the animation team and get to help with actual film sequences, short films, or character shots. They attend team meetings, get assigned scenes to animate, and receive feedback from some of the best animators in the world. Interns use tools like Maya and learn how Pixar’s unique animation pipeline works.

To get this role, you usually need a solid animation reel that shows acting, weight, emotion, and timing. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should reflect your eye for motion and performance. Having a strong understanding of character movement, poses, and story moments really helps here. This role is super competitive, so it’s smart to prepare early, clean up your portfolio, and get peer feedback before submitting. If you want to animate professionally, this internship is one of the strongest learning experiences you can get.

Production Management Internship

The Pixar production internship is all about helping teams stay organized, on track, and sane. Production interns don’t animate or draw — they plan. They work with managers and team leads to keep the pipeline running, make sure deadlines are realistic, help schedule reviews, and often sit in on team syncs or critiques. You’re basically learning what it takes to manage a creative team inside a big studio environment. People in this role are often the bridge between creative and technical teams.

It’s a great internship for students who are interested in business, project management, film production, or even marketing. The work isn’t easy, like you’re juggling timelines, shifting goals, and team needs all at once. But you get to see how films are made from start to finish. If you’re someone who likes being organized, working with creative people, and helping big ideas come to life smoothly, this is the one to watch.

Technical Director (TD) Internship

The Pixar technical director internship is a mix of creative and technical work. TD interns usually focus on the tools that help artists build scenes, characters, or effects. You could be writing small scripts, supporting lighting or shading teams, troubleshooting rigging issues, or even building tools for animators to use. The exact job depends on your skills, but you’ll definitely be working with code, problem-solving, and supporting the production pipeline.

This internship is ideal for students studying computer science, graphics programming, or engineering. You don’t need to know everything before you apply, but a good foundation in Python, Linux, or Maya scripting will help a lot. Many TD interns work on actual tools that are later used in production, which is wild to think about. It’s a great track for anyone who wants to support the storytelling process with clean, efficient, and creative tech solutions.

Story and Art Internship

If you’re more about sketchbooks, storytelling, and mood boards, the Pixar story and art internship is where things get interesting. Interns in this track work closely with the story team or art department. You might be asked to storyboard a scene, develop concept art, experiment with visual themes, or design props and environments. The work is fast-paced, but you get constant feedback and a front-row seat to how stories evolve visually.

To land this one, your portfolio really matters. Show storytelling ability, character design, emotional range, and an understanding of pacing. They’re not looking for just pretty art. They want artists who can communicate clearly through images. It’s super competitive, but if your visual storytelling stands out and you’re comfortable taking feedback, this internship is a massive stepping stone into the world of animated film.

Software Engineering Internship

The Pixar software engineering internship is for those who love coding and solving problems behind the scenes. Interns in this track help build the custom tools that Pixar’s artists and production teams rely on every day. That could mean working on internal platforms, data pipelines, rendering systems, or asset-tracking tools. There’s real responsibility involved, and you’ll be paired with a mentor who will guide you through your summer.

Students in this role usually study computer science or software engineering. You’ll need a solid understanding of programming languages like C++, Python, or JavaScript. Bonus points if you’ve worked on open-source projects or built creative tools in the past. Interns don’t just write code. They test, document, and present their work like professionals. If you’re someone who wants to write tools that help create art, this role is a dream mix of tech and creativity.

Internship Portfolio-Based Roles

A lot of internship opportunities at Pixar are portfolio-based, especially in art, story, animation, and design. That means your work speaks louder than your resume. These roles usually require a submission of your best projects, reels, or concept work, depending on the role. Pixar is really into originality, emotional storytelling, and creative thinking, so your portfolio should show more than just technique.

The key is to show who you are through your work. Whether it’s an animation shot, a set of sketches, or a story reel, make it personal, clear, and engaging. And don’t worry about making it perfect. What Pixar looks for is potential, growth, and the way you approach a story or problem. If you’re unsure what to include, reading through Pixar internship portfolio tips shared on reddit or in past intern blogs can give you some solid insight.

Pixar Internships vs Disney Internships or DreamWorks Internship

Students often compare Pixar internships with options at Disney or DreamWorks, and each has its own flavor. Pixar is known for its close-knit teams, story-driven work, and strong mentorship. Interns say the experience feels more intimate and creatively focused, especially with how much feedback they get and the smaller team structures.

On the other hand, Disney and DreamWorks may offer bigger teams, slightly more structured tracks, or different project types like TV or games. But many students apply to all three because the experiences overlap and each offers a unique studio culture. If you’re focused on deep storytelling and want to see how animation works at its most detailed level, Pixar tends to be a top choice. That said, any of the big three internships are golden if you want to build your future in animation or creative tech.

Eligibility Criteria 

Pixar isn’t only looking for students with a perfect resume. They care way more about how much passion, creativity, and raw potential you bring to the table. Even if you’re still learning, if your work shows heart, drive, and a good eye, you’re already in the zone. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being genuine and excited about learning.

Salary and Benefits

Pixar interns don’t just get experience. They get paid fairly for their time. While the exact number depends on your role, students working at the studio usually earn enough to handle rent, food, and fun stuff around the Bay Area. And then come the perks, which honestly just make the whole thing even cooler.

When Do Pixar Internships Open and How Competitive Are They?

Pixar usually posts its internship openings a few months before the next term. So for a summer program, you’ll start seeing applications open in late fall or early winter. That gives students time to apply before finals and gives the team time to sort through hundreds of portfolios and reels.

Let’s be honest. The Pixar internship acceptance rate is low because it’s such a dream opportunity. But that doesn’t mean you’re out. Many interns who made it say their work wasn’t perfect, but it showed their voice and creativity. Some even got in after applying more than once. If you’re serious about it, take the time to build your portfolio, ask for feedback, and be proud of what you’re putting out there. Strong, real, and genuine passion can take you far.

How to Apply for a Pixar Internship?

Getting in is hard, but applying for a Pixar Internship is pretty uncomplicated. Just know that the competition is real, so prepping everything early and carefully makes a big difference. Tons of students are trying for just a handful of spots, so showing personality and potential is key.

• Where to apply: Go to the official Pixar careers site and find the “Internships” section under the Students tab.
• Required documents: A well-written resume and a cover letter are a must. Creative roles also require a portfolio or reel, so make sure it’s your best work.
• Interview rounds: Usually start with a recruiter call, followed by a technical or creative review, and a deep dive into your portfolio or past work.
• Tips: Tailor your application. Talk about your passion for storytelling. Share any projects or classwork in your portfolio for the Pixar internship that show how you think and create.

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Summary

The internship at Pixar isn’t just a line on a resume. It’s a full-on creative adventure. Whether you’re coding internal tools, animating a character, or drawing storyboards, you get to work with people who built your favorite films. The pay is solid, the mentorship is real, and the growth is massive. Start prepping early, build your best portfolio, and don’t overthink it. If you love this stuff, go all in and apply. You never know what could happen.