Walt Disney and Pixar: The Animation Dream Team

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@graphicdesignschoolreview.com
GraphicDesignSchoolReview.com Columnist

In a $7.4 billion deal, Disney purchased Pixar Animation Studios. Is this mega-merger a combination of two animation superpowers, or is Disney trying to eliminate its stiffest competition in the market?

For the past several years, there has been a fierce competition in the animation movie market between the Disney Company and Pixar animation studios. Industry watchers suggest that Pixar was effectively stealing the animation thunder from Disney by releasing hits like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Their buyout offer raised many eyebrows among animation fans and business analysts.

Animation Domination

• Previous Relationship. Disney and Pixar have been animation partners for the past few years with both companies splitting the profits.
• Similar Culture. Disney has said that they respect the degree of culture and creativity at Pixar Animation Studios.
• Disney Struggles. Disney’s in-house animation has been plagued with a recent string of box office bombs, such as Lilo and Stitch.

The sheer amount of money involved in this combination of animation giants proves that animation is big business. If you have computer skills and creativity, animation training can help you make this business your career. An animation degree develops the artistic talent and computer savvy that these companies require.

Benefits of Earning Your Animation Degree

• Environment. Upon completing your animation degree, you will find yourself working in chic studios with high tech equipment.
• Outlook. As animation requires more technical skill each year, qualified animation degree holders gain an edge.
• Education. The typical animation degree requires two to four years of training at a technical school or through an online college.

If you want to join the animation business, an animation degree from an accredited program can build the skills you’ll need for a job at Disney or Pixar.

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers education and technology in major cities across the country. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University.