DreamWorks both recruits and educates

Post, Sept, 2005 by Ken McGorry

GLENDALE, CA -- When you're in a position to choose the best and brightest young talent graduating from North America's most respected schools for computer animation and the related sciences, do you choose a generalist or a specialist? Do you look to fill jobs tactically or strategically?

In the case of DreamWorks Animation, recruiters are looking for talent with both a good general background in computer animation (and filmmaking doesn't hurt, either) and a specialized strength that will fit right into the DreamWorks pipeline. Their mission is to fill needed jobs (tactical) but also to keep their eyes open for super talent who may prove valuable to DreamWorks' mission in the future (strategic).

And DreamWorks' future is pretty challenging, technically and artistically (to say nothing of the challenges of the box office). As John Tarnoff, head of outreach and artistic development at DreamWorks, points out, "The bar gets higher and higher. For films [planned] for 2008 and 2009, the technical demand is enormous. It's a great time to be a specialist; but with a broad background."

Tarnoff and co-chief Marilyn Friedman are running an "outreach program" for schools, educators, students and, of course, DreamWorks' benefit. Last year was the pilot program.

They take their talent search seriously. Besides informing the many schools devoted to computer animation and CG technology of the studio's needs and also conducting video conferences, the outreach program actually has DreamWorks Animation pros taking breaks from production and visiting various schools. Tarnoff and Friedman don't like to show any signs of favoritism but, to give you an idea, the first year's outreach program included relevant schools at Ohio State, Cal Arts, the Arts Center, San Jose State, Ringling, Sheridan and Texas A & M. DreamWorks also accepts reels from animators attending shows like SIGGRAPH. Friedman has been attending the show for years, the last 10 as a recruiter, and she is looking for individuals who "rise above the rest" while also looking for trends and talent emerging from lesser-known schools.

Jeffrey Katzenberg gets involved, too. The CEO addressed an assembly of about 300 at Ohio State and, says Tarnoff, "the energy was electric!" Katzenberg also fielded questions from students and even from someone's 10-year-old kid brother, who asked what software DreamWorks uses. He thought a minute and answered, "Maya."