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Our Culture
The Feature Animation experience is rewarding, successful, enjoyable, and engaging. It's full of possibilities, interests, opportunities, and diverse people. An artistic energy unlike anywhere else fuels and drives each of our various groups to create unparalleled entertainment. The magic of making an animated classic or pushing visual effects to new heights fills us with the sense that we are doing something important -- creating cultural value that will stand the test of time. Our pride of ownership for the films we produce fosters a culture of respect and collaboration. Individuals? We have all kinds. Feature Animation is all about the friendly and talented people who work together here. It's a place where everyone respects you for who you are, what you do, and what you bring to the diverse whole. The culture here is one of acceptance; many people regard Feature Animation as an extended family. So whether you roll into work looking like Snow White or her stepmother, Hercules or the lord of the underworld, you are always welcome. Despite the high-profile projects that we undertake, Feature Animation is a very casual division of Disney. Ties are optional -- very optional. It's a close-knit group, a big company with a small company feel. It's the kind of place where you can call the president or anyone else by their first name. The atmosphere is open-minded, helpful, and supportive. Especially for the technology divisions, where pushing the envelope or trying new things is not only accepted, but highly encouraged. So bring your quirks or your latest technological theories -- we welcome your individuality. Facilities? We've got you covered. The Feature Animation family extends as far as Orlando and Paris, but our main base of operations is located in sunny Southern California. Accurately named Southside and Northside for their physical locations within the town of Burbank, Feature Animation's two primary facilities add their own depth to the culture. You can't miss the Southside building -- it's the one with the enormous Mickey's hat from "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." Southside represents the spirit of Feature Animation. Within its walls is a wild atmosphere, somewhat like the feeling of an art festival. It's loose and free, and yet packed with intensity and unmatched traditional animation skills. The Northside building is a little harder to pick out of its surroundings -- after all, it is the same location where Lockheed built the Stealth bomber -- but it's unmistakable as a cutting-edge facility for technological innovation and 3-D animation. If Southside is the right brain of Feature Animation, Northside is the left brain. Northside is the quiet at the center of the digital storm. Our live-action projects, which are on a much faster turnaround, are produced here. No matter which building you find yourself in, the technological goals and drive of the people working within Feature Animation mirror the same quest for excellence. Events? Yeah, we've got those. Ever wanted to see Michael Eisner play ping pong? Or how about pitching him an idea for our next animated movie? Feature Animation is one of the most unique places to work because of the opportunities and events offered on a regular basis. From caricature and personal art shows to sporting tournaments and mixers, the ways you can express yourself in our culture are limited only by your own desire and sociability. This is the place to be to grow -- and learn new things as well. Feature Animation not only offers artistic classes and a 3-D after-hours lab, but also provides a series of lunchtime lectures that have featured such well-known speakers as Chuck Jones, Stan Lee, Leonard Maltin, and Ray Harryhausen. The lectures vary from technical topics, such the visual effects of "Dinosaur" and the paradigm shift to digital film, to discussions from other animation professionals about their roles in the industry. We've got movie nights with classic films as well as the latest releases. For our own films, every employee really gets to experience the production process. We discuss, examine, and celebrate every film from its inception to its wrap date and beyond. Along the way, there are production open houses, parties, family screenings, book signings, and exclusive milestone giveaways. Still need more? Well, don't forget the feel-good events. The happy hours (both official and unofficial), the mixers, the scavenger hunts, the ice-cream social, and the softball finals. Get served up Thanksgiving dinner by your supervisors or decorate your area for the Halloween contests. And of course, you've never seen a holiday party until you've seen Feature Animation's annual bash. So what are you waiting for? Be a part of the culture that makes Disney magic happen. |
